Everlane Review from Wardrobe Oxygen - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Shopping

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Everlane Review from Wardrobe Oxygen

Anonymous

http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/.....rlane.html

I thought this was a fabulous article on Everlane. I had been curious about them in the past and purchased one single tee shirt that felt fabulous to touch, but looked awful on.

I hesitated to make any additional purchases because you have to pay for returns and I return about half of every order (especially when I order two different sizes to get the best fit). Since I didn't know how Everlane's sizing worked, I was certain I would have a few returns.

Another problem, I want to avoid tops that are too sheer. The stock photos didn't look too sheer, but I always wondered.

I found this article incredibly helpful. I won't be shopping Everlane and I will start reading Wardrobe Oxygen from now on.

Shopping

33 replies

Latest reply was from Traci

viva

Veteran

Really interesting article and very helpful, especially if you want tips on Everlane's sizing. The writer is really clear about fit and comfort.

That said, I recently purchased a bag from Everlane (colorblock duffel) and I love it. It arrived quickly and is beautifully made. So, I will continue looking at the site and considering my options there.

Also, this tunic, which does not have the potential for itch or sheerness, looks kind of amazing to me. I see that they have showrooms in NYC and SF. I wonder if anyone has actually been to those?

Thanks for sharing!

The Cotton Poplin Collarless Shirt Dress

View Info

Top Pick

0

Keix

Veteran

Interesting article - I agree with her conclusion (Everlane doesn't serve size 14 women, and ought to) but I'm not sure that her other broad criticisms are warranted. I haven't found Everlane to run large at all--in fact, I order a size up in their cotton v-neck tees, and I'm on the smaller side of XS to begin with. I'd expect their size L to fit up to a size 10 maximum, so it's unsurprising that someone who wears size 14 wouldn't be able to fit in it.

I've been very pleased with the cotton knits and silk wovens I have purchased from Everlane over the years. Now I know to avoid their linen knits, though. (The cotton v-neck t-shirt is NOT sheer in white; I can wear a lacy nude bra under it just fine.) And I may try their silk camisole now that I know it's double-layered in the bust, where I am less than blessed.

I really hope Everlane expands their size range now that they're a more established company, because I think Wardrobe Oxygen would have had a different experience if all the items were available in XL and XXL. They already expanded down to size XXS in some items, so it's clearly possible.

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

I have bought a few pieces from Everlane. The first item I bought was a cotton sweater that had a manufacturing defect (it created a vast quantity of fuzzballs). I contacted them and heard back almost immediately and they sent a replacement right away. I also got a discount on a future item. I have been very happy with their cashmere sweaters. I bought a couple of cotton u neck t shirts that worked out less well, I think because I like drape and 100% cotton is just not drapy enough for me.

Contrary to the Wardrobe Oxygen person, I find their pieces to run large. Perhaps they should move to numerical sizing and / or provide garment measurements.

Anonymous

I found this helpful. I have wanted to try Everlane, but am at the end of their sizing. It's quite irksome they haven't broadened their size range in all the years I've looked at them. Not worth risking as a broad shouldered sort. This brand is not made with my body type in mind - onward elsewhere.

Diana

Veteran

Interesting review. I do agree that the size range is limited, however I find the pieces I've tried to be generally true to their size chart and to the fit as they envision it. (Last part bolded because they have a lot of items that are meant to fit oversized, and others that are more fitted, so of course the oversized items have positive ease built in.) They do have actual garment measurements listed on the site (click the "size chart" link on an item page to get them), which I really appreciate, and if you email them they will provide additional measurements.

She is right that the items would not fit a size 14. I'm a 8-10 on top and in most things there I would be a large. (But again I stress that their size chart says right there that L is 8-10.)

I don't actually own anything from them right now, but have tried a number of things. I liked the silk tank (not the camisole she reviewed, but the a-line one with flared hem) but it didn't come in colors I liked. I might get one at some point though. The silk blouses I tried were too long and straight, as are almost all button-downs on me. Tees were fine but again I didn't need any of the colors they had. I'd definitely consider them for my basic black tee needs (and I like that they are 100% cotton as I prefer that). The wool blend slim pants I tried fit OK but were itchy (again a common issue for me with unlined wool trousers, so I'd say it's more me and my special snowflake skin than the fabric).

I haven't tried any of their sweaters because I generally do not buy sweaters (I have enough hand made ones). I do appreciate the review of the linen tees.

