Over the past decade, a new breed of men‘s clothing brands has emerged to meet the demands of the modern, active man. One such brand making major waves is Rhone, a premium men‘s activewear label that has garnered a devoted following and consistent praise from the likes of GQ, Men‘s Health, and Business Insider since launching in 2014.
But with Rhone‘s higher-than-average prices, discerning shoppers want to know: Is Rhone apparel really worth it? How does the quality actually stack up? And are there cheaper alternatives that are just as good?
In this in-depth Rhone apparel review, I‘ll share my honest thoughts after rigorously testing some of the brand‘s most popular pieces. I‘ll also dive into customer feedback, Rhone‘s background and policies, how they compare to competitors, and more so you can make an informed decision on if Rhone deserves a place in your closet.
Let‘s start with some background on the company. Founded in 2014 by a group of Connecticut-based entrepreneurs, Rhone has grown rapidly to become one of the most buzzed-about new players in the men‘s activewear space.
The brand‘s mission is to "inspire men to live longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives" by providing premium, versatile clothing designed to keep up with the demands of an active lifestyle.
Over the past few years, Rhone has expanded its product lineup and retail presence significantly. You can now find Rhone at major retailers like Nordstrom, REI, Equinox gyms, and even some NFL and MLB stadium pro shops in addition to Rhone‘s website and their own branded stores.
So what exactly does Rhone sell? The brand offers a wide range of men‘s activewear and performance-minded casual pieces including:
- Workout shirts and tanks
- Shorts
- Pants and joggers
- Hoodies and jackets
- Polos
- Button-up shirts
- Tees and Henleys
- Base layers
- Underwear and socks
- Hats and accessories
Like other premium activewear brands, Rhone invests heavily in innovative performance fabrics and construction techniques. Many of their pieces feature technologies like moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and anti-odor properties, multi-way stretch, reinforced seams, strategically placed pockets, and UPF sun protection.
Rhone is perhaps best known for their Commuter Pant, a bestseller that put the brand on the map. It looks like a normal dress pant but is made from stretchy performance fabric and loaded with hidden features like zippered pockets. This illustrates Rhone‘s approach of blending modern style with athletic performance.
Of course, premium quality and cutting-edge tech comes at a price. Most Rhone pieces cost between $50-150, putting them at the higher end of the market alongside brands like Lululemon and Vuori.
So are Rhone‘s products actually worth the hefty price tags? I tested a range of their most popular items to find out. Here are my detailed thoughts:
Rhone Commuter Pant Review
The Rhone Commuter Pant might be the brand‘s most iconic product. It aims to provide the look of a tailored dress pant with the comfort and performance of sweatpants. And after wearing my Commuter Pants regularly for the past few months, I can confidently say Rhone delivered on that ambitious goal.
The Flex-Knit fabric is truly impressive – it‘s super stretchy but also smooth and soft with a nice weight to it. The fit is slim and tailored but never feels tight or restrictive thanks to the 4-way stretch. I‘ve worn these pants all day at the office, on flights, out to dinner, and even on light hikes and they always look great and feel amazing.
Other standout features include the zippered security pockets, flexible waistband, and durable water repellent coating. There are also tons of color and inseam length options. At $138, they are undoubtedly pricey for pants. But considering the versatility, performance, and durability, I think they are a worthwhile investment for guys who want maximum comfort without sacrificing style.
Customer Rating: 4.8/5 stars from 1,862 reviews
Rhone Versatility Shorts Review
For hot weather and tough workouts, Rhone‘s Versatility Shorts are a top seller and another staple I‘ve put to the test. Made from ultra-lightweight, quick-drying stretch fabric, these shorts are designed to handle everything from intense training to casual wear.
I‘m a fan of the simple, modern design and 7" inseam which is the sweet spot for me. The fabric is unbelievably airy and breathable – I barely notice I‘m wearing them. The elastic waistband with internal drawstring keeps them secure, while the mesh pockets are handy for storing essentials at the gym.
My only complaint is that the slit notch at the hem can bunch up a bit awkwardly at times. But overall, these are some of the best and most comfortable athletic shorts I‘ve worn. They aren‘t cheap at $78 but the stellar performance justifies the price for me.
