I've been a Frank And Oak Style Plan member for over a year now, and I can honestly say that the tops, tees, jeans, and jackets I've gotten via this clothing subscription are some of the most-worn pieces in my closet. I find that Frank And Oak's clothes fit great on me, wash really well, and match my style. Best of all, Frank And Oak is committed to sustainability. I feel good supporting a brand that takes their environmental footprint into consideration when designing, manufacturing, and shipping their products.
Today, I'll be sharing some of my favorite sustainable styles from Frank And Oak. These are all pieces that 1) I received via my Style Plan, and 2) I wear all the time. (Really! These clothes are in and out of my laundry basket almost every week.) I'll also be sharing a bit about what I love (and what I would change) about the Style Plan. Wondering if Frank And Oak is right for you? Keep reading to find out!
What is Frank And Oak?
Frank And Oak is a sustainable fashion brand that offers a pretty wide selection of separates, dresses, outerwear, and accessories. Think everything from comfy cotton tees, to vintage-inspired sundresses, to belted blazers for work. I'd describe their aesthetic as a hipper Gap, or a slightly edgier Everlane.
What makes Frank And Oak a sustainable fashion brand?
Curbing waste and pollution is big challenge for the fashion industry. Many major players, particularly in the fast-fashion world, currently rely on chemical-heavy manufacturing processes or using non-biodegradable fibers to keep up with demand and changing trends.
I made it a goal this year to be more informed/cognizant about the impact of what I add to my closet. I try to ask myself questions like, "If I'm going to buy something, does it have to be new?" and "If it is new, how was it made?" I'm also trying to limit myself to things I think have some longevity in my wardrobe (rather than trendy pieces that might only last me one season).
Note how I said that I'm trying to do these things. Truth be told, worrying about sustainability can be overwhelming. The one thing that's helped is figuring out a few brands that I know I can turn to again and again. After doing a little digging (and a few reviews), I added Frank And Oak to that list of companies I feel good about buying from. Why? Here are a few of Frank And Oak's practices that I found encouraging:
Sustainable Fabrics & Materials
Whenever possible, Frank And Oak uses earth-friendly materials in the creation of its clothes. Some examples include Good Cotton (their organic, sustainably-sourced cotton fabric), TENCEL (made from trees), hemp, linen, and recycled fabrics made from post-consumer waste. Frank And Oak also uses green materials when packaging and shipping their products, too.
Sustainable Processes
Frank And Oak seems really conscientious about the waste they create, especially in their manufacturing. One way they curb waste is with processes like their Hydro-Less denim manufacturing system, which uses 95% less water, up to 50% less chemicals, and up to 79% less energy than the norm.
Versatile, Well-Made Products
In my experience, Frank And Oak pieces cost more than what I'm used to from chain stores at the mall, but the fact that the jeans I received a year ago still look and fit as great as they did when I first got them means I don't have to keep replacing them with new pairs. It also helps that Frank And Oak is more focused on versatile basics than trendy pieces. Their designs will last me season after season.
My Favorite Sustainable Clothes from Frank And Oak Style Plan
These clothes were sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)
Wide Leg Good Cotton Pants
To me, these comfy cotton pants exemplify Frank And Oak's aesthetic. The wide-leg design is simple and classic, but thanks to the ankle-length hem and sky-blue color, these pants have an eye-catching, out-of-the-ordinary charm. They're incredibly comfortable, too, especially on warmer-weather days, thanks to their Good Cotton fabric (which is made from organic and recycled cotton). In the past, I've dressed them up with a tucked-in collared blouse and dressed them down with a breezy white tank top and sandals. Super versatile.
Read my original review here >>
Baby Rib Good Cotton Tee
I wear this white tee all the time. On days when I don't feel like overthinking my outfit, I'll throw it on with a pair of comfy jeans. When I do want to make an impression, it works as an understated base layer beneath a tailored blazer or cardigan. This top uses Frank And Oak's Good Cotton fabric, which breathes really beautifully. This tight top doesn't ever feel stuffy on a hot day.
