As online fashion has boomed over the last decade, a new crop of digital-first brands have captured hearts, minds and wallets around the globe. One label leading this charge? Reformation.
You’ve likely spotted Reformation’s iconic dresses on your Insta feed or noticed their effortlessly cool basics on the streets. As the brand has carved out prime real estate in closets everywhere, interest continues swelling around the tenets and offerings behind this viral label.
So what‘s the full lowdown on Reformation? As a consumer researcher with over 10 years vetting brands, I’ve woven together every key detail to unwrap in this ultimate review. From sustainability grades to size advice, ethical manufacturing to wear-anywhere outfits, consider this your insider guide to everything Reformation.
Reformation Review 101: The Sparknotes
Before diving into the nitty-gritty details, let‘s breeze through a quick primer covering some fundamentals around Reformation as a brand:
Origins: Founded in 2009 by model-turned-designer Yael Alfalo after learning the fashion industry‘s dirty secret: it’s one of the world’s worst polluters. Located in LA with mainly local factories.
Ethos: Creating killer clothes that celebrate women’s beauty while minimizing environmental harm. A trailblazing sustainable fashion brand.
Aesthetic: Feminine with flirty accents meets minimalist cool. Lots of breezy dresses and easygoing staples.
Price Range: Affordable luxury. Tanks $38 to $128, jeans $98 to $218 and dresses $148 to $428. Pricier than Everlane but less than premium designers.
Sizing: Runs mostly true-to-size but occasionally a little large or small. Check out reviews and size chart.
Standout Gear: Frilly dresses, vintage-inspired jeans, cozy knits, strappy tops and more.
Reviews: 4 out of 5 stars. Some minor fit inconsistencies but most impressed by quality and ethics.
Now that you’ve got the basics on this buzzy women’s fashion label, let’s get into the details on what sets them apart: sustainability.
The Gold Standard: Inside Reformation’s Sustainability Practices
As environmental concerns around fashion accelerate, Reformation continues setting the bar for responsible branding and manufacturing. They take a full lifecycle approach by integrating conservation into every facet of their operations – from materials to packaging.
Let’s review some standout stats around their sustainability practices:
- 300,000 pounds of carbon offset through investments in forest conservation and clean energy since 2015
- 5 million gallons of water saved through low-impact dyeing techniques since 2018
- 75% locally produced apparel at their own Los Angeles factories under ethical working standards
- 58% of materials incorporate recycled fibers, deadstock fabrics or sustainably-sourced cellulosic materials like TENCELTM Lyocell
- 100% renewable energy across offices and retail spaces
With implementing initiatives around responsible water use, energy efficiency, waste reduction and carbon neutrality, Reformation has emerged as an industry leader in sustainable manufacturing according to nonprofit Remake’s 2022 Brand Accountability Report. They‘ve also received high marks from leading global ratings like Good On You for their efforts to improve transparency across the fashion supply chain.
But what does this actually look like when it comes to the clothing lining site banners and gracing the pages of Vogue? Let‘s find out.
Modeling Sustainability IRL: Spotlight on Standout Gear
Reformation sets the standard for stylish, sustainable clothing spanning categories from dresses to denim. By balancing beautiful silhouettes with eco-friendly fabrics, each item makes green look anything but drab.
Let‘s spotlight some of their greatest hits and cult favorites that merge ethics with elegance:
All Eyes on Dresses
When it comes to Reformation’s calling card, dresses undoubtedly take the cake. Their retro-infused, femme styles have won over celebrities and influencers alike.
Take the iconic Nap Dress – potentially the world‘s comfiest outfit with its breezy shape, midi-length and smocked bodice made for billionaire bliss. Over 60,000 have sold even with a $248 price tag.
For brides-to-be, Reformation‘s Baylee Wedding Dress brings grandeur through a corset-inspired bodice tapering into a mermaid skirt and delicate train.
Reformation‘s iconic Nap Dress and Baylee Wedding Dress (Source: Reformation)
Beyond their headlining dresses, Reformation continually drops sleek jersey styles, preppy shirt dresses and sexy cut-out numbers primed for cocktails or vacation.
