As someone who loves neutral colors and minimalist style, I was instantly drawn to Tkees when I discovered the brand over a decade ago. Since that first pair of sandals back in 2012, Tkees shoes and clothes have become staples in my wardrobe.
After accumulating a sizeable Tkees collection spanning sandals, joggers, hoodies, and more, I wanted to share my thoughts in this in-depth review. Below I’ll cover everything from Tkees‘ top products to sizing, quality, and overall brand reputation after many years as a loyal customer.
Introduction to Tkees
Before getting into the specifics, here’s a quick overview for those unfamiliar with the brand:
Launch Date: 2009
Founders: Jesse and Carly Burnett
Headquarters: Toronto, Canada
Key Products: Sandals, Loungewear, Accessories
Price Range: $55-$170 USD
Standout Features: Minimalist style, premium materials, extended sizing
Tkees is the brainchild of Canadian entrepreneurs Carly and Jesse Burnett. Frustrated by flimsy flip flops, the couple set out to design a refined leather version constructed from quality materials.
Their efforts culminated in Tkees’ launch over a decade ago featuring sleek leather sandals in a versatile range of skin-matching “Nudes” tones. Since then, the brand has expanded into casualwear and accessories while retaining its core minimalist aesthetic and ethical manufacturing practices.
So what has my experience been like testing countless Tkees products over the past 10 years? Let’s find out…
Tkees Sandals Review
As Tkees first found acclaim with its sandals, I‘ll start my review with thoughts on the brand‘s footwear. I‘ve tested their best-selling silhouettes through countless wears, from beach trips to brunches and beyond. Here‘s how the most popular Tkees sandal styles have held up.
Tkees Nudes
Introducing the sandal that started it all – the Tkees Nudes collection. Available in 11 skin-matching shades, the Nudes’ slim straps are crafted from supple Italian leather. These thong sandals feature contrasting bright white rubber soles for a graphic, contemporary twist.
Overall, the Nudes promise exceptional versatility to complement both casual and smart outfits. Meanwhile, the smooth leather toe post prevents painful blisters or calluses.
My Verdict: Through beach vacations, summer trips through Europe, and plenty of backyard barbecues, my Nudes have endured beautifully. Their slim profile provides a streamlined foundation to anchor any outfit. And with properly-cared-for leather, they‘ve avoided signs of abrasion or damage over years of heavy rotation.
Phoebe Sandal
If the Nudes feel too minimalist, the Phoebe sandal provides slightly more coverage with its delicate ankle straps. Crafted in the softest Italian leather, the Phoebe boasts a precision-cut upper with slender straps anchored by a petite silver buckle.
A toe loop provides security while maintaining a barely-there aesthetic I adore. And across the seasons and years, the Phoebe’s slim silhouette remains an effortlessly elegant wardrobe essential.
My Verdict: While delicate in appearance, the Phoebe’s straps show no signs of loosening or wear over years of use. The supple Italian leather conforms beautifully to your feet for exceptional comfort. Whether sightseeing on vacation or dressing up denim cutoff shorts, the Phoebe adds instant polish. This sandal makes a luxe impression that punches well above its $75 price tag.
Liri Sandal
Featuring triple wide leather straps, the Liri sandal puts a sophisticated spin on classic slide sandals. Contrast topstitching provides added visual interest while the padded leather footbed promises all-day comfort.
Meanwhile, the 100% rubber sole ensures durable traction whether you‘re strolling tropical beaches or big-city streets.
My Verdict: The Liri quickly became my sandal of choice for tackling trips through Europe‘s ancient cobblestone cities thanks to its comfort and support. The smooth leather withstands scuffs or signs of wear even after miles upon miles of walking over 10 vacations abroad.
For travelers and commuters alike, the Liri sandal promises unbeatable function, traction, and staying power so you can focus on the sights instead of your shoes.
Tkees Loungewear Review
In recent years, Tkees has expanded into categories like casualwear while retaining its loyalty to muted color palettes. Here are my thoughts after integrating several of their new lounge pieces into my capsule wardrobe.
Essential Hoodie
Tkees describes its Essential Hoodie as the ultimate cozy companion for couch nights or coffee runs alike. And after countless washes, I wholeheartedly agree.
Crafted in heathered cotton fleece, this hoodie carries the perfectly relaxed fit I reach for constantly. Thoughtful details like a raw-edge hem and matching twill drawcords elevate the everyday.
I especially appreciate the extended size range as a petite shopper. And with four muted tones like Lunar Rock or Light Oat, it complements any low-key look seamlessly.
My Verdict: Tkees nailed it with this hoodie. The substantial fabric is softly brushed inside for next-level coziness. Yet the smooth outer face resists pilling even as someone who works from home (read: lives) in this piece. For $128, the Essential Hoodie is an MVP that pulls duty as both loungewear and a sleek layering piece.
