Soft Surroundings Review: My Honest Take On This Unique Women‘s Lifestyle Brand
As a fashion-loving woman over 40, I‘ve long been a fan of Soft Surroundings. This women‘s clothing, accessories, and home furnishings brand offers unique, artisan-inspired pieces with an emphasis on comfort and craftsmanship. They cater to women like me who crave stylish yet functional items that make us feel beautiful.
In this comprehensive Soft Surroundings review, I‘ll share my personal experiences with the brand as a loyal customer for over 5 years. I‘ll cover their products, perks, customer feedback, and more to help you determine if they‘re worth shopping. Consider me your trusted girlfriend giving you the scoop on this popular retailer!
What is Soft Surroundings?
Before diving into the details, let me clarify what Soft Surroundings is all about. Founded in 1999, this retailer offers a curated selection of upscale women‘s apparel, accessories, beauty products, home decor, and gifts. Their target customers are women over 40 seeking comfortable, elegant pieces with a global, artistic flair.
Some key facts about Soft Surroundings:
- Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri
- Products sold online, through catalogs, and at 50+ retail stores across the U.S.
- Generates over $250 million in annual revenue
- Donates 5% of net profits to the Soft Surroundings Foundation supporting women‘s education and wellbeing
So while they‘re not as ubiquitous as retailers like Chico‘s or Coldwater Creek, they‘ve steadily grown a loyal following, myself included! I appreciate that they‘re not a huge global chain but still have a strong brick-and-mortar and online presence.
Soft Surroundings Products
Now for the good stuff – the products! Soft Surroundings truly excels at picking unique pieces that fuse comfort, quality, and style. I‘m consistently impressed by their buyers‘ ability to find standout items I don‘t see at mainstream retailers.
Here‘s an overview of their main offerings:
Women‘s Apparel
Soft Surroundings‘ clothing is designed with busy, style-savvy women in mind. You‘ll find a great mix of basics and statement pieces in sizes XS-3X, including:
- Dresses (day dresses, special occasion, etc.)
- Sweaters, tops & tees
- Pants, jeans, crops & shorts
- Skirts
- Activewear & athleisure
- Outerwear
- Sleepwear & loungewear
- Swimwear
I gravitate towards their dresses and tops especially. Some personal favorites that never fail to earn me compliments:
- Indigo Gardens Dress – A jersey knit midi with beautiful floral embroidery. So comfy yet looks elegant!
- Seamed Tunic Sweater – This polished sweater layers effortlessly and has the perfect relaxed yet tailored fit.
What I appreciate is how Soft Surroundings bridges the gap between frumpy and trendy. Their pieces feel modern yet age-appropriate and well-made. The fabrics are divine and really hold up over time.
Many popular items come in petite and tall lengths too, which I know many of my fellow mid-life ladies appreciate. No more swimming in too-long pants or tops!
Accessories
To finish your look, Soft Surroundings offers a carefully curated accessories collection including:
- Jewelry
- Scarves, shawls & wraps
- Belts
- Hats
- Readers
- Socks & hosiery
- Shoes & sandals
The aesthetic is very artisanal and natural – think semi-precious stones, hammered metals, gorgeous embroidery and beadwork. They‘re statement pieces that can really elevate basics.
My must-have accessory is the Aravalli Gardens Scarf which features stunning floral embroidery on the softest wool. I reach for it constantly!
Many shoppers rave about Soft Surroundings‘ footwear too. Their Sporto Boots and Sicily Slides get top marks for combining fashion and function. I don‘t own these personally but am eyeing a pair based on all the positive reviews!
Beauty
Skincare, makeup, fragrance, and bath and body products are also available. The offerings lean towards naturally-derived and cruelty-free options.
Some bestsellers:
- Lapis Facial Oil – A much-hyped product that reviewers credit for improving skin‘s texture and glow
- Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 – A foundation/skincare hybrid beloved for its dewy yet natural finish
I sampled this skin tint at my local store and was very impressed. It really does perfect skin without looking heavy or cakey.
Home Furnishings
Make your home a haven with Soft Surroundings‘ selection of:
- Bedding & bath
- Home decor & pillows
- Furniture
- Rugs
- Curtains & lighting
- Outdoor living
If you like a rustic yet refined aesthetic, you‘ll be in heaven! Think cozy quilts, nature-inspired art, hand-carved furniture, and more. Many items feature global accents and artisan details you don‘t find just anywhere.
Personally, I‘m obsessed with Soft Surroundings sheets and bedding. I have the Woven Silky Tencel Sheet Set and they are divine! So smooth and cooling against the skin. Well worth the price for a little everyday luxury.
What Real Customers Are Saying
Of course, it‘s important to look beyond one person‘s opinion. Here‘s an overview of how customers rate Soft Surroundings across major review platforms:
| Platform | Average Rating | # of Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| Soft Surroundings Website | 4.4/5 stars | 18,300+ |
| 4.6/5 stars | 11,400+ | |
| 4.3/5 stars | 4,400+ | |
| Reseller Ratings | 8.0/10 | 2,900+ |
| Trustpilot | 3.7/5 stars | 600+ |
| Avg Across Platforms | 4.2/5 stars | 37,600+ reviews |
As you can see, Soft Surroundings gets very high marks overall, averaging over 4/5 stars across 37,000+ online reviews. That‘s pretty impressive!
