Should I bother with Boden? - YouLookFab Forum

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Should I bother with Boden?

Jessikams

(website)

Veteran

I know Boden is popular with this group, but I’ve never been drawn to the brand. Their patterns skew a bit twee in my eyes, and though I love the colors, I usually don’t love the color combos (too many color-wheel opposites instead of my preferred tonal/neighborly colors). But this summer Boden seems to have a great collection! Lots of embroidery and colors that are much more appealing to me.

But you know how it is, getting familiar with a new brand means learning the return policies and their particular sizing quirks, etc.

So, convince me. Should I bother to get to know Boden?

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33 replies

Latest reply was from Jessikams

Christina F.

Veteran

Well, I like them but sometimes the prints are way too twee for me. I like high contrast more than you do, though.

If you order, you need to comb through the size chart and reviews. They post extensive measurements. Some sizes run large, at the upper end of the range. I think Angie has said the lower sizes run small. That’s where the reviews come in. I find the sizing to be more hit and miss than usual. I think they are making more “relaxed” silhouettes, which just run large. I try not to buy anything that has no reviews yet. Their rises on pants and jeans my size tend to me much too high for me right now, so I’m not ordering those.

Many of the clothes tend to be beautiful and well made, though I think even they are not as good as they used to be. Still better than most stuff.

There are some sales, but I often pay full price or close to it. Returns by mail cost some money and take a while, so there is some element of outlay.

However, they are pretty consistent overall and I find their summer stuff is the most fun! The stuff I see in most other stores right now is much less inspiring. So I stick with them despite the pain of orders and returns.

That’s my two cents!

Kathie

Veteran

I always take a look, but Boden fits are tricky for me, since they’re generally cut a bit narrower in the shoulders and with a fuller bust than my shape. As Christina mentioned, the reviews and garment measurements are usually very helpful. I can only think of one garment for which those weren’t accurate.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Why?
I mean, what are you looking for that Boden might provide?

gryffin

Veteran

Hi Jessikams - I know Angie and many fabbers adore Boden. I have not had any luck. 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. I just sent two pieces back and am going to avoid. But that may just be me, same with Banana Republic, I know many have great luck, I have had quality issues. Like all, no brand works for everyone. But I think I am a minority opinion.

Runcarla

Veteran

I gave Boden a try, and it was hit and miss. 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. Returns not a feasible thing since Canadian orders come from Britain. I got scared off during Brexit and haven’t returned - though I browse.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I love Boden! I can ALWAYS rely on a good-for-me colour selection - and navy instead of black.

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 and 2021 at the start of the pandemic.

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.

Unlike you actually Jessikams, 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.

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

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rachylou

Veteran

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!

Lana

(website)

Veteran

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
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.

Style Fan

Veteran

I have one Boden cashmere cardigan. I bought it several years ago because I liked the colour. Returns for Canadians are impossible, so I knew I would keep it. The quality of the cardigan is good, and it is well made. The style is simple, and the colour works well with my wardrobe. I looked at the reviews and size guide to determine my size.
I rarely see anything that I like on Boden, but I hesitate for a few reasons when I do. There are no returns, and the sizing is difficult to determine.

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Janet

(website)

Veteran

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.

cat2

Veteran

I am a pear and Boden fits really well. I buy Tall dresses because I find it a bit short waisted.

kkards

Veteran

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.
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.

BlueJay

Veteran

I have ordered two dresses in the past, one didn't work and one did 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)

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.

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 nothing! Also, some of their prices I find expensive.

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.

Good luck!

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Cardiff girl

Veteran

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 l know what they used to be like but you won’t have this comparison.

Peri

Veteran

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?!

Laurie

Veteran

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!

doggeh lover

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

Jessikams

(website)

Veteran

Ooooh, thanks ladies, this is really helpful.
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.

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!

Sal

Veteran

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.

Christina F.

Veteran

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.

Zaeobi

(website)

Veteran

I have exactly the same concerns as you @jessikams (I used to just lump them in with Joules & 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...

I'd say their size chart is accurate (thankful they give the garment measurements as well as the body ones, in both cm & 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.

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 & 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 & tank top versions. The colour has stayed rich through washings, & 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...

Jessikams

(website)

Veteran

It sounds like I may have exactly the wrong body for their cuts! I am super long waisted

Cardiff girl

Veteran

FYI,l am 5ft 8 and have a long torso and Boden dresses are always too high in the waist for me.

Minaminu

Veteran

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.

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

(website)

Veteran

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. Baby Sis is in her late 30s, and has a somewhat preppy boating girl aesthetic, with a dash of Duchess of Cambridge.

For my part, Boden is like Lilly Pulitzer: I duly admire, but it’s too twee and on-the-surface for me. Overall Boden usually lacks a certain intellectual/sensual aesthetic that I like to put into my outfits (as does LP). But never say never, because I love embroidery, and that cardigan you posted is definitely my cup of tea.

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.

LaPed

Veteran

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!

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kellygirl

Veteran

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.

Jessikams

(website)

Veteran

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.

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.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

Yes… although Cardiff Girl says in her response above that she feels the quality has dipped a little of late…

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