Hey there, fashion friend! If you‘re curious about COS clothing and wondering if it‘s worth the hype, you‘ve come to the right place. I‘ve been a fan of this London-based brand for years now, and I‘m excited to share my honest take.
In this ultimate COS clothing review, I‘ll give you the lowdown on:
- What makes COS stand out in terms of style and quality
- My hands-on experience with their bestselling pieces
- How COS compares to other popular minimalist brands
- What real customers have to say (plus data to back it up)
- Insider tips for shopping the brand, from sizing to sales
By the end, you‘ll have all the info you need to decide if COS deserves a place in your sustainably stylish wardrobe. Let‘s get into it!
The COS Brand Story
First, a quick primer on what COS is all about. COS (which stands for Collection of Style) launched in 2007 as a higher-end offshoot of H&M, the Swedish fast fashion giant. But don‘t let the family tree fool you – COS is worlds away from its trendy, disposable cousin.
COS is all about timeless, functional design inspired by the principles of Scandinavian minimalism. Think clean lines, muted colors, architectural shapes, and premium fabrics that look expensive without designer price tags.
The brand‘s design ethos is "buy less, buy better" – creating versatile, long-lasting pieces that transcend trends and earn a permanent place in your closet. COS releases just two main collections a year, with a focus on forever styles rather than flash-in-the-pan fads.
Sustainability is also a core part of COS‘s DNA. The brand uses eco-friendly materials like organic cotton, recycled wool, and TENCEL whenever possible, with a goal to be 100% circular and renewable by 2030.
COS works with ethical factories and invests in sustainable innovations to reduce waste and emissions across the supply chain. Circularity efforts like garment recycling and a resale platform help keep clothes out of landfills.
Today, COS has over 290 stores worldwide and an online shop that delivers to 80+ countries. While the brand is still a bit under-the-radar compared to H&M, it has a devoted following among fashion editors, architects, artists, and anyone who appreciates elevated essentials.
So that‘s the COS story in a nutshell – but what‘s it actually like to wear the clothes? Let‘s take a closer look.
Quality & Craftsmanship
One of the main reasons I love COS is the consistent quality across all of their pieces. You can really feel the difference in craftsmanship compared to other mall brands.
Every item I‘ve owned from COS, from t-shirts to trousers to coats, has had an expensive look and feel that belies the price tag. The fabrics are substantial, the seams are clean, the hardware is weighty.
For example, I have a COS wool coat that I‘ve worn for five winters now, and it still looks pristine. The double-faced wool is thick and soft, the lining is smooth, and the tortoiseshell buttons are securely attached. It honestly looks like it could be from The Row or Max Mara.
COS knitwear is another standout in terms of quality. I have a recycled cashmere turtleneck from a few seasons ago that is my absolute favorite sweater. It‘s soft and plush without any pilling, and has kept its shape through countless wears.
The brand‘s tailoring is also impeccable. I once splurged on a COS wool blazer and get compliments every time I wear it. It has a nipped-in waist, sharp lapels, functioning pockets and cuffs, and a smooth lining. Zero lumps or bumps.
Even COS t-shirts and basics feel a cut above. The cotton is dense and smooth, not at all sheer or flimsy. I have a white crewneck tee that is my go-to for layering or wearing solo – it‘s the rare unicorn that looks crisp and opaque even without a cami.
Of course, no brand is perfect, and I have had a couple of misses from COS over the years. A silk dress snagged too easily, a viscose blouse wrinkled stubbornly.
But overall, I‘ve found COS quality to be incredibly reliable – especially for the contemporary price point. If you want pieces that look and feel expensive without designer costs, COS is hard to beat.
Bestsellers & Personal Faves
Now, onto the good stuff – the actual clothes! COS launches new collections seasonally, but there are some fan favorite pieces that come back year after year. Here are a few of the brand‘s bestsellers and my own COS must-haves.
