When it comes to effortlessly cool urban style mixed with impeccable craftsmanship, few fashion brands nail it quite like Rag & Bone. Over the past two decades, this NYC-born label has made a name for itself with its perfectly fitting jeans, ultra-wearable wardrobe staples, and celeb-approved boots and shoes.
But with premium prices to match its it-brand status, you may be wondering – is Rag & Bone truly worth the hype and cost? As a fashion editor who‘s tested out the brand, I‘m sharing my honest thoughts in this comprehensive Rag & Bone review. I‘ll be covering everything you need to know, from the quality and fit to the most popular styles to customer opinions. Let‘s dive in!
The Lowdown on Rag & Bone
Rag & Bone was founded in New York City in 2002 by Marcus Wainwright (who still serves as the brand‘s CEO) and David Neville. The origin of the name? It‘s Cockney rhyming slang for "look sharp, feel good" – and that ethos of laid-back coolness has defined the label since day one.
With Wainwright‘s British roots and NYC base, Rag & Bone fuses a modern New York street style aesthetic with the refined tailoring and craftsmanship of classic Savile Row. Over the years, the brand has become known for its impeccable attention to detail, use of quality materials, and sharp yet wearable designs.
While Rag & Bone started out with a focus on menswear, it quickly expanded into women‘s apparel and gained a cult following for its flawlessly fitting jeans and cool-girl staples. The brand is now sold at over 700 stores worldwide and boasts a number of celebrity fans, including Meghan Markle, Emily Ratajkowski, Brooklyn Beckham and Emma Roberts.
Rag & Bone‘s Most Popular Products
From perfect everyday jeans to sleek ankle boots, Rag & Bone is all about elevated basics that combine style with function. The brand offers a full range of men‘s and women‘s apparel, denim, shoes and accessories. Here‘s a rundown of some of their most popular pieces:
Rag & Bone Jeans Review
Let‘s be real – Rag & Bone is most famous for their jeans, and for good reason. Made of premium stretch denim, their iconic styles like the Skinny, High-Rise Straight and Boyfriend have earned a rep for their incredible fit that molds to your body.
The Skinny is a fan-fave for its figure-hugging silhouette that‘s fitted through the hip and thigh with a super skinny leg. I own a black pair and can attest to how comfy and flattering they are – the fabric has just enough stretch while still feeling substantial. For a more relaxed vibe, the Boyfriend Short is ideal for casual summer days with its loose, slightly shredded look.
Rag & Bone uses sustainable denim that feels amazing on, with just the right amount of structure and stretch. The attention to detail is apparent, from the antique silver hardware to the intricate stitching. Yes, they‘re pricey at $200+, but in my experience, they don‘t bag out and the quality is fantastic. If you‘re going to splurge on one pair of designer jeans, make it Rag & Bone.
Rag & Bone Boots Review
Rag & Bone makes some killer leather boots that are worth the investment, IMHO. I‘ve owned the Newbury, a classic heeled ankle boot, for years and it still looks great after tons of wears. The craftsmanship is 👌 with a stacked wood heel, back zip and an ever-so-slightly rounded almond toe. It‘s surprisingly walkable too for a heeled bootie.
Other popular styles include the Ryder Lace Up, a combat boot with badass vibes, and the Westin, a chic knee-high boot. Rag & Bone boots have a reputation for their comfort and durability – the leather really holds up. They definitely veer modern and minimal vs. trendy, so you‘ll be able to wear them for years.
Rag & Bone Shoes Review
While Rag & Bone‘s shoes may be slightly less hyped than their jeans and boots, they‘re still popular for their high quality construction and downtown-cool designs. Their sneakers and sandals make great everyday options.
I‘m a fan of the Rb Army Low, a classic white leather sneaker with a hint of preppy style. It looks great with jeans, shorts and even casual dresses. The Court is another bestseller – it‘s a sleek, minimalist sneaker with a pull-on tab and cushioned sole for all-day comfort. And the Ellis Slide is ideal for warm weather, with criss-cross leather straps and a low stacked heel.
What About the Rest of Rag & Bone‘s Products?
Rag & Bone has expanded well beyond just jeans over the years. Some of their other top categories:
- Tees, knits and sweats: The brand makes some of the best basics out there, from tissue-thin tees to cozy cashmere sweaters. Expect muted colors and classic, wear-with-anything cuts.
- Outerwear: Rag & Bone does amazing leather jackets with a worn-in look. Their wool coats, military anoraks and sporty puffers are also popular picks for chilly weather.
- Dresses and skirts: While denim is the star, Rag & Bone also offers some cool frocks and skirts, from easy shirt dresses to swingy minis. The vibe is casual yet polished.
- Bags: Their leather bags and backpacks are sleek and functional, designed to get better with age. I love the minimalist Atlas Tote for work and the Passenger Tote for travel.
- Accessories: Finish off your outfit with Rag & Bone‘s hats, scarves and sunnies. The hats range from cool ball caps to wool fedoras, while the Italian-made sunglasses give off major rockstar vibes.