Read my original review here >>
Long Sleeve Turtleneck
I actually have two of these long-sleeve turtlenecks—this mustard one and a black version. I'm obsessed with these shirts. When colder days hit, they help extend the longevity of my overalls and jumpsuits... even some of my blousy button-downs. I just pop a solid, close-fitting turtleneck on underneath! The top is made with cotton and modal, which is a really soft, sustainable fabric made from cellulose (aka plant fiber). The blend feels smooth, light, and thin (but not flimsy) against my skin.
Read my original review here>>
Oversized Denim Jacket in Blue
The cut and color of this jacket are so cool and classic. I love the retro vibe of the slightly longer, boxier fit. I've taken to cuffing the sleeves to about 3/4 length on warmer days and layering it up with a black hoodie on cooler ones. The best part is how the sustainable 100% cotton fabric gets softer and comfier with each wear/wash. I tend to reach for this jacket about once a week, so it's getting plenty of love!
Read my original review here >>
Explorer Winter Puffer Jacket
Since we're on the topic of jackets, I just have to mention this winter coat that I got from Frank And Oak. Made with recycled polyester and cruelty-free Thinsulate filler, this jacket is both environmentally friendly and impossibly cozy. It's also light as a feather, meaning I don't feel weighed down or bunched up when I'm wearing it. As with most Frank And Oak pieces, the stuff that really sets this jacket apart is the attention to detail—cozy ribbed cuffs at the end of each sleeve (to keep the cold out), a detachable hood, zip and snap closures, a huge inner pocket (perfect for my giant phone), and a drawstring hip (for shutting out the wind).
Read my original review here >>
Is the Frank And Oak Style Plan right for you?
If you like what you see, you might want to give Frank And Oak's Style Plan (available for men and women) a try, like I did. The process is pretty simple—you'll sign up, enter your sizing and style preferences, and Frank And Oak will curate a monthly collection of about 20 pieces that should fit your needs. You can leave it to Frank And Oak to choose which of those pieces they should send you, or you can pick for yourself. (I always like to at least see what they've picked for me, if not make one or two changes, before my boxes ship.) There's a $25 "styling fee" for every box you receive, but that $25 goes towards the cost of whatever you end up keeping. Return what you don't want, and Frank and Oak will refund you. You can also skip the month and not be charged at all.
Pros
Here's what I love most about Frank And Oak's program:
- The clothes are great! As I've mentioned, I've been consistently impressed with the quality of Frank And Oak's items. Plus, they're so my style.
- Great curation. Not everything is my taste, but I'd say at least 75% of the pieces Frank And Oak curates for me are things I'd see myself wearing. (And 9/10 times, they nail the fit.)
- Convenience. I get overwhelmed by shopping and trying on at stores, so I like that Style Plan 1) does the shopping for me, 2) sends me things in my size, and 3) lets me do the trying-on part at home.
- Discounts! As a Style Plan member, you get discounts on the items in your monthly shipments, plus discounts on any other items you order throughout the month.
Cons
That said, there are some things you should be aware of before signing up:
- You're charged ahead of time. Other styling subscriptions (like Stitch Fix, for example) charge you after the home try-on period, once you know what you're keeping. But Frank And Oak charges you when the order is confirmed, then refunds you for anything you return. To me, the process feels more like regular online shopping, just with a styling element.
- They've got limited sizes. No plus sizes nor petites yet!
- Items can be pricey. I end up getting about 3 items with each month order, and usually my total is around $200, even after discounts. Jeans can go for around $80-$90, and tops can get up there, too, depending on the fabric. Personally, the pricing feels fair given the quality and endurance of these pieces, but it doesn't always feel the most budget-friendly in the moment. Markdowns do hit the site from time to time (adding more oomph to the discount you get as a Style Plan member), so if there's something out of your price range, I suggest keeping a close eye on it. (Also, remember that you don't have to spend each month—choose to skip a month to avoid any charges whatsoever.)
- It's all Frank And Oak! Other styling programs draw from a ton of different brands, but this one is Frank-And-Oak-specific. That's not a problem for me, since I really like Frank And Oak's aesthetic. But be sure you're cool with it before committing.
Learn more about Style Plan (or sign up) here!
What are your tips for shopping more sustainably?
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