Drilling down, here‘s what happy customers consistently praise:
- Beautiful, unique designs and fabrics
- Exceptional fit, especially for over-40 figures
- Quality craftsmanship that lasts wash after wash
- Friendly, knowledgeable store associates
- Commitment to customer satisfaction
To quote one loyal fan on Trustpilot:
"I have been a Soft Surroundings customer for over 10 years…They are my go-to for clothes that make me feel elegant and comfortable. The quality is truly unparalleled. I‘ve had pieces for years that still look new. It‘s one of the few brands I trust implicitly for fit and style as an over-50 woman."
However, no brand is without some critics. The most common complaints cite:
- Higher price points than some competitors
- Inconsistent sizing on certain items
- Slow restocking of popular products
- Customer service delays (mostly pre-2019)
However, the positives far outweigh the negatives per customer sentiment. And many reviewers say the higher prices are justified by the top-tier quality and longevity. To quote one Google reviewer:
"You get what you pay for! I have never been disappointed with a single Soft Surroundings purchase. I‘d rather buy a few well-made pieces a season than a closet full of disposable junk. These clothes last for years and the compliments never stop rolling in. Highly recommend if you value quality over quantity!"
The Perks of Shopping Soft Surroundings
Beyond great products, Soft Surroundings offers some compelling benefits for shoppers:
- Risk-free 60-day returns – Full refunds for unworn/unlaundered items, even sale pieces!
- Fantastic sales & promos – S.S. runs frequent sales with discounts up to 60% off. They also offer limited-time coupons, BOGO deals, and tiered spend-based promotions.
- Free shipping over $200 – Orders under $200 only incur a flat $9.95 shipping fee within the contiguous US.
- Monogramming & alteration services – Many items can be personalized or altered in-store.
- Easy in-store returns – Hate return shipping? Take online purchases to any store for instant refunds.
- Catalog and email outreach – Get sneak peeks at new collections and sales.
Soft Surroundings also recently revamped its loyalty program. Now, frequent shoppers can earn rewards faster across 3 tiers:
| Tier | Min. Annual Spend | Perks |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $300 | 1 point/$1 spent, free basic alterations |
| Tier 2 | $600 | 1.5 points/$1 spent, 1 free ship & free gifts |
| Tier 3 | $1200 | 2 points/$1 spent, unlimited free ship, bonus discounts |
So if you plan to shop frequently, it pays to join this updated program for all the exclusive benefits!
Bottom Line: Is Soft Surroundings Worth It?
To wrap up this Soft Surroundings review, here‘s my take on what type of shopper will get the most value from this retailer:
Soft Surroundings is Ideal For:
- Women over 40 seeking well-crafted, unique pieces
- Fans of an artistic, globally-inspired aesthetic
- Those who prioritize comfort and ease of wear
- Frequent shoppers wanting elevated service & perks
It May Not Be the Right Fit For:
- Budget-conscious shoppers not wanting to invest in quality pieces
- Trendy/fast fashion lovers wanting of-the-moment items
- Younger demographics seeking ultra-bold, youthful styles
To help you make an at-a-glance decision, here‘s a quick comparison of Soft Surroundings‘ key pros and cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High quality, long-lasting products | Steeper prices than some competitors |
| Unique, artisanal styles not found at most retailers | Occasional inconsistencies in sizing |
| Inclusive size range and fits for over-40 body types | Popular items sell out quickly |
| Strong commitment to customer satisfaction | Some reported issues with order delays or slow CS response times (mostly pre-2019) |
| Generous rewards and perks for loyal shoppers | — |
Ultimately, I confidently recommend Soft Surroundings to any woman wanting to invest in comfortable, well-crafted pieces that spark joy and last for years. In my experience, no other retailer caters so well to stylish women in mid-life and beyond.
Yes, you‘ll pay a bit more, but the stellar quality and personalized service make it worthwhile for many, myself included. Plus with their new loyalty program and frequent sales, building a Soft Surroundings wardrobe is more accessible than ever.
So go ahead and request a catalog or pop into your local store to experience the Soft Surroundings difference yourself! Treat yourself to a few special pieces and enjoy the confidence that comes from clothing made for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions about shopping Soft Surroundings? Here are answers to some common queries:
What is Soft Surroundings‘ return policy?
Soft Surroundings allows returns and exchanges within 60 days of purchase. Items must be in original condition – unworn, unwashed, and with tags attached. You can return by mail or at any store. Sale items are also returnable, but final sale pieces are not.
How does Soft Surroundings‘ sizing run?
Per customer feedback, most Soft Surroundings clothing runs true to size or slightly generous. Many pieces are designed with a relaxed, body-skimming fit for ease of wear. However, a few items may vary, so it‘s always good to check specific product reviews. When in doubt, order two sizes to compare!
Where is Soft Surroundings clothing made?
Some Soft Surroundings apparel is made in the USA while the majority is manufactured overseas in countries like India, China, and Vietnam. The brand partners with artisans globally to source high-quality materials and specialized craftsmanship.
Does Soft Surroundings offer in-store pickup?
Yes, you can select "Pick up in store" when checking out online to retrieve your order at a nearby retail location. Most orders are available within 2 business days and you have 7 days to pick up. Store associates will bring your order out to you curbside.
Can I use my Soft Surroundings credit card anywhere?
The Soft Surroundings Credit Card can only be used at Soft Surroundings – online, in stores, or by phone. It‘s not accepted at other retailers. If approved, you‘ll enjoy exclusive cardmember perks like discount passes and bonus points.
I hope this honest, thorough Soft Surroundings review has helped you decide if this brand is worth a try. Feel free to drop any other questions in the comments below. Here‘s to filling your closet and home with pieces you truly love!
