Boyish Clothing Review: Sustainable, Vintage-Inspired Denim with a Modern Twist

If you‘re a fan of vintage-style denim with a commitment to sustainability, Boyish is a brand worth checking out. Launched in 2019 by denim industry veteran Jordan Nodarse, Boyish has quickly made a name for itself among eco-conscious fashionistas who appreciate the throwback aesthetic of classic jeans tailored for the female form.

In this in-depth Boyish clothing review, I‘ll share everything you need to know about the brand, its bestselling jeans and apparel, and what real customers think. Plus, get the lowdown on Boyish‘s green manufacturing practices, how it stacks up to other sustainable denim brands, and insider intel on discounts and policies. By the end, you‘ll have all the details to decide if Boyish deserves a place in your consciously-curated closet.

About Boyish: Denim Inspired by the Past, Made for the Future

Boyish founder Jordan Nodarse knows the denim business inside and out, having previously worked at eco-fashion brand Reformation. Nodarse started Boyish as a response to women who wanted jeans with a "borrowed from the boys" look and fit.

The LA-based label specializes in denim made from sturdy men‘s fabrics but cut and tailored to flatter the female figure. As the name hints, Boyish jeans nail that perfect balance of masculinity and femininity. Think straight leg silhouettes, high waists, and worn-in washes that capture decades past, from the 70s to 90s.

But Boyish doesn‘t just emulate throwback style—it also embodies the counterculture spirit of eras known for social change. The company operates with a 21st century ethos grounded in environmental responsibility and ethical production.

Every pair of Boyish jeans is crafted with the planet in mind. The brand uses certified organic and recycled cotton, clean dyes, and one-third of the water used in typical denim manufacturing. Even the tags and hardware are sustainably made. It‘s all part of Boyish‘s commitment to "leaving as little impact on the earth as possible."

Boyish at a Glance

Here are the key things to know about Boyish:

• Women‘s jeans and apparel with a vintage-inspired tomboyish aesthetic
• Denim made from organic/recycled cotton and eco-friendly materials
• Follows sustainable and ethical production practices
• Jeans retail for around $150-200
• Based in Los Angeles, sold at many international retailers
• Climate Neutral certified and a PETA-approved vegan brand

Now that you have the background, let‘s dive into the good stuff—the jeans! I‘ll review some of Boyish‘s bestselling denim, plus a few other popular clothing items from the brand‘s growing range.

Boyish Jeans Review: The Billy, The Tommy, and More

Boyish offers an array of denim fits, washes, and leg styles for every taste. One thing they all have in common? A vintage look and feel that doesn‘t compromise on modern comfort and wearability.

The Billy High-Rise Skinny Jeans Review

The Billy is Boyish‘s signature high-rise skinny jean, and it comes in several washes to suit any vibe. I‘m partial to the La Strada, a sleek black wash that‘s eternally chic and easy to dress up or down.

With a snug fit through the hip and thigh and a cropped 9.5" leg opening, the Billy hugs curves without feeling restrictive, thanks to a touch of elastane in the organic cotton blend. The 11" rise lends a lengthening effect and keeps everything sucked in at the waist.

Thoughtful details give these skinnies a cool factor, like gunmetal hardware, exposed button fly, and subtle whiskering. Customers rave that the Billy "fits like a dream" and is "incredibly flattering." At $168, they‘re an investment, but the quality construction and eco-friendly materials justify the price.

The Tommy High-Rise Straight Leg Jeans Review

Channel all the nostalgia with Boyish‘s The Tommy jeans, a classic straight leg with a vintage 90s-inspired silhouette. Sitting high on the waist and fitted through the knee, the Tommy has a relaxed 14" leg opening for a looked pulled from the pages of a Delia‘s catalog (if you know, you know).

I love the Tommy in the Here And Now light blue wash, which has slight distressing for a lived-in effect. The 100% organic cotton denim is structured yet soft, and it molds to your body with wear.

Boyish customers call the Tommy "the perfect vintage-style straight leg jean" and praise the "spot-on fit." For an effortless model-off-duty outfit, pair the Tommy with a fitted ribbed tank and oversized blazer.

The Mikey High-Rise Wide Leg Jeans Review

For a more fashion-forward take on throwback denim, consider Boyish‘s The Mikey. This dramatic wide leg jean nods to the 70s with a high 12.5" rise and generous 20" leg opening.

The Mikey comes in unique washes like the On The Run, a saturated dark blue with contrasting gold stitching and buttons. Made from 100% cotton, this jean has a structured feel and holds its voluminous shape.

