Everlane Sizing: Can a Size 14 Woman Wear Everlane?
I’m trying to buy not just for the here and now, but the future. I know I am not alone in thinking this may be a temporary size for my body, but I am over holding off on personal style and quality clothing because of it. Let’s be real, the last time I was under a size 12 Emerson was only a glimmer in my eye. If I do by chance end up that size again, I’d want some new clothes and would pay to have my closet favorites tailored to fit.
My Honest Thoughts on Everlane Sizing: Can a Size 14 Woman wear Everlane?
I’ve been hearing about Everlane for a long while. The brand even reached out to me a couple years ago offering to gift me some product from their line. At the time I was recovering from my broken arm and was a very solid 14, in some items a 16. I was trying to heal my body and my spirit from the injury, the last thing I needed was some too-tight clothing to come in the mail and make me feel even more like crap. So I accepted their Twill Weekender (it’s a fabulous bag, well crafted, stylish, perfect size for a 2-3 day getaway, see it in this post) and they sent Karl a The Card Case (very nice and he used for a bit but didn’t find the style to suit his daily needs).
But as I pare down my wardrobe and choose more quality of pieces, I would prefer these pieces to be made ethically. Again, I came back to Everlane. Everlane offers women’s clothing up to a size L; there is no size chart on the site, you are encouraged to email the company directly to ask questions about fit. I found this off-putting. Again I don’t believe I am alone in wanting to have a website provide everything I need and not have to wait to make a purchase. A size chart is a pretty standard option on sites, especially if your sizing is by letter instead of by number. But many blogs I follow say much of their collection runs big, so I decided to try a few items. I found most size L items were out of stock, these were the three that I ordered that not only came in a L but also were in colors or silhouettes I would actually wear on a regular basis. The results were not too pretty…
The Silk Camisole – Black, size Large
A spaghetti strap camisole in silk is such a great piece to have in your wardrobe. Wear in the summer untucked with a slim pair of jeans or ankle pants for a night out. Slip under a suit jacket. Wear under a dressy pantsuit for a cocktail party. Pair with a denim jacket and leather leggings. The options are endless. This one looked all loose and drapey on the model; I knew it wouldn’t end up that drapey on me but figured there’d be enough room in the cut of the cami to fit my boobs and not show the shape of my belly button.
While my breasts do fit in the Everlane Silk Camisole, I think if I tried to shimmy on the dance floor or if it was the week before my period I’d be busting some seams. As it is, I had puckering between the breasts and on the back. With the straps at the adjustment it came with (3” adjusted on each strap), the tank was digging into my armpits. I lowered the straps (something I never do considering I am 5’3” and short waisted I usually shorten straps) and as you can see from the photo, it still sat high and weird.
While the tank isn’t so tight on the torso that you can see the indentation of my belly button, it’s clear this wasn’t cut for anyone with a butt. It was skin tight from the natural waist down, and with each step the back flipped up and started shimmying towards my jean’s waistband.
The tank is a good quality of silk that isn’t thin or cheap looking. The top part where a small bust would be is double-layered which is nice if you’re able to go braless. I believe a large would comfortably fit a size 8 woman with slight curves. This size 14 woman required a second person to get her out of the tank without breaking it. FAIL.
The Silk Tank – Slate, size Large
I ordered this tank because like the silk camisole, such an item is a wardrobe workhorse. Imagine untucked with white linen pants and a long silver necklace. Tucked in under a leather jacket with jeans and boots, or under a suit with heels. The color is the type that can look tough or feminine and work with most everything already in my closet.
I can’t properly review this because I didn’t receive this. Though my packing slip confirms I ordered this, instead I received The Silk Round Collar shirt in a raisin color and size XS.
