Boden Quality?//ETA: My First Boden Order!

I was hoping that someone would be able to chime in to share their experiences with quality at Boden?

I love their designs and omg, dresses with sleeves that are long enough for work - totally qualities I'd spend a little bit more on, especially if I don't have to import from the UK.

I noticed a lot of their dresses are made with RAYON and my experience with rayon is $10 t-shirts from high school that pilled when you so much as sneezed on them. Is there some type of high end rayon that wears beautifully that I don't know about?

Also, in terms of Boden Preview items, how do I know the sizes of them? The regular store has measurements of the garment itself so I know how it will fit, but this seems to be absent for the new fall items? Do you know where I can find this info?

ETA - The Angie Influence: I bit and ordered a bunch of sale and clearance items from their fall line last year (because I don't like buying things that are regular price, ever... unless it's that dress in #1, because I want it!), and we'll see how they work out! Canucks have to order from the UK, so if I get nailed with a huge duty, I'll be out of the Boden game, but there's so many pretty things I love!

For your preview pleasure... My four clearance selections (pictures 2 to 5); with details of #2/3 (pictures 6 to 8) and details of #5 (pictures 9 to 12)! Can't wait to post a K/R!

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10 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I haven't bought any of their dresses, Lyn. But the quality of the separates that I've been wearing over and over again this year - lots of laundry cycles too - is stellar. Truly, Boden puts designer stuff to shame with their quality and workmanship.

Also, I purchase Boden kids wear for friends precisely because it's very robust. So that should tell you something. xo

esperanza

Active Member

Their kids' stuff IS great - I buy them on sale for my daughter and they hold up to frequent washing. My coworker is a big Boden fan and also a wash and wear type of gal. Her Boden stuff always looks fab.

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

Their coats are very good quality. Some of the summer t-shirt weight all cotton knits you might not expect more than a season out of, but the blended fabrics are better. I've found that their all wool sweaters get pills fast. Not fond of the shoes, but like the handbags. In terms of rayon, I think anything that is a woven (like my midi skirt) will wrinkle easily but that's the nature of the fabric. Boden has a lot of products made with viscose, which seems to wear well and drape nicely whether woven or knit.

I don't know about how you'd figure out the preview sizes, but their reviewers are very useful in choosing what might work for you.

My daughter wore tons of their children's and then teen line till she was about 12. And it's all been handed down to cousins still in good condition.

lyn*

Thanks for the info, unfortunately they only ship to Canada through their UK store and things are quite pricey once shipped. I'll have to think on it.

Jjsloane

Lyn I hope they work out for you, you've chosen beautiful items. I have had decent luck with dresses, but have sent some back for their fit on me, never for the quality. Waiting for the K/R post!

kkards

hmmm, am i the only one who thinks its strange that it would be easier to order from an British company in the US than it would be in Canada.
Lyn, i like the dresses you've chosen, i hope they work out.

viva

Those choices seem very you, Lyn! I hope they work out.

Runcarla

Great choices, Lyn. I noted in a previous post that you were going to consider a slight change up for next year with an orientation towards the next step in your career. These dresses look like they might be the perfect blend of your current style with you're 'aspirational' style. Hope you don't have to go into debt to get them over from the UK!

redrose

HI Lyn,
I am in Canada too and I love Boden, their pieces fit very well and are of high quality. But they are expensive for my budget so I tend to only order when there are large discounts or the clearance sales.

About the duty - I was nailed a few times when I had a larger order come in.
My experience with about a dozen orders over the last few years is that if the total order was under £60 I was not charged any duty or taxes. This is pretty hard to do with the clothing costs, even at clearance, plus the £12 shipping, usualy means maybe 1-2 discounted items per order. But it saved me money in the long run.

I've gone by the sizing of the garment, not sure why it is missing for the preview - maybe not fully functioning yet, but I find this to works well as I am one of 2 sizes with Boden and I've only had to return 1 item so far.

Best of luck!
Sue

milehighstyle (Linda)

Lyn, I have dress #3 and love it. The quality is very good - fully lined wool, wonderfully made. It is very, very warm; in Denver, I wear it only on the coldest winter days and with no cardigan or blazer.

dustt

Lyn let me know how it goes - my boden items always came from the UK and took WEEKS to arrive in the states. The quality is stellar on everything I have - You used to have to order up a size - because it was UK sizing - haven't checked the site - check the size chart carefully!!

April

I have a black satin trench from Boden and the quality is stunning.

Makes me happy every time I see the lining.

Thanks so much ladies, I can't wait for my Boden to come in! I was raving to all the staff today about how amazing that they have long lengths and sleeves and I think they think I'm a little crazy.

@RedRose - That's very valuable information to know; I will try to keep it under that amount, but I guess it's too late for this order *winky*

Beth

I really love my Boden pieces. Not only are they well-made, they often include fun details. I have a plaid hacking jacket that has an adorable lining printed in a London theme (Parliament, beefeaters, red telephone boxes...) that is so cute I'd wear it inside out if I could. Even the buttonholes on the sleeves are finished with contrasting thread.:)

Kristin L

I can't wait to hear how those work for you! All of the dresses look very pretty.

magpie

Most of the Boden pieces I've bought (and there have been many over the years) are of very high quality. Some of the t-shirts are flimsy, but that's to be expected. I've mostly returned things because the cut/draping wasn't flattering on me or because they didn't quite look how I expected from the website photos.

I've bought skirts, tops, dresses and coats -- the coats in particular are fantastic, fit like a dream and have held up (both physically and style-wise) for years.

Kat

I've had mixed luck with Boden. I think their clothing is definitely better quality than bags and shoes. I've tried several times, but I never ended up keeping any Boden items -- not quality issues but odd and awkward fit.

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