Reiss Review: My Honest Take on the Quintessential British Brand

Are you on the hunt for elegant, modern clothing that will make you feel polished and put-together? If so, you need to have Reiss on your radar. This iconic British brand has been a go-to for fashion-savvy men and women for over 50 years, known for its impeccable tailoring, premium quality fabrics, and effortlessly cool designs.

As a die-hard fashion fanatic, I‘ve been a loyal Reiss customer for years. I‘m constantly impressed by the brand‘s ability to release fresh, covetable collections season after season. So I‘m excited to share my honest, first-hand Reiss review with you! We‘ll dive into the brand‘s history, bestsellers, and unboxings, so you can decide if Reiss is worth the splurge for your wardrobe.

Reiss Review Overview

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, here‘s a quick overview of what you can expect from my Reiss review:

• Background on Reiss‘s history and evolution from a small men‘s tailoring shop to an international fashion brand
• Detailed reviews of bestselling pieces from the women‘s and men‘s collections
• Insights on Reiss‘s quality, fit, pricing, and overall value
• Comparisons between Reiss and similar British High Street brands
• Discussion of Reiss‘s brand values and sustainability initiatives
• Styling tips for incorporating Reiss pieces into your wardrobe
• Overview of shipping, returns, and customer service policies
• My honest verdict on whether Reiss is worth the investment

Whether you‘re a longtime fan of the brand or just discovering Reiss for the first time, I hope my review helps you make a more informed shopping decision. Let‘s dive in!

The History of Reiss: From Humble Beginnings to Household Name

Reiss was founded in 1971 by David Reiss, who started out selling men‘s suits in London. With a passion for dressing men in smart, sophisticated styles, David grew the brand slowly and steadily over the decades. In the early days, Reiss focused on classic tailoring using premium fabrics sourced from top British mills.

The brand expanded into womenswear in 2000, translating its modern take on elegance and luxurious fabrics into clothing and accessories for stylish women. Over the past two decades, Reiss has become an international success story, with over 160 stores worldwide and a thriving e-commerce business.

Along the way, Reiss has earned a reputation for exceptional quality and design. The brand has won multiple industry awards, including Menswear Designer of the Year at the British Fashion Awards. Reiss also gained a royal stamp of approval when the Duchess of Cambridge wore a white Reiss dress in her official engagement photos in 2010.

Today, Reiss is a go-to brand for cosmopolitan men and women who appreciate clothing that blends classic refinement with contemporary style. In the words of David Reiss, "From the very beginning, I wanted to create a modern, design-led brand with a luxurious feel but an affordable price tag."

Reiss Women‘s Collection Review

As a fashion-obsessed woman, Reiss is one of my absolute favorite brands. The women‘s collection is full of gorgeous elevated essentials and special pieces that make me feel confident and chic. Here are a few of my must-haves from Reiss:

Reiss Lexi Dress Review

The Lexi is Reiss‘s best-selling dress style, and it‘s easy to see why. This sleek, figure-skimming sheath dress comes in multiple colors and prints, making it incredibly versatile. I own it in both black and navy, and I reach for them constantly for everything from work to weddings.

The Lexi is made from a thick, stretchy ponte fabric that offers great structure and shaping without feeling restrictive. It has a crew neckline, nipped waist, and pencil skirt that hits just below the knee. The back zip closure and fully lined construction make it feel expensive and well-made.

I‘m 5‘6" and the size 6 fits me like a glove. It‘s tailored enough to look polished, but the stretch makes it comfortable to wear all day. At $370, the Lexi dress is definitely an investment, but the cost-per-wear is excellent. I‘ve lost track of how many times I‘ve worn mine! If you‘re going to splurge on one piece from Reiss, make it this one.

Reiss Arlo Leather Biker Jacket Review

Every woman needs a great leather jacket in her closet, and the Arlo biker jacket from Reiss is a stunner. Made from buttery-soft lambskin leather, this slightly cropped moto style has classic biker details like zipper pockets and a belted waist.

