When it comes to building a versatile and timeless wardrobe, you can‘t underestimate the importance of high-quality basics. While trendy statement pieces can be fun, every closet needs a solid foundation of well-fitting t-shirts, comfortable joggers, go-to henleys, and reliable layering pieces. The challenge is finding essentials that check all the boxes – the perfect fit, premium fabrics, ethical production, and reasonable prices. That‘s where BYLT Basics comes in.
This BYLT Basics review will take an in-depth look at the increasingly popular brand that is on a mission to upgrade your everyday essentials. We‘ll cover everything you need to know, including the company background, bestselling styles for men and women, material and construction quality, fit and sizing, customer reviews, and more. By the end, you‘ll have all the information to decide if BYLT is the right choice for enhancing your wardrobe staples.
About BYLT Basics
Founded in 2016 by Eric Mear, BYLT Basics was created out of frustration with the lack of affordable, high-quality basics on the market. Mear found most essentials to be ill-fitting, poorly constructed, and overpriced. He set out to change that by partnering directly with top manufacturers to cut out the middleman and invest those cost savings into premium materials and ethical production while still maintaining a reasonable price point.
The brand has gained a devoted following, with over 159,000 followers on Instagram and 46,000 on Facebook. BYLT has also earned praise from men‘s lifestyle publications like duuude and irenejean for their commitment to quality, fit, and value.
So what sets BYLT apart from other basics brands? Here are a few key features:
- Use of premium, sustainable fabrics like Peruvian Pima cotton and bamboo
- Unique, trademarked blends engineered for softness, stretch, and durability
- Targeted fits based on your body type and size
- Ethical production in WRAP-certified facilities
- Free domestic shipping and hassle-free returns/exchanges
- Risk-free Home Try-On program
BYLT‘s Essential Categories
BYLT keeps things simple and streamlined, focusing on the core pieces that every wardrobe needs. Here‘s an overview of their main product categories:
Tops
T-shirts are the foundation of BYLT‘s collection and their most popular product. They offer several types of tees in a range of colors:
- The Crew Neck: A classic, everyday t-shirt. Prices start at $32.
- The V-Neck: Same premium construction with a flattering V neckline. Prices start at $32.
- The Henley: A long-sleeve henley with a three-button placket. Prices start at $45.
- The Polo: A versatile, wear-anywhere polo. Prices start at $48.
Bottoms
BYLT‘s bottoms are designed for comfort and performance. Options include:
- The Jogger: Tailored sweatpants in a slim, modern fit. Prices start at $68.
- The Short: Moisture-wicking, quick-dry shorts, available lined or unlined. Prices start at $45.
Women‘s
While BYLT initially focused on menswear, they now offer a capsule collection of women‘s basics, including tees, tanks, joggers, and shorts. Prices range from $32-$72.
Outerwear
Rounding out the collection are a few key outerwear pieces, like the popular Bomber Jacket ($135) and French Terry Hoodie ($89).
Materials & Quality
One of the standout features of BYLT Basics is their attention to materials. The brand uses premium, sustainable fabrics that are designed to last. Some of the key materials in their collection include:
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Peruvian Pima Cotton: Known as the "cashmere of cotton," Pima is extra-long staple cotton that is incredibly soft, smooth, and resistant to pilling.
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Bamboo: BYLT uses bamboo for its natural moisture-wicking, odor-resistant, and thermoregulating properties. It‘s also eco-friendly and biodegradable.
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BYLT Tri-Blend: A custom blend of polyester, cotton, and rayon that is soft, flexible, and durable.
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Micro Modal: A lightweight, breathable fabric that drapes beautifully and resists shrinking and fading.
The brand also has a few trademarked fabric blends, like the BYLT Quad-Blend and BYLT Dual-Blend, which are engineered for specific properties like four-way stretch, shape retention, and UV protection.
All of BYLT‘s pieces are pre-washed to minimize shrinkage and feature reinforced stitching, hems, and seams for added durability. The result is comfortable, reliable basics that you can wash and wear again and again.
Fit & Sizing
Fit is a top priority for BYLT Basics. The brand offers a more tailored, modern cut compared to the boxy, oversized fit of many other basics brands. Tops have a slimmer, athletic fit through the chest and arms, and bottoms are also more streamlined.
The brand advises that you should "fit true to size for a tailored look" and suggests sizing up if you prefer a more relaxed fit. BYLT offers an extensive range of sizes, from XS-XXL to fit a variety of body types.
On each product page, you‘ll find a detailed "Size & Fit" guide with garment measurements and model specs to help you find the right size. Many product pages also feature helpful customer reviews and photos for added fit context.
