As an avid fan who has worn Elwood‘s relaxed basics almost daily since 2011, no brand delivers laidback style and responsible quality quite like them. Through this in-depth review packed with sizing guidance, style spotlights and insider shopping tips, I‘ll outline exactly why their focus on crafting durable, ethical essentials has earned my loyalty year after year.
My Hands-On History with the Brand
Having long resonated with the California skateboarding lifestyle growing up, I discovered Elwood back in college through the small surf shop that stocked their graphic tees. The owner would wax poetic about their ethical operations and "designed-to-live-in" quality constructed from durable natural materials.
Immediately obsessed with the perfectly faded blues, greys and ecrus, I steadily accumulated a go-to rotation of their oversized tees and cozy zip hoodies that still formset mainstays in my closet today.
While their core cotton basics have stayed true, I‘ve watched Elwood evolve from a humble graphic tee brand into a leader in conscious casualwear over the past decade.
Here‘s a quick look at some of my long-time favorites that deliver on both everyday wearability and peace of mind:
- 5+ Year Old Oversized Vintage Wash Tee – slightly thinner than current versions but with the same iconic boxy cut and super soft feel
- 3 Year Old Oversized Half Zip Hoodie – while styles come and go, the roomy silhouette + kangaroo pocket make this essential extra versatile
- 1 Year Old Rigid Denim Trucker Jacket – lived-in right away thanks to fading and repairs that minimize any break-in period
And as the years roll by, I continually find myself replacing old faithfuls whenever they inevitably become too threadbare and adding new hard-working heroes to the mix…
Elwood‘s Cornerstones: The Core Collection Must-Haves
While limited editions come and go, Elwood‘s Core BasicsCollection continues to deliver the building blocks for effortless laidback outfits season after season.
Consciously crafted using premium 100% organic cotton, the range includes all the comfort-first layers your wardrobe is missing.
I break down the key staples to stock up on below:
Quintessential Tees: Oversized Crew & Pocket Tee
- Bolder drop shoulders and a roomy silhouette
- Raw-edge neckline and sleeves
- Also available in a pocket version
| Sizes | XS-XXL |
|---|---|
| Fabric | 100% Cotton |
| Wash | Pre-washed for softness |
| Price | $30 |
Cozy Sweatshirt & Hoodies
- Choose between a pullover and zip-up
- Kangaroo pocket for added utility
- Intentionally oversized for an off-duty look
| Sizes | XS-XXL |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Cotton Fleece |
| Wash | Garment Washed |
| Price | $75 |
Live-In Joggers & Sweatshorts
- Drawstring waistband for customizable fit
- Heathered fabric with side seam pockets
- Sweatshorts feature a 5" inseam
| Sizes | XS-XXL |
|---|---|
| Fabric | French Terry |
| Wash | Enzyme Washed |
| Price | $55 |
After 10+ years of comparing quality, I confidently credit Elwood‘s core basics range for nailing fit, fabric feel and finish in a way that outlasts other brands season after season.
While staying true to their roots, exciting collaborations and limited edition collections also continue to keep this OG brand feeling fresh…
Beyond the Basics: Limited Capsules & Collabs
While best known for cornerstone sweats and tees, Elwood has tapped into contemporary trends to drive hype over the last several years through exclusive capsule collections and influencer partnerships unveiled every season.
Dropping new fabrications and silhouettes every 8-12 weeks, standout categories include:
Denim – Applying exaggerated proportions and unique rigid washes to trucker jackets and relaxed jeans.
Loungewear – Luxe velour track pants and robes in vibrant ‘70s inspired prints exude easy glamour.
Workwear – Utility essentials like oversized canvas chore coats capture rugged refinement.
They‘ve also garnered buzz by aligning with cultural tastemakers that represent the brand‘s creative, carefree energy.
Recent partnerships that sold out fast include streetwear icon Jeff Staple, model Remi Bader, singer Lizzo and photographer Kelia Moniz.
While staying true to their SoCal roots, both the limited collections and influencer collabs undersrcore why Elwood continues to feel just as relevant today as when they first caught my eye back in 2011.
Fit & Sizing: Finding Your Ideal Silhouette
After testing countless pieces over the years, my top tip for new Elwood shoppers is embracing the adjustable nature of their signature fit. While some brands prescribe strict numerical sizes, half the fun of Elwood‘s style lies in tailoring looks to your personal creative vision.
Leaning into streetwear‘s recent shift towards genderless dressing, most sweats and tees work beautifully whether you size down for a modern slim silhouette or up for an artfully oversized shape.
As your guide, here‘s how to navigate their size chart:
Order Your Usual Size For:
- A Relaxed But Not Oversized Fit
- Ideal To Layer Under Outerwear
- Flattering Without Drowning Your Frame
Size Up For An Intentionally Boxy, Exaggerated Oversized Look:
- Cozy, Slouchy and Perfectly Imperfect
- Embodies Their ‘90s Skater Roots
- Allows For Artful Layering Underneath
While models rock an artfully baggy look on the Elwood website today, during the early years I gravitated towards shrinking down their oversized sweatshirts for a more fitted, Michelle Tanner-esque silhouette.
The beauty lies in making each comfortable basic your own – whether preferring to swim in their Signaturesweats or wanting to channel Princess Diana‘s bike shorts moment with the Core 5′′ Sweatshorts.
The Ethos Behind the Brand: Conscious Basics with Integrity
While many brands simply pay lip service to operating responsibly today, Elwood quietly yet substantively walks the walk when it comes to ethical production.
