If visions of pastel polos, nautical stripes, and whimsical whale logos dance through your head, you‘re likely familiar with Vineyard Vines. This quintessential preppy brand has exploded in popularity over the past two decades, carving out a niche as a go-to for classic coastal style. But with its colorful prints and country club-ready aesthetic often comes a hefty price tag, begging the question – is Vineyard Vines truly worth the cost?
As a fashion blogger always on the hunt for brands that offer quality, versatility and a healthy dose of personality, I was eager to put Vineyard Vines to the test. Over the past few months, I‘ve immersed myself in all things VV – from chatting with long-time customers to scouring hundreds of online reviews to visiting their retail locations. I even picked up a few pieces for myself along the way (all in the name of research, of course).
The result? An unfiltered look at the good, the bad, and the bro-tastic about this beloved brand. So sit back, pour yourself a glass of rosé, and let‘s dive in.
What Is Vineyard Vines? A Quick Brand History
Founded in 1998 by brothers Shep and Ian Murray, Vineyard Vines came to fruition after the duo decided to ditch their corporate gigs to "start making ties so they wouldn‘t have to wear them." Drawing inspiration from the laidback lifestyle of Martha‘s Vineyard, the Murrays set out to create a line of fun yet office-appropriate neckwear. They began selling their wares from a backpack and Jeep before eventually expanding into a full-fledged apparel brand.
Over 20 years later, Vineyard Vines now encompasses a wide range of clothing and accessories for men, women and children. Though they‘ve grown far beyond their signature silk ties, the brand remains true to their "Every day should feel this good" tagline through bright colors, playful prints and a focus on casual comfort. Their smiling whale logo has become synonymous with East Coast prep, spotted everywhere from frat houses to family resorts.
While the Vineyard Vines aesthetic certainly isn‘t for everyone, it‘s hard to deny the influence they‘ve had on the retail landscape. The brand now boasts over 70 freestanding stores, a thriving e-commerce site, and partnerships with major companies like Target and the NFL. But impressive reach aside, how does Vineyard Vines stack up when it comes to quality, value and customer experience? Let‘s break it down.
Vineyard Vines Product Overview
One of the first things that struck me about Vineyard Vines is the sheer breadth of their product catalog. Far from just a "prep in a box," VV offers an extensive selection of clothing and accessories for virtually every occasion:
Men‘s
From performance polos to suits and ties, Vineyard Vines has guys covered for both work and weekend. Bestsellers include their classic Shep Shirts (a 1/4-zip pullover available in dozens of colors), graphic tees, and ever-popular dad caps.
Women‘s
VV‘s women‘s collection is heavy on easy, breezy dresses and skirts in signature prints like florals and seersucker. Their comfy-cute tops and sweaters are ideal for tossing over a swimsuit or dressing up with white jeans.
Children‘s
Pint-sized polos, party dresses and rompers galore – if you‘re looking to outfit your mini in Martha‘s Vineyard-approved attire, Vineyard Vines has you covered from toddler to teen.
Accessories and Swimwear
True to their coastal roots, VV‘s accessory selection is stocked with vacation-ready gear like beach bags, flip flops, sunglasses and water-friendly watches. They also carry a solid range of swimwear each season.
No matter the category, Vineyard Vines is consistent in their commitment to color. Nearly every item comes in an array of shades, from muted khaki to "where‘s my sunglasses" bright. Prints are also a key component, with micro florals, madras plaid, and of course, whale-print making frequent appearances.
But cute and current style is one thing – how does Vineyard Vines fare when it comes to fabric and functionality? Let‘s take a closer look at some of their most popular pieces.
Vineyard Vines Bestsellers
To get a true sense of Vineyard Vines‘ quality and value, I zeroed in on a few of their fan-favorite, top-rated styles. Drawing from my own experience as well as feedback from other customers, here‘s the scoop on some VV must-haves:
Shep Shirt
The Shep Shirt is one of Vineyard Vines‘ most iconic items, and it‘s easy to see why. Made from a pima cotton blend, this 1/4-zip pullover is lightweight yet warm, with a relaxed fit that works well for everything from golf to travel. The Shep Shirt comes in a huge variety of colors, and at $128, it‘s one of the more reasonable buys from the brand.
Customers rave about the Shep Shirt‘s quality construction and versatility, with many noting that it‘s their go-to layering piece. A few reviewers did mention that the Shep Shirt can run slightly large, so you may want to size down if you‘re between sizes.
Performance Breaker Shorts
For men, the Performance Breaker Shorts are a warm-weather staple. These 8" flat front shorts are made from a stretchy nylon/spandex blend that‘s moisture-wicking and quick-drying – perfect for active days. An elastic waistband and mesh pockets add to the Performance Breaker Shorts‘ easy, comfortable feel.
At $88, the Performance Breaker Shorts are pricier than your average elastic waist short. However, customers say the premium fabrics and expert craftsmanship are well worth the cost. With a near-perfect rating of 4.8 stars and over 500 reviews, it‘s clear these shorts are a fan favorite.