Jogger Pant
Channeling the same aesthetic as the Essential Hoodie, Tkees Jogger Pant masters understated cool. The softly brushed interior lining makes these joggers feel like sweatpants, while the streamlined silhouette keeps the look polished.
Four muted shades range from classic grey to rich jade green and pristine white – all detailed with tonal drawcords and side seam pockets.
These joggers carry a slightly roomy silhouette made to layer over tees, tanks, or hoodies. Yet the tapered leg prevents looking overly messy.
My Verdict: buttery-soft, impossibly cozy, and relentlessly chic? Sign me up for another pair of Joggers in every color. Their premium construction shows zero signs of wear after endless washes. If you seek a matching sweatsuit to upgrade your casual uniform, the Essential Hoodie and Joggers are uniform MVPs.
Additional Tkees Categories: Sunglasses & Accessories
Beyond its core shoes and clothes, Tkees also offers a tight edit of accessories from sunglasses to hats that channel its signature sleek style. Here’s the low-down after testing these extra categories myself:
Sunglasses
Boasting scratch-resistant lenses and durable acetate frames, Tkees sunnies promise lasting quality. Styles like the Rimless or Aviator Sunglasses offer just enough modern edge for everyday wear. Compared to designer brands, Tkees eyewear is fairly priced starting at $95.
Hats + Scarves
Spun from ultra-fine merino wool, I love topping off outfits with Tkees’ understated beanies and scarves. The muted color palettes integrate seamlessly with the rest of my wardrobe. And the wool construction resists odors and pilling even after repeat wears.
Other Accessories
Beyond its hats and scarves, Tkees also offerssma selection of leather belts, hair accessories, and face masks. However the quality is noticeably less consistent than with its core shoe and ready-to-wear lines. While the aesthetic aligns cleanly, I tend to skip these non-essential extras.
How Does Tkees Quality & Sizing Hold Up?
While aesthetics may draw us in initially, quality and fit determine which pieces stand the test of time. Here’s insight into how Tkees construction and sizing fares:
Quality & Durability
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Shoes: With proper care, Tkees sandals withstand countless wears without damage. Both straps and soles show impressive durability thanks to quality leather and rubber.
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Clothing: Tkees clothes maintain their shape and color despite endless washes. Pieces resist pilling or shrinkage – I even successfully air-dried items without distortion.
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Accessories: Beyond shoes and clothes, hats and sunglasses also deliver lasting quality but belts and other small accessories skew noticeably cheaper.
Sizing & Fit
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True-to-Size: Tkees shoes, clothes, and accessories consistently align with standard US sizing charts. I order my usual size small across all categories without issues.
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Inclusive Range: Core Tkees categories like shoes and loungewear are thoughtfully inclusive, spanning sizes 5-13 for footwear and XXS-XXL for apparel.
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Consistent Channels: Pieces carry a streamlined, relaxed yet flattering shape with room for layering. Quality control across seasonal drops feels reliable.
Tkees Pricing
Tkees positions itself as an accessible luxury brand, with most core pieces falling under $150. Especially compared to premier designer brands, Tkees feels fairly aligned to the quality. Here’s a breakdown:
- Sandals: $55-$85
- Clothing: $98-$172
- Accessories: $25-$125
While not the most budget-friendly, enduring high wear-per-cost makes Tkees a sound investment – especially for shoes and lounge pieces on regular rotation.
For context, my Tkees Nude sandals cost $55 but have lasted over 5 years of near-daily summer wear. Breaking the cost down, that’s just around $10 per season to enjoy a beloved pair of comfortable, quality sandals.
Tkees Reviews: What Do Other Customers Say?
Curious about other perspectives? Here’s what buyers focus on most in Tkees reviews:
Pros
- Chic, minimalist aesthetic
- Ethical manufacturing
- Premium materials
- True-to-size fit
- Durable construction
Cons
- Expensive for the basics category
- Limited style selection
- Rare size inconsistencies
On platforms like Google Reviews and TrustPilot, Tkees earns an average 4 out of 5 stars. Most complaints focus solely on pricing or sizing quirks. Otherwise, reviews enthusiastically endorse the brand for its elegant, everydaypieces.
My Verdict After 10 Years Wearing Tkees
Without question, Tkees masters refined essentials with an impeccably chic point of view. As someone who gravitates towards muted palettes myself, I adore having sandals and wardrobe staples that integrate so effortlessly.
While the investment pieces come at a premium cost, Tkees demonstrates exceptional value through enduring quality and timelessness. Of all the designer basics I‘ve tested, Tkees delivers unmatched versatility at the sweet spot merging style, ethics, and utility.
If you identify with Tkees‘ tailored yet relaxed minimalist aesthetic, its elevated essentials undoubtedly merit the splurge. These will prove sound investments guaranteed to elevate your capsule wardrobe for countless seasons ahead.
I hope this comprehensive insider’s review helps explain why Tkees comes so highly recommended by its fans – myself included! Please let me know in the comments if you have any other questions.