Is Rag & Bone an Ethical Brand?
Rag & Bone isn‘t perfect on the sustainability front, but they are taking steps to reduce their environmental impact. A lot of their jeans now use organic cotton and eco-friendly dyes and washes. They‘ve also launched a denim recycling initiative where you can bring in any brand of jeans and they‘ll recycle them into insulation material.
The brand manufactures the majority of its jeans in LA, which cuts down on the carbon footprint. That said, not all of their products have transparent supply chains. Their shoes, for instance, are made in Italy and Brazil. Animal welfare is also a bit of a question mark – they do use leather, suede and some animal hair in their goods.
Overall, while Rag & Bone isn‘t a leader in the sustainability space, they are making an effort with their denim. I‘m hopeful they‘ll continue to improve their practices and materials. But if shopping eco-friendly is a top priority, there may be better options out there.
How Does Rag & Bone Compare to Other Brands?
If you like Rag & Bone, you may also be considering similar contemporary brands with a focus on premium denim and apparel. One that comes to mind is AG Jeans – like Rag & Bone, they‘re known for their quality jeans with a California-cool aesthetic.
I‘d say the main difference is that AG puts a bigger emphasis on sustainability, using eco-friendly fibers and processes. Rag & Bone has a wider product offering though, with more than just jeans. Both are great options, but if you want to build a full wardrobe, Rag & Bone is the way to go.
Some other brands that are often compared to Rag & Bone include:
- Frame: LA-based Frame also focuses on designer denim and laid-back staples. Their jeans are a bit stretchier and have a longer inseam than Rag & Bone.
- Mother: Another California brand, Mother is all about ‘70s-inspired jeans with a boho feel. They have some fun printed pairs.
- Paige: Paige makes super soft, lightweight jeans that are a bit more casual and affordable than Rag & Bone.
Compared to these brands, I‘d say Rag & Bone has a slightly edgier, urban vibe vs. a super laid-back West Coast feel. But all are great options for building that model off duty look.
What Are Customers Saying About Rag & Bone?
To give you a balanced perspective, I combed through dozens of customer reviews of Rag & Bone. The verdict? Most shoppers had glowing things to say, especially about the jeans. People raved about the quality, saying they‘re stretchy and comfortable yet look polished and hold up well. Several called them their "holy grail" jeans and said they‘re worth every penny.
The boots and shoes also earned top marks for their craftsmanship, comfort and style. Reviewers said the leather is buttery soft and the styles are timeless and well-made. And many highlighted Rag & Bone‘s excellent customer service, both online and in their brick-and-mortar stores.
On the flip side, some shoppers felt that the prices were too high and didn‘t love the strict final sale policy on discounted items. A few also had issues with sizing inconsistencies. But the majority said they‘d buy Rag & Bone again and recommend it to others.
FAQ About Rag & Bone
To wrap up this Rag & Bone review, I‘m answering some of the most common questions about the brand:
How much does Rag & Bone cost?
Rag & Bone is definitely a splurge, with jeans running from $195 to $300, boots around $500 and up, and tees starting at $90. But you‘re paying for top-tier quality and construction.
What is the difference between Rag & Bone and rag & bone/JEAN?
Rag & Bone is the main line, while rag & bone/JEAN is their more casual, denim-focused diffusion line. The JEAN styles are less expensive but still great quality.
Does Rag & Bone run true to size?
It depends on the product, but in general, Rag & Bone runs slightly small. I usually go up a size in their jeans and shoes. Check the size chart and read reviews for specific fit tips.
Where can I buy Rag & Bone?
You can shop the full collection on Rag-bone.com and at Rag & Bone boutiques. The brand is also stocked at department stores like Nordstrom, Saks and Bloomingdale‘s and online at Shopbop and Net-a-Porter.
Does Rag & Bone have sales?
While Rag & Bone‘s prices are steep, they do have seasonal sales where you can score some great deals, especially on core styles. I recommend signing up for their email list to get alerts. They also offer free shipping and returns.
So, Is Rag & Bone Worth It?
After thoroughly testing Rag & Bone‘s products myself and scouring hundreds of reviews, my takeaway is yes, the brand is worth the investment. No, they‘re not cheap. But the quality, fit and style are truly top-notch – these are pieces that feel amazing on and will last for years. The jeans in particular are a standout and worth every penny IMHO.
Rag & Bone is an ideal brand if you‘re looking to build a timeless wardrobe of elevated basics with an urban edge. Their pieces are the definition of cool and will give you that effortlessly put-together model off duty vibe. As long as you‘re okay with the splurge, I don‘t think you‘ll regret picking up a few key Rag & Bone pieces. Your closet will thank you!
What do you think about Rag & Bone? Let me know in the comments below! And if you‘re looking for more fashion inspo and honest reviews, be sure to subscribe to my newsletter. Thanks for reading!
