So now you all know I'm moving from 2500 sqft. to 250 sqft. next year (details here), so you would think that I've completely stopped acquiring things, especially clothes. And I will...slowly... but I can't just quit cold turkey. Plus I have some left-over store credit that I need to use up before I become technically home-less (though I'll be trailer-full). Well that's what I was telling myself when I purchased a couple more items from Cuyana. (I did a review of the Cuyana Classic Leather Tote).
If you haven't heard of this brand, I sometimes think of it to the older sister of Everlane. Their clothes are a little less trendy and I think for a more refined crowd. Their motto is "Fewer, Better" which is a bit different from Everlane's "Radical Transparency", yet both companies believe in quality items sourced and produced in a responsible manner. Oh and Cuyana costs a bit more too. Cuyana's silk tee runs you $155 while a comparable one from Everlane is about $75. Cuyana's cotton tee is $40 while Everlane's is $15. Those numbers alone would tempt some just to stick with Everlane (especially since what they're doing is not only socially responsible but their products are also really quite fantastic). But Cuyana deserves an honest test-drive as well.
And this is what I thought: (also for those who are interested in the sizing of Cuyana's cothes, I am about a size 4 or small in most tops and I would say the sizing is pretty comparable to Everlane- ie an Everlane small is about the same as a Cuyana small).
First up is the Cuyana scoop neck tee. I really love the fit of this shirt. The scoop neck is just-right in that it's not so wide that you flash everyone with your bra when you bend forward. Also, the sleeves are the perfect length. And finally the shirt isn't cropped, but it's not too long either (it's hard to tell because the model has the shirt tucked-in on all the shots, but the shirt ends right below the waistband). For a better idea, Everlane's shirts in a small are about 24 inches from shoulder to bottom hem while Cuyana's is 22 inches. The material is also super soft, softer than Everlane's cotton shirts. And that's because Cuyana's are made from 50% modal and 50% pima cotton. (Also did you know modal is just another way of saying rayon? I didn't because I never really bothered to know more about my clothes until recently). So that means the care for this shirt requires laying flat to dry. But I really don't have space anywhere to lay them dry. Also this tee is $40, which is over double of Everlane's cotton tees. So my overall verdict is to stick with Everlane for their tees (edit: but to be clear, it's mostly due to my preference for a no-hassle shirt that I wouldn't get too upset about if I got it dirty-which happens to my shirts all the time).
Everlane silk tee on left and Cuyana silk tee on right
But if I were to choose Cuyana or Everlane when it comes to the silk department, my vote goes to Cuyana's silk tee in black (in small). I love love love it! The silk feels amazing and is totally different from Everlane's silk. This silk material is of a heavier weight and feels more durable. It reminds me of the kind of silk that kimonos are made of (I know that's not super helpful, but I really don't know too much about silk). It's hard to describe the difference, but I plan to write a more in-depth post about the different kinds of silk and compare the silk from Everlane, Equipment, and Cuyana. As for the shirt itself, the cut is really flattering. I like the extra length in the back and also the sleeves, which I didn't think I would like because it almost looks like cap sleeves. But the sleeves are cut a little longer so it actually looks quite flattering (still hides any flabby triceps, though I like how the Everlane silk tees have a longer sleeve overall). For almost double the price, the Cuyana silk tee might seem like less of a value than Everlane's silk tee. However the silk tee from Cuyana is of a higher quality and seems like it would last longer. If your goal is truly to have fewer but better clothes then Cuyana's silk tee is the better choice.
So I would say give Cuyana a chance, especially when it comes to their silk items and their leather goods. Those items are truly made with a higher quality and are worth the extra dollars if you plan to use these items for years and years. Like all my reviews, I purchased items for myself and have not been paid for any of my opinions.
{edit if you're looking for more silk reviews there's the first one- Everlane vs. Equipment vs. Cuyana silk review; and the second one- Grana vs. Everlane vs. Cuyana silk review}