Alex Mill is a New York-based clothing brand making waves for its effortlessly cool, vintage-inspired essentials. Founded in 2012, Alex Mill has become a favorite among fashion insiders for its focus on durable, versatile pieces made to withstand years of wear.
But with mid-tier prices and sustainability claims that don‘t always add up, is Alex Mill worth it? This in-depth Alex Mill review will break down everything you need to know.
Alex Mill Company Background
Alex Mill was created in 2012 by Alex Drexler, former Creative Director at J.Crew, and Somsack Sikhounmuong, J.Crew‘s former Head of Design. Frustrated by the lack of high-quality, long-lasting basics on the market, Alex and Somsack launched Alex Mill to create the perfect shirt.
Since achieving that initial goal, Alex Mill has expanded into a full lifestyle collection for both men and women. Their stated mission is "to take the guesswork out what to buy and wear" by offering versatile essentials in neutral palettes made to stand the test of trends and time. The brand now offers shirts, pants, outerwear, sweaters, accessories and more.
With headquarters and a flagship store located in New York‘s Soho neighborhood, Alex Mill draws heavy inspiration from urban life. Their clothes balance contemporary silhouettes with vintage touches like oversized buttons and contrast stitching for pieces that feel fresh yet familiar.
In recent years, the brand has put increased emphasis on sustainable production through initiatives like upcycling nearly 1,300 unsold garments and transforming excess textiles into accessories like masks and totes.
Overview of Alex Mill‘s Pros and Cons
Pros
- Timeless, vintage-inspired essentials
- Emphasis on durable materials and quality construction
- Sustainability efforts to reduce textile waste through recycling and upcycling
- Modern and urban styling with clever retro touches
- 15% off first purchase for new email subscribers
Cons
- Expensive for basic clothing, with shirts starting around $98
- Lack of complete supply chain transparency
- Complaints of inferior quality compared to brands like Uniqlo
- Limited size range, usually XS-XL
- No international shipping
With classic wardrobe staples and a distinctly New York point of view, Alex Mill offers compelling pieces for those seeking a curated, minimalist aesthetic. However, the higher price point leaves some questioning if the quality warrants the cost compared to other basics brands.
Alex Mill Best Sellers Review
Alex Mill counts relaxed button-downs, polished trousers, and cozy crewneck sweaters among their customer favorites. Below, we review some of Alex Mill‘s current best selling pieces across both their men‘s and women‘s collections.
Men‘s Essential Shirt
One of Alex Mill‘s original heroes and still a brand signature, the Essential Shirt ($98) features a relaxed straight fit crafted from lightweight Japanese cotton with rounded hem and single-button mitered cuffs. It‘s available in white or light blue chambray along with an array of utilitarian plaids and checks.
Reviewers praise the soft broken-in feel right off the rack along with the roomy but still tailored cut. The versatile styling also earns raves, transitioning effortlessly from the office to the weekend. However some complain that the fabric feels too thin at this price point compared to brands like Uniqlo.
Women‘s Bridget Relaxed Trousers
A bestseller 3 years running, the Bridget Trousers ($155) have an easy straight leg cut made from lightweight Italian stretch wool blend fabric. The medium to high rise flatters the waist and they come unfinished hem so you can tailor to the perfect ankle-grazing length.
Fans love the perfectly rumpled feel along with the clever details like the coin pocket and side slip pockets. They feel pricey for a basic pair of pants, but devotees say they hold up beautifully even after repeat wears and washes. Most flattering for straighter figures.
Recycled Fisherman Sweater
Spun from recycled wool yarns, Alex Mill‘s take on the classic fisherman knit ($165) has an irresistibly cozy feel and a boxy relaxed fit. The chunky weave gives it a handmade look while dropped shoulders and wide ribbed cuffs enhance the slouchy appeal.
Reviewers say it has a comforting, nostalgic feel reminiscent of well-loved thrift store finds. The recycled materials alleviate some concerns over the spendier price tag. Runs large, so size down if you prefer a more tailored look.
Washed Leather Motor Jacket
With a cropped moto silhouette, Alex Mill‘s leather jacket ($595) cinches at the hips with zippered slit pockets and a belted collar for a utilitarian edge. It‘s cut from soft washed lambskin in a range of neutral hues like ivory and olive.
Fans say buttery feel of the leather exceeds expectations. The polished silver hardware and paid attention to construction also speak to quality and design. However some say the boxy shape runs large through the body and can seem overtly masculine.
Alex Mill versus the Competition
How does Alex Mill compare to other mid-priced basics brands like J.Crew, Everlane and Uniqlo? Here‘s a detailed breakdown:
Alex Mill vs. J.Crew
As a brand created by J.Crew alumni, Alex Mill unsurprisingly has strong similarities in aesthetic and price point. Both brands offer classic American staples like oxfords and chinos along with heritage-inspired collections.
However, Alex Mill edges out J.Crew when it comes to material quality and attention to detail based on reviews. Pieces also have a slightly more modern, youthful look compared to J.Crew‘s preppy Americana vibe. J.Crew‘s frequent sales help balance out the price difference.
