Everlane Review for Men: What to Buy & What to Avoid

In this hands-on Everlane review, I’ll talk about Everlane’s quality, aesthetic and fit to help you decide whether or not it’s a good brand for you.

If you’re short on time, no worries. Let’s start with my top level thoughts on Everlane after wearing this brand for 4+ years.

Quick Take: Is Everlane a Good Brand?

Everlane is one of my favorite clothing brands right now, and I don’t think that will change anytime soon.

The bulk of my pants collection is from Everlane, and their slim fit chinos are a perennial favorite.

I also like Everlane’s knitwear, including their t-shirts and sweaters, although minor alterations are sometimes needed to fix sleeve and body length.

Everlane’s outerwear is hit or miss for me, but their Reversible Down Jacket is one of my all-time favorite pieces of outerwear.

I don’t wear Everlane’s button up shirts, as the sleeve and body length is just too long, and there are better fitting options from other brands. If you have more of an average build, I think you’d love Everlane’s button downs.

I also avoid Everlane socks and underwear, as comfier options are available from specialty brands.

Finally, Everlane’s accessories and shoes are definitely worth checking out. I’ve been pleasantly surprised with the quality and durability of both their accessories and footwear.

What’s So Special About Everlane?

Founded in 2010 with a Kickstarter campaign and single product (the white crew neck t-shirt), Everlane was one of the first apparel brands with a transparent business model.

They told their customers exactly how much their clothes cost to make, and how much profit they were making off of each piece. They also listed the origins of all of the materials and provided info about the factories in which their products were made.

That may now seem revolutionary now, but at the time is was pretty radical, and Everlane still practices transparency today.

They’ve also started to focus on environmental sustainability by eliminating virgin plastic from their supply chain, using certified organic cotton and clean denim, along with other future-focused eco-friendly initiatives.

Along with sourcing friendly materials, Everlane emphasizes timeless style with their Uniform Collection. They’re trying to create versatile wardrobe staples that will last a long time.

I love this mission because, no matter how eco-friendly your materials are, the best way to combat fashion waste is to buy less stuff.

Everlane has been scrutinized and called out for not providing enough evidence for some parts of their mission statement, but I believe that this brand has had a huge net positive effect on their fashion industry and world.

Brands like ASKET have followed in Everlane’s footsteps, and even major brands like H&M have been forced to take sustainability and ethical manufacturing more seriously to keep up with consumer demands.

The Everlane Aesthetic

Having worked in menswear, I can tell you that it is not easy to create a collection of tops, bottoms, outerwear and accessories that all look good together.

For example, if Everlane is adding a new shade of denim to their lineup, they need to make sure it works with all of their existing jackets and shirts.

This sort of color matching is difficult to pull off, and Everlane is extremely good at it.

If your closet only contained Everlane clothing, you could get dressed with your eyes closed and still look great.

I love that interchangeability is built right into their men’s line, and anyone who is building a minimal wardrobe will appreciate the versatility.

Overall, Everlane’s aesthetic feels modern but not trendy, basic but not boring. It’s minimal, somewhat muted and clean.

Think mostly solid colors, mostly natural fabrics, and contemporary silhouettes (but nothing too extreme in either direction).

Everlane Sizing (My Experience)

Compared to many American fashion brands, Everlane’s clothes are on the more fitted side, but they offer a wide variety of sizes and cuts.

For example, their jeans are available in skinny, slim, athletic and relaxed fits. Most of their men’s shirts are available down to XS (and sometimes XXS).

When Everlane says “slim” or “skinny” they mean it, so don’t feel the need to size down with this brand. Same goes for their shoes: they’re true to size, in my experience.

For reference, I’m 5’6″ with shoes one and about 120 lbs after dinner. I usually wear 28×28 pants (actual waist is about 29″) and XS tops.

Everlane Fit (What to Buy & Avoid)

I’ve tried so many different pieces from Everlane over the years, and I’ve actually done a couple of YouTube videos in partnership with the brand (but this post that you’re reading is not sponsored).

To get a feel for how different items fit on a smaller guy, I recommend watching these videos, but I’ll also talk about each individual item below.

Keep reading for a detailed look at each individual item.

Everlane Men’s Jeans

I’ve tried Everlane’s skinny and slim fit jeans, and I’ve found that the skinny fit with a 29 waist or slim fit with a 28 waist both fit perfectly.

I like that Everlane’s jeans don’t have a bunch of distressing, and they have just enough stretch built in. The medium rise makes these jeans flattering and comfortable to wear.

