Hey there, fashion friend! If you‘re anything like me, you‘re always on the hunt for clothes that check all the boxes: stylish, comfortable, well-made, and eco-friendly. That‘s why I was so excited to discover Marine Layer, a California-based brand that promises "absurdly soft" fabrics and a commitment to sustainability.
As a fashion blogger and self-proclaimed comfort enthusiast, I‘ve spent the last few months testing out Marine Layer‘s clothes and getting to know the brand. In this in-depth review, I‘ll share my honest thoughts on Marine Layer‘s quality, style, sustainability, and more. Plus, I‘ll include some styling tips and customer reviews to help you decide if Marine Layer is right for you. Let‘s dive in!
What is Marine Layer?
Founded in 2009, Marine Layer is a San Francisco-based clothing brand that‘s all about softness and sustainability. Their claim to fame is their custom MicroModal fabric, which is made from recycled beechwood fibers and feels incredibly smooth and gentle on the skin.
Marine Layer offers a range of laid-back basics for women and men, including tees, sweats, dresses, shorts, and more. They describe their aesthetic as "a little bit vintage, a little bit minimalist, and always coastal-cool."
But Marine Layer isn‘t just focused on style – they also prioritize ethical manufacturing and eco-friendly materials. The brand partners with fair trade certified factories and uses sustainable fabrics like organic cotton, recycled polyester, and Tencel.
One of Marine Layer‘s most innovative programs is Re-Spun, which collects old tees from customers and recycles them into new fabric. To date, they‘ve diverted over 250,000 tees from landfills! Pretty incredible, right?
My Marine Layer Experience
Now, I know what you‘re thinking: "Okay, but how do Marine Layer‘s clothes actually look and feel?" Well, I‘m happy to report that after trying a bunch of their pieces, I‘m pretty dang impressed.
The first thing I noticed was just how soft everything was. The MicroModal fabric truly lives up to the hype – it‘s buttery smooth and feels amazing against my skin. I‘m especially obsessed with my Allston dress, which is made from a lightweight Tencel fabric that‘s perfect for hot summer days.
I also appreciate Marine Layer‘s relaxed, effortless vibe. These are the kinds of clothes that you can just throw on and feel instantly put-together, whether you‘re running errands or meeting friends for brunch. The fits are generally loose and forgiving, but still flattering.
In terms of quality, I‘ve been really pleased with how well my Marine Layer pieces have held up. I‘ve washed my Afternoon hoodie dress and Tie Tee countless times, and they still look and feel great. No pilling, no stretching out of shape – just soft, cozy goodness.
Of course, no brand is perfect, and I do have a few small critiques of Marine Layer. I wish they offered a wider range of sizes (they currently go up to XXL), and some of their pieces are definitely on the pricier side for basics.
But overall, I‘ve been really happy with my Marine Layer experience. It feels good to support a brand that prioritizes sustainability and ethical manufacturing, and the clothes themselves are just so darn comfortable and cute.
What Other Customers Are Saying
But don‘t just take my word for it – I combed through hundreds of Marine Layer reviews to get a sense of what other customers think. Here are some common themes and standout comments:
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Softness: Unsurprisingly, the most common praise for Marine Layer was about their incredibly soft fabrics. One reviewer raved, "I didn‘t believe that clothing could actually feel this soft until I tried Marine Layer. It‘s like wearing a cloud!"
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Comfort: Many customers noted how comfortable and easy to wear Marine Layer‘s clothes are. "I have several of their dresses and I always reach for them when I want to feel put-together but still comfortable," one review said. "They‘re perfect for working from home or running errands."
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Quality: Reviewers generally felt that Marine Layer‘s pieces were well-made and held up over time. "I‘ve had my Re-Spun tee for over a year now and it still looks and feels great after countless washes," a customer wrote.
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Sustainability: Eco-conscious shoppers appreciated Marine Layer‘s commitment to sustainability and ethical manufacturing. "I love supporting brands that are trying to do better for people and the planet," one reviewer said. "Marine Layer‘s Re-Spun program and use of sustainable materials are so impressive."
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Sizing: Some customers noted that Marine Layer‘s sizing can be inconsistent or run small, especially in their women‘s line. "Definitely check the size chart and read reviews before ordering," a reviewer advised. "I usually size up in their dresses and shorts."
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Price: A handful of reviewers felt that Marine Layer‘s prices were a bit steep, particularly for basics like tees and sweats. "I love the quality and feel of their clothes, but I do wish they were a bit more affordable," one customer wrote. "I usually wait for sales to stock up."
