Sustainable Country-Chic by Fashion Veterans
As the crisp morning breeze brings with it the smell of fresh dew and blooming wildflowers, you look down upon your flowing floral dress and know—this is the one. Simple yet special, delicate yet strong. Just like THE GREAT Clothing line.
Founded in 2015 by fashion industry veterans and long-time best friends Emily Current and Meritt Elliott, THE GREAT Clothing brings to life their shared vision for whimsical, vintage-inspired women‘s wear with a laidback luxe aesthetic. Having bonded over their mutual love for Americana denim and dreaming up designs during their UCLA days, they‘ve kept designing joyful creations ever since.
This led them to launch the iconic CURRENT/ELLIOTT denim line in the 2000s. Winning instant acclaim from celebrities like Cameron Diaz and Jessica Alba while still putting sustainability first, they perfected the true boyfriend jean silhouette.
When they were ready to grow the slow fashion movement with a new brand close to their free-spirited hearts, the duo sold their lauded denim brand to focus on chic and nostalgic ready-to-wear.
THE GREAT Clothing continues their commitment to ethical, earth-friendly materials and methods – like low-impact dyes, deadstock fabrics and responsible packaging. Keeping quality high and quantity in check allows for fair labor standards as well.
But beyond feel-good ethics, it‘s playful prints, boho shapes, comfy separates in luxe natural fibers and intelligent detailing throughout that set this elevated clothing brand apart.
As Vogue perfectly put it:
"The Great‘s feminine prairie dresses, vintage wash tees, and perfectly faded sweatshirts have mastered easygoing splendor."
Whether you thrive outdoors or in, now let‘s dive into this definitive THE GREAT Clothing review exploring their bestselling styles, real customer impressions and comparisons to competitors.
Overview: Romantic Americana for Any Age
THE GREAT‘s collections transport you away from stressful rush and closer to carefree adventures along sandy trails. Their tonal color palettes and laidback silhouettes capture California cool through a timeless lens – inspired by 19th century settlers, 60s San Francisco, Emily‘s native Midwest and more.
Nostalgic with a modern twist defines their playfully sophisticated styles bridging the line between dressy and decidedly unfussy. Think blousy smock dresses, soft floral frocks, slouchy sweats and SPF-protective tops for creative classy comfort.
From cotton tees to silk maxi dresses, fine details make a difference too. Like custom prints, pintucks, puff sleeves, eclectic embroidery and small run leading Los Angeles production. While mainly a women‘s line, you‘ll also spot the occasional easy pieces made for men and kids.
Luxury doesn’t just mean a steeper price tag here. THE GREAT‘s 200+ stockists worldwide – including heavy-hitters like Saks, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus – carry their lovingly designed clothes that last thanks to the quality.
Still effortless enough for everyday adventures big and small, office attire and off-duty outfits alike.
Spotlight: Iconic Styles Defining Cozy Vintage Vibes
To really understand THE GREAT‘s one-of-a-kind point of difference, let‘s review four of their bestselling pieces. From perfectly shrunken sweatshirts to ditsy floral dresses, these define the brand‘s cool yet charming aesthetic. Making their average price point of $100-$200 truly worth it.
The Iconic Teammate Sweatshirt
A new classic twist on a vintage staple. These super soft crewnecks strike the perfect mix of old-school athletic style with a current relaxed fit. Available in array of tonal heathered hues or solid versatile shades. The slightly cropped length stylishly exposes just a sliver of skin.
Tailoring tricks like contrast trims and unfinished edges sharpen the look. While the custom cotton-blend fleece feels addictively cozy and built to last many seasons. Throw it on with jeans or over your workout set post-yoga sesh thanks to the moveable comfort.
The Signature Button-Up Midi Shirtdress
THE GREAT‘s feminine prairie dresses always inspire bohemian goddess energy. And their Signature Button-Up Midi falls right in line. The Sage colorway‘s painterly floral canvas breathes an artful lightness into the flowy silhouette. Accented by dainty pintucked details that add depth without fussy excess.