Keep in mind, their skinny fit is skinny, so unless you’re very slender, go with their slim or athletic fit instead.

Everlane Men’s Chinos

I love wearing chinos, and Everlane’s slim fit chinos are the best I’ve found so far. As chinos go, these are a nice middle ground between casual and dressy.

The medium rise and gently tapered legs work well on my build. A size 28×28 fits perfectly right out of the box – something that almost never happens.

I’ve put Everlane’s chinos through their paces, and they’ve held up nicely over the years.

Everlane 5-Pocket Performance Pants

It seems like every brand is making stretchy pants these days. Most of them are going full lululemon (i.e., super “techy”), but Everlane’s Performance Pants just look like regular twill.

At the time of writing this review, these are my favorite pants. They look like faded olive twill pants (think jeans), but they actually have a lot of stretch built in.

I can wear these with sneakers or boots, t-shirts or button ups.

Everlane Men’s T-Shirts

Everlane’s flagship product was their crew neck white t-shirt, but these days they sell a few different versions. I’ve worn both their lightweight and heavy cotton tees, as well as their long sleeve heavyweight t-shirt.

Their lightweight crew neck t-shirt is one of my favorites. It is a bit long for my 5’6″ build, so I often wear it tucked in or try to shrink it in the wash.

The lightweight fabric is not as durable as, say, Uniqlo’s supima cotton tee, but I still get a couple of years out of one of these tees (with heavy wear).

The heavyweight tees, on the other hand, are very durable, but it really comes down to which fabric feel you prefer (I think lightweight is more comfy).

The long sleeve tees are great too. After a wash/dry cycle, the length works well on me, although the sleeves are slightly too long.

I usually roll them up a little bit, which is a look I prefer anyway, but this is something to keep in mind if you’re a shorter guy.

For my money, if I had to choose between Everlane and Uniqlo t-shirts, I’d go with Uniqlo.

Everlane Button Up Shirts

Everlane’s button up shirts feel great, but they’re just too big for my build (mostly too long). They’re slim enough, but still not designed for my body size.

I’ve tried on Everlane’s Oxfords and flannel shirts, both in slim fit, and they both had the same issues – sleeves too long, body too long to wear untucked, chest pockets too low.

Given the options shorter men have these days, I can’t settle for a less-than-perfect fit. For casual button ups of similar quality, but made for shorter men, I recommend Ash & Erie.

Everlane Waffle Knit Crew Neck Sweatshirt

This sweatshirt fits like the long sleeve tee. The body length is great after a laundry cycle, but the sleeves are a bit long.

Despite the sleeve length, I really like these waffle knit sweaters. They’ve become my go to casual knit top during fall and winter. Compared to your standard cotton crew neck, the texture is more interesting and comfy.

I usually just roll the sleeve cuffs to deal with the excess length, but this would be an easy alteration.

Everlane Cashmere Crew Neck Sweater

I love these sweaters. After a laundry cycle (a dicey maneuver with cashmere, I know!), they fit really well.

Granted, this type of sweater isn’t supposed to be skin tight. I think it looks and feels great with a little extra room through the sleeves and body.

It’s a casual sweater that can be worn on its own or over a button up shirt, and the price is more than reasonable for cashmere.

Everlane Felted Wool Cardigan

I have a hard time finding cardigans that really fit and flatter my build. Most of them are a bit too long in the body and sleeves, and many are too loose around the stomach (even if they fit in the chest).

Everlane’s cardigan was better than most, in terms of fit, but not perfect. The sleeves were a bit too long (I have the cuffs rolled once in this photo).

I did like the heavy feel of the felted merino wool. It felt more casual, like a chunky shawl neck cardigan (without the shawl neck).

But, the fit wasn’t spot on, so I didn’t keep this piece.

Everlane Reversible Down Jacket (XXS)

This is one of my favorite pieces from Everlane, especially after having the sleeves shortened by my tailor (money well spent for stuff that get a lot of wear).

This lightweight down jacket is reversible. On one side, it’s a traditional “puffer” jacket in navy. On the other, it’s a flat (not quilted) lighter blue fabric.

The double zipper is a really nice touch, as these puffer jackets can get a bit too, well, puffy when they’re zipped up.

This is definitely the best non-bulky puffer jacket I’ve ever owned. Huge props to Everlane for offering this piece in an XXS size!

Everlane Denim Jacket (XS)

I love the styling of this denim jacket, but the size was just a bit off for my build.

The shoulders were slightly wide (which is okay, but I’m very picky), and the sleeves were too long.