Anyway, i find this review kind of disingenuous, personally, because although I do agree that it's annoying that Everlane don't have a larger size range, I'm also not surprised that a size 14 woman can't fit into a garment that is supposed to be size 8-10. So I don't quite think it's a fair review of fit.

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

I appreciate her honesty. I have read a lot of recommendations for Everlane and a lot of reviews saying that the sizing is generous and larger sizes shouldn't be dissuaded from ordering, so it was good for me to see how various pieces actually fit on a size 14.

Everlane's limited size range is often brushed off in reviews as not an issue, but it is an issue, and I'd rather someone come right out and say, "Size 14s: this is not for you" than pretending otherwise.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Doesn't some of this also depend on body type and fit preferences? I mean, not all size 14s carry their weight where the reviewer does. And some people prefer a looser (or snugger) fit. So it really pays to read measurements, call, consider...

Anonymous

I guess my point in posting was my personal preference to avoid ordering items I might have to pay to return. Ordering two different sizes from Everlane is out of the question right now. That is budget constraint that I have. A lot of other people probably don't have this same constraint.

Also, I found the article interesting because it spoke to the quality of the linen. In the last year and a half I have developed some strange skin allergy to some fabrications. If it bothered her, it would drive me crazy.

So I will cross Everlane off my retail list. But that doesn't mean it can't be successful for others.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I have to order a L in their tees for my preferred loose fit (I'm usually a size 8 or 10). I don't love all of their stuff but I do own several $15 tees that get a lot of wear. Overall I've been satisfied with their customer service and I did find a size chart when I shopped there - not sure if they've removed that or not.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

I agree with Allie's conclusions, because I'm also a 14 and I won't buy from them anymore. I tried a new customer variety box a couple of years ago and returned everything but a couple of v-neck tees in size XL. Last time I looked on their site they don't even offer items in XL anymore, so I'm unconvinced that they want to serve larger sizes at all. My charitable assessment would be that larger customers have returned a lot because they find the very thin, translucent knits unflattering on them so Everlane has given up serving that market niche.

I do think their size charts, communication, and shipping/return options could be much improved. I think I read on the reddit fashion sub that some customers have gotten emails recently saying that if they go over a certain percentage of items returned, they will be charged a return fee in addition to the return shipping cost. They're a small company and presumably trying their best but I think they've made a lot of boneheaded moves, given the amount of customer goodwill they started with.

ClaraT

Veteran

I love Wardrobe Oxygen. For a slightly different perspective, here's my (much more limited) experience with Everlane tees as a smaller-sized person.

Although (as per Alison's review) their large sizes run small, I have found that their small sizes run quite large! I am an athletic size 2 with broader shoulders, and their XS tees are roomy (so roomy that some tees now come in an XXS, which might be better for me, and seriously, I'm not tiny). I can tell their fit model is tall--usually the model is 5'9" and wearing a size small!

Everlane white and grey tees (cotton vee, scoop, and tanks) are among my staples. The white tees are a bit sheer, but (for casual wear) this can be either countered by wearing a 'nude' bra or played up by wearing a cute athletic bra. A tank doubles as a sleep tee, it is that soft. Are they better than cheap Gap tees? Not sure, but there is the 'ethical production' aspect (which I support), and I do like the ones I have a lot...

I agree with Laura that their size charts could be improved. Even allowing user reviews would be a real service, both to the company and to us, the consumers. I find it so helpful when there are reviews that state the height/weight/size and best fit. Everlane? Are you listening?

catgirl

Veteran

What is the "choose what you pay" situation? I find that so interesting!

viva

Veteran

Una, Ive always wondered about that too. Id love to see the data from that -- who buys that stuff, and does anyone choose the higher amounts?

Anonymous

I might have some information on the "choose what you pay." When Everylane overproduces some articles of clothing, they offer three different price options for the excess that didn't sell as quickly as they hoped it would. They say that the average person selects the middle option (not the most expensive, not the cheapest). This could be true because I am always drawn to the middle price as well.

catgirl

Veteran

I wonder what the choice says about our personality - I would always choose the cheapest unless it was for charity!

Anonymous

That you're smarter than me?

Greyscale

Veteran

That's disheartening to hear about the threat of a return fee for folks who return a large proportion of what they buy. I have a lot of Everlane clothes, but it can be hard to know what size I am. I got lucky because I live just down the street from them and every once in a while they have open houses where I can try things on, but without that, I'd be more nervous about buying.