Billowy blouson sleeves balance the slim bodice that button downs the front for versatile styling. Cinch it with a trendy Western belt for brunch or let it hang loose for weekend trips to the farmers’ market. The breathable light cotton voile keeps you comfy no matter what.
The Form-Fitting Cropped Rib Tank Top
Edgier than their typical prairie-perfect pieces but still effortlessly cool. This slim fit ribbed tank hugs curves just so in all the right places with its contouring texture. But also leaves room to layer underneath when temps turn brisk.
Showing off a sliver of midriff cheers up outfits instantly. Style under an oversized denim jacket for grungy weekend vibes then transition it for a athleisure touch or evening elegance with a satin midi skirt. Available in array of fun brights and neutral nudes suiting all skin tones.
The Figure-Flattering High Rise Bell Bottom Jeans
No surprise coming from the denim geniuses who founded CURRENT/ELLIOTT that THE GREAT nails quality jeans. And their High Rise Bell Bottom quickly became a bestseller. The rigid light wash denim looks perfectly faded as if thrifted from the 70s with whiskered creases in all the right spots.
The flawless stretch gives in all the right places too making the leg-lengthening wide bells comfy from first slip-on to last. Wear the iconic retro pants with chunky sweater knits and booties now or breezy tanks and sandals come summer. The universally flattering style suits short and tall builds alike.
This core quartet displays the versatility and staying power found across all of THE GREAT‘s offerings from polka dot shirting to waffle-knit thermals.
While trends fade fast, investing in such impeccably made staples that fit your style signals sustainable luxury that lasts. And their commitment to uncomplicated yet luxe fabrics designed for longevity not disposal further instills confidence in smart buyers.
The Verdict: What Do THE GREAT Clothing Reviews Say?
With prices higher than fast fashion‘s fleeting heat, does THE GREAT live up to their own hype? In a world filled with flimsy fabrics and bland basics, how does their quality, style and customer service really measure up?
Hearing from real world wearers offers the clearest picture. So let‘s explore standout social proof alongside some potential downsides uncovered.
Starting with Nordstrom‘s site, THE GREAT‘s cropped sweatshirts shine with a 4.4 out of 5 star rating overall. Over 290 reviewers highlight hits like the true-to-size fit, range of both vibrant and versatile hues and signature shrunken style pulling current cropped trends into a vintage vision.
"I love the feel of these sweatshirts! Not cheap feeling but substantial. Love the colors too. Order your normal size, they fit true."
THE GREAT scores similarly at exclusive fashion retailer Revolve. Their iconic college sweatshirt earns 4.7 stars out of hundreds of reviews. Shoppers can‘t get enough of the dreamy assortment of dusty vintage washes and heathered neutrals along with the perfectly loose and slouchy shape that still flatters.
"LOVE this sweatshirt so much I bought another color way too! Such a perfect piece to throw on. Amazing quality and color options."
Beyond online raves, in-person experiences at their California flagship stores also trend positive overall according to Yelp.
"Their clothes run a bit big I’ve found but I love their stuff. Cute cottage core vibes and the staff have always been sweet."
However a couple shoppers faced less than stellar interactions with sales associates who seemed standoffish or impatient. While disappointing given the higher price points, every brand encounters off days.
And almost all reviews focused on praising THE GREAT‘s nostalgic yet innovative styles, delicate details that delight and commitment to ethical production methods.
When it comes to sizing, multiple first-time buyers recommend opting for a size down if you land between standard and petite sizing. While their relaxed vibes allow room to layer underneath come winter, the dimensions can run more oversized and boxy.
THE GREAT vs. Competitors: How Do They Compare?
THE GREAT Clothing sits at the intersection of laidback luxury and nostalgic polish with its artisanal pieces prizing quality over quantity in genuine slow fashion form. But how do they stack up to similar high end lines playing in the same bohemian-Americana space?
LA-based Rails clothes channel the same effortlessly cool SoCal energy through vintage washes and relaxed feminine separates starting around the $100 mark. While selection skews casual, the fabrics fall on the thinner side for some shoppers.
New York based Sea New York also bridges breezy elegance with nostalgic ease in their collections. But with more embellished detailing driving higher price tags, pushing $400+ for many dresses.
