Clothing

Carve Designs Review

About Carve Designs

Carve Designs Review

Looking for cool, casual swimwear styles that can stick with you as you ride the surf and still look good while you’re kicking back on the sand? If so, keep reading this Carve Designs review to learn all about this women’s swimwear and apparel brand that has cracked the code to reconcile functional and fashionable. 

Designing its swimwear for “real women with real bodies and a real passion for adventure,” Carve Designs has also made sustainability one of the pillars of its mission statement. It uses recycled and/or sustainable materials in 100% of its swimwear and 85% of its entire product line, and its packaging is plant-based and biodegradable. 

That combination of stylishness, practicality, and sustainability has resulted in a strong media profile for this women-owned brand. Carve Designs has been featured in such prominent outlets Shape, Vogue, and InStyle, and has amassed a following of 38.5K on Instagram and 43.5K on Facebook. 

Ready to hit the beach? This Carve Designs review will take an in-depth look at the brand, its bestselling swimwear and apparel, customer reviews, promotions, and more to help you decide if these products are worth the buy. 

Overview of Carve Designs

Carve Designs Review

Carve Designs was launched in 2003 by friends and fellow surfing enthusiasts Jennifer Hinton and Thayer Sylvester. Their goal was simple: to create women’s swimwear and surf apparel that is comfortable, cute, and practical all at once.

Operating out of Mill Valley in northern California, Carve Designs began by selling surfing-related items like boardshorts. From these humble beginnings, the brand gradually expanded and now boasts an extensive line of stylish activewear and accessories.   

Now that you’ve got some of the background on this beachy brand, it’s time for this Carve Designs review to start digging into the details. Let’s kick things off with a top-line view of some of this brand’s most notable highlights. 

Highlights

  • Wide range of women’s swimwear and activewear that is both practical and fashionable
  • Eco-friendly and sustainable materials used in 85% of brand’s product line
  • Women-owned brand
  • Affordable price points 
  • Inclusive sizing 
  • Free shipping on US orders of $99 and up
  • 30-day return window 
  • Standing sale section on brand website, with some items up to 50% off 
Carve Designs Review

Carve Designs swim apparel was the rock on which this brand was built, but it has so much more to offer. Stick with this Carve Designs review as we check out some of the brand’s bestselling items in its swim, shorts, and lifestyle categories.

Carve Designs Shorts Review

A good pair of shorts are a must for the warmer months: just throw them on over a swimsuit, and your beach vibe is instantly transformed into casual streetwear for patio meet-ups. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular Carve Designs shorts.

Carve Designs Maui Short Favorite Fade Review

Cut-offs are the perfect fusion of cuteness and comfort, and the Carve Designs Maui Short Favorite Fade brings a new level of both to this summertime staple. Made from stretch denim, these shorts are all about those casual beachy vibes with its delicately frayed hem and mid-thigh hit. 

Throw these on with your favorite hoodie in the late summer, or with a bikini top for a day on the beach. The Maui Short Favorite Fade is available in three rinses, runs from sizes 0 to 14, and is priced at $68

Carve Designs Oahu 4″ Short Dark Coral Review

Blue denim shorts are the undisputed classic look for summertime sun and sand, but that doesn’t mean you should limit yourself to it. The Carve Designs Oahu 4” Short Dark Coral is a great late-summer option with its faded-red hue that looks like falling autumn leaves. Made from stretch corduroy, they have a loose, comfy fit that’s perfect for those final vacation weekends.

Best of all, you can get this same design in nine other fun colors, ranging from faded black to pristine white. You can get the Oahu 4” Short for $68

Carve Designs Swim Review

Whether you’re into bikinis, tankinis, modest swim shorts, or one-pieces, Carve Designs has something to suit everyone’s style (and lifestyle). Our Carve Designs review keeps rolling with a look at some of the brand’s most popular swimsuits.

Carve Designs Dahlia Top Charm Review

There’s something so flattering about this Carve Designs Dahlia Top Charm. The ideal balance between modest and attractive, this halter-style bikini top offers extra support up front and a beautiful criss-cross tie design in the back. The soft-toned “Charm” floral pattern makes it matchable with a plethora of different-colored bottoms, or even a pair of boardshorts. 

The Dahlia Top also comes in 12 other super-cute patterns, so there’s something for nearly every taste. Whichever way you go, you’ll be laying down $58 for this top. 