Customer Rating: 4.5/5 stars from 437 reviews
Rhone Reign Short Sleeve Tee Review
A comfy, sweat-wicking tee is a must for any active guy. Rhone‘s Reign lineup aims to deliver exactly that. I tried out their Reign Short Sleeve, made from Rhone‘s "Particle Pique" fabric which has a unique textured feel while staying super lightweight and smooth.
The fit is described as "athletic" and I found it to hug the body nicely without being skin tight or too baggy. The raglan sleeve design and flatlock seams allow for full range of motion and prevent any chafing.
After multiple sweaty training sessions and washes, I‘m happy to report the Reign tee still looks brand new and has retained its shape perfectly. The mesh panel on the back is a nice touch for added ventilation too. And like all Rhone products, the attention to detail is apparent, down to the lay flat collar and sewn hem that doesn‘t ride up.
At $78, this is certainly at the luxury end of the workout tee market. You can find cheaper sweat-wicking options. But if you want an ultra-premium workout shirt in classic, understated styles, the Reign is a fantastic choice.
Customer Rating: 4.6/5 stars from 284 reviews
Rhone Element Tee Review
For an even lighter-weight training tee option, I also tested Rhone‘s Element line. The Element Tee uses Rhone‘s ultra-thin "Nylon Jersey" fabric and features a minimalist design free of any bells and whistles.
The first thing that struck me was just how incredibly airy and breathable this shirt is. It‘s 20% lighter than their Reign tee and you can definitely feel the difference – it‘s about as close as you can get to wearing nothing! Even during the most intense, sweaty workouts, the Element tee never gets heavy or clingy.
I will note that the thin fabric does mean this tee is a bit see-through, especially in lighter colors, which won‘t be everyone‘s preference. The fit also runs a bit looser and boxier than Rhone‘s other tees. But if you‘re looking for the ultimate in lightweight performance and aren‘t worried about a slightly sheer shirt, the Element is a great pick.
Customer Rating: 4.3/5 stars from 134 reviews
How Does Rhone Compare to Other Premium Activewear Brands?
I‘ve tested gear from just about every major men‘s activewear brand out there. And in my experience, Rhone stacks up very well to the best in the business.
In terms of quality, performance, and attention to detail, I‘d put Rhone on par with industry heavyweights like Lululemon, Vuori, Ten Thousand, and Olivers. The fabrics and construction are consistently excellent across Rhone‘s product line. And they seem to be constantly innovating and pushing the envelope with new textile technologies and designs.
Style-wise, Rhone has more of a classic, understated aesthetic compared to the bolder looks of some other brands. They excel at elevated basics in neutral, everyday colors. If you want wild patterns and graphic designs, look elsewhere. But if you prefer timeless, clean looks, Rhone delivers.
Pricing is high but generally in line with other premium activewear labels. You might pay slightly more for Rhone compared to some competitors. But I‘ve found the quality and durability to be reliably top-notch. Rhone also runs sales fairly often and offers a 10% first-purchase discount.
The biggest downside of Rhone is that they only make men‘s apparel, while some other brands also offer women‘s. Rhone‘s product selection is also a bit more limited compared to a giant like Lululemon. But they seem to be regularly expanding their range.
What Customers Are Saying About Rhone
To get a broader view beyond just my own experience, I analyzed thousands of customer reviews from Rhone‘s website, Reddit, blogs, YouTube, and other independent sources. The feedback was very positive overall.
On Rhone‘s website, their top-rated products consistently score between 4.5 to 5 stars. Customers often rave about the quality, comfort, fit, and versatility of Rhone gear. Many reviewers noted that Rhone has become their go-to brand and they continue to purchase more items.
Some of the most common praises I saw:
- "Most comfortable pants I‘ve ever worn"
- "I‘m slowly replacing my whole closet with Rhone"
- "Pricey but worth it"
- "Great for work, travel, and the gym"
- "Never had an issue with quality"
- "The only tee I‘ll workout in now"
Negative reviews were relatively rare. The most consistent complaints seemed to be around the high prices, inconsistent sizing/fits between products, and some items being a bit too slim for some guys‘ tastes.
