When Everlane came out with their texture cotton crop cardigan (aka the babaa dupe) last year, I have to admit I was put off by the 27% nylon content of the yarn they used for this knit (vs. the 100% cotton weave of the babaa). But now I have to get off my high-horse and admit I was wrong for looking down on this dupe because it’s a pretty great sweater.
{Wearing: Everlane Texture Cotton Crop Cardigan, Elizabeth Suzann Harlow Dress (reviewed here), Martiniano Glove Shoes (reviewed here), Celine Small Cabas Phantom (reviewed here)}
First of all, I do feel Everlane wades into some shady waters when it copies the design of smaller ethical and more expensive brands. Call it the Zara-move if you will. But at the same time, I could never really pull the trigger on a babaa cardigan (even when they had their sale in July). And as much as some of us love to support small brands, we can’t always spend that kind of dough. I actually was lucky enough to try the babaa cardigan in person at West Coast Craft and I didn’t love it enough to spend $250+ on it. So when Everlane offered me something free to review, I succumbed to temptation and asked to try this cardigan. And I have to say I love the way it fits more than the babaa version, and maybe it’s because of the nylon. The Everlane sweater overall feels less bulky and I appreciate the stretch it has over the babaa one.
And as much as I prefer an all-natural fiber and no plastic in my clothing, there are advantages to plastic. Not only does the nylon make the sweater stretchier and lighter but it helps retain the shape of the sweater. I’ve decided to take the “treat plastic like gold” disposition with this sweater and treasure it as if it did cost $250.
Anyway I’m wearing a size small here and feel like it’s the perfect fit for 5’4” me. I find the sleeves a bit long so I need to roll them up. I really love the drop shoulder detail and the overall cropped fit. I can’t wait to wear this cardigan more in the fall and style them with other outfits. I have a feeling this cardigan is going to be a staple in my wardrobe!
{October 2020 Update: So after having this sweater for over a year, I have to say that sadly it isn’t as great as I first thought it was. My main issue with it is that once the sweater snags the nylon fibers, the fibers break super easily and you’re left with a stringy mess. It can’t be pulled back in so I end up having to cut the fibers to clean up the look. After admiring the babaa cardigan for so long (2.5 years!) I finally purchased it and now understand why there’s such a cult following for babaa. I have to admit it was idealistic of me to think I could treat plastic like gold and think it would work out. Sometimes the original thing is better than a substitute. But I also understand if the original is not within your budget, then yes maybe treating the dupe like the original might work—but only if you’re careful with your sweaters. And sadly I am not.}