The leather is substantial but not too heavy, so it works for multiple seasons. I love the versatility of the classic black hue, but it also comes in a beautiful dark green if you want something a little different. The size 6 fits me perfectly with enough room for light layers underneath.

The quality is amazing—you can immediately feel the difference from cheaper faux leather jackets. This is a piece that will age beautifully and last for decades if cared for properly. At $745, it‘s a major splurge, but a worthwhile one for the incredible craftsmanship and timeless style in my opinion. I‘ve worn my Arlo constantly for over a year and it still looks pristine.

Reiss Joanne Sweater Review

For an effortless dose of laid-back luxe, look no further than Reiss‘s knitwear. The Joanne is a boxy-fit crewneck sweater made from a sumptuous merino wool and cashmere blend in a chunky ribbed knit. The proportions are perfect in my opinion—it‘s slightly cropped to pair with high-waisted bottoms but not too short.

I love the oatmeal color for a cozy, winter white look, but it also comes in classic black, navy, and a gorgeous warm russet hue. The knit is substantial and plush, but still lightweight enough to tuck in. After tons of washes, my Joanne sweater hasn‘t pilled at all.

At $285, it‘s less than I‘ve paid for 100% cashmere sweaters from other brands. The wool blend is honestly just as soft and looks expensive. If you‘re looking for a throw-on-and-go knit you‘ll reach for weekly, the Joanne is a great buy.

Reiss Men‘s Collection Review

Reiss may have started with menswear, but they haven‘t stopped perfecting and innovating men‘s staples five decades later. My husband is just as much a Reiss fan as I am! Here are his top picks from the current collection:

Reiss Hope Slim Fit Suit Jacket Review

My husband has owned Reiss‘s bestselling Hope suit jacket for a few years now, and it‘s become his go-to for everything from job interviews to weddings. The slim-cut silhouette is modern and flattering, with a slightly nipped waist and tapered sleeves.

The Italian wool fabric is truly impressive for the price—it looks and feels like a suit twice its price at $590. It‘s a nice mid-weight that can work for most climates, with just a slight sheen. The Hope jacket has great details like a half-canvassed construction, pick-stitching, and a ticket pocket.

My husband is 6‘0" and wears the 40R, which fits him perfectly slim but not too tight. The cut is definitely on the slimmer side, so if you‘re in between sizes or plan to wear heavier layers under it, I‘d recommend sizing up. But overall, it‘s been the ultimate workhorse suit jacket for him.

Reiss Maxwell Leather Derby Shoes Review

If you‘re going to invest in nice clothing, you can‘t neglect your shoes. The Maxwell derby shoes from Reiss have become my husband‘s favorite pair for dressier outfits. They have a classic derby silhouette, with an almond toe shape, 5 eyelet lacing, and a low block heel.

The uppers are made from a smooth, lustrous leather that actually feels sturdier than some designer brands. The construction has a Goodyear-welted leather sole that‘s replaceable with wear and tear. For $385, I think the quality far exceeds most department store options.

My husband wears a US size 11, and he found the Maxwell to be true to size. They were comfortable out of the box for him, but he uses cedar shoe trees to help maintain the shape. We had his cobbler add rubber half-soles as extra protection from wet weather too. He‘s now reaching for them over his designer derby shoes!

Is Reiss Worth It? My Honest Verdict

By now, it‘s probably clear that I‘m a big Reiss fan. But I know the prices can seem steep, so you‘re probably wondering—is Reiss clothing really worth it? Here‘s my honest take:

Reiss Pros:

• Excellent quality materials and construction
• Modern, polished designs that flatter
• Wide range of styles for work, special occasions, and weekends
• Emphasis on tailoring and fit for a put-together look
• Strong brand reputation and celeb/royal endorsements

Reiss Cons:

• Prices are definitely in the luxury/premium category
• Trend-driven pieces may feel dated after a season or two
• Limited plus sizing and petite/tall options
• Some inconsistencies in sizing across different styles

Ultimately, I think Reiss is absolutely worth the price for staple pieces and special occasion outfits you‘ll wear for years. The quality and fit are truly a cut above most mall brands. You‘re paying for excellent fabrics, sleek tailoring, and thoughtful details.