Customer Reviews & Feedback
So what do actual customers have to say about BYLT Basics? The brand has over 4,000 reviews on their own site, with an impressive average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. Here are some common themes from customer feedback:
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Across the board, reviewers rave about the softness, comfort, and durability of BYLT‘s pieces. Many customers say they are the softest tees and joggers they own.
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Customers appreciate the tailored, modern fit. Many reviewers note that the slim cut is flattering and elevates the basics.
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Several reviews mention the versatility of BYLT‘s pieces. Customers say they can easily dress them up or down.
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BYLT‘s customer service also earns high marks. Reviewers praise the responsive customer service team and easy return/exchange process.
As with any brand, there are a few critiques here and there. Some customers with larger body types find the slim fit to be too snug, so sizing up may be necessary. A few reviewers also mention colors fading after multiple washes.
On external sites like Reddit and YouTube, feedback is also generally positive. Several Reddit users call out BYLT‘s henley as a top pick, and a few popular men‘s fashion YouTubers have featured the brand in videos, praising the quality for the price.
Shipping, Returns, & Promotions
BYLT Basics offers free standard shipping on all domestic orders, with delivery in 3-5 business days. They also ship internationally to over 200 countries for a flat fee of $15.
The brand has a risk-free Home Try-On program where you can order multiple sizes to find your perfect fit. You have 14 days to try on the items and return what doesn‘t work – BYLT will only charge you for what you keep.
For regular purchases, BYLT offers free domestic returns and exchanges within 30 days, as long as items are in new, unworn condition with tags attached. Return shipping is free.
In terms of promotions, BYLT has a 10% off welcome offer when you sign up for their email newsletter. They also have occasional sitewide sales, bundle deals, and limited-time promos.
BYLT Rewards Program
If you find yourself frequently stocking up on BYLT basics, it‘s worth checking out their rewards program. You earn points for every purchase, as well as for actions like leaving reviews, following on social media, and referring friends.
Points can be redeemed for discounts on future purchases. Based on your annual spend, you‘ll also unlock additional perks like free express shipping, early access to sales, and bonus points.
Pros & Cons
To summarize, here are the main advantages and potential drawbacks of BYLT Basics:
Pros:
- Premium, sustainable materials
- Comfortable, durable construction
- Tailored, modern fit
- Ethical production standards
- Free shipping and returns
- Risk-free Home Try-On program
- Positive customer reviews
Cons:
- Slim fit may not work for all body types
- Price point is higher than fast fashion basics
- Limited product range compared to larger brands
- Some reviewers mention issues with fading
How It Compares
If you‘re considering BYLT Basics, you may also be looking at other popular basics brands. Here‘s a quick comparison with a few key competitors:
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Mack Weldon: Mack Weldon also focuses on premium men‘s basics, with a slightly larger product range than BYLT. Prices are comparable. Mack Weldon has a softer, cozier feel while BYLT is more structured and tailored.
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Everlane: Everlane has a much broader selection, including many non-basic pieces. Their basics line is very affordable, but the quality and construction don‘t match BYLT. Everlane also uses more traditional fits compared to BYLT‘s slimmer cuts.
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Rhone: Rhone targets a similar athletic-minded audience with performance basics. Prices are slightly higher than BYLT on average. Rhone has more sports-specific features and a larger activewear collection.
FAQ
To wrap up this BYLT Basics review, here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
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How do BYLT‘s tees fit?
BYLT tees have a slimmer, more tailored fit compared to traditional cut tees. They are fitted through the chest and arms, but not too tight. If you prefer a looser fit, size up. -
Where are BYLT products made?
BYLT partners with WRAP-certified factories in Central and South America to ensure ethical production. Many of their fabrics are also sustainably sourced from the region. -
How long does shipping take?
Domestic orders ship for free and typically arrive in 3-5 business days. International shipping takes 8-14 business days on average. -
Can I return or exchange my BYLT order?
Yes, BYLT offers free domestic returns and exchanges within 30 days of purchase. Items must be in new, unworn condition with tags. -
Does BYLT have physical stores?
No, BYLT Basics is an online-only brand. However, they do have a risk-free Home Try-On program that lets you try items before committing to purchase.
The Verdict
So, is BYLT Basics worth it? Based on our deep dive, we have to say yes. While no brand is completely perfect, BYLT offers a convincing mix of quality, fit, and values.
The brand‘s focus on premium materials, ethical production, and durable construction justify the slightly higher price point compared to fast fashion alternatives. BYLT‘s signature tailored fits also offer a fresh, modern take on basic tees and joggers.
Most importantly, customer reviews suggest that BYLT consistently delivers on their promise of comfortable, long-lasting basics. If you‘re someone who appreciates a crisp, clean look and is willing to invest in well-made foundational pieces, BYLT is definitely worth checking out.