Alex Mill vs. Everlane
These brands have almost identical missions to create ethical, sustainable wardrobe basics without inflated designer price tags. Everlane has more size inclusive offerings and focuses communication on radical transparency in their factories and supply chain.
By contrast, Alex Mill shares comparatively little about their production partners or supply chain impacts. However, Alex Mill leans more into reuse initiatives with nearly 1,300 upcycled garments last year alone. Ultimately Everlane likely offers more affordable price points for similar quality and style.
Alex Mill vs. Uniqlo
Known for innovation in fabric technology, Uniqlo dominates when it comes to affordable quality. Using proprietary techniques like AIRism drying jersey and Heattech warmth technology, Uniqlo makes pieces that rival the performance of athletic and outdoor brands.
By contrast, Alex Mill leans more heavily into style details over tech innovations in materials and fabrications. For shoppers purely seeking well-priced wardrobe basics rather than a curated minimal aesthetic, Uniqlo provides better value with its wider range of prices.
What Alex Mill Customers are Saying
Alex Mill clothes have received mixed reviews, earning an average rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars across websites like Nordstrom, Shopbop and Trustpilot.
Positive reviewers praise the clothes for their perfect amount of slouch and brands signatures "urban grandpa chic" aesthetic. Fans say pieces feel like they‘ll last for years rather than a few seasons.
However, there are also abundant complaints that the steep pricing doesn‘t match up with quality, especially factoring in competition from brands like J.Crew and Uniqlo. Several reviews mention issues with buttons cracking, seams splitting or knits pilling after just a couple wears.
There are also notes that sizing and fits can be irregular, with seemingly identical items fitting strangely boxy and oversized. Reviewers recommend trying pieces on in store first given the frequent fit issues reported.
Is Alex Mill Worth the Investment?
Alex Mill makes covetable wardrobe staples, no doubt. For shoppers who value unique, artisanal details over mass manufacturing innovations, Alex Mill offers compelling quality and style. Their small reused textile programs also help reduce fashion waste impacts.
However, Alex Mill‘s "uniforms for individuals" come at a steep cost – both financial and arguably ethical, with little supply chain transparency. Pieces seem optimally prized for discerning shoppers who appreciate luxe, curated textures and don‘t mind paying premium prices for mid-tier manufacturing.
Committed fans will keep coming back for Alex Mill‘s thoughtful designs and focus on enduring, livable clothing. But for most shoppers, Alex Mill costs more than competitors without providing superior performance or ethics.
Alex Mill Promotions
The best Alex Mill promo code for first-time shoppers is WELCOME15 for 15% off your initial purchase. Alex Mill also runs occasional sales around major holidays that typically advertise 30-40% off previous season items or bundled packs of customer favorites.
Where to Buy Alex Mill
You can shop Alex Mill‘s full range online at alexmill.com with free standard shipping and returns within the United States. Select pieces are also stocked by higher-end retailers like Nordstrom, Net-a-Porter, Shopbop, Goop and Hampden Clothing.
Alex Mill‘s only standalone retail location is in New York City‘s Soho neighborhood. You can also find limited merchandise at Nordstrom pop-ins and trunk shows.
Alex Mill Returns and Exchanges
For online orders, Alex Mill offers free returns within 21 days. Just log into your account, select return reason, print provided return label, and drop off parcel at any UPS location.
Refunds process within 2 billing cycles once received to original payment. Sale items can only be exchanged for store credit. Final sale merchandise cannot be returned.
Alex Mill Care Instructions
As a sustainable basics brand, Alex Mill designs clothes to withstand repeat wears and washes. Most pieces are machine washable but air or line drying is recommended over high heat tumble drying when possible to preserve textures and avoid shrinking.
Refer to attached product tags for fabric-specific care recommendations. Some materials like silks, wools, and leathers have special cleaning requirements. Overall Alex Mill clothes are low maintenance but still require gentle care for longevity.
Contact Alex Mill
For questions, concerns or assistance outside published policies, you can contact Alex Mill customer service:
- Phone: (212)-343-2539
- Email: [email protected]
- Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 6 PM Eastern
Or visit in person at the Alex Mill flagship store:
103 Crosby St, New York, NY 10012
Alex Mill Review: Final Verdict
With an effortless NYC sensibility, Alex Mill nails basics with character. From relaxed oxfords to cozy crewnecks, their clothes offer an enticing bridge of vintage charm and contemporary wearability with responsible design initiatives to boot.
For fans of the aesthetic, investing in Alex Mill rewards shoppers with cool wardrobe additions designed to deliver enduring style for years beyond seasonal trends. But for budget-focused buyers purely wanting closet workhorses, other brands provide comparable quality at better value.
Ultimately Alex Mill clothes live up to their mission of curated, livable essentials – albeit at the cost of commanding conspicuously higher prices than the competition. Discerning devotees find the expense worth it for Alex Mill‘s thoughtful perspective on everyday style. More bargain-minded shoppers can likely find similar quality and ethics for less.