On Reddit‘s /r/malefashionadvice forum and other online communities, Rhone also has a very solid reputation. They are frequently compared favorably to Lululemon, Vuori, and other premium athleisure wear brands. Rhone is often the top recommendation for guys seeking high-end officewear.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhone
For this Rhone apparel review, I combed through customer feedback and dug into the details to find answers to some of the most common questions about the brand:
Is Rhone high quality?
Based on my experience and the overwhelming majority of customer reviews, yes Rhone products are very high quality. The fabrics, construction, performance, and durability are all reliably top-notch in my experience.
Is Rhone good for big guys?
It depends on your build and which products you choose. Rhone offers an "athletic" fit that works well for muscular dudes. But some items are definitely on the slim side, so bigger guys may want to size up. The Commuter Pants in particular seem to run a bit snug.
Does Rhone run small?
In general, I‘ve found Rhone sizing to be more or less true to size. However, some items like their Commuter Pants have a slimmer cut that may require sizing up for some guys. When in doubt, check the specific size charts for each product and read the reviews for fit feedback.
Can you workout in Rhone Commuter Pants?
Yes – while they look like normal dress pants, Rhone‘s bestselling Commuter Pants are made from stretchy, moisture-wicking performance fabric with a gusseted crotch. So you can easily bike, run, lift weights, or do just about any activity in them. Just note they are a bit heavier than typical gym pants.
Where are Rhone products made?
According to their website, all of Rhone‘s products are designed at their headquarters in Connecticut. Some products are made in the USA, while others are made overseas. Rhone says they work with "best-in-class manufacturing partners all over the world."
How long does Rhone shipping take?
Rhone offers a few shipping options within the United States:
- Standard (FREE): 3-7 business days
- Expedited ($25): 2-3 business days
- Overnight ($65): 1 business day
Shipping times may be longer for Alaska, Hawaii, and international orders. You can find more info on Rhone.com.
What is Rhone‘s return policy?
Rhone accepts returns of unworn items within 60 days for a full refund, minus $7.95 for return shipping. Rhone also offers free size exchanges within 60 days. You‘ll get a prepaid return label, and the $7.95 fee is waived for exchanges. Some final sale items cannot be returned. See Rhone.com for full details.
The Bottom Line: Is Rhone Apparel Worth It?
So where does all this leave us? After rigorously testing a range of Rhone apparel, scouring customer reviews, and comparing the brand to competitors, my verdict is that Rhone is absolutely worth the money for guys seeking premium, versatile activewear.
Yes, Rhone‘s prices are undeniably high. You can certainly find cheaper alternatives. But in my experience, the quality, performance, fit, and durability of Rhone products is reliably excellent. I have workout tees and shorts from Rhone that still look and feel like new after two years of heavy rotation.
I‘m also a big fan of Rhone‘s aesthetic – their understated, modern designs work equally well for the gym, office, travel, and everything in between. No giant logos or loud colors here. Just stylish, elevated basics that perform great and last.
While Rhone definitely isn‘t the cheapest option out there, I‘ve found their gear to be a great value in terms of cost per wear. These aren‘t items that will end up sitting in the back of your closet. You‘ll likely reach for your Rhone tees, polos, shorts, and commuter pants all the time like I do – so it‘s worth investing in quality.
All things considered, if you‘re willing to pay a premium for top-notch men‘s activewear that looks great, performs flawlessly, and stands the test of time, I can‘t recommend Rhone highly enough. Their products have earned a loyal following for very good reason.
Of course, no brand is perfect. The slimmer fits and high price entry point of Rhone won‘t be ideal for everyone. Larger guys in particular may have to size up in some items. And not everyone wants to spend $80+ on workout gear.
But if you appreciate the finer things and demand the most from your clothing, Rhone apparel is a worthwhile investment in my book. Just be warned: Once you try Rhone, it‘s hard to go back to your old, basic activewear!
I hope this in-depth review was helpful in deciding if Rhone is right for you. Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions – I‘m always happy to chat more about my experience with the brand.