The exaggerated proportions of the Mikey create a statement look, especially if you‘re petite—the extra-long hem is made to be worn with sky-high platforms. Because of the bold silhouette, some reviewers recommend sizing down for a more fitted waist and rear.

Boyish Clothing Review: Jumpsuits, Dresses, and More

Boyish brings its signature denim-inspired aesthetic to other clothing items, all made with the same sustainable materials and practices. Read on for my review of the brand‘s jumpsuits, dresses, pants, and tees.

The Vincent Jumpsuit Review

Utilitarian dressing is trending, and Boyish‘s The Vincent Jumpsuit exemplifies the look. Rendered in a mustard herringbone twill, this workwear one-piece has a straight leg and sleeve with a very slightly nipped waist.

A trio of patch pockets and a button front give the Vincent a borrowed-from-the-boys feel, but the cropped length and included sash belt let you feminize the fit. I can imagine wearing this jumpsuit with chunky loafers and gold hoops or dressing it up with strappy sandals and a red lip.

Customers confirm the Vincent is well-constructed and say the color is "a dream in person." The heavy organic cotton has no stretch, so consider sizing up if you want a slouchier look.

The Luca Denim Dress Review

Boyish describes The Luca as "not your typical denim dress"—and I‘d have to agree. With its voluminous tiered skirt and avant-garde cocoon shape, the Luca captures the whimsical spirit of the 80s.

Made from non-stretch 100% organic cotton, the Luca holds its sculptural silhouette and has a substantial weight. The dress has unexpected details like a high back slit, tonal stitching, and a raw hem for an edgy feel. Pair with combat boots and a leather jacket for a cool downtown look.

The 80s-inspired shape takes confidence to pull off, so some customers suggest sizing down for a more body-skimming fit. For $188, the Luca Dress offers a distinctive take on denim that‘s full of personality.

The Toby Sweatpant Review

Boyish‘s The Toby Sweatpant nails the cozy-cool athleisure aesthetic. These straight leg sweats are made from plush organic cotton fleece and have a retro look with striped ribbed trim and a low rise.

I‘m into the idea of styling the Tobys with a fitted, tucked-in tee and chunky sneakers for an effortless sporty outfit. Customers say they‘re soft, comfy, and "very on-trend with the vintage sweats style that‘s so popular right now."

The tapered leg on these sweats keeps the volume in check and ensures they don‘t overwhelm a petite frame. With their cute color options and 70s-inspired flare, the Tobys are perfect for off-duty days.

A Note on Boyish Denim Sizing and Fit

In general, Boyish denim is fitted in the waist and hip with a true-to-size fit. However, several customers note that the jeans can run small, especially for curvier body types.

A few other things to keep in mind about Boyish sizing:

• Most Boyish jeans contain a small percentage of elastane for comfort, but some are 100% cotton with no stretch.

• In rigid cotton styles with no "give," like The Mikey wide leg, you may want to size up for a more comfortable fit.

• If you‘re between sizes, opt for the larger size in Boyish skinnies and slimmer cuts.

• Boyish denim will loosen slightly with wear. If jeans feel tight at first, give them a few wears to relax.

It‘s always a good idea to reference the brand‘s size chart and customer reviews for guidance on selecting the right size. Boyish offers free shipping and returns, so you can easily exchange if needed.

Boyish Sustainability and Ethics

A core part of Boyish‘s identity is its commitment to operating sustainably and ethically. Here‘s a closer look at the brand‘s eco-friendly practices:

• Uses only certified organic, recycled, and plant-based materials
• Employs clean dye technology and uses less water than conventional denim production
• Crafts jeans with recycled zippers, buttons, and tags
• Partners with Oeko-Tex certified facilities that ensure safe working conditions
• Sells products in recycled or biodegradable packaging
• Donates to environmental causes and participates in denim recycling initiatives

Founder Jordan Nodarse is hands-on in overseeing Boyish‘s production, visiting the company‘s facilities to ensure the highest ethical standards are upheld. The brand‘s commitment to sustainability is central to everything it does.

How Boyish Measures Up to Other Sustainable Denim Brands

Of course, Boyish isn‘t the only player in the eco-friendly denim game. Other popular sustainable jeans brands include Reformation, Everlane, Madewell, and AG. So how does Boyish compare?