Wool Cashmere Coat – This double-breasted coat is a COS icon and perennial sellout. Made from a toasty wool-cashmere blend with a touch of stretch, it has an easy, cocoon-like shape and hidden snaps for a clean finish. I have it in both camel and black and always get asked if it‘s designer.
Organic Cotton Oversized Shirt – The perfect white button-up is elusive, but this relaxed COS version comes pretty close. Made from crisp organic cotton poplin, it has dropped shoulders, a curved hem, and a boxy fit that can be tucked, half-tucked, or worn loose. I size down for a neater look.
Silk Square-Neck Midi Dress – I wore this elegant silk slip dress to a friend‘s wedding and felt like a million bucks. The square neckline and thin straps are so flattering, and the fluid silk has a subtle sheen. It‘s minimalist perfection with heels and modern jewelry.
Wide-Leg Wool Trousers – As comfy as sweatpants but way chicer, these high-waisted, wide-leg pants are my go-to for looking polished but feeling relaxed. The wool has a hint of stretch and the pleats create a beautiful drape. I pair them with a tucked sweater and sneakers or loafers.
Merino Batwing Sweater – Another COS favorite that I own in multiple colors. This slouchy batwing sweater has a boxy, cropped shape, dropped shoulders, and wide sleeves. The extra-fine merino wool is lightweight but warm. I wear it with everything from jeans to slip skirts.
Those are just a handful of highlights – COS also has fantastic outerwear, dresses, denim, lounge, and accessories. I‘m especially fond of their oversized scarves and leather sneakers.
In my book, you really can‘t go wrong with any of COS‘s essentials and elevated basics. They have a knack for making simple, understated pieces feel so special.
Customer Reviews & Ratings
But don‘t just take my word for it – COS has thousands of glowing reviews from happy customers around the world. The brand has an impressive 4.5 out of 5 star rating average from over 8,000 reviews on Trustpilot.
Fans rave about the:
- Exceptional quality and construction
- Beautiful, timeless designs
- Flattering, easy-to-wear fits
- Sustainable, eco-friendly ethos
Here‘s a small sample of real reviews:
"I‘ve been shopping at COS for years now and have never been disappointed. The pieces are pricey but the quality is unmatched – they hold up wash after wash and still look new." – Olivia M.
"COS is my go-to for classic pieces with a modern twist. I love how easy it is to mix and match everything, from work trousers to weekend jeans. And the sales are amazing!" – Aiden S.
"As someone who tries to shop sustainably, I appreciate how transparent COS is about their materials and practices. The clothes are beautiful but I also feel good about supporting the brand." – Jenna L.
"COS sizing can be a little tricky, but once you find your fit, you‘re golden. I‘m short and busty and their skater dresses are a dream. Quality is top-notch too." – Maria R.
Of course, no brand is universally beloved. A few reviewers note that COS prices are high compared to the high street, selection can be narrow, and the aesthetic a bit repetitive. Sizing and fit are also common complaints.
But overall, COS has a loyal fanbase who swear by the brand‘s style, substance, and sustainability. It‘s especially popular among millennials seeking responsible fashion and anyone who wants to build a high-quality capsule closet.
How It Compares: COS Alternatives
If you‘re into COS‘s minimalist look, you might also be curious about similar brands at different price points. Here‘s how COS stacks up to a few popular alternatives:
Arket – COS‘s cool Nordic sister brand has a slightly younger, trendier feel with more colors and prints. Arket also offers homewares, kidswear, and a vegetarian café in some locations. Prices are similar to COS.
Everlane – This American DTC darling is all about "radical transparency" and offers wardrobe essentials like tees, denim, and cashmere at accessible prices. Everlane has a more casual, androgynous vibe than COS.
Theory – If you love COS‘s sleek tailoring and luxe fabrics, Theory is a great higher-end option. The brand is known for its office-ready staples with a fashion-forward twist, and prices reflect the quality.
Vince – Another premium American brand with timeless appeal. Vince has a cool, coastal grandma aesthetic with lots of cashmere, silk, and linen. Prices are designer-level but you can find gems on sale.
