Hey there, fellow fashion lover! If you‘re like me, you‘re always on the hunt for those perfect wardrobe staples – the kind of clothes that feel amazing, look effortlessly stylish, and stand up to daily wear and tear. Well, I‘m excited to share that I‘ve found a brand that checks all those boxes and more: The Normal Brand.
In this in-depth review, I‘ll be giving you the full scoop on The Normal Brand and its line of elevated basics for men and women. As someone who has personally tried a variety of the brand‘s bestselling items, I can‘t wait to share my honest thoughts.
We‘ll dive into the brand‘s background and mission, take a close look at standout products like tees, polos, and outerwear, compare prices and quality to similar brands, and even hear from other happy customers. By the end, you‘ll have all the info you need to decide if The Normal Brand deserves a spot in your closet. Let‘s get to it!
What is The Normal Brand?
Founded in 2015, The Normal Brand is a family-owned clothing company that‘s on a mission to make the perfect everyday basics. Its name reflects the idea that "normal" clothes – the kind you reach for again and again – can be truly extraordinary when they‘re made the right way.
The Normal Brand was started by Jimmy Sansone after he struggled to find well-made, great-fitting basics that didn‘t cost a fortune. "I wasn‘t interested in chasing trends or logos," he said in an interview with St. Louis Magazine. "I just wanted comfortable, classic clothes that made me feel like my best self."
Along with his two brothers, Jimmy set out to create a line of timeless wardrobe staples using quality materials and ethical production practices. All of The Normal Brand‘s clothes are made in the USA, something that‘s increasingly rare these days.
Six years later, the brand has developed a loyal following for its expertly crafted tees, polos, sweaters, jackets, and more. But how do the clothes actually measure up? Let‘s take a closer look.
The Normal Brand Clothing Review
Over the past few weeks, I put a variety of The Normal Brand‘s bestselling items to the test. Here are my thoughts on each style, with details on materials, fit, price, and more.
The Normal Polo
The Normal Brand‘s signature polo shirt is a staple of the brand, so I was eager to see how it stacked up. I ordered The Normal Polo in the Brick Red color.
Materials: 100% cotton
Fit: True to size, relaxed fit
Price: $58
First of all, the material on this polo is incredibly soft and comfortable. It‘s made from 100% garment-dyed cotton that feels like it‘s already been washed a hundred times (in a good way). The fabric is also breathable and moisture-wicking, making it a great choice for warmer weather.
Fit-wise, The Normal Polo is true to size with a relaxed, easy fit. I‘m 5‘9" and 160 lbs and the Medium was perfect. It‘s not too baggy or oversized, but also not as fitted as some performance polos can be. The length hit right at my waistband, so it can be tucked or untucked.
The detailing on this polo is top-notch. The collar has nice structure and the tennis tail hem is a classic touch. I also appreciate the minimal branding – just a small embroidered "Normal" logo on the chest.
Compared to similar offerings from brands like J.Crew or Bonobos, The Normal Polo holds its own in terms of quality and fit. Those brands‘ polos tend to cost $75+, making The Normal Brand‘s version a solid value at $58.
After several wears and washes, The Normal Polo still looks and feels great. No pilling, shrinking, or fading so far. I‘ll definitely be stocking up on more colors for spring and summer.
The Normal Tee
A great t-shirt is hard to find, so I was curious to see if The Normal Brand‘s version lived up to the hype. I tried The Normal Tee in the Natural Slub color.
Materials: 100% Supima cotton
Fit: True to size, slightly fitted
Price: $35
The fabric on this tee is incredibly soft and feels great against the skin. It‘s made from 100% Supima cotton, which is known for its long staple fibers that make it both strong and smooth. The slub texture adds some nice visual interest.
I found the fit of The Normal Tee to be spot-on. It‘s not too tight or too loose – just a comfortable, tailored silhouette. The sleeves hit at just the right spot on my upper arm and the length is perfect for untucked wear.
One of the best things about The Normal Tee is its versatility. It looks equally good on its own or layered under a jacket or button-down. You can easily dress it up or down depending on the occasion.
Construction-wise, this tee is built to last. The seams are sturdy, the collar keeps its shape, and the fabric has held up beautifully in the wash. No bacon neck here!
At just $35, The Normal Tee is an excellent value. It‘s on par with tees from premium brands like James Perse or Velva Sheen, but at a fraction of the price.
The Normal Utility Jacket
Every guy needs a great utility jacket in his wardrobe, so I was excited to put The Normal Brand‘s version to the test. I ordered the Olive color.
Materials: 100% cotton canvas shell, 100% polyester lining
Fit: True to size, relaxed fit
Price: $178
Right away, I was impressed by the rugged yet refined look of this jacket. The 100% cotton canvas shell has a broken-in feel right out of the box, and the antique brass hardware adds a vintage touch. The olive green color is also super versatile – it pairs well with just about anything.
Inside, the jacket is lined with a soft polyester fabric that adds some extra warmth without bulk. It‘s not as heavy as some wool-lined jackets, making it a great transitional piece for fall and spring.