However, I wouldn‘t splash out on Reiss for super trendy pieces that are likely to feel dated quickly. Stick to the brand‘s timeless, minimalist aesthetic when investing. And be sure to always check the size guide, since some styles can run small or large.

Another factor to consider is Reiss‘s strong commitment to ethical and sustainable practices, with goals to use majority sustainable fabrications by 2025. The brand has also taken steps to improve traceability and ensure safe, fair working conditions across its supply chain. To me, that makes the higher price point feel more justifiable.

In terms of pricing, Reiss sits slightly above contemporary brands like Theory or Ted Baker, but below luxury designer labels. Most women‘s dresses fall in the $300-500 range, with outerwear around $600-800 and basics like knitwear around $200-300. Men‘s suits average around $800-1000, with separates like trousers starting around $200.

Frequent sales, plus a 10% off student discount, can help ease the sticker shock. Reiss also offers free shipping over $200 and free returns within 28 days for online orders.

So if you‘re someone who values investing in high-quality, sophisticated pieces, then I think you‘ll find Reiss to be worth the cost. The elegant, minimal aesthetic and premium construction set the brand apart. And with classic pieces you‘ll reach for season after season, you‘ll get plenty of bang for your buck with Reiss.

How to Style Reiss Pieces in Your Wardrobe

One of my favorite things about Reiss is how effortlessly the pieces fit into my existing wardrobe. The polished, pared-back designs are incredibly easy to mix and match for both casual and dressy outfits. Here are a few of my favorite ways to style Reiss clothing:

For a chic 9-to-5 look:

• Reiss Mara tailored trousers
• Reiss Annie silk blouse
• Reiss Ava heeled pumps
• Reiss Marcie belt

For an elevated weekend look:

• Reiss Skye straight leg jeans
• Reiss Nora chunky turtleneck sweater
• Reiss Dree ankle boots
• Reiss Margot leather crossbody bag

For a glam evening out:

• Reiss Juno satin slip dress
• Reiss Petra strappy heeled sandals
• Reiss Mimi beaded minaudiere clutch

The key is to build your Reiss pieces around wardrobe essentials in luxe, neutral colors. Pieces in black, navy, camel, grey, and white will be most versatile for mixing and matching. Don‘t be afraid to dress Reiss pieces down with denim and knits for more casual looks too.

If you‘re unsure, Reiss offers free styling appointments both in-store and virtually. Stylists can help you put together outfits, find the right silhouettes for your frame, and hunt down specific pieces. It‘s like having a personal shopper at your fingertips.

Final Thoughts

I hope my in-depth Reiss review has helped shed some light on this timeless yet modern British brand! Over the past decade of wearing Reiss clothing, I continue to be impressed by the quality, design, and customer service. There‘s a reason Reiss has a loyal following among fashion editors, celebs, and royals like Kate Middleton.

Yes, the prices are steep compared to fast fashion brands. But for beautifully tailored, elegant pieces that will last, Reiss is a worthwhile splurge in my book. I‘d rather buy one Reiss jacket I‘ll wear for 10 years than 5 shabby fast fashion versions.

If you‘ve been on the fence about trying Reiss, I wholeheartedly recommend the brand. Be sure to take advantage of their free shipping/returns and stellar customer service. And keep an eye out for end-of-season sales to get the best bang for your buck on Reiss‘s modern luxe pieces.

With Reiss‘s focus on sustainability, premium fabrics, and timeless designs, you can feel good about investing in pieces that will serve you well for years. Whether you snap up a signature tailored jacket or a breezy silk dress, Reiss will undoubtedly become one of your wardrobe MVPs. Don‘t blame me if you get hooked!