I didn’t notice the XS on the label and decided to try it on anyway. Yeah, I couldn’t even fit my arm in the sleeve. Must say I felt much better about life when I saw the actual size on the label! I know stores make mistakes from time to time, but one like this, especially from a brand that doesn’t have free returns and mailing labels with their orders, is really annoying. FAIL
The Linen V-Neck – Charcoal, size Large
My beloved Old Navy vintage v-necks are starting to fall apart. Not a bad run for cheap shirts, but Old Navy no longer carries these exact shirts and I am now desiring a style that’s a bit looser. I have linen t-shirts from J. Crew and Boden and love the slub finish and how they don’t stick in the heat and humidity. I have a metallic navy from J. Crew and a white from Boden but have been desiring a grey or charcoal option.
On the plus side, this shirt actually fits. The sleeves aren’t skin tight, I don’t get ribbing between my breasts from it being too snug in the bust, and it’s a great length for tucking in or leaving out. I also like the color, a dark charcoal with little nubby flecks of white.
And now the negatives. This is a very rough and itchy shirt. I only wore it long enough to take these photos, but I feel if I wore it outside in the heat it would be as maddening as wearing wool in the summertime. And while it isn’t tight, you can see it’s not made for curves – see the gathering above the bust? That’s because this shirt is made straight and there’s no allowance for a bust of any size. And while the sleeves aren’t too short, they ended right at the widest part of my bust making me look even larger. FAIL
To sum up, Everlane is not a brand made for a size 14 woman. I doubt much would work for a size 12 unless that woman was tall (distributing the size), and with slight curves. It is really unfortunate that Everlane doesn’t provide for larger women considering the average American female is essentially my height and close to my clothing size.
There’s been plenty of discussion in the past year about why there’s isn’t better options for larger sizes. Brands say it’s expensive to have more fit models and patterns, companies say that larger sizes aren’t bought as often as smaller. Many think it elitism and designers don’t want to see their clothes on larger-sized women. I know from over ten years of writing Wardrobe Oxygen and knowing a good portion of my audience is a size 10 or larger that there is a desire for ethically made quality clothing in larger sizes. I see what links you click on, and what you purchase and know women in double digit sizes are willing to spend money for well made, well-fitting clothing. Every week I receive emails and comments asking me to review ethical clothing companies and feature more ethical fashion. But as a size 14 woman who isn’t drawn to the minimalistic style, there’s little out there for me to even try. Over and over sites recommend companies like Everlane for basics that are made with ethics and quality, but when the average American woman can’t fit into their clothes, it makes such a wardrobe quite elitist.
I dropped $200 on this order and if the items fit, I would have kept them all and been a regular Everlane shopper, spending a few hundred each season and then wearing the items on the blog, recommending them to the over 150,000 followers of this blog. But because they don’t and after all these years of being in business they have not increased their size range, I can only say that Everlane is a fail.
As ethical brands come on the market and provide fashion to women size 10 and over, I will try to review them. But know not every double-digit sized woman wants to be a pin up, likes drop crotches and asymmetrical tunics, or a wardrobe in the shades of oatmeal, olive, and bark. If you know of any ethical brands that cater to larger women and offer great style, share them in the comments. You never know, that may be the next brand I review!
What about you? What are your thoughts on Everylane sizing? Let me know in a comment below!
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It is now 2023 and I have two of the same pants from Everlane, one a size 12 and one a size 14. Both fit me the same and tight around the waist. Imagine that.
although i just read this now, major props must be given when they’re due. BRAVA!
moreover, you’re not alone.
(though my specific experience with everlane is quaint in comparison.)
i’m a rather petite woman overall–save my breasts. d-cups on a 5 foot2 body by the age of 12…builds character, i imagine?
and EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. i’ve ordered a shirt or a dress from everlane, you’ll never guess what the outcome was–zippers hovered, buttons popped, seams started to unravel.
with the greatest respect and admiration, i’d love to hear your thoughts now, a year after this was posted
is the problem about inclusivity, and erasing the beautiful myriad of shapes/sizes we come in?
is the problem about the utter (total?) lack of breasts, hips, asses, thighs serving as models for a brand that gets marketed as inclusive, and, even worse, disruptive?
is it business being male a/o myopic in their willingness to grasp there are markets on top of markets DYING for everlane-esque clothes that…what’s the word…FIT?
keep writing!