The Normal Utility Jacket has a relaxed, easy fit that allows for plenty of layering underneath. I‘m able to comfortably fit a heavy sweater or hoodie under mine. The sleeves are also a good length, hitting just past my wrist.
Functionality-wise, this jacket has all the features you‘d expect, like a sturdy zipper closure, adjustable snap cuffs, and ample pockets. The two chest pockets are generously sized and great for holding your phone, wallet, or keys.
Priced at $178, The Normal Utility Jacket is a solid value for the quality. It‘s less expensive than similar jackets from brands like Filson or Taylor Stitch, but doesn‘t sacrifice any craftsmanship. This is a piece that will only get better with age.
Customer Reviews
The Normal Brand has racked up quite a few rave reviews from happy customers. Here are a few highlights:
"The Normal Tee is hands down the best t-shirt I‘ve ever owned. It‘s so soft and comfortable, and fits like it was made just for me. I have it in three colors now!" – Jack R.
"I practically live in my Normal Polos. They look great at the office or on the golf course, and the fabric is really breathable. Worth every penny." – Mike D.
"I gifted my husband The Normal Utility Jacket for Christmas and he hasn‘t taken it off since! The quality is amazing – it looks like it will last forever. Thank you, Normal Brand!" – Sarah T.
Based on the reviews I‘ve seen, it‘s clear that The Normal Brand has struck a chord with guys who value comfort, quality, and timeless style. Many customers appreciate the brand‘s attention to detail and commitment to ethical manufacturing.
The Bottom Line
So, is The Normal Brand worth the hype? After trying a range of the brand‘s clothes for myself, I can confidently say yes.
From the ultra-soft fabrics to the perfect-fitting silhouettes, it‘s clear that a lot of thought and care goes into each piece. The Normal Brand has definitely raised the bar when it comes to everyday essentials.
I also love that the brand is focused on making clothes that will last for the long haul. In a world of fast fashion and disposable garments, it‘s refreshing to find a company that values quality over quantity.
That said, The Normal Brand‘s prices are definitely higher than what you‘d pay at a big box store. Tees start at $35, polos at $58, and jackets can be upwards of $150. But in my opinion, the cost per wear makes it worth it. These are the kind of clothes you‘ll reach for season after season.
The only thing I‘d love to see from The Normal Brand is more transparency around its sustainability practices. The brand doesn‘t share much about the specific origins or environmental impact of its materials and production processes. Adding an "About" page with more details would be a great next step.
Beyond that, though, I really have no complaints. The Normal Brand has become my go-to for elevated basics that make me feel like my best self. I know I‘ll be a loyal customer for years to come.
So if you‘re ready to upgrade your wardrobe with some truly exceptional essentials, I highly recommend checking out The Normal Brand. Trust me, your closet (and your confidence) will thank you.
FAQs
Before we wrap up, I wanted to address a few common questions about The Normal Brand. If you have others, feel free to shoot me a DM on Instagram – I‘m always happy to chat all things fashion!
How do The Normal Brand‘s clothes fit?
In my experience, The Normal Brand‘s clothes run true to size with a comfortable, slightly relaxed fit. They‘re not too baggy or too slim – just a nice middle ground. The brand provides detailed sizing charts for each product, so be sure to check those out before ordering. When in doubt, you can always order two sizes and return what doesn‘t work.
What‘s the quality of The Normal Brand‘s clothes like?
The Normal Brand uses premium materials like 100% Supima cotton, garment-dyed fabrics, and rugged canvas to make its clothes. Everything I‘ve tried has felt really well-made and durable, with sturdy seams and hardware. These are definitely a step up from cheaper mall brands.
Where are The Normal Brand‘s clothes made?
All of The Normal Brand‘s clothes are proudly made in the USA. The company works with factories in Chicago, Los Angeles, and North Carolina to produce its garments. While domestic manufacturing does come at a higher cost, it allows The Normal Brand to ensure ethical working conditions and maintain strict quality control.
What‘s The Normal Brand‘s return policy?
The Normal Brand offers free returns and exchanges on all orders within the US. You have 60 days from the purchase date to return your items for a full refund, as long as they‘re in new, unworn condition with the tags still attached. The brand also offers free return shipping labels for your convenience.
Is The Normal Brand sustainable?
The Normal Brand doesn‘t share a ton of info about its sustainability practices, which is something I hope to see change in the future. The brand does prioritize domestic manufacturing and high-quality materials that are built to last, which is a step in the right direction. However, there aren‘t many specifics around things like eco-friendly fabrics, carbon footprint reduction, etc.
Wrap Up
And there you have it, folks – the full scoop on The Normal Brand and its line of premium basics for men and women. I hope this in-depth review has been helpful as you decide whether to give the brand a try for yourself.
As someone who values style, comfort, and quality above all else, I can honestly say that The Normal Brand has become one of my favorite clothing companies. Its pieces are the kind of effortless, everyday essentials that make you feel like your best self – and that‘s something we could all use more of, if you ask me.
So the next time you‘re in the market for a perfect tee, polo, jacket, or accessory, I highly recommend checking out The Normal Brand. With its top-notch materials, attention to detail, and commitment to ethical production, I have a feeling you‘ll be just as hooked as I am.
Thanks for reading, and happy shopping!
