As a self-proclaimed denim fanatic who loves discovering that perfectly fitted pair of jeans, I‘ve tested my fair share of high end denim brands over the last decade. But ever since being introduced to Frame Store back in 2017, I’ve remained devoted to their jeans and expanded my collection to include their knits, coats and more.
Over these 5 years, I estimate I‘ve purchased roughly 25 pieces from Frame ranging from basic tees and jeans for about $200 up to leather jackets approaching $800. I know – not an inexpensive habit!
But as someone who wears herWARDROBEwardrobefrequently and doesn‘t believe in disposable fast fashion, I‘ve learned to invest in quality staples built to last from ethical brands. And without a doubt, Frame hits the sweet spot blending premium craftsmanship with on-point styling.
Why I Feel Qualified to Review Frame
Before breaking down the specifics around Frame’s products, services and policies, I wanted to share a bit about my fashion background so you understand my vantage point assessing this brand.
I work in marketing for a major global CPG company headquartered in NYC which keeps me quite plugged into fashion and retail trends. I also co-run a small personal style blog on the side which gives me exposure to new brands and connections with those in the industry.
Outside of work and blogging, chasing around my two young kids keeps me on the move – meaning I need clothing that can keep up with my active lifestyle!
Between these professional and personal fashion affiliations, I continually test out emerging direct-to-consumer apparel brands which gives me an eye for comparing quality, style and value across price tiers.
So while I’m no technical apparel expert or sew-it-yourself DIY’er, I’ve handled my fair share of fabrics and silhouettes to form educated opinions. And in the case of Frame, I speak as a veteran devotee having shopped nearly all women’s categories over 5 years time.
Let’s get into the nitty gritty!
Frame‘s Product Range & Quality Craftsmanship
Frame first landed on my radar through their cult-favorite skinny and straight leg women’s jeans. And over the years, I’ve amassed a collection of 4 of their core denim fits:
- Le High Skinny (black and medium wash): My perfect silhouette with a lean cut through the hip and thigh plus high waist elongating my shorter frame
- Le High Straight (light and extra dark wash): For when I want a straighter cropped leg instead of tight skinny. Great rolled or paired with heels.
- Billie Straight Crop (vintage light wash): My newest addition reaching just above ankle with relaxed thigh and tapered leg. Perfect weekend jean.
I exclusively buy Frame’s lightweight 10 oz. or 12 oz. stretch fabrics which retain structure beautifully. Unlike cheaper brands which get baggy quickly, Frame‘s denim feels like buttah to wear while sculpting your shape. The handfeel alone conveys luxury.
While their waist sizes tend to run large on me, Frame’s size 26 jeans accommodate my curvier hips compared to other mid/high-rise options constantly giving me camel toe and gaping. Once tailored to my waist, Frame’s Le High Skinny fit me like a glove without that awful knee bagging thing.
Beyond denim, my other most worn Frame pieces include:
Tee shirts & tanks: Frame makes the softest cotton and modal fabric tees passing the tuck-in test. Cut a bit boxier like an elevated basic. I live in my white and black crew necks.
Sweaters: My oversized cashmere crew will be pried from my cold dead hands! Going on 4 winters of steady wear and not a single hole.
Leather jackets: I‘ve tried cheaper faux options but they look cheap. This buttery Frame version looks bad ass with every outfit from dresses to jeans. Worth the $750 I paid on sale.
Flannel button downs: Check yes plaid! Frame‘s heavyweight flannel adds just enough lumberjack to dresses and leggings.
Across all these pieces, it’s clear no detail goes unconsidered in Frame’s manufacturing process. Their garments simply feel and wear better than other premium brands I‘ve sampled likerag & boneJ Brand and Vince with more attention to fabric quality, seam reinforcement and structure retention. Certain pieces easily last 5+ years of frequent wear while retaining color and shape.
Now are there more affordable alternatives out there? Of course. But in my experience the quality disparity shows through almost immediately…and I hate when seams split, color fades unevenly or silhouette stretched out after just a few wears.
Yes Frame costs more upfront. But cost per wear makes it worthwhile for classic forever pieces.
How Frame Customer Service Wins Me Over
No brand nails every single purchase and customer service interaction perfectly. But in my experience Frame goes above and beyond resolving issues swiftly and fairly across channels.
I still recall last fall when I ordered a blazer during one of their 40% off sales. The package got lost by UPS, so Frame immediately sent a replacement item 2-day shipping at no extra charge. Amazing.
But then that replacement ended up with a noticeable defect I discovered upon arrival – tarnished hardware and some stray glue on the collar.
I hopped on Frame’s chat to explain what happened and within 5 minutes, the rep Zoe issued me a full refund INCLUDING for the lost first blazer. I honestly wasn’t even expecting that level of accommodation.
While I’ve found email replies occasionally delayed a few days, chatting or calling Frame almost always connects me promptly with a service rep fully empowered to fix issues on the spot.
It’s this level of exceptional service honoring their quality commitments that seals my brand loyalty. Mistakes happen…but making things right builds lifelong repeat customers.
Trying and Returning Frame Pieces is Super Easy
Another perk cementing me as a Frame superfan over the years? Their hassle-free returns!
I often take advantage of seasonal sales to stock up on my staples, trying the same jeans or sweater style in multiple sizes not 100% sure what will fit best. No problems – Frame offers free return shipping and refunds back the full item cost once received at their warehouse.
I‘d estimate I return 20-30% of Frame orders as I nail down sizing or change my mind. No harm no foul. Never have I felt “flagged” or banned even as a serial returner over the years.
As long as you follow their return window policies and send items back in original condition with tags intact, Frame gladly welcomes pieces back hassle-free. Just an FYI that during major sales or holidays, no returns are allowed so try sizing in advance.
Is Frame Worth the Investment? My Bottom Line…
At the end of the day, apparel comes down to personal preference and budget. So whether Frame merits the higher prices compared to fast fashion depends on your lifestyle and values.
For me? As someone wearing my wardrobe daily with little one’s pulling, muddy hands grabbing and washing machine cycles spinning…that extra pinch paying a premium matters. Because I’m wearing pieces on regular rotation, I want them looking freshly pressed and vibrant for years not just weeks.
And as I balance career, motherhood andsanitya packed calendar, I value versatility allowing me to transition pieces day to night. I don’t have time for dry cleaning or outfit planning and changes. Frame’s mix and match aesthetic fits my reality.
If you have the means to pay more for select forever closet staples handcrafted start to finish rather than mass produced…I wholeheartedly endorsed Frame as the leader in premium essentials worth saving towards. Trend focused buyers may find cheaper fast fashion routes. But for me, Frame’s attention to crafting durable, distinctive pieces never fails to satisfy.
Thanks so much for reading! Whether you give Frame a try or not, I hope you found my first-hand experiences and advice helpful navigating premium fashion. Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions.
Xoxo,
Grace
Fashion Shopping Expert & Frame Fanatic