Like Boyish, LA-based Reformation uses organic and recycled materials, clean dyes, and responsible manufacturing to minimize its environmental impact. Both brands have a cool-girl aesthetic, but Reformation offers a wider range of styles beyond denim.

Everlane is known for its transparent pricing and ethical production, with a focus on clean, modern basics. The brand recently launched its own eco denim collection made from organic cotton.

Madewell also has a sustainable denim line made with 100% organic cotton and less water, while AG prioritizes ozone technology and biodegradable elastane in its jeans.

What sets Boyish apart is its singular focus on denim and its super specific tomboyish, vintage-inspired niche. The brand has nailed its aesthetic and doesn‘t dilute it by doing too much. When you want sustainable denim with a nostalgic 90s feel, Boyish is the go-to.

What Customers Are Saying About Boyish Jeans

So what do real Boyish customers think about the brand‘s jeans? I scoured reviews from Boyish‘s website and retailers, and here‘s what I found:

The good:

• Customers rave about the authentic vintage look of Boyish denim
• Many reviewers note the jeans are remarkably soft, comfortable, and well-made
• Boyish jeans get high marks for their "amazingly flattering" fit, especially in the waist
• Eco-conscious customers appreciate the brand‘s transparent sustainability practices
• Petite reviewers like the cropped length of Boyish jeans

The not-so-good:

• Some customers say Boyish jeans run small and suggest sizing up
• A few reviews mention the front pockets on the jeans are shallow
• Certain customers feel the denim is slow to break in and can be stiff at first

Overall, the reviews for Boyish are quite positive, with the brand earning an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Customers seem especially impressed with the look and feel of Boyish‘s premium eco denim.

Is Boyish Worth It?

With jeans ringing in at close to $200, there‘s no denying Boyish comes with a designer denim price tag. As someone who values quality, longevity, and responsible production, I believe investing in a pair of Boyish jeans can be worth it.

Here‘s why: Boyish doesn‘t cut corners. The brand uses only the best sustainable materials and ethical production methods, which cost more than conventionally-made denim. You‘re paying for premium fabrics, uncompromising attention to detail, and the peace of mind that comes with supporting an eco-friendly company.

Then there‘s the fit and look of Boyish jeans, which truly capture that elusive vintage feel. Boyish spends time perfecting the cut and wash of each jean to ensure it flatters and feels amazing. You‘d be hard pressed to find that level of quality control at a fast fashion retailer.

All that said, $200 jeans are certainly a splurge for most people. Luckily, Boyish offers occasional sales and promotions to help you save. I‘ll share more on that below.

Boyish Discounts and How to Save

One easy way to score 20% off your Boyish order is to sign up for the brand‘s newsletter. You‘ll get the discount code sent to your inbox, along with updates on future sales and product drops.

Besides the welcome offer, Boyish periodically runs promotions where you can snag best-selling styles for less. In the past, the brand has offered a site-wide sale of 30% off for Black Friday. Definitely keep an eye out around major shopping holidays.

Boyish also has a small sale section on its website where you can shop last-chance items. Otherwise, watch for seasonal sales at department stores that carry Boyish, like Nordstrom, Shopbop, and Anthropologie.

Where to Buy Boyish Jeans

You can always find the brand‘s complete collection on the official Boyish website. The online store offers free shipping and returns on orders within the continental US.

If you prefer to shop Boyish in person, use the store locator on the brand‘s website to find a retailer near you. Boyish is stocked at over 200 stores worldwide, including top shops like Revolve, Free People, Urban Outfitters, and Anthropologie.

The Bottom Line on Boyish

For vintage-inspired sustainable denim with modern fits, Boyish is tough to beat. The LA-based brand has achieved the feel of genuine old-school jeans while using innovative eco-friendly fabrics and ethical production methods.

Boyish has a focused, well-edited collection that doesn‘t chase trends. You can count on the brand for cool, slouchy jeans with perfect washes and nostalgic details. And while Boyish‘s sustainable manufacturing comes at a price, you‘re investing in responsibly-made premium denim that‘s built to last.

If your personal style skews throwback tomboy, you‘re the target Boyish customer. These are the jeans you‘ll want to live in—and thanks to their quality construction, you totally can. Get yourself a pair of Billy skinnies or Tommy straight legs and watch them become your everyday go-tos.

Boyish may be a newcomer to the denim scene, but it‘s already earned a devoted following among vintage fashion lovers. With its authentic look, ethical mission, and laidback California vibes, this is a brand I can see myself wearing on repeat. Consider me a Boyish fangirl.