I’m not really a denim jacket guy, so I decided to sell this one instead of having it tailored for a better fit.

Everlane Bomber Jacket (XS)

I really wanted this jacket to fit well because it looks awesome, but the XS size is too big all around for me.

If they made an XXS slim fit bomber, I think it would fit really well.

Everlane Renew Short Parka

This heavy winter parka is plenty warm and thoughtfully designed, but it is a little bulky on my somewhat slender frame.

I actually prefer longer parkas; they seem to visually distribute the bulk a bit more evenly. Since I have a parka that fits well, I decided to return this one.

Everlane Cashmere Scarf

I’m a big fan of Everlane’s winter accessories, and their cashmere scarves are no exception.

These luxurious scarves are sold in pleasant, versatile colors, and the price is very fair for cashmere.

Everlane Cashmere-Wool Beanie

This is my go-to winter hat. The oatmeal color goes with any outfit, hairstyle or skin tone.

If cashmere is too expensive or delicate for you, wool hats work just as well.

Everlane Men’s Socks

I’ll be honest, these aren’t the best socks in the world. They’re comfy and good-looking, but I haven’t found a pair from Everlane that doesn’t slide down my calf throughout the day.

Whether you’re shopping for dress socks, boot socks or no show socks, there are better choices out there right now.

Everlane Men’s Underwear

Just like with the socks, I can’t really recommend Everlane’s underwear. There are so many great dedicated underwear brands to choose from (here are the best boxer briefs right now).

I don’t think it makes sense to buy your underwear from a brand that doesn’t specialize in this department.

I found that Everlane’s stretch cotton boxer briefs run small and don’t feel as comfortable as, say, lululemon or Mack Weldon.

If Everlane continues to sell men’s underwear, I’d like to see them incorporate higher-performing specialty fabrics like micro-modal into their garments.

Tread by Everlane (Everlane Sneakers)

Everlane has a few different men’s sneakers at this point, and I’ve tried several of them.

Everlane Forever Sneaker

The Forever Sneaker is Everlane’s basic canvas shoe, sort of like a classic pair of Converse or Vans. It’s available as a lace up or slip on.

These sneakers are super comfortable, and I like pretty much every color Everlane has released to date.

Plus, The Forever Sneaker is machine washable and fully recyclable. For the price, these are some of the best plain canvas sneakers you can buy (perfect for spring and summer).

If you want to learn more about the Forever Sneaker, you can see our full review here.

Everlane Court Sneaker

The Court Sneaker is their take on the minimal leather trainer. It’s not as sleek as, say, the Common Projects Achilles Low (or the most popular Achilles alternatives), but it’s still a stylish and comfortable shoe.

According to Everlane, “this versatile leather sneaker is the lowest impact of its kind”, and Everlane offsets the carbon emissions they couldn’t eliminate during manufacturing.

Everlane Trainer

The Trainer is a chunkier, sportier sneaker (more like a tennis or running shoe than a basketball shoe).

As “chunky” sneakers go, I think it’s a pretty tasteful interpretation. This sneaker runs a bit snug, in my experience, so when in doubt, size up.

Everlane ReNew Transit Weekender Bag

When you think of Everlane, you probably don’t picture travel accessories, but they make a surprisingly great weekend bag.

This one is made from 100% recycled polyester and is water-resistant (this has held up in a “field test” when I got caught in a rain storm on the way home one day).

I love the neutral colors that this bag comes in, and it’s the perfect size for a long weekend getaway.

If you want a non-leather weekend bag, I think this one is a great choice.

Everlane ReNew Transit Backpack

Along with the ReNew Transit Weekender, Everlane also makes a ReNew Transit Backpack. It’s a well-thought-out, high-quality product.

There are several compartments, including one for a 15-inch laptop. My one complaint is that I wish the laptop pocket were padded on the bottom.

The other compartments are helpful and spacious. It’s a big bag, but not so large that you’ll feel like a kid wearing an adult-sized backpack.

The ReNew Transit Backpack is awesome for everyday use. It’s polished enough for most modern offices, though a briefcase or leather bag might look more professional. It’s also a great bag for travel. I used it and a dopp kit as my only bags on a weekend trip, and it held everything I needed, albeit just barely.

If you’re looking for a new backpack, the ReNew Transit Backpack is a solid choice.

Have You Tried Everlane?

I hope this Everlane review has helped you decide what to buy and what not to buy from this brand.

If you have any questions or want to share your own thoughts about Everlane, please leave a comment below!

Questions? Comments? Leave them below!