Carve Designs Dahlia One Piece Charm Aqua Regatta Review

If you’re looking for something a bit more modest but still adorable, check out the Carve Designs Dahlia One Piece Charm Aqua Regatta. This V-necked one-piece has a nifty tri-patterned design that begins with a charming floral motif on the bust, continues with a light-blue band across the solar plexus, and cascades down to muted white and blue horizontal stripes. 

There are six color schemes total for this style, including solid black or navy for those who aren’t into mix-and-match patterns. You can get the Dahlia One Piece for $90

Carve Designs Dresses Review

We told you there was more to this brand than beachwear! Carve Designs dresses bring that same fun, flirty, yet functional style to the sidewalks. Let’s check out some of the brand’s bestsellers below.

Carve Designs Aida Dress Red Rock Stripe Review

Carve Designs Aida Dress Red Rock Stripe Review
Carve Designs Aida Dress Red Rock Stripe

There’s nothing quite so comfortable as hanging out at home with just your favorite flannel shirt on—but try wearing that outside, and you’re probably looking at an indecent exposure charge. Well, no longer: the Carve Designs Aida Dress Red Rock Stripe gives you that cherished flannel feeling in a novel and all-out adorable dress form.

This button-up dress hits just above the knee, and the thin tie belt adds the perfect accent. Pair this baby with your favorite knee-high boots for a fun afternoon out. Also available in a blue-stripe design, the Aida Dress is currently on sale for $19, down from $55

Carve Designs Del Mar Dress Navy Review

Looking for the perfect dress for your tropical vacation? May we present the Carve Designs Del Mar Dress Navy. The sleeveless style makes this dress wonderfully breathable, and the naturally rumpled look of the organic cotton means that it’s easy to roll up and pack into your suitcase without having to worry about wrinkling. 

This dress also comes with a thin, removable belt for those days when you feel like accentuating your waistline. Also available in light pink, the Del Mar Dress is currently marked down a full 50% to $45

Who Is Carve Designs For? 

Carve Designs Review

Unsurprisingly for a California-based brand founded by a pair of dedicated beach nuts, Carve Designs is all about easy-wearing summertime style that’s both attractive and conducive for sun- and surf-based activities. That focus on comfort and functionality also carries over into the brand’s line of cold-weather apparel like sweaters, fleece, and jackets.

Bottom line, Carve Designs is all about casual chic for women who don’t think that comfort means that you have to sacrifice style.

Is Carve Designs Sustainable? 

Carve Designs Review

As we pointed out near the top of this Carve Designs review, this brand has put sustainability at the forefront of its agenda. The brand uses 100% recycled fabric in its swimwear, and 85% of its entire product line is manufactured using sustainable materials such as coconut balsa, organic cotton, corduroy, and denim, and fabrics made from recycled plastic bottles.

Carve Designs is also a member of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, the fashion industry’s leading body for sustainable manufacturing, and a supporter of the Ocean Conservancy, which works to keep waste out of our oceans and off our beaches.

Carve Designs Reviews: What Do Customers Think?

Carve Designs Review

It’s time for this Carve Designs review to really put this brand to the test: let’s see what real, honest-to-God customers have to say about this beach-oriented activewear. 

First up, we headed to the brand website to sample the ratings that some of Carve Designs’ bestsellers racked up from buyers. As you can see from the below, they fared pretty darn well:

  • Dahlia One Piece Charm Aqua Regatta5/5 stars based on 32 reviews 
  • Oahu 4” Short5/5 stars based on 376 reviews 
  • Dahlia Top Charm4.5/5 stars based on 80 reviews 
  • La Jolla Coverup Dress5/5 stars based on 13 reviews 

In addition to praising the cute designs and fit, many buyers affirmed that the brand’s swimsuits are indeed perfect for active lifestyles. One buyer of the Dahlia Top laid it out:

This top is the perfect balance of style and security/support. I’m not normally one to just lounge by the pool, so when I’m in a swimsuit I’m doing some kind of water sport. This top is like a super cute and comfortable sports bra and fits like a dream.”

The durability and easygoing style of the brand’s clothing also got shouted out by many customers. The Maui Short, which scored 4.5/5 stars based on 14 reviews, was a particular standout in this regard, with one buyer saying:

I cannot say enough about these. They are so comfortable and wash so well. They easily stand up to a few wears like jeans and they don’t stretch out or look grungy. I have them in white as well and think they look like a nice dressier short. You will not regret this buy.

