Are you an Everlane fan yet? I’m in love with this San Francisco-based line, for many reasons, and I think you’re going to love it just as much as I do.
First, there are the clothes. Gorgeous, well-constructed minimalist basics made from luxe materials. Lush seasonal colors live alongside a range of closet-staple neutrals. And the selection is supremely well-edited – there are never more than a few dozen styles on sale at one time.
Then there’s the business model. Everlane is built on the concept of “radical transparency,” in both their factories and their pricing. Each item includes a statement about the location of the factory that produced it and why Everlane chose that factory. You can also get detailed factory information, including size, worker profile, and photos of the craftspeople at work.
Each item also includes a detailed breakdown of the costs associated with creating that item, including things like the cost of the materials and transportation. You know upfront exactly what kind of profit Everlane is making, as well as what the traditional retail price would be for a similar item. The result? Insanely affordable pieces you can feel good about buying.
Although I can’t find fault with a single item on the Everlane site right now, I narrowed down the current selection to 8 items that are real must-have wardrobe basics. I think you’ll be pleased…
This fine-knit merino wool sweater is crafted from Italian wool in Dongguan, China. I love the slouchy fit and just barely transparent weave, which gives off a classically luxurious vibe.
→ Buy the Everlane Luxe Long Sleeve Sweater, $72.00, at everlane.com.
A high-end white cotton tee is the most basic of wardrobe basics, but so hard to pin down (although I keep on trying). The story behind this perfect supima cotton tee, made and milled in Los Angeles, will make you think the price is a typo.
→ Buy the Everlane Cotton V Tee, $15.00, at everlane.com.
A simple silk shirt will go from work to weekend, and outlive seasonal trends. I particularly like this dove grey color and slightly rounded collar.
→ Buy the Everlane Silk Round Collar Shirt, $78.00, at everlane.com.
Of all of my selections, this one feels like it was truly pulled from the modern minimalist playbook. It’s crafted from merino wool with a subtle geometric knit detail, and has a chic turtleneck-meets-tunic proportion.
→ Buy the Everlane Chunky Knit Sleeveless Sweater, $88.00, at everlane.com.
Cotton poplin, available in three colors, and cut in a classic shape. This is the button down every closet needs.
→ Buy the Everlane Poplin Long Sleeve Shirt, $60.00, at everlane.com.
I’m such a sucker for cashmere. This lightweight v-neck is crafted from soft Mongolian cashmere in a Hong Kong factory owned by a man who started out as a factory worker himself. How can you not be drawn to a gorgeous sweater with a backstory?
→ Buy the Everlane Slouchy Cashmere V-Neck Sweater, $128.00, at everlane.com.
This full grain Italian leather crossbody with suede front flap, manufactured alongside luxury brands in a Venice-area factory, is simply stunning. You’ve got to click through and see the detail photos of the interior – the craftsmanship rivals $1,000+ handbags.
→ Buy the Everlane Petra Crossbody Handbag, $365.00, at everlane.com.
These shoes are the very next item on my personal to-buy list. They’re crafted in a 41-year-old Brescia, Italy factory and feature leather that is half vegetable-tanned and half chrome-tanned so that they’re tough, but will grow more beautiful with age. And at this price! Crazy.
→ Buy the Everlane Modern Loafer, $165.00, at everlane.com.
