https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/should-i-bother-with-boden Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 20 Apr 2026 23:07:15 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/should-i-bother-with-boden/page/2#post-2259825 Mon, 18 Apr 2022 02:06:59 +0000 Jessikams 2259825@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Roberta those are beautiful colors! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/should-i-bother-with-boden/page/2#post-2259771 Sun, 17 Apr 2022 17:04:10 +0000 SW prof 2259771@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Big fan here. Yes, many of their colors and patterns are over the top for me, so I tend to order solid colors (esp. navy) or simpler patterns (colorblock cardigan, for example). But many of their more basic items (plain cardigans, blazers, tees) are just right for my work wardrobe - which I like to think is casual but a little up from LL Bean which used to be my main go-to. The best thing about Boden, as others have said, is that they provide garment measurements, which are very helpful. Their tops and jackets fit me really well and I've had few problems if I take the garment measurements seriously. But very little luck with pants and skirts. Dresses are one of their main things, but I almost never wear dresses, and have stuck to ordering ones that only need to fit in the bodice. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/should-i-bother-with-boden/page/2#post-2259769 Sun, 17 Apr 2022 16:41:19 +0000 Roberta 2259769@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a closetful of Boden, so clearly their dresses, jackets, and tops work for me. Their pants tend to be hit or miss because my waist is bigger in proportion to my hips (or the other way round). Their Richmond pants do work for me and I have three pairs. I am busty and find their tops fit me much better than other brands, and aren't as stuffy as Talbots (no shade to T, i own their stuff too).</p> <p>What has always been top notch is their fabrics and construction. I have fifteen year old items that still look great, and I have bought used items that are lovely. That is why i still peruse their catalog with great attention.</p> <p>A few purchases below. Ha! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/should-i-bother-with-boden/page/2#post-2259722 Sun, 17 Apr 2022 01:50:45 +0000 avicennia 2259722@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’ve only ever had problems with Boden fits, not a single thing has worked for me: that’s why I’m waiting for Angie’s assessment of the linen sweater. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/should-i-bother-with-boden#post-2259710 Sun, 17 Apr 2022 01:05:31 +0000 Jenni NZ 2259710@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes… although Cardiff Girl says in her response above that she feels the quality has dipped a little of late… </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/should-i-bother-with-boden#post-2259696 Sat, 16 Apr 2022 23:15:00 +0000 Jessikams 2259696@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Agreeing with all of this: saturated colors, a certain “office appropriate” or “boat appropriate” vibe, the difficulty of finding the right size…. Just not super into it, I think. </p> <p>But one thing everybody agrees on: quality seems to be good! If I see Boden items in person in the future, I may take the opportunity to try them on just to see. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/should-i-bother-with-boden#post-2259659 Sat, 16 Apr 2022 19:08:29 +0000 kellygirl 2259659@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love their styling and can see the appeal. I have several jersey dresses that fit well and that I still wear occasionally even though the prints don't appeal to me as much anymore. I am often tempted, but the effort it took to get the right size is more than I'm willing to put our. Nordstrom used to carry some of the line in store so I was able to try some ovens on but I felt like they were cut for a different build than mine with less ease built in too--especially in the shoulders and waist. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/should-i-bother-with-boden#post-2259649 Sat, 16 Apr 2022 18:47:55 +0000 LaPed 2259649@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It’s been several years since I had success with Boden, and I’ve passed on almost all the items I bought from them (some due to normal wear and tear, some due to style shifts). The last holdouts are a dark floral chambray shirt, a tweed blazer that just fits so well I won't ever get rid of it, and a striped raglan tee which seems to go with everything. Back in the day, they used to do quite a few woodcut/otomi-ish prints that I was really drawn to, often just black or navy plus one other colour, but I haven’t seen much of that lately. Many of the cuts skew a little too office-y for my current style, and the colours are a bit brighter and more saturated than I want for myself, so I haven’t looked too carefully at the past few catalogues. In my experience, though, the quality is very solid so if there’s a piece that speaks to you it’s worth a try! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/should-i-bother-with-boden#post-2259630 Sat, 16 Apr 2022 17:26:11 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 2259630@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My baby sister loves Boden, but like Angie, I don’t think she’s seen anything that has taken her fancy in the past couple of years. &nbsp;Baby Sis is in her late 30s, and has a somewhat preppy boating girl aesthetic, with a dash of Duchess of Cambridge.</p> <p>For my part, Boden is like Lilly Pulitzer: I duly admire, but it’s too twee and on-the-surface for me. &nbsp;Overall Boden usually&nbsp;lacks a certain intellectual/sensual aesthetic that I like to put into my outfits (as does LP). &nbsp;But never say never, because I love embroidery, and that cardigan you posted is definitely my cup of tea.<div><br />I very rarely see Boden pieces at thrift or consignment, but when I do, the pieces are always several years old, and always in great shape. &nbsp;</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/should-i-bother-with-boden#post-2259374 Fri, 15 Apr 2022 11:10:51 +0000 Minaminu 2259374@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think Boden suits well for a particular type of style and palette. On the plus side, it is one of the few shops which covers for petites and tall people.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/should-i-bother-with-boden#post-2259372 Fri, 15 Apr 2022 10:36:42 +0000 Cardiff girl 2259372@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>FYI,l am 5ft 8 and have a long torso and Boden dresses are always too high in the waist for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/should-i-bother-with-boden#post-2259357 Fri, 15 Apr 2022 03:54:55 +0000 Jessikams 2259357@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It sounds like I may have exactly the wrong body for their cuts! I am super long waisted </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/should-i-bother-with-boden#post-2259343 Fri, 15 Apr 2022 02:25:00 +0000 Zaeobi 2259343@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have exactly the same concerns as you @jessikams (I used to just lump them in with Joules &amp; other similarly coloured British high street retailers whilst still living in the UK) but I did eventually bite the bullet to try international shipping. Spoiler: I still prefer Seasalt Cornwall personally, but still... </p> <p>I'd say their size chart is accurate (thankful they give the garment measurements as well as the body ones, in both cm &amp; inches) - some garments can be hit or miss but, like Christina, I'm short (to average) waisted with sloping shoulders, so I generally fit ok into their clothes (can do their regular fit despite actually being petite). Pear shaped too. </p> <p>However I haven't much luck with their fabrics - maybe it's because I prefer to wear natural fibres up top, but I found their outerwear itchy &amp; haven't found them to be much use in my humid subtropical summers. So I still own 2 tops from Boden but that's it - an orange cotton modal boatneck in long sleeved &amp; tank top versions. The colour has stayed rich through washings, &amp; I like some of the thoughtful details (like bra strap holders in the tank top!) but otherwise don't reach for those items much because of the aforementioned fabric issue (too thick for summer, but who wears tank tops in winter?) Lol I think Boden might be more useful if I was still in the UK though... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/should-i-bother-with-boden#post-2259318 Thu, 14 Apr 2022 23:09:58 +0000 Christina F. 2259318@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I will add, based on some of the fit comments here, that I have narrow shoulders and a short waist, so I think Boden stuff may fit me well for that reason. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/should-i-bother-with-boden#post-2259317 Thu, 14 Apr 2022 23:01:05 +0000 Sal 2259317@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I only have one Boden piece- it’s a yellow blazer I bought second hand. I really like it- the fit is narrow in the shoulders for the size. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/should-i-bother-with-boden#post-2259311 Thu, 14 Apr 2022 22:39:53 +0000 Jessikams 2259311@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ooooh, thanks ladies, this is really helpful.<br /> SF, I’m intrigued by the detail and extra design elements on current Boden items— the embroidery, embellishments etc. normally for that kind of “fun” I would hit Zara— but their quality has gotten SO bad. KK, your tip to look at Etsy is smart.</p> <p>Good to know about the narrow cut as I do have slightly big shoulders and hips for my size. Angie and Christina, thanks for sharing your knowledge! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/should-i-bother-with-boden#post-2259308 Thu, 14 Apr 2022 21:27:29 +0000 doggeh lover 2259308@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have one dark (slightly darker than emerald) green velvet, single breasted knee length belted coat from them I bought maybe 4-5 yrs ago. Has a very LOUD lining, but not gonna pay to replace. Wearable with temps between 45-60 degrees, slight stretch to it. I had the arms shortened cuz I have short arms but can't wear 'petite' sizing. Am very happy with Boden quality, washed up great using gentle cycle, low dryer, hung up to air dry last 60/70/%. Looks beautiful when paired with my matching green umbrella that features many songbirds I bought on a trip a few yrs ago</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/should-i-bother-with-boden#post-2259305 Thu, 14 Apr 2022 20:39:21 +0000 Laurie 2259305@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've been lured into purchasing a few very pretty and pricey items, all modeled here by our lovely Fabbers. But, I've not enjoyed wearing them because of the narrow fit mentioned by others. I've never considered my shoulders particularly broad, but I was ultimately uncomfortable in the blazer I still have, and the beautiful yellow coat that I gifted to a friend last year because they were tight across the upper back. Also, I've purchased and returned Boden breton shirts because the sleeves are too tight in the upper arm, and too long. I will continue to enjoy Boden on Angie and others!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/should-i-bother-with-boden#post-2259304 Thu, 14 Apr 2022 20:32:27 +0000 Peri 2259304@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have not had any success with Boden. Like others, I've just found their fit doesn't work for me and my broad shoulders. It made me wonder if there aren't many broad shouldered women in the UK?!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/should-i-bother-with-boden#post-2259300 Thu, 14 Apr 2022 20:15:00 +0000 Cardiff girl 2259300@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Obviously living in the UK l don’t have any problems with returns and Boden has always been consistently reliable with returns.l used to be so tempted every season by their offer but in recent years l have found that their quality has dipped and their prices have risen to a point where l oftenfeel that l can get a similar choice and price but better quality from other retailers.l am also finding that as a person who loves colour but isn’t that keen on frills and puffs Boden isn’t offering me what l want.Too much excess detailing for my taste.l have also found that their sizing has changed and now trouser fit and dress fit are unreliable.Having said this l still have,and wear garments from Boden and they have lasted well.So l guess it all depends what your style aesthetic is ,whether your figure fits the brand and what your expectations of quality are.Unfortunatelyfor Boden &nbsp;l know what they used to be like but you won’t have this comparison. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/should-i-bother-with-boden#post-2259297 Thu, 14 Apr 2022 19:59:25 +0000 BlueJay 2259297@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have ordered two dresses in the past, one <i>didn't</i> work and one <i>did</i> work. The one that didn't work was because I didn't convert the sizing to US sizing and I ordered it too small. The other dress was perfect and is one of my favourites. I also have these boots. (see pics)</p> <p>Being in Canada, I have to pay for return postage to send the items back overseas to England (Canadians have to shop on the UK site, not the US one), although from reading above and on the Boden website I see that things have changed with the process. I haven't ordered from Boden in about 4 years.</p> <p>I have been VERY particular about what I order, read reviews, look at sizing and have an honest chat with myself. I only order things that are easy for me to fit such as dresses. I wouldn't order shorts or pants only because I typically try on multiple pairs before finding something...or <i>nothing</i>! Also, some of their prices I find expensive.&nbsp;</p> <p>I love the bright Boden colours, but not all the prints. Some fun tops that are more upscale than a t-shirt have caught my eye, but for some reason they won't ship them to my "region" whatever that means.&nbsp;</p> <p>Good luck! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/should-i-bother-with-boden#post-2259292 Thu, 14 Apr 2022 19:22:57 +0000 kkards 2259292@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m a Boden fan because I’m a pretty basic and preppy dresser, and at that I probably return more than i keep. And while i find the quality good, i find the quality to price value is really only works when i get something on sale. &nbsp;<br />Unless your somewhere that you can return easily, i’d pass…and for embroidered items like you’ve posted, i’d give Etsy a try.