Seersucker Shift Dress
Breezy, breathable cotton seersucker is a VV summer staple, perfectly embodied by their classic Seersucker Shift Dress. This simple silhouette features a darted bodice, side seam pockets, and fun ruffle details for a pretty-yet-unfussy look. Dress it up with wedges for an outdoor wedding or pair with canvas sneakers for weekend errands – the styling options are endless.
With hundreds of glowing reviews, the Seersucker Shift Dress has earned its status as a Vineyard Vines essential. Customers praise the dress‘s easy fit and exceptional quality, noting that it holds up beautifully wash after wash. At $128, it‘s an investment piece, but one that you‘ll likely wear for years to come.
What Do Customers Have to Say About Vineyard Vines?
Of course, a few anecdotal reviews only scratch the surface when it comes to customer feedback. To paint a more complete picture, I sifted through thousands of online reviews from a variety of third-party sites. A few key themes emerged:
Exceptional Quality
By and large, Vineyard Vines customers are thoroughly impressed by the brand‘s attention to detail and premium materials. From rich Supima cotton tees to buttery-soft Breaker shorts, reviewers consistently called out VV‘s top-notch fabrics. Construction and durability were also major pros, with many shoppers noting that their VV pieces held up impeccably through years of wear and washing.
Runs Large
Across the board, one of the most common nuggets of feedback was that Vineyard Vines tends to run large. Many reviewers mentioned sizing down in everything from polos to dresses for a more tailored look. While this relaxed fit is part of VV‘s signature aesthetic, it‘s something to keep in mind when placing an order.
Steep Prices
Unsurprisingly, price was the number one complaint among Vineyard Vines customers. With tees starting around $50 and dresses crossing the $200 mark, VV is undoubtedly one of the pricier brands in the preppy/coastal apparel space. However, many reviewers mentioned that the exceptional quality and longevity of VV pieces made the higher cost worth it, especially if you‘re able to snag items on sale.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Vineyard Vines Clothes Fit?
Vineyard Vines is known for its relaxed, slightly oversized fit. While this laid-back look is part of the brand‘s coastal cool aesthetic, many customers recommend sizing down for a slimmer silhouette, particularly in tops and dresses.
Where Can I Buy Vineyard Vines?
Vineyard Vines is available through a variety of channels, including:
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Vineyard Vines Website – vineyardvines.com offers the widest selection of VV apparel and accessories, as well as the most robust sale section. Shipping is free on orders over $125.
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Vineyard Vines Retail Stores – There are over 70 freestanding Vineyard Vines stores across the US. Use their store locator to find a location near you.
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Department Stores – Major retailers like Nordstrom, Bloomingdales and Belk carry a limited selection of Vineyard Vines, both in-store and online. This can be a great way to try the brand if you don‘t live near a dedicated VV store.
Does Vineyard Vines Ever Go On Sale?
While Vineyard Vines‘ prices are steep, they do offer occasional sales and promotions, including:
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Seasonal Sales – VV typically has 2 big sales per year – one in the summer and one around Black Friday/Cyber Monday. These are some of the best opportunities to score hefty discounts on past-season styles.
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Promo Codes – A few times a year, Vineyard Vines will release limited-time promo codes (usually around 20-30% off) to their email subscribers. Definitely worth signing up if you‘re a frequent VV shopper!
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Outlet Pricing – Select Vineyard Vines retail locations are designated as outlets, offering year-round discounts on overstocked and past-season merchandise. Check the store locator to see if there‘s an outlet near you.
The Bottom Line
So, is Vineyard Vines worth the hype (and more importantly, the high price tag)? Ultimately, it comes down to what you value most in a clothing brand. If you‘re looking for top-tier quality, timeless-with-a-twist style, and a dose of beachy charm, Vineyard Vines delivers in spades. The brand‘s attention to detail and use of premium materials is undeniable, and there‘s something to be said for their loyal customer base and glowing reviews.
On the flip side, there‘s no denying that Vineyard Vines is a splurge. The prices can be tough to stomach, especially for basics like tees and shorts. And while the brand‘s signature oversized fit and bright colors are beloved by some, others may find the aesthetic a bit too "in your face preppy."
My take? If you have the budget and love the classic coastal look, Vineyard Vines makes beautiful, ultra-high quality pieces that will last for years. Their luxurious fabrics and fun prints make each item feel truly special, and the relaxed fits are ideal for staying comfy on the go. No, you don‘t need a VV whale tee in every color of the rainbow – but picking up a few versatile pieces, especially on sale, is a worthy investment in my book.
At the end of the day, Vineyard Vines is a brand that knows its lane and excels within it. Will they be the most cutting-edge or budget-friendly choice on the market? No. But if you‘re seeking a slice of coastal charm with a side of country club cool, it‘s hard to go wrong with this New England favorite. Just remember to size down.
