Why Everlane?
There’s a part of me that feels that I’m supposed to be embarrassed by how much I love Everlane, for a combination of reasons:
1 | Portions of the ethical fashion community HATE Everlane. Though they claim that their disdain comes from a belief that Everlane isn’t as ethical as the marketing would suggest, I continue to have a nagging feeling that the recent spate of critiques against Everlane have more to do with a feeling that they’re too popular to be cool. In effect, people who like Everlane are “basic.”
But this reeks of classism, even when it’s not intended as such. Like conventional fashion people, “ethical” influencers can fall prey to an idea that if it’s too available – too accessible – it’s no longer desirable.
2 | Then, of course, there’s the fact that Everlane isn’t as ethical as perhaps it should be – but that’s different than saying they’re less ethical than they claim. It’s true that Everlane could do a lot more with sourcing sustainable, biodegradable materials instead of relying on things like triacetate, nylon, and non-organic cotton.
That being said, they have, over the years, created more and more of their product line with recycled textiles, 100% cotton, and industry-leading sustainable denim.
3 | A recent critique by a former ethical fashion influencer implied that bloggers like myself share Everlane because we want to make more money. She’s not wrong that Everlane offers a very good referral program and that Everlane links tend to get more click-through – at least for me – than many other brands.
But it is not fair to assume that I and others in this space are promoting Everlane just to make a buck. If that were true, we might as well become conventional fashion bloggers and aim for six-figure incomes.
Meanwhile, I’m over here making maybe $400 a month from combined affiliate sales from multiple brands (the most significant source of consistent income for me).
I continue to choose Everlane because I have found staples that last and last in my closet, working across time and season, at a price point that I feel comfortable promoting to a varied-income audience.
Is there some amount of moral licensing involved, both on the part of Everlane and myself? Probably. But, for now, I am content making a choice that weighs multiple concerns. Do not mistake my choice for apathy.
I encourage everyone to find that brand that works for them – even if it’s not “perfect” – because having items in your closet that actually work for your body and are made out of materials that last goes a long way toward wardrobe satisfaction, and that means you won’t have to replace things as often.
Hopefully this will be the last time I feel compelled to preface my Everlane reviews with a disclaimer. I’ll be sharing more pictures from these styled looks in separate Personal Style posts over the coming weeks, so consider this a mere preview.
This post was not sponsored, but some items were sent to me for review by Everlane. Other items were purchased by me. This post contains affiliate links.
For comparison purposes, my measurements are 34” bust, 29” waist, 42” hips. I am 5’7”.
Fall 2019 Everlane Picks
Linen Jumpsuit in Blue Indigo
Size Ordered: 8
Though I possibly could have fit into a size 6, the 8 allows for a little more wiggle room in the thigh and butt, making this GREAT for enduring things like 9 hour, Saturday “Negotiating Boundaries” seminars (a very important topic, and required for my degree program). I’m 5’7” and wear this at the tightest strap buttons because the crotch is quite low. I would also note that the linen is pretty thick and not as breathable as some summer linens, which is why I purchased this late in the season with the plan to wear these as overalls layered over a shirt when the weather cools down a bit.
Worn with Everlane Day Crossover Sandals (my very very favorite summer shoes)
Side-Zip Work Pant in Shale Houndstooth
Size Ordered: 8
I tried and returned the side-zip work pant about a year ago because I couldn’t squeeze into the size 6. The 8, however, is a near-perfect fit. The work pants are form fitting and made out of a thicker-weight stretchy cotton. I like this subtle houndstooth print because it can read punk or proper depending on how it’s styled.
Worn with: Everlane Denim Jacket, vintage “Yeah Right” Crop Top, Secondhand TEVAS
Denim Jacket in Ivory
Size Ordered: Small
I sold off my black denim jacket several months ago because I found it clashed with the color palette in my closet and generally made my outfits feel too dark. I took a gamble on this jacket because I liked the slightly cropped fit and ivory color – bright white isn’t my speed. The material is medium weight but has a bit of give, which makes this more comfortable than a vintage denim jacket, and I plan to layer it over dresses and summer outfits now, then over sweaters when it gets colder. A note on styling: the model on the site cuffs the sleeves, but I find the sleeves slightly short. I would recommend sizing up if you’re my height or taller and want a more casual look.
Worn with: Everlane Bodysuit, Everlane Summer Jeans, Everlane Day Crossover Sandals, vintage hat
Square Neck Bodysuit in Black
Size Ordered: Medium
Definitely consider sizing up in the bodysuits, because they’re made with very thick stretch cotton that fits close to the body. I’m wearing a medium, which at first felt too tight at the hips, but it loosened up enough to be comfortable after a few minutes of wear. This has become a surprising favorite in my closet. I initially bought it because I wanted to see if it would work for me, but I was doubtful just because this type of garment has to match more body dimensions than a separate like a t-shirt. I love the way it fits through my arms and torso, and the butt isn’t too bad, though visible panty line (VPL) is an issue in tighter fitting pants like these (not an issue at all in looser fit denim).
Worn with: Everlane Day Crossover Sandals, Side-Zip Work Pant in Shale Houndstooth
Not pictured: I requested these groovy Button-Fly Wide Leg Chinos, but the size 6 – my usual size in the chino fabric – was too small (admittedly, I keep gaining weight) so I will be adding them to this post once I receive a larger size.
You can check out more Everlane Reviews here.
Leah Wise
Leah Wise is the founder of StyleWise Blog. She has been writing, speaking, and consulting on sustainable fashion, the fair trade and secondhand supply chain, and digital marketing for over ten years. An Episcopal priest, Leah holds a B.A. in Religion from Florida State University and an M.Div. from Yale Divinity School. When not working, you can find her looking for treasures at the thrift store.