I think their core vision is strong and clear -- and I also think it'll really limit their expansion to a wider market. Some of the basics are great, but some are a little too specific to young, model-shaped urban women. I think their unwillingness to make XL, or larger, sizes is boneheaded.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

Greyscale, I agree, and the neutral, loose, unadorned normcore-meets-Madewell look is not going to be trendy forever. Already there's a shift toward more colors, and pieces that have more things going on visually. I'm not sure how Everlane is going to respond to those shifts in fashion effectively given their focus and business model, unless their plan is to age along with their core demographic and stick with a limited menu of basics, kind of like how Polo or Lands' End did in the 90s with the preppy baby boomers.

Jaime

I agree with you greyscale-Everlane's clothes really do seem targeted to a young, urban woman. Truly, so much of it only really flatters that very thin model-like woman. Most average women would look like they are wearing a sack in many of their designs. Its a very minimal look that just plays better on a very thin body. I have wondered if they realize this so don't address the larger sized market.

That being said I do like Everlane, however not as much as I used to. Maybe the bloom is off the rose? I have had great luck with sweatshirts and a few sweaters. Not a fan of their tees at all-they do not wash well. I also don't like to have to pay shipping and return fees. I am close to pulling the trigger on the tunic Viva showed-I love the black and white striped version. However I am worried it will be way too long and it will have to go back

Lastly, I have had great luck with their CS. They sent me a wrong item once and ended up giving me a credit of $20 for the hassle.

Anonymous

THANK YOU for this. I'm a size 10 on top, 12 on bottom and was wondering if I could wear anything! I'm going to try a few sweaters, but I'll stay away from the cami's and t-shirts.
You'd think with their amazing photography and stats on their models that they could include a few shots of people that should legitimately wear their size M and L.

Anonymous

You are very welcome, Lauren. I wish you success.

Isabel

Veteran

Outside of YLF, wardrobe oxygen is a favorite. I have been seArching for t shirts that aren't sheer ( quickly becoming a HEWI ) and have been looking at Everlane. This was so timely. Thank you !!!

Anonymous

Hi Isabel. I searched high and low for white tee shirts that were not too sheer to wear to work. I didn't find one single one in 2016. When I find them again I intend to stock up.

Traci

Veteran

I'm anxiously awaiting my warning email where they tell me I've returned too many items. It seems they've moved to numerical sizing on their woven pieces. 12 seems to be the top size, but on the items cut oversized they could easily accomodate some 14's. I've also noticed they must be doing something to get bloggers to review their items because there's quite a bit out there.

Right now I'm getting free shipping and free returns as long as I'm willing to take store credit. They have so many items that intrigue me that I don't mind taking the credit for now, although it is annoying because I have to wait for my return to get to them and process before I can order my exchange, and they're no Amazon Prime when it comes to quick shipping.

Currently coveting the boxy merino turtleneck in black and square silk shirt in navy.

Anonymous

That square silk shirt is beyond gorgeous. I've looked at it longingly many times.

WRT bloggers, it seems a lot of those bloggers are gifted with Everlane products in exchange for the review. If you think about it, it is great advertising. And I don't mind if the reviewer presents a balanced review.

No one is an Amazon Prime. I have been spoiled. I am actually finding that if Amazon carries a product (e.g., shoes or jeans) I'll order from them rather than deal with a longer shipping period of time.

Traci

Veteran

I'm so easy. I just needed the mildest of encouragement and now I've bought the silk shirt. I tried the oxford box shirt in two sizes and the stiff fabric made it a disaster on me. I'm really hopeful that the silky drape will make it perfection. Since I also want the turtleneck I figure I don't have to wait on my return to process to buy both. I'll report back when it arrives.

Anonymous

You are not easy! That silk is gorgeous. I think it will drape much better than the others you tried. I too would buy it but I think it would be too short on me. Perhaps when you get it, you can measure the length in front?

Traci

Veteran

I'm banking on it running short. I am picturing it with higher waisted pants and skirts.

gradfashionista

(website)

Veteran

I felt like this review could have applied to smaller women, too. I have returned so many items m, ordered in XS through M, to Everlane to the point that that the money spent on returns could have been used to purchase a luxe tee or two. Scratchy fabrics, boxy cuts, tight arms/shoulders in fitted garments--I gave up on them awhile ago. Short-waisted, slim IT women would probably have the most success.

12