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/should-i-bother-with-boden#post-2259290 Thu, 14 Apr 2022 19:11:13 +0000 cat2 2259290@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am a pear and Boden fits really well. I buy Tall dresses because I find it a bit short waisted. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/should-i-bother-with-boden#post-2259283 Thu, 14 Apr 2022 17:36:15 +0000 Janet 2259283@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have similar feelings about Boden. Their prints and color combinations are not my thing, usually. But I have a couple of solid color items — two V-neck sweaters (cobalt blue and emerald), and a burgundy tee — and the quality is really good. So I skim them for solid color basics and that’s about it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/should-i-bother-with-boden#post-2259281 Thu, 14 Apr 2022 16:59:01 +0000 Style Fan 2259281@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have one Boden cashmere cardigan.&nbsp; I bought it several years ago because I liked the colour.&nbsp; Returns for Canadians are impossible, so I knew I would keep it.&nbsp; The quality of the cardigan is good, and it is well made.&nbsp; The style is simple, and the colour works well with my wardrobe.&nbsp; I looked at the reviews and size guide to determine my size.<br />I rarely see anything that I like on Boden, but I hesitate for a few reasons when I do.&nbsp; There are no returns, and the sizing is difficult to determine.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/should-i-bother-with-boden#post-2259271 Thu, 14 Apr 2022 15:05:12 +0000 Lana 2259271@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have one Boden top and it’s very high quality, well sewn and no pilling. I just ordered a cashmere cardigan on sale and a cotton top, so will see<br /> How they are. I’ve been slow to get into them too because their styles are so classic but worth trying something if it appeals. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/should-i-bother-with-boden#post-2259265 Thu, 14 Apr 2022 14:48:03 +0000 rachylou 2259265@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, I have to say Boden, I look at Boden’s styling in pics and that is so not me… but I got sucked into Amazon because it was the only place I could find a white toaster… and also pulled the trigger on a Boden top…. and darn if it didn’t become a favourite! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/should-i-bother-with-boden#post-2259263 Thu, 14 Apr 2022 14:35:20 +0000 Angie 2259263@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love Boden! I can ALWAYS rely on a good-for-me colour selection - and navy instead of black. </p> <p>Their sustainable and ethical policies are very good, customer service is great, prices are competitive, quality is fab, and they hit JUST the right note in 2020&nbsp; and 2021 at the start of the pandemic.&nbsp;</p> <p>But their fits are a gamble. I have given up on skirts, jeans and pants for now. The don't fit anymore. I used to have luck with the odd bottom that worked before the pandemic - but they changed their fits.&nbsp;</p> <p>Unlike you actually <b>Jessikams</b>, I am finding very little at Boden that I love the last two years. The patterns are not my cuppa at the moment, and the dresses that I like have V-necks (which I don't wear). I also have the classics that they offer sorted.&nbsp;</p> <p>That said, I've ordered this! I'm waiting to see if there is more of interest to me in the Autumn. There will more I love for my own style, I bet :)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/should-i-bother-with-boden#post-2259262 Thu, 14 Apr 2022 14:21:09 +0000 Carla 2259262@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I gave Boden a try, and it was hit and miss. &nbsp;Three striped t-shirts got tons of wear over the two years I had them (like 60x each) but I struck out with dresses - same size but one too small, and one too big. &nbsp;Returns not a feasible thing since Canadian orders come from Britain. &nbsp;I got scared off during Brexit and haven’t returned - though I browse. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/should-i-bother-with-boden#post-2259261 Thu, 14 Apr 2022 14:19:28 +0000 gryffin 2259261@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Jessikams - I know Angie and many fabbers adore Boden.&nbsp; I have not had any luck.&nbsp; I've ordered several pieces and I've returned them all, usually fabric is too heavy, sizing is off for me, style not working even though it's a style I usually do well with proportions are off.&nbsp; I just sent two pieces back and am going to avoid.&nbsp; But that may just be me, same with Banana Republic, I know many have great luck, I have had quality issues.&nbsp; Like all, no brand works for everyone.&nbsp; But I think I am a minority opinion.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p>