I live in London and have been super intrigued by Everlane’s ethical stance. I saw their cashmere jumpers were $100 now and wanted to order. And then realised there is no size chart, no free returns, and you can’t even return an item without filling up a form, and you only get store credit – not a refund. After spending out of your own pocket for shipping. And probably customs. I was just put off. I am tiny so sizing would be another problem I was sure.
I actually loved their clothes and even talked about how I want to shop there when I go to the USA but realised they don’t have a store. Online only stores with no free returns shipping – complete write off.
http://www.FashionandFrappes.com
I’ve long wanted to wear Everlane (I’m a pretty minimalist girl), but I just *knew* they were a brand that ran small and didn’t consider bigger bodies when designing their clothes.
Ethical Brands: I WANT TO GIVE YOU MY MONEY. I WANT TO SUPPORT YOU MISSION FOR ETHICAL CLOTHING. But you are IGNORING me and anyone with a body like mine, and thus you cannot have my money. But for Pete’s sake, there are so many women in the 12-20 range, and we’re cute as hell, AND we have money that we would like to put toward nice clothes.
Good on you for calling them out. I’ll be interested to know if they reach out to you in response.
Another note of thanks. I love the Everlane style but wrote them off due to my body size and shape. I am a solid 14 and am sized out of some nice things. Everlane’s loss. I guess I will just take my money elsewhere.
Thank you for this!! Well put. I am one of the women of whom you speak. I too tried Everlane, and had my hopes dashed. ( I am an inch taller and same size 14 as you. I love your blog for the real life examples it gives to me, and the inspiration. ) Yes, I would absolutey spend money at Everlane and other ethical brands if they fit me! Hopefully some of these folks will wake up to inclusion, and significantly expanding their market, one of these days!
Thank you SO MUCH for writing this post! I have lusted after Everlane for ages, but I’m size 16, and figured there was no way on earth I would fit into the items. I’m glad to have confirmation, although also sorry. I get really frustrated with ethical companies that not only don’t offer plus sizes but also a pretty narrow range of “straight” sizes. It just seems to send the message that you can’t be ethical unless you fit a certain look – instead you get to swathe yourself in sweatshop-produced cheap polyester or something.
Diane Kennedy is a fantastic Eco-friendly brand from Canada. Sizes go from S to 3x. I got a skirt from this brand at least a decade ago and still love it!
Also, Ann Taylor has some nice stretch linen tops this season. They are pretty comfortable and decent quality.
We’re about the same size, so kudos to you for actually trying some tops. I’ve always longingly scrolled, then headed over to the bags page. Guess I’ll keep that strategy.
I really love my Everlane shoes, even though I have to size up because their sizes don’t really seem to align with north american sizing. The quality of their bags is good as well. I have been tempted to try their sweaters and silk shirts but when I check the measurements I don’t know that they would look overly good on me. Their pants are not really in any shapes I am looking to try either. So far I am sticking with them for shoes and leaving them in the MEH category for clothing.
Like many commenters, I really appreciate your honest review. I also wish there was an ethical maker of classic casual for plus size. And high quality outdoor gear. While lands end does make some decent stuff in plus, as does Eddie Bauer, the truly performance stuff is in s – XXL for men, and usually only xs -L for women. Boo.
I am a huge fan of Everlane, and while I understand that their intended drapey loose style doesn’t work for everyone, I’m confused about your issues returning clothes.
I’ve had to make returns and exchanges with them and was never charged, and found their customer service amazing. I was emailed a return label and their shipping packages are designed to be reused as return packages. Super simple. And in the case of exchanging, they sent my new item immediately! No waiting until they got my returned item, the turn around was fantastic.
Furthermore, I’ve found their clothes are wonderfully made. I have a dress from them I’ve worn easily 100 times and it still looks brand new.
