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When exploring a new fashion brand, I know exactly what I’m looking for. I value comfort above all, but will not sacrifice style. I don’t wear lululemon unless I’m working out (if I am, they are my favourite) and I’m not into the bedazzled Crocs trend.
I like simple, timeless, mainly neutral pieces that I can wear for years, and I don’t mind spending extra if that means high-quality fabrics and ethical practices. I recently had a light bulb moment during my quest to expand my summer wardrobe capsule. Everlane! I had tested a pair of their bestselling jeans and ended up naming them the top crop (The Way-High Sailor Jean, if you’re interested) followed by living in them all winter and fall.
Everlane’s core pillars are exceptional quality, ethical factories and radical transparency. A style and values match made in heaven.
According to the Everlane website, “customers have a right to know how much their clothes cost to make. We reveal the true costs behind all of our products — from materials to labour to transportation — then offer them to you, minus the traditional retail markup.”
Yes, please! In short, Everlane sources quality materials from ethical factories worldwide and is transparent in its processes, right down to the true cost of each product produced (this info can be found at the bottom of each product page). They also post regular sustainability and impact reports. I was really impressed with their packaging, with most items arriving in a paper bag made from recycled paper that is 100 per cent carbon offset and 100 per cent recyclable.
I tested six popular summer styles and ranked them in order from my most to least favourite.
Ranking my favourite Everlane styles
- The Utility Barrel Pant
- The Air Tee
- The Draper Short in Buttersmooth (also available as trousers)
- The Notch Shirt in Linen
- The Box-Cut Tee in Essential Cotton
- The City Crossover Sandal
Everlane clothing review
The Utility Barrel Pant
Why it’s my favourite: Oh, let me count the ways I love you. I ordered these pants in bone (an off-white) and they are my new favourite — a year-round staple that can be dressed up or down. They’re chic, comfy, lightweight, slightly stretchy and oh-so highwaisted. A casual crop with a barrel leg finish accentuates natural curves (or helps to give the appearance of). If you’re in between sizes, I suggest sizing down as they run a little large. Prepare to purchase in every colour!
Price: $144
Material: 98% organic cotton, 2% elastane
Made in: Hirdaramani Factory in Sri Lanka and Springdale Factory in China
Sizes: 000 – 16
Rating: 10/10
The Air Tee
Why it’s my second favourite: An oversized tee that drapes in all the right places. So lightweight that I found myself questioning the fabric (yes, it is 100 per cent cotton). I love the longer sleeve and how truly cooling it feels on hot summer days and nights. It has a lovely texture and comes in a variety of muted colours. I opted for the cocoa, but will be purchasing another one or two to get through the current heat wave rippling through Canada.
Price: $44
Material: 100% cotton
Made in: Ho Chi Minh, VN
Sizes: XXS – XXL
Rating: 9/10
The Draper Short in Buttersmooth
Why it’s my third favourite: Made from a light and versatile tencel lyocell and cotton blend, these shorts pair well with a casual t-shirt, tank, light sweater and just about anything else you can think of. I accidentally ordered two (black and canvas) thinking I was ordering different shorts and I’m not mad about it. I favour the black because they’re more practical with a toddler but love the canvas with an off-white tank for a full-on summer vacation look. High-rise, large pockets and a nice pleat add a refined look. I’d rate the canvas colour a 7/10 because the pockets and double-lined bits of the shorts are darker in colour.
Price: $35 (currently on sale from $115) | Trousers: $188
Material: 60% tencel lyocell, 40% cotton
Made in: Poong In in Vietnam
Sizes: 00 – 16
Rating: 8.5/10
The Notch Shirt in Linen
Why it’s my fourth favourite: This gal loves linen. Can’t lie, I have linen everything, down to my sheets (psssst — there’s a set on sale on Amazon right now for $190). It’s a lightweight, highly breathable fabric that’s a more environmentally friendly and sustainable fashion choice. This top is no different. I love the boxy look, but beware if that’s not your preference. One reviewer said it right, “Cool, comfortable and flattering.”
Price: $115
Material: 100% European flax linen
Made in: Poong In in Vietnam
Sizes: XXS – XXL
Rating: 8/10
The Box-Cut Tee in Essential Cotton
Why it’s my sixth favourite: Believe it or not, classic tees can be done wrong. This is an Everlane staple and the brand does its basic tee well, with bountiful colour options available with or without a pocket. Points for being made with organic cotton and the slightly cropped body, but deductions for the price. I think a basic tee should be capped at around $30. As you can see in the photo, the white is moderately sheer.
Price: $44
Material: 100% organic cotton
Made in: Kandy, LK
Sizes: XXS – XXXL
Rating: 7/10
The City Crossover Sandal
Why they’re my seventh favourite: I absolutely love the look of these leather sandals but the lack of arch support means I don’t love wearing them for more than a few hours at a time. The leather itself is high-quality and very soft, and other reviewers rave about how comfortable they are, so perhaps I need to wear them in a bit more. Ultimately, very stylish and true to size.
Price: $221
Material: 100% leather upper
Made in: Unknown
Sizes: 5 – 11
Rating: 6.5/10
ltaveroff@postmedia.com