Shiny by Nature Unsponsored Review
Maybe you’ve heard of the brand, Shiny by Nature. They make size-inclusive, colorful clothing with a specific customer in mind. Namely, those with larger hips relative to their waist, or those we might term “curvy.”
Shiny by Nature’s denim, for instance, boasts about a 14″ difference between waist and hip measurements. Owner, Alex, has stated that she has a 15″ waist-to-hip difference.
While I am considered straight size (not plus size or petite), I have a 13″ waist-to-hip difference.
This has proven to be a challenge when it comes to shopping. While there’s no standardized measurement across brands, many brands I’ve tried accommodate about a 10″ difference between waist and hips.
That 3″ makes a huge difference. There are many, many brands I can’t shop from. And it’s not just a problem with pants. It’s also an issue with shift dresses, body con styles, pencil skirts, and basically anything else that’s intended to closely follow the line of the waist and hips.
I had hoped Shiny by Nature could solve the problem for me. Unfortunately, sizing inconsistencies, construction issues, and material quality got in the way.
What I Ordered
After carefully measuring my body, consulting the size calculator, and reviewing the size guide, I purchased the Gingham Long Skirt, Solving the Jeans Problem Jeans, Corduroy Dress, and Sleeveless Midi Dress.
Shipping
All items were listed as in stock and took about 12 (total) days to arrive.
Product Reviews
I was quite disappointed in my purchase from the get-go.
Items felt damp to the touch in their packaging and loose threads were hanging off of each garment.
The two gingham garments were listed as 100% cotton on the site, which I assumed was a poplin or other summer woven. In reality, both are made with a brushed cotton (aka flannel) that feels like a loose weave (read: cheap) and is unsuitable for summer clothing.
The Midi dress elastic is sewn unevenly.
The hip and rise measurement on the jeans were off. The rise by 1″ and the hip by more than 4″! That makes for a considerably different fit than advertised.
The Corduroy Dress fits larger than expected, with 2 more inches in the bust than advertised.
So Many Feelings
Look, I’m not trying to ruin a brand that is making fun, on-trend clothing that’s size inclusive and authentically trying to meet a need in the marketplace.
Especially because this is a need that *I* specifically need!
I’m just really disappointed that these items that are advertised with buzzwords like “slow” and “highest possible quality” don’t really seem like either. The abundance of positive press from customers on Instagram and TikTok simply don’t tell the full story.
I deeply respect that Shiny by Nature is striving to make more sustainable items at an affordable price point, but I think construction and fabric are worth moving to a higher price.
Recommendations
I have already submitted my feedback to Shiny by Nature. But if I were to make additional suggestions:
- Offer returns and exchanges, no questions asked.
- Perfect patterns by testing clothing on a variety of bodies.
- Be more diligent about quality control.
- Use sturdier, higher quality fabrics.
Have you purchased from Shiny by Nature? What did you think?
Also, a pro-tip: Target’s pants fit me pretty well, especially their barrel styles.
Screenshots shared under fair use for purposes of comment.
5 Comments
I ordered late December and understood that it would ship mid January or later, so I gave it till the beginning of February and sent an email asking when it would ship. I didn’t get a response so I messaged Alex on Instagram that if she didn’t communicate with me I’d dispute the charge. I got a response to my email within the hour that it would be shipped in 2 days (which it was.) I received my XL black zip-up jacket for $40 + $15 shipping; I was extremely disappointed because it fit 2 people in the jacket fitting more like a 4-5XL. The jacket felt extremely stiff, thick, and had an awkward fit, so I requested for a full refund and I am waiting to hear back. If she doesn’t accept, then I will give my honest critique and try to resell. Her excuse for the horrible returns and exchange policy is that there are limited accommodations because it is a “small business.” My final thought, if you want people to respect your small business, then you should start by respecting people’s money.
Yeah, I’m not sure how the brand has such good reviews overall. If sizing was accurate, fewer people would try to return items!
It’s because she regularly deletes negative reviews and comments.
So glad to see an honest review on that brand. I’m not a big fan either. After I had issues with their clothes, I looked all over online to see if it was just me and I was surprised by all the overwhelmingly positive reviews.
I bought two gingham dresses and both felt very cheaply put together and fit horribly around the bust- I even exchanged (and paid $33 to do so) to get a better fitting size but it STILL looked weird on my bust even though it technically “fit.”
The clothes are cute but everything I ordered from them, I ended up reselling. Definitely didn’t feel like the highest possible quality like you said and I wouldn’t order again.
I feel like the only fit model is the owner, which is a problem. For anything ready-to-wear, you really need to base things on averages. The waist was too high on the dresses, the arms too wide, everything just weirdly off.