At any rate, I agree we need more ethically sourced clothes for all body types, but I would also highly recommend others give Everlane a try.
You may want to look at Shegul. It’s ethical and starts at size 12.
I am so glad you did this, because I find Everlane’s practice of holding the line on sizing to be a way for them to be elitist without actually being elitist, if that makes sense.
In the past, when I covered retail for business publications, I would get analyst after analyst on the phone saying that one of retail’s big blind spots was the fact that they were willing to leave millions of dollars on the table so long as they weren’t associated with the unsexy image of a size 14 woman wearing their clothing. The connection between clothing size and cachet is made abundantly clear.
As I retain my broad swimmers’ shoulders and get a nice perimenopausal pooch to go with it, I find myself ever-more-grateful for Eileen Fisher, a brand that is doing a lot for ethical manufacture and clearly loves customers of all sizes. There’s a brisk and varied market for her clothing on eBay too, so that’s another eco-conscious way to add to the wardrobe. I like her “interesting plainness,” as the New Yorker put it, and I like knowing my dollars don’t go to hateful crypto-elitist Everlane.
I’m a huge fan of the Everlane tees because I am that size 12 taller girl, but I’ve had SO many readers tell me that they wish they had at least XLs – they would have SO much success if they were just a bit more inclusive, as we aren’t all skinny 6 foot tall models without curves.
I’ve heard that about Everlane’s sizing before. As a middle-aged woman with what the industry terms a “curvy” figure, at least through the hips and thighs their pants aren’t something I would even consider. I can wear mainstream tops but when it comes to pants I stick with my tried and true brands —
I do have a pair of their Modern Loafers, in Cordovan. I ordered them because I really wanted Cordovan (wine) shoes and they are hard to find in the marketplace, if you’re a woman. I don’t wear heels so the shoe fits into my shoe wardrobe and it was worth it to me to go spendy on them. They are a classic high quality shoe, well made, with wonderful materials. They ran narrow and that was noted on the web site and I altered the size I ordered accordingly. The shoe has a pointed toe and that can often necessitate a different size. . I have a foot that runs towards narrow so it wasn’t an issue for me. I am seriously considering adding a pair of their modern ankle boots next Fall. The web site says those shoes have more traditional American widths.
They used Facebook Messenger for their customer service communications and I liked that. It was immediate.
The loft and old navy cotton/linen tops are great
That sucks that you had a bad experience. Just goes to show that what works for one person doesn’t work for everyone. I am a 10/12 and have found that Everlane works great for me. However, I am not busty and am fairly tall. I often order a medium, though I have a few things in large. I love my stuff from them, but I can appreciate that their clothes are made for people who have slim or “athletic” (ie not curvy) builds.
The relaxed slub jersey from lands end comes in good basic colors, which have been my replacements to the ON vintage tee that I loved so much. They are inexpensive, sturdy and can be dressed up or down. I am not normally petite but found that petite worked for me since they are a relaxed style. I’m really happy with them. I compared to the Madewell, JCrew and Everlane on price and quality.
I’m sorry to hear about your unfortunate experience with them. I’ve been there with Reformation (I LOVE their ethos but their largest size doesn’t cut it for me). However, I have had a wildly different experience with Everlane! I’m a size 12 with a large chest (DDD), and though I have to be strategic about what I choose to buy from them, I have bought both dresses and shirts with great success. I agree though, they absolutely still must expand their sizing range, as do all the other ethical fashion brands.
On your point about the sizing info, though, they do have a sizing chart! When you’re on an item’s page, it is below the item details between “Description” and “Transparent Pricing”. The sizing info is actually in two different places.
Again, they must continue to improve their sizing options, because they definitely make items that wouldn’t fit me, and ethical fashion needs to be available to everyone regardless of size or shape – but I believe they are making legitimate efforts to improve.