They design pieces meant to be worn and loved for years rather than treated as disposable fast fashion. Investing in materials and methods that minimize environmental harm also enable them to offer affordable luxury essentials that make conscious dressing desirable.
Standout initiatives include:
- Eliminating plastic waste by utilizing recycled paper shipping materials printed with non-toxic inks
- Offsetting 100% of carbon emissions from shipping and travel
- Operating their own transparent factory with regulated working conditions protecting employee wellbeing
- Ensuring living wages by producing primarily in Los Angeles
- Using 100% organic cotton grown without pesticides or toxic dye methods
Through forward-thinking initiatives underscoring their commitment to honoring both people and the planet, Elwood makes building an ethical casual wardrobe feel effortless.
How Real Customers Rate the Brand: Reviews Across the Web
Curious whether other fans share my enduring Elwood obsession? I put my research skills to work uncovering recent third-party reviews across the web.
The feedback reflects consistent appreciation for their soft, body-loving fabrics, quality construction and ethical manufacturing.
"True to size and amazing quality for the price!" Trustpilot ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"The BEST items – literally can‘t stop wearing everything I ordered!" Reddit ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Perfect oversized sweatshirts without looking sloppy. Won‘t shop other brands now!" YouTube ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The most prevalent critique relates to shipping timelines not meeting consumer need for instant gratification. And while people grumble about 5-7 business day processing, the consensus remains that the enduring quality and ethical production make the wait more than worthwhile.
My Take:
Considering today‘s conditioning around expecting ultra fast delivery from brands like Amazon, I agree Elwood could improve upon setting accurate shipping expectation upfront.
However upon reflection, I far prefer them thoughtfully managing order volumes to uphold quality control and worker wellbeing over rushing production to satiate the "need it now" culture.
Alternatives Worth Exploring
While in my eyes, no one executes laidback luxury essentials quite as well as Elwood today, several conscious casual brands offer comparable quality and ethical production values.
If you‘re open to exploring alternatives, these affordable labels are worth checking out:
| BRAND | STYLE NOTES | PRICE RANGE |
|---|---|---|
| Pangaia | Minimalist, body-skimming organic essentials | $ |
| Reformation | Flirty, femme-leaning sustainable styles | $$ |
| For Days | Membership-based tee and basics brand focused on recycling | $ |
| DL1961 | Premium sustainable denim | $$$ |
However as someone who has tested countless "ethical essentials" brands over the past decade, I still stand behind Elwood‘s unmatched artistry when it comes to crafting cool, consciously-made basics that only get better with age.
Insider Tips: Where to Shop & Save
Want to test Elwood‘s standout sweats for yourself? Here are my top tips for scoring hidden deals and limited edition finds.
ElwoodClothing.com – peruse the full range while taking advantage of free shipping over $100
Physical Store in LA – stop by their only permanent shop in Downtown Los Angeles
Revolve – shop curated Elwood collections on this premium retailer site
Rare Sales – while discounts are few and far between, I‘ve scored 20% off previous purchases by being patient for special sales around Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day
Sign Up for Emails – you‘ll get first dibs on product launches which often includes exclusive promo codes for 10-15% off
Buy Multipacks – while individual pieces rarely go on sale, you can save by bundling 3 tees or sweatshirts for a discounted price
Follow on IG – beyond drooling over new product shots daily, they often run giveaways and flash sales through Instagram Stories
Excellent Shipping, Returns & Customer Service
After countless orders over the past decade, I‘m fully versed in Elwood‘s customer-friendly policies when it comes to shipping, returns and exchanges.
One perk that keeps me loyally shopping with them year after year includes free return shipping – they fully cover the cost to send items back which many fast fashion brands still fail to offer today.
I break down everything you need to know about getting pieces quickly and easily with no hassle:
Shipping Timeline
💨 Fast ‘N Free Shipping on $100+ Orders
📬 Average US Transit Time: 5-7 Business Days
🚚 Free International Shipping on $250+
Easy Exchanges
🌅 Accepts Exchanges Up To 30 Days After Delivery
💝 Provides Prepaid Return Label For Your Convenience
🤝 Processes Refunds Within 3-5 Business Days
Reliable Customer Service
📧 Email Support 7 Days a Week
📞 Accessible By Phone During LA Business Hours
🚩REACH VIA:
🔗 [email protected]
📞 1.800.955.1180
For personalized guidance related to sizing, styling or simply to share feedback, I can confidently say Elwood offers best-in-class customer care – always thoughtful never scripted.
Key Takeaways: Why I Believe In Elwood Clothing
In summary, these core truths capture why I enthusiastically recommend Elwood‘s conscious essentials:
Quality – From buttery soft fabrics to precision stitching, each understated detail dazzles
Comfort – Perfectly relaxed silhouettes move with your body never restricting motion
Consistency – Unchanging devotion to premium natural fibers sets them apart
Versatility – Uniform basics designed for infinite styling possibilities
Ethics – Genuine commitment to sustainability never just marketing hype
Value – Surprisingly affordable pricing for such exceptional construction
Whether longing for an oversized cozy topper to pair with bike shorts à la Hailey Bieber or seeking an iconic white tee as flawless as Princess Diana‘s, Elwood delivers quintessential high quality casual pieces to channel your inner off-duty model.
After testing countless "ethical essentials" brands over the past decade, none achieve easy luxury for the modern minimalist quite like Elwood.Their focus on crafting cool, consciously-made basics designed to only get better with age keeps me coming back year after year.