Denim Done Better
In addition to their legendary dresses, Reformation denim stands miles ahead of traditional brands through their use of eco-friendly washes and recycled fibers.
The high-rise Harper jeans combine the comfort of vintage-style loose fits with a modern crop-length cut that flatters.
For shorts, the Denim Bermuda elongates legs through its mid-thigh length while keeping things cool with distressed details.
Reformation‘s Harper High Loose Jeans and Denim Bermuda Shorts (Source: Reformation)
By limiting water usage and incorporating organic cotton, Reformation ensures all bottoms make sustainable look sexy.
Tops + Knits: The Ultimate Basics
Every casual wardrobe needs the basics done right. Enter Reformation‘s signature tees, tanks and sweaters.
The ribbed Genoa Top modernizes your typical white tee with a one-shoulder neckline and form-flattering fit made from gentler TENCELTM Lyocell and cotton.
For transitional weather, the cropped Arielle Sweater works wonders layered over dresses or trousers with its extra wide mock neck design meet slouchy balloon sleeves.
Reformation‘s Genoa Rib Top and Arielle Cropped Sweater (Source: Reformation)
By keeping sustainable credentials top-of-mind alongside style, Reformation aces the foundations of a conscious wardrobe.
Reviews Decoded: Taking a Hard Look
While product shots and red carpet sightings indicate an A+ brand, the ultimate test lies in satisfying real customers beyond hype machines.
So how does Reformation actually perform when not seen through an influencer lens? Let‘s parse some insightful data points.
Across over 21,000 verified reviews, Reformation earns an admirable 4 out of 5 star average rating. Breaking this down further:
- 68% of customers award 5 stars for great products
- 15% rate 4 stars for good quality but minor issues
- 8% give 3 stars with mixed reactions
- Less than 10% rank 1-2 stars from unsatisfactory experiences
Positive reviews spotlight Reformation‘s flattering sustainable fabrics, elegant silhouettes and ethical production.
One woman raves: "This brand never disappoints! From soft eco-conscious textiles to inclusive sizing, Reformation combines ethics with top-notch quality."
The most prevalent complaints stem from sizing issues, with irregular cases of items running too big or small. As one 3-star critic laments: "I love their clothes but the sizes are inconsistent so order 2 sizes if unsure.”
Considering the predominantly gleaming reactions offset by some fit hiccups, Reformation delivers admirably overall.
Price Check: Paying More for Sustainable Style
Let’s face reality – achieving sustainability in fashion often costs more. By paying fair wages, investing in eco-materials and offsetting carbon, brands like Reformation price higher than fast fashion groups pumping out $5 tees made by overseas sweatshops.
But are their price tags justified relative to quality and ethics? Let‘s weigh some reference points.
On average, you can expect to pay:
- $38 – $128 for tanks, tees and blouses
- $78 – $248 for sweaters and jackets
- $98 – $228 for jeans and shorts
- $148 – $428 for dresses and jumpsuits
Comparing across categories, Reformation‘s everyday basics exceed Everlane by $5 or less while pricier than Target brands. Their business-casual button-downs run cheaper than M.M.LaFleur. Madewell Denim sells for similar costs as Reformation‘s with lower environmental standards.
For specialty items like bridal and evening gowns, Reformation competes aggressively with BHLDN and Anthropologie while beating big designer price tags.
When weighing ethics, quality, sustainability, and style, Reformation delivers reasonable value aligned with both premium fast fashion and moderate contemporary fashion brands. For budget-focused buyers, sales can also slash prices by 40% or more.
The Verdict: Confirmed as a Sustainable Leader
When synthesizing all available data from materials and methods through to reviews and pricing, Reformation stands confidently among the fashion industry’s sustainable pioneers.
Are they flawless? No brand ever will be. But backed by transparency programs like their publicly-available supplier database, third-party auditing partners, and broad initiatives around fair labor, water reduction and carbon neutrality, Reformation puts action behind their promises.