A couple of years ago Everlane had a ‘try us’ opportunity for new customers and I ordered several options to try. I ended up returning everything but a couple of v-neck t-shirts in size XL. (I’m a 14 on top in brands like Loft & ON.) They are nice, similar to the linen tee you tried on but in cotton, quite thin fabric and supposed to be drapey, but it doesn’t look as arty on a bigger figure. Last time I checked they don’t even offer as many XLs now as they did then. Maybe they’ve gotten an overwhelming number of returns from larger customers, because the thin tee fabric doesn’t suit them?
They’ve said several times that they’re hoping to increase their size range, but given that it’s been years and they carry even less larger sizes than they used to, I think it’s only lip service. I don’t blame them on choosing to serve only their core customer but I won’t be purchasing from them anymore, even with bags and shoes. I prefer to spend my money somewhere that actually makes clothing for my size, even if that means I’m buying from less sustainable retailers.
It’s frustrating that there aren’t many options for eco-friendly brands in larger sizes. Every time I read the Grechen’s Closet blog that’s what really annoys me – all these brands seem to think that women only come up to a size 10.
Thanks for reviewing Everlane. I am an 8/10 on top and have been thinking of trying their basic v-neck t’s, but really unsure about the fit…and with the no free returns… I also do not like most of their styles, but everyone needs a few basic t’s, so I was hoping to find an affordable and ethical option. I guess I’ll stic to sewing…
Well yuck! I can’t believe they don’t even have a size chart on their website & don’t have free shipping and/or returns–not friendly to customers at all. Thanks for giving an honest review of their clothing. I’ve seen a few very young bloggers (in their 20’s) review Everlane & rave about them, but they were also sizes XS & S. This company just doesn’t sound like its for me either (in my 40’s, not skinny, not tall).
On a lighter note, and totally moving away from ethical fashion, I shopped in an H & M for the first time today. Their sizes are not consistent but I had heard that about them so I didn’t freak out when going up a size or 2 on certain items. I ended up with a cute summer dress & shirt, plus a few other items. I don’t anticipate wearing these forever so I’m not feeling guilty about going with “fast fashion.” It was fun, for me, to try them out.
I will never understand the narrative that plus size women do not want to spend money. I find something that fits well and flattering and I start POURING money in to the brand.
Thanks for exploring this.
This is so helpful. I’ve always wanted to try Everlane, but whew, glad I haven’t ordered stuff since I definitely wouldn’t fit!
Thank you for taking one for the team! I have wanted to push the button on Everlane for a while, (because all the cool kids wear ethical goods) but I’m 5’6 and a busty Lg on top, and most relaxed tees look like old sacks on me, and I also didn’t trust their sizing. As someone with a larger chest, shirts often ride up in the front, and I swear I can’t get a good feel for a company when they put their clothes on models with not much shape. EVERYTHING hangs nice on them…every slouch looks intentional, but IRL, the rest of us look like we just rolled out of bed. Eileen Fisher is $$, but I find her pieces are worth the occasional pick up in a department store on the clearance rack. Nice quality stuff, with that generic look in neutral colors.
In other news, I discovered 100% linen tees at Ann Taylor, they were on sale last week for $19, and they wear really, really well. Some have a slub look and may need a light cami, but they are more tapered than a boxy loose tee and look nice with slacks in this summer heat. Find them in your local AT if you have one, but online has more color selection.
This might be a good replacement for your Old Navy tees: http://www.target.com/p/women-s-plus-size-v-neck-t-shirt-ava-viv/-/A-50294406
I am a 5’8 size 14/XL/40DD bust and never wear Target plus sizes, but I was desperate for a last-minute black and white striped tee and found it in this shirt. I got a 1X and LOVE the feel of the fabric and the fit. It is slouchy and sexy. I am usually a 100% cotton snob (I live in the HOT South) but the fabric is so soft that I returned to Target and bought both the peach and black solids. $9
I just had to comment when I saw your experience here. I tried Everlane for the first time about eight months or so ago, and I did the same thing you did – I ordered three different “classic” pieces in different styles just to get a feel for the brand. And, like with your order, I received two of those pieces plus something completely different from my third choice in a size XS. So very strange. To their credit, they were very polite about rectifying the situation; unfortunately, by that time the piece I had wanted was already sold out.