Overall though, the vast majority of Marine Layer reviews are glowingly positive. Customers seem to really appreciate the brand‘s cozy fabrics, laid-back style, and commitment to doing good.
The Bottom Line
So, is Marine Layer worth the hype (and the price tag)? In my opinion, absolutely.
I know that investing in sustainable, well-made basics can feel like a splurge, especially when you can get a cheap tee at any fast fashion retailer. But to me, the quality, comfort, and eco-friendly ethos of Marine Layer makes it totally worthwhile.
When I wear Marine Layer, I feel good knowing that my clothes were made ethically and with the planet in mind. I also appreciate the versatility of their pieces – I can dress my Afternoon hoodie up with slacks for a Zoom meeting, or wear it with leggings for a cozy day at home.
Ultimately, I think Marine Layer is an excellent choice for anyone who values softness, sustainability, and a laid-back, coastal-cool aesthetic. Their clothes are the perfect blend of comfort and style, and they hold up really well over time.
If you‘re new to the brand, I‘d recommend starting with one of their signature soft tees or a versatile dress like the Allston. And don‘t forget to check the size chart and read reviews before ordering to ensure the best fit!
While Marine Layer‘s prices are definitely an investment, I think they‘re worth it for the quality and peace of mind you get. Plus, the brand often runs sales and promotions – definitely sign up for their email list to stay in the loop.
At the end of the day, fashion is all about feeling confident and expressing yourself. And in my experience, Marine Layer‘s clothes make me feel my best – cozy, put-together, and proud to support a brand that‘s trying to make a difference.
So go ahead, treat yourself to that super-soft tee or perfect summer dress. Your wardrobe (and the planet) will thank you.
Shop Marine Layer Bestsellers
Not sure where to start? Here are some of Marine Layer‘s most popular and highly rated pieces:
| Women‘s Bestsellers | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| The Allston Dress | $88 | 4.8/5 stars |
| The Afternoon Hoodie Dress | $125 | 4.6/5 stars |
| The Tie Tee | $45 | 4.7/5 stars |
| The Corbet Shorts | $68 | 4.5/5 stars |
| Men‘s Bestsellers | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| The Corbet Short | $78 | 4.8/5 stars |
| The Outfield Sweatshirt | $98 | 4.6/5 stars |
| The Reversible Pullover | $135 | 4.7/5 stars |
| The Margo Tee | $45 | 4.9/5 stars |
Ratings based on Marine Layer website reviews as of September 2021
How to Shop
Ready to dive into the soft, sustainable world of Marine Layer? Here are a few tips for snagging the best deals and finding your perfect fit:
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Sign up for emails: When you join Marine Layer‘s email list, you‘ll get a 15% off code for your first purchase. Plus, you‘ll be the first to know about sales and new arrivals.
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Follow on social: Marine Layer often hosts giveaways and shares discount codes on their Instagram and Facebook. Plus, their feed is full of cute styling ideas!
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Shop the sales: Marine Layer has two big sales each year: their Birthday Sale in March and their Black Friday/Cyber Monday event in November. Mark your calendar and stock up on basics!
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Check the size chart: Marine Layer provides detailed measurements for each item on their website. I definitely recommend checking the size chart and reading reviews before ordering, as some pieces can run small or large.
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Read the fabric details: One of the best things about Marine Layer is their ultra-soft custom fabrics. Before buying, make sure to check the fabric content and care instructions so you know exactly what you‘re getting.
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Get to know Re-Spun: Marine Layer‘s Re-Spun collection features styles made with their signature recycled fabric. Buying Re-Spun pieces is a great way to support the brand‘s sustainability efforts (and score some cozy clothes while you‘re at it).
I hope this in-depth review has given you a better sense of what Marine Layer is all about and whether their clothes might be right for you. In my experience, this brand is the real deal – delivering on their promises of softness, style, and sustainability.
While Marine Layer‘s prices are definitely an investment, I truly believe their clothes are worth it for the quality, comfort, and peace of mind you get. Plus, by supporting brands like Marine Layer, we can all help drive the fashion industry in a more ethical, eco-friendly direction.
So the next time you‘re in the market for a new hoodie, tee, or dress, I highly recommend checking out Marine Layer. Treat yourself to a little softness and style – I have a feeling you won‘t regret it.
Happy shopping, fashion friends! And let me know in the comments if you‘ve tried Marine Layer – I‘d love to hear about your experience.