Oregon‘s guitars and roses label Wildfang makes statement shirts and sweaters focused on fearlessly fun energy. However, their goal of gender fluid designs creates more aggressive silhouettes lacking THE GREAT‘s delicate touch.
And Madewell‘s laidback vibe lands at a more accessible price point given their larger corporate scale. However volume focus compromises the quality craftsmanship smaller sustainable companies prioritize.
Overall THE GREAT‘s nuanced designs strike an ideal balance of high end distinction without overly inflated expense thanks to direct relationships and ethical production. Allowing creativity to marry quality while keeping costs lower than most true luxury league competitors.
Style Inspiration: How to Wear THE GREAT Year Round
Beyond awesome staple sweats, how do you style THE GREAT‘s more ornate pieces for everything from music festivals to board meetings?
Let‘s explore some chic head to outfit ideas for wearing their feminine dresses and vintage tops throughout the year.
Effortless Summer Soirées
Beat the heat while still slaying summer events by pairing THE GREAT‘s stunning floral embroidered maxi dress with flat leather sandals, a woven clutch and delicate jewelry. Or for beach weddings, style their off-the shoulder puff sleeve eyelet dress with strappy heels and loose beach waves.
Artsy Music Festival Energy
Level up laidback concert cool by teaming their boxy cropped tees with high waisted denim cut off shorts or an airy tiered maxi skirt. Then ground looks with chunky dad sneakers or western boots. Throw on stacks of fun jewelry and oversized sunnies to complete your groovy-chic Desert Daze or Austin City Limits look.
Weekend Getaway Essentials
For adventures ranging from wine tasting to glamping escape the city without skimping style. THE GREAT‘s belted long sleeve shirt dress keeps you comfy and camera ready on the trails while still sophisticated enough for dinner. Pair with a crossbody bag, cozy scarf and ankle booties for all day elegance through evening excursions.
Back to the Office Polished
Refresh your 9 to 5 attire without losing sight of your laidback sensibility by incorporating their smart shirting into your corporate mix. Button up one of their collared floral frocks for an eye-catching Zoom backdrop or layer lightweight blouses under a fitted blazer. Then add heeled booties and delicate chained jewelry for an approachable power look.
However you wear THE GREAT, their across-the-board versatility allows you to bridge girl-next-door ease with aspirational luxury year round. Making their investment pieces less trendy seasonal splurges and more forever wardrobe wins.
Shop New Arrivals: Standout Picks from Latest Launch
Beyond their everyday essentials, THE GREAT‘s latest Resort 2023 collection overflows with free-spirited statement styles ready to refresh your closet just in time for spring.
Vibrant crochet knits pop against silky brightly colored slips in brilliant jewel tones from sapphire to emerald green. While intricately beaded handbags provide the perfect artisanal touch to dress up elegant occasions or add artful polish to office attire.
My personal favorite? Their whimsical hot air balloon print splashed across flowy babydoll dresses and easy wrap shirts. Equal parts playful and polished, it cheers up winter blues in just the right sheer pink palette. Wear for a dose of childlike wonder that still feels entirely sophisticated.
Overall their newest designs continue walking the line between dreamy and wearable with panache. THE GREAT Beach Collection coming later this year already looks primed for plenty of adventures too – filled with breezy caftans, off-the-shoulder swim styles and vacation-ready coverups I can’t wait to rock poolside someday soon!
Last Looks: The Final Takeaway
Through 20 years of friendship, Emily and Meritt continue spreading slow fashion joy worldwide. While THE GREAT‘s carefree prairie-chic vision trends timeless, closer inspection proves them timely too.
Beyond impossibly soft fabrics cut in instantly iconic silhouettes, it‘s their commitment to ethical factories, inclusive sizing and reduction of textile waste diverting fashion from landfills that demands attention today. Proving clothing can balance dreamy escapism with conscious creation.
So for romantics, adventurers and free-thinkers seeking refined style sensibilities grounded in feel-good choices, THE GREAT delivers elevated classics crafted carefully to last in your closet for seasons to come.
