Wax London Clothing Review: My Honest Take on the Sustainable Menswear Brand
Hey there, fellow fashion lover! If you‘re like me, you‘re always on the hunt for clothing brands that combine style, quality, and sustainability. Recently, I‘ve been hearing a lot of buzz about Wax London, a British menswear label that claims to tick all three boxes.
As someone who‘s passionate about both fashion and ethical manufacturing, I knew I had to check out Wax London for myself. So I ordered a few key pieces and have been putting them to the test over the past few weeks.
In this in-depth review, I‘ll share my honest thoughts on Wax London‘s clothing, from the fit and fabric to the overall value for money. I‘ll also dive into the brand‘s background, values, and customer experience to help you decide whether Wax London is worth your hard-earned cash.
Let‘s get started!
First Impressions
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, here‘s a quick overview of what you need to know about Wax London:
- History: Founded in 2015 by two friends in London who wanted to create sustainable, stylish essentials
- Values: Committed to using eco-friendly materials, ethical manufacturing, and transparent pricing
- Bestsellers: Whiting Overshirt, Kurt Trousers, Alston Jacket, Didcot Shirt
- Price Range: $40 for basic tees, $150-300 for outerwear and trousers
- Sustainability: Uses organic cotton, recycled polyester, and other low-impact materials
- Giveback: Donates 1% of sales to environmental causes through 1% for the Planet
- Pros: High-quality fabrics, versatile styles, ethical manufacturing, free shipping over $60
- Cons: Higher prices than some competitors, limited size range, no brick-and-mortar stores
When I first browsed Wax London‘s website, I was immediately drawn to the brand‘s clean, modern aesthetic. The product photos showcase the clothes in a way that feels authentic and effortless, rather than overly staged or styled.
I also appreciated the detailed product descriptions, which include information about the fabric composition, fit, and care instructions. As someone who‘s trying to shop more mindfully, I love when brands are transparent about their materials and manufacturing processes.
Fabric Quality & Comfort
One of the first things I noticed when I received my Wax London order was the quality of the fabrics. The organic cotton tees and sweaters felt soft and substantial, while the canvas and twill outerwear had a nice weight and texture.
I was especially impressed with the Whiting Overshirt, which is made from a thick organic cotton twill. The fabric has a subtle sheen and a bit of structure, which makes it feel more elevated than your typical cotton button-up.
The Kurt Trousers, on the other hand, are made from a lightweight cotton-elastane blend that feels smooth and comfortable against the skin. I appreciated the added stretch, which made the slim-fit trousers easy to move around in.
Overall, Wax London‘s fabrics strike a great balance between durability and comfort. They feel like they‘re built to last, but they‘re not at all stiff or scratchy.
Fit & Sizing
In terms of fit, I found Wax London‘s sizing to be pretty true to size. I‘m typically a medium in most brands, and the medium tees and sweaters fit me well – not too tight or too loose.
However, I did find that the outerwear and trousers ran a bit small. I ordered my usual size in the Whiting Overshirt and Kurt Trousers, but both felt a bit snug through the shoulders and hips. If you‘re between sizes or prefer a looser fit, I‘d recommend sizing up.
It‘s also worth noting that Wax London only offers sizes XS-XXL in most styles, which may be limiting for some customers. I‘d love to see the brand expand its size range in the future to be more inclusive.
Versatility & Style
One of the things I love most about Wax London‘s clothing is how versatile it is. The brand‘s pieces are designed to be mixed and matched, dressed up or down, and worn across multiple seasons.
For example, the Whiting Overshirt looks great on its own with jeans and sneakers, but it also works well as a layering piece under a coat or over a hoodie. The neutral color options (navy, olive, sand) make it easy to integrate into any wardrobe.
Similarly, the Kurt Trousers can be paired with a crisp button-up and loafers for a smart casual look, or worn with a graphic tee and high-tops for a more laid-back vibe. The slim fit and ankle-length crop give them a modern, streamlined silhouette.
I also appreciate that Wax London offers a range of colors and patterns that feel fresh and on-trend, without being too trendy. From muted earth tones to pops of primary color, there‘s something to suit every style preference.
Price & Value
Now let‘s talk about price. Wax London‘s clothing definitely falls into the "investment piece" category, with tees starting at around $40 and outerwear topping out at $300+.
However, I believe that the quality and longevity of the pieces justifies the higher price point. These are garments that are built to last, both in terms of construction and style.
Plus, when you factor in Wax London‘s commitment to sustainable materials and ethical manufacturing, the prices start to feel more reasonable. Cheaper fast fashion brands might be able to undercut Wax London‘s prices, but they often do so at the expense of workers and the environment.