I do find the sizing very, very strange, particularly given that the brand doesn’t have free returns (or even particularly easy returns, and I’ve seen several instances online of Everlane actually sending “shame e-mails” to habitual returners). I’m generally in the 6/8 range, depending on a brand’s style and an item’s cut (I’m 5’5″, have a small frame and not heavy, but definitely not skinny either and very curvy of build). In some Everlane items, I need an XS to keep the piece from overwhelming me; in others, a M is necessary to get any drape at all. I attempted a couple of orders over the course of last fall, ended up keeping a couple of items that really do get a lot of love and wear, but overall, I’ve had more fails than successes.
Ultimately, it’s a shame. Everlane is one of those brands that I truly want to love, but they just make it so dang hard.
I love Everlane, but stick to their t-shirts for myself because… I’m a 12 with a large bust. That said, their U-neck t-shirts in large are a great value (I wear them as sleep shirts), and their men’s t-shirts (also in large) are flattering on me… though they also fit my husband, so he mostly gets to wear them.
I’ve wanted to buy Everlane for ages, but I assumed it would be exactly like your experience actually was. Sad to see I was correct. I’d love to buy their clothing, but they clearly do not care about the plus-size (or even larger-sized) market.
Wow – I’ve been wanting to try Everlane for awhile, but now you saved me from having to pay return shipping. 🙁
Thanks so much for this honest review! This is why I love your blog. Many of the blogs that I have been reading recently seem to be mostly paid promotions and paid advertising. I have no issues with a fashion blog sometimes being sponsored by a company but I can never tell what clothes or brands are actually good. But you really keep it real, and I appreciate that. Shame on Everlane though, not being inclusive with larger styles is really unfortunate and very elitist.
i am admirer of your fashion statement
Thanks for this post. I’ve been eyeing Everlane myself, and now know I won’t waste my time. I’m getting into a wear-a-uniform-to-work (black pants, solid top, interesting jacket) mindset and am nearing that in my closet. I had thought their basics would be great. It’s annoying at best that I’m body-sized out of that demographic.
I’m SO glad to see you reviewing Everlane items – I keep wanting to order from them but as a solid L/XL on top and size 16/18 on bottom, I can never tell what Large tops will fit and what won’t. And, like you, I am just not inclined to e-mail a company to ask if I can fit into their clothing – I feel I should know that based on a quick glance at the online size chart, even if it’s not 100% accurate for every piece.
I do think the “cool, hip” image is part of the problem. For whatever reason, brands just don’t believe that larger women can or even SHOULD wear the same things as skinnier women. So we end up with self-consciously cool/hip brands stopping production at an arbitrary size or sizing their clothing so small that “size large” is really a tight size medium that my size 8 friends can barely fit comfortably into.
This isn’t to say that all brands should feel pressured to do a huge size range – I get that that can be rough for small production lines to handle. But I do feel that a clothing company should push to make their clothing fit ~80% of the population they’re selling to at start and plan to expand from there if they’re profitable.
EDIT: Also wanted to add that I have no idea where brands get this “nobody buys larger sizes” crap from because I can NEVER find my size in anything – the Larges and XL’s sell out faster than Smalls and Mediums in my experience!
Yes! So true!
Wow, that whole experience just sounds so off-putting! I hadn’t really considered Everlane before your review, and now I sure won’t!
FYI, I just noticed Loft had some nice cotton/linen and rayon/linen blend tops. The fabric weight was quite nice. I tried this one on and it was incredibly comfortable.
http://www.loft.com/ladder-lace-tee/395401?skuId=21015175&defaultColor=8127&colorExplode=false&catid=catl000011
And I know you always have room for another stripe!
http://www.loft.com/stripe-rolled-linen-tee/404870?skuId=21017773&defaultColor=0473&colorExplode=false&catid=catl000011