The mix-and-matchability of Carve Designs swimwear was another big selling point. At Amazon, where the Stinson Tankini pulled in 4.2/5 stars based on 28 global ratings, one buyer singled this aspect out along with the item’s flattering fit:

I’m a 32A and the XS fit me perfectly… It’s thin enough that it doesn’t feel obnoxious or fake, but thick enough that it smooths my shape out. The print is really beautiful and versatile as well. You could wear this with so many different colours of bikini bottoms, boy briefs, shorts or skirts. It’s nice enough that it doesn’t actually look like swimwear!

Carve Designs swimwear and clothing was designed for women that love to spend time at the beach or just outdoors in general, so it’s no surprise that several reviewers noted that they’ve bought several pieces from this brand. One commenter on the Carve Designs Facebook page even revealed that she’d done an entire wardrobe overhaul with the brand’s products: 

Carve Designs is my favorite clothing company. I completely revamped my beach style with All SPF quick-dry clothing. Best money I’ve ever spent on style.”

Is Carve Designs Worth It?

Carve Designs Review

Taking into account all of the reviews left by satisfied customers, as well as the eco-conscious materials that the brand uses in the majority of its swimwear and apparel, this Carve Designs review can conclude that this brand is well worth the money. 

There are so many great choices when it comes to Carve Designs swimwear—you can mix and match to your heart’s content! But beyond that style versatility, all of this brand’s swim tops, bottoms, one-pieces, and more are made to give maximum comfort and support to women who aren’t content to just lounge on the beach all day. 

That same emphasis on functionality carries over into the design of the brand’s casual-chic everyday apparel. If you’re looking for an easygoing vibe at a more than reasonable price, Carve Designs is definitely worth checking out.

Carve Designs Promotions & Discounts 

Carve Designs Review

Looking to score some savings on the Carve Designs website? Luckily, that’s pretty easy to do given the standing sale section, which has nearly 500 items marked down as low as 50% off. Have a browse, and see what you can find!

Where to Buy Carve Designs 

Carve Designs Review

You can shop for Carve Designs swimwear, apparel, and accessories on the brand website, carvedesigns.com. You can also find many items on Amazon and at the brand’s various retail partners, including REI, Swim Outlet, and MEC.  

FAQ

Carve Designs Review

Who owns Carve Designs?

Carve Designs is owned by its founders, Jennifer Hinton and Thayer Sylvester. In 2016, the brand received a major capital investment from the firm Kanders & Company, whose owner Warren Kanders became the chairman of Carve while Sylvester continues to serve as CEO.

Does Carve Designs ship internationally?

Carve Designs does not ship internationally at this time. Its delivery area is limited to the US and Canada. 

What is Carve Designs’ Shipping Policy?

US orders of $99 and above are eligible for free ground shipping. For orders below that amount, shipping fees will be calculated at checkout. 

Items delivered by ground shipping are usually received within 3-14 business days. Two-day and overnight shipping are also available for additional fees.

Canadian orders are charged a flat $30 delivery fee, with HST added to the total at checkout.

What is Carve Designs’ Return Policy?

Carve Designs has a 30-day return policy on items that have been purchased from the brand website. All items must be in their original condition (meaning unwashed, unworn, and with sales tags still attached) in order to qualify for a refund. Eligible items returned after the 30-day mark will receive store credit in the form of a gift card.

A $7 return shipping fee will be deducted from your refund total. Please note that it may take 2-3 weeks for your return and refund to be processed. 

To begin the return process, visit the return center on the Carve Designs website. Make sure to have your original order number and zip code handy. Exchanges for different-sized items (but in the same style and color) can also be made through the return center by choosing the “Exchange” option and following the directions indicated. 

Canadian orders can be returned to the address indicated on the return form that accompanied the item, as the brand’s prepaid shipping labels are not applicable. 

How to Contact Carve Designs

Have any questions after finishing this Carve Designs review? You can get in touch with the brand via:

  1. Phone: 855-585-2278 (Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:30pm PST)
  2. Email: [email protected] 
  3. Live chat on brand website

Looking for more fashionable swimwear? Then check out these top brands:

Andie Swimwear

Vilebrequin Swimwear

Frankies Bikinis

Blackbough Swim

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