Clothing

Marine Layer Clothing Review

About Marine Layer

Marine Layer Review

Marine Layer is a sustainable clothing brand known for its soft-to-the-touch pieces whose secret ingredient is MicroModal, an eco-friendly material made from recycled beechwood. The brand has garnered 143K followers on Instagram, and has been featured in media outlets such as Forbes and Powder Magazine

This Marine Layer clothing review will take a closer look at the company, its products, customer reviews, and more to help you decide if its clothes really deliver on that softness promise. 

Overview of Marine Layer

Marine Layer Review

The idea for Marine Layer came about after the company founder, Mike Natenshon, found that his partner had (deservedly) thrown out his well-worn favorite T-shirt. He wanted to find a replacement that could mimic the comfy feeling of a “lived-in” shirt, minus the wear and tear.  

Inspired, Mike spent a year workshopping the MicroModal fabric, and proudly launched Marine Layer in 2009 from San Francisco with a mission to marry style and sustainability. Evoking retro and (West) coastal aesthetics, the company’s shirts give off chill, casual vibes, for the kind of comfort you can take off your couch and wear in the streets. 

As to its commitment to eco-friendliness, the brand works only with certified ethical manufacturers, and runs a recycling program called Re-Spun, in which old T-shirts are diverted from landfills and upcycled to create new products. Additionally, Marine Layer has partnered with ReLove to launch a vintage shop for secondhand clothing. 

Before diving deeper into our Marine Layer clothing review, let’s go over some initial pros and cons about the brand.

Pros

  • Wide range of Marine Layer clothing options for men, women, and children
  • 40% of products made from sustainable materials, and all items created using ethical manufacturing practices 
  • T-shirt recycling program saves old clothes from landfills
  • Frequent sales
  • Sign up to brand catalog and receive 10% off next order
  • Free shipping and returns
  • International shipping available

Cons

  • Issues with size inclusivity 
  • Not as affordable as some other brands

Are you in the market for insanely comfortable clothes that will last a lifetime? This Marine Layer clothing review has got you covered. Below, we’ll check out some of the company’s bestselling items. 

Marine Layer Clothing Review

We all want some comfortable, laid-back threads in our closets—simple staples are easy to reach for, and even easier when they’re versatile and well-made. This just so happens to be our spotlighted brand’s sweet spot, so stick with this Marine Layer clothing review as we survey some of the most popular pieces for both men and women. 

Marine Layer Box Waffle Crew Tee in Dark Denim Review 

First up is the Box Waffle Crew Tee. This long-sleeve waffle knit is made of thermal fabric, which retains body heat to keep you warm on chilly autumn days. It’s got a more relaxed fit, but still cozies up nicely to your upper body before hanging loosely on the way down. 

The dark denim is easy to style, and gives off a chilled-out vibe. If you’re not into blues, it also comes in “deep lichen,” which is akin to sage green. You can currently add the Marine Layer Waffle Crew Tee to your closet for just $55 (marked down from $78). 

Marine Layer Finley Sweater Tank Review

The Finley Sweater Tank is another timeless staple that can stick around for a lifetime. This cropped knit tank is a great addition to your summer wardrobe: you can throw it on over a bathing suit, or wear it out for dinner with your favorite pair of jeans. 

Sporting a relaxed fit, this Marine Layer sweater tank is 100% cotton, so it’s soft and comfortable in addition to being stylish and cute. Pop this on, kick back, and enjoy some refreshing patio drinks for just $60 (regular $88)—not including the drinks. 

Marine Layer Camila Dress Review 

Summer has definitely arrived! The Marine Layer Floral Camila Dress is the perfect sunny-season alternative to your staple little black dress, but it doesn’t just have to be for special occasions. With buttons on the front of the dress, it’s casual enough to be an everyday piece—plus, a dress with pockets? Say no more. 

This dress has something of a plunging neckline, but there’s a secret clasp so you can retain your modesty while still drawing eyes. And if flowers aren’t your style, you can also get it in a funkily tropical black-and-white pattern. The Floral Camila Dress is currently sold out, but keep your eyes out for when it’s back: its sale price is $75, down from the normal $125

Marine Layer Cowlneck Pullover Hoodie in Mallard Review 

The Marine Layer Cowlneck Pullover Hoodie evokes images of campfires down by the beach. It’s ideal for keeping your neck warm from those cool evening ocean breezes without feeling restricted by scarves or a tight turtleneck. Whether you’re out hiking or working from home, this will give you all the comfort you’re looking for thanks to the brand’s custom Tri-Blend fleece. 

This super-comfy Marine Layer cowlneck hoodie is on sale for $75 (down from $98), but it’s currently sold out. Keep watching the brand website for when it pops up again, you won’t be sorry!

Marine Layer Quebec Sherpa Jacket Review 

The ’70s-inspired Quebec Sherpa Jacket isn’t just retro-sharp, it’s contemporary-sustainable: made from recycled materials and faux-suede, it’s 100% vegan and thus 100% guilt-free. Slightly oversized but cutting off at the waist, this would look great with a white tee and some high-waisted pants. 

Go faux (-suede) for fall with the Marine Layer Sherpa coat, currently on sale for $145 (regular $185). 

Marine Layer ML x LF Apres Rainbow Puffer in Rainbow Stripe Review 

Who doesn’t love a good puffer jacket? The ML x LF Apres Rainbow Puffer is another ’70s-inspired piece that’ll keep you warm while you make your fashion statement. The multi-color pattern can liven up any dull grey winter day, and the hood is removable so you can wear it open for fall.

Made from 100% recycled nylon and cruelty-free down filling, this Marine Layer rainbow puffer jacket actually gets us amped for cold weather. It’s currently sold out, but when you can snatch it again, you’ll only pay $185 as opposed to the normal price of $235

Is Marine Layer Ethical?

Marine Layer Review

Marine Layer runs an ethical supply chain, and requires its vendor partners to sign a code of conduct. Furthermore, 83% of the company’s manufacturing partners have their working conditions checked by third-party audits.

Is Marine Layer Sustainable? 

Marine Layer Review

All of the brand’s products use fibers and materials made from recycled beechwood pulp. The brand also runs a recycling program in which old shirts are donated and reused to make new items, and has partnered with ReLove to curate secondhand pieces for resale. So, in short, Marine Layer is indeed a sustainable brand. 

Do Marine Layer Shirts Shrink? 

Marine Layer Review

Marine Layer shirts are pre-washed for softness and to prevent shrinkage, but some shirts will shrink slightly if they’re tossed in the dryer. Be sure to follow the care instructions on the label for best results. 

Who Is Marine Layer For? 

Marine Layer Review

If you’re into casual, go-anywhere threads with a beachy vibe and remarkable softness, Marine Layer has got you covered. The brand sells clothing for both men and women, and there is even a kids line called “Mini” that, while smaller than its adult collection, still has plenty of items to keep your little one warm, comfortable, and (most importantly, of course) stylish!

Comparison: Marine Layer vs. Outerknown   

Marine Layer Review

In an effort to give you some more context about our spotlighted brand, this Marine Layer clothing review did a point-by-point comparison between it and a comparable company, Outerknown.

Like Marine Layer, Outerknown proudly uses sustainable materials and adheres to ethical practices in its manufacturing, and its clothing has a similar casual-coastal vibe. The chief difference between the two is that Outerknown offers a broader range of products (including footwear), and sells them at a higher price point than Marine Layer.

At the end of the day, both brands offer pieces that are great for outdoor activities, working from home, or just lounging around, and which are eco-friendly and ethically made. Choosing between the two comes down to whether one carries the specific kind of piece you’re looking for, and how much you’re willing to shell out for it. 

If you want to learn more, then check out our full Outerknown Clothing Review and see how they stack up.

Marine Layer Reviews: What Do Customers Think?

Marine Layer Review

Seeking to sound out actual buyers of these products, this Marine Layer clothing review took to the interwebs to track down testimonials about the brand’s clothing. We found that there weren’t too many customer reviews kicking around out there, outside of the brand website and Facebook page, as well as the Yelp page for the company’s retail locations.

Still, we’re going to plow ahead with what we have, starting with marinelayer.com. Below, you can find the individual ratings for each of the items covered in this Marine Layer clothing review: 

  • Box Waffle Crew Tee in Dark Denim5/5 stars from 19 reviews 
  • Finley Sweater Tank4.5/5 stars from 72 reviews
  • Camila Dress in Multi Floral4.5/5 stars from 244 reviews 
  • Cowlneck Pullover Hoodie5/5 stars from 65 reviews
  • Quebec Sherpa Jacket4.5/5 stars from 11 reviews
  • ML x LF Apres Rainbow Puffer4.5/5 stars from 43 reviews

Them’s the numbers, but what were folks actually saying? Let’s take a sample, starting with the Floral Camila Dress. One reviewer particularly called out the handy pockets on this dress, saying “Finding really cute and unique dresses with pockets is a challenge. This one fits so well, the Tencel fabric is soft yet durable, and the pattern is so fun!”  

The Cowlneck Pullover hoodie was another winner, with the overall consensus that it was a perfect fit. “The work from home lifestyle is slowly creeping into my wardrobe, and this daddy is something I had to have,” said one commenter. Super into this jewel-toned green lately and went ahead and bought it a size up, so it’s a bit oversized without being too loose or baggy!”

On the Marine Layer Facebook page, the company gets a full 5/5 stars based on 63 reviews, but there are still some criticisms floating around. For example, some customers talk about holes developing in their Marine Layer T shirts after just a few wears, and V-necks losing their shape after a few washes.

All that said, while there will always be some buyers who have unfortunate experiences with products they purchase, there was nothing pronounced enough in the critiques of the brand for this Marine Layer clothing review to discern any truly troubling pattern.

Is Marine Layer Worth It?

Marine Layer Review

Taking everything into consideration, this Marine Layer clothing review would conclude that the company’s clothing is worth a try. Its products are sustainably and ethically made, and the brand is constantly working towards even more responsible supply chains and eco-friendly practices. Its current goal is to make 60% of its products with sustainable materials by 2022. 

Outside of its environmental impact, Marine Layer carries timeless basics that can be a part of your wardrobe for years. The pieces are easy to style and incredibly soft, though they are on the expensive side—which is to be expected with sustainable brands. 

Marine Layer Promotions & Discounts 

Marine Layer Review

If you sign up for the brand’s email list, you can get a 10% off Marine Layer discount code to use on your next purchase. Apart from this standing offer, we couldn’t find any other current promotions or discounts at the brand website.

Where To Buy Marine Layer 

Marine Layer Review

You can buy Marine Layer clothing from marinelayer.com, or from any of the brand’s retail locations (which you can find by clicking on “Stores” on the website). Nordstrom also carries items from the company’s collection. 

FAQ

Marine Layer Review

What does Marine Layer mean? 

A marine layer is an air mass that forms over large bodies of water when warmer air is held above cold air. This is common in the Bay Area, where Marine Layer’s HQ is located. 

Who owns Marine Layer? 

Michael Natenshon is the founder and owner of Marine Layer, which originated as an e-commerce company. When Michael brought aboard his old friend Adam Lynch as COO, the company began to expand into brick-and-mortar locations.

What sizes does Marine Layer have? 