Of course, everyone‘s budget and priorities are different. If you‘re on a tight budget, Wax London might not be the most accessible option. However, if you‘re able to invest in a few key pieces that you‘ll wear for years to come, I think Wax London is a great choice.
Customer Experience
In addition to the clothing itself, I was curious about Wax London‘s customer experience. I‘m happy to report that it was a positive one from start to finish.
The website was easy to navigate, with clear product photos and descriptions. The checkout process was quick and seamless, and I received email confirmation of my order right away.
My order arrived within a week (to the US), and everything was neatly packaged in recyclable paper and cardboard. There was even a handwritten note thanking me for my purchase, which was a nice personal touch.
Returns were also hassle-free. When I needed to exchange an item for a different size, I was able to do so quickly through the brand‘s online portal. I received my new item within a few days, with no additional shipping charges.
Wax London offers free shipping on orders over $60 within the UK, and charges a flat rate of $10 for international orders. They also offer free returns within the UK, and provide a pre-paid return label for a smooth experience.
The only downside is that international customers are responsible for return shipping costs, which can add up. However, this is fairly standard for international returns.
How Wax London Compares to Other Brands
So how does Wax London stack up against other sustainable menswear brands? Here are a few key comparisons:
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Everlane: Everlane is another brand that prioritizes transparency and ethical manufacturing, with a similar minimalist aesthetic to Wax London. However, Everlane‘s prices tend to be slightly lower, and they offer a wider range of basics like denim and activewear.
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Patagonia: Patagonia is an outdoor brand that shares Wax London‘s commitment to sustainability, with a focus on recycled materials and fair labor practices. However, Patagonia‘s clothing is more technical and performance-oriented, and the prices are generally higher than Wax London‘s.
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Outerknown: Outerknown is a sustainable menswear brand co-founded by pro surfer Kelly Slater. Like Wax London, they use eco-friendly materials like organic cotton and recycled polyester, but with a more laid-back, surf-inspired vibe. Outerknown‘s prices are comparable to Wax London‘s.
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Asket: Asket is a Swedish brand that offers a highly curated collection of menswear essentials, with a focus on transparency and traceability. Their prices are slightly higher than Wax London‘s, but they offer a unique made-to-order model that reduces waste.
Ultimately, which brand is right for you will depend on your personal style, budget, and values. But I think Wax London holds its own against these other sustainable fashion leaders, with its combination of timeless style, quality construction, and ethical practices.
The Bottom Line
So, is Wax London worth the hype (and the price tag)? In my opinion, absolutely.
The brand‘s clothing is thoughtfully designed, well-made, and built to last. The fabrics are high-quality and comfortable, and the styles are versatile enough to work for a range of occasions and personal tastes.
But beyond just the clothes themselves, I appreciate Wax London‘s commitment to sustainability and ethical manufacturing. In a fashion industry that‘s often driven by fast trends and cheap labor, it‘s refreshing to see a brand that prioritizes people and the planet.
Of course, Wax London‘s prices may not be accessible for everyone. But if you‘re able to invest in a few key pieces, I think you‘ll find that they‘re worth the splurge. These are garments that you can feel good about wearing, both in terms of style and social impact.
Plus, with Wax London‘s excellent customer service and easy returns, you can shop with confidence.
The only real downsides I found were the limited size range (XS-XXL) and the lack of brick-and-mortar stores. As someone who likes to try things on in person, I would love to see Wax London open a few retail locations in the future.
But overall, I‘m a big fan of Wax London and will definitely be adding more of their pieces to my wardrobe. If you‘re in the market for sustainable, stylish menswear essentials, I highly recommend checking them out.
Final Thoughts
Whew, that was a lot of information! If you made it this far, thanks for sticking with me. I hope this review gave you a helpful overview of Wax London and what they have to offer.
At the end of the day, building a sustainable and ethical wardrobe is a personal journey. What works for me might not work for you, and that‘s okay. The important thing is to be thoughtful and intentional about the brands we support and the clothes we wear.
But if you‘re looking for a brand that combines great style with even better values, I think Wax London is definitely worth checking out. Their clothing has quickly become some of my most-worn pieces, and I feel good knowing that I‘m supporting a company that‘s doing things the right way.
So go ahead and browse their collection, read up on their story, and see for yourself what all the fuss is about. And if you have any questions or thoughts, feel free to drop a comment below – I‘m always happy to chat fashion and sustainability with fellow enthusiasts.
Until next time, happy shopping!