For consumers conscious of style, ethics and substance, add Reformation to your shopping list. Their thoughtful designs backed by responsible practices promise feel-good fashion wins for any woman‘s wardrobe.
Still have some outstanding questions around Reformation as we close this exhaustive review? Let’s run through some common FAQs:
Do Reformation clothes run true to size?
For the most part, yes – Reformation garments fit according to standard sizing charts. But inconsistencies happen occasionally in either direction for a slim minority of items. Refer to reviews for guidance.
What shoes pair nicely with Reformation dresses?
For flirty and feminine dresses, go for block or mid heels from brands like Sarah Flint, Brother Vellies or Rothy’s. For maxi dresses or casual fits, embellished sandals, flats or minimal white sneakers keep things breezy.
What tops complement Reformation jeans?
Balance higher waistbands with crop tops and bra-length tanks from Free People, Agolde, Lisa Says Gah. For looser vintage fits, flowy blouses and bodysuits work nicely. Keep necklines and prints simples.
How do I clean Reformation clothes properly?
Always refer to clothing labels but most Reformation allows for machine washing cold and air drying. Take delicates like silks to the dry cleaner. Wash denim infrequently and hang dry to preserve fits and finishes.
What are Reformation‘s latest sustainable initiatives?
Recent efforts include scaling solar and wind power, launching eco-friendly loungewear made from recycled fabrics, further reducing water usage by 20% in their facilities and reusing all deadstock materials available.
For more information on sizing, return policies or sustainability practices, visit Reformation’s comprehensive FAQ page.
Reformation offers an amazing one-stop for ethical fashion but diversifying across brands amplifies impact through collective action.
Let‘s highlight a few labels aligned on sustainable missions:
For Minimalist Basics: Kotn
This Canadian basics brand crafts luxe staples for women and men using 100% Egyptian cotton sourced transparently from ethical farmers. Their crisp everyday pieces feel insider cool yet classic.
For Sophisticated Workwear: ADAY
Modern professionals refreshed their wardrobes during the WFH era with ADAY’s desk-to-dinner recycled fabrics and multi-occasion mindset. Their attention to fit surpasses expectations.
For Bohemian Prints: Christy Dawn
The dreamiest dresses around, Christy Dawn’s vibrant patterns and loose peasant fits capture free-spirited summer energy through traditions passed down artisan families.
For Edgy Glamour: Nili Lotan
Ubiquitous in NYC’s hippest haunts, Nili Lotan’s luxe-grunge pairings, punchy prints and It-girl minidresses make high-low look high-end.
For Bridal Beauty: Watters
Watters leads the way in ethical weddings attire through sustainable fabrics and supporting employee wellness. Their gowns mix romantics with modern edge through sleek cuts and sequins.
By splitting across conscious companies like these gems alongside Reformation, your dollars collectively shift more resources towards sustainable systems not slowing planetary harm.
Voting for ethics through your clothing purchases may feel modest on the surface. But across over 7 billion people worldwide, our small dollar shifts towards sustainability collectively transform markets away from short term profits alone.
If companies like Reformation can prove shoppers embrace better business standards, more mainstream brands adopt cleaner practices to compete. Call it “green capitalism” – leveraging choice for global change.
So while no singular brand or person holds all the solutions, intentional support of labels walking their talk inches markets towards more responsible operations.
With over 80 billion new garments produced annually, the fashion industry remains a key battleground for pushing corporate responsibility around ecology, ethics and equality into the 2020s and beyond.
Hopefully this exhaustive dive into chart-topping brand Reformation illuminated what leading sustainable fashion can deliver: impeccably-designed pieces matching conscience with cool.
Yet our individual actions alone won’t resolve entrenched issues without systemic change. Still, conscious consumerism stands as an available avenue for shifting culture. Especially when done collectively.
So next time you’re cruising the virtual aisles of retailers or boutiques, consider who stands behind those polished product shots and whether your dollar plays a part advancing better business for all. Small mindful steps towards justice often journey farther than big leaps alone after all.