Uniqlo – For COS style on a budget, Japanese chain Uniqlo is a solid choice. The brand offers well-made basics in merino, cashmere, linen, and techincal fabrics at unbeatable value. The quality isn‘t quite COS but still very good.
Massimo Dutti – This sophisticated big sister to Zara has a refined, European sensibility similar to COS but with a slightly more feminine flair. Prices are reasonable and quality is decent for the price.
Ultimately, COS hits a sweet spot between style, quality, and ethics that is hard to find at this price point. But all of these brands are great options if you‘re looking to build a timeless, capsule-friendly wardrobe.
FAQ
Finally, let‘s wrap up with some of the most common questions about COS, from shipping to styling tips.
What is COS sizing like? – COS uses European sizing which tends to run a bit small compared to US brands. I find most styles to be true-to-size with a relaxed, oversized fit. The brand has a detailed size guide with garment measurements for each item. When in doubt, size up, especially in fitted styles.
What is COS‘s shipping policy? – COS offers free standard shipping on orders over $200, with a flat $10 rate for orders under that amount. Standard shipping usually takes 5-8 business days. Express shipping is available for $20 and arrives in 2-3 days. All orders ship from the brand‘s central warehouse in Europe.
How do I make a return to COS? – COS accepts free returns within 28 days of delivery. Items must be unworn with tags attached. You can return by mail using the prepaid return label or at any COS store. Exchanges are also free, and sale items can only be returned for store credit. Certain items like swimwear, earrings, and face masks are final sale.
Does COS have sales? – While COS is pricier than fast fashion, you can find great deals in their sale section throughout the year. The brand has two major seasonal sales in summer and winter with discounts up to 70% off. Signing up for the email list is a good way to stay on top of promotions.
How do I care for COS clothing? – Always check the care tag, but most COS pieces are surprisingly low-maintenance. Wool and cashmere can usually be hand-washed in cool water or dry cleaned. Silk, linen, and cotton should be laundered or steamed. I use a fabric shaver to de-pill sweaters and a steamer for de-wrinkling. Proper storage is also key!
How do I style COS clothing? – The beauty of COS is how effortlessly the pieces mix and match. I love using COS items as elevated building blocks for my outfits. Start with a great foundation like wide trousers or a slip dress and add a crisp shirt, cozy knit, or tailored jacket. Finish with sleek sneakers or modern loafers. Keep jewelry and accessories minimal and let the silhouettes shine.
Final Verdict
So, is COS clothing worth the splurge? In my fashionista opinion – absolutely.
No, COS is not cheap, and it‘s not trying to be. But what you get for the price is truly exceptional: luxurious fabrics, impeccable construction, enduring style, and a brand ethos you can feel good about. These are pieces you‘ll reach for again and again, season after season.
COS has been a mainstay in my closet for years now, and I can‘t imagine my wardrobe without it. From the perfect white tee to a classic camel coat, COS pieces are the hardworking heroes that make me feel effortlessly chic and totally myself.
Of course, style is subjective, and COS‘s minimal aesthetic is not for everyone. And no matter how much I love the brand, I know that not everyone can or wants to spend $100 on a sweater.
But if you appreciate timeless design, quality craftsmanship, and slow fashion, I really think COS is as good as it gets for the contemporary price point. The cost per wear on these items is unbeatable.
My advice? Start with a few key pieces like a silk shirt, wool trousers, or a versatile dress. See how they fit into your closet and make you feel. Take advantage of COS‘s excellent shipping and return policy to find your perfect fit.
Treat your COS clothes with care, and I promise they‘ll pay you back in spades. And don‘t sleep on the sales – you can score some amazing deals on forever pieces.
I hope this COS clothing review was helpful and informative, and that it gave you a real feel for what the brand is all about. COS will always have a special place in my heart and closet, and I‘m excited to see what they do next.
Happy shopping, my chic friend! And remember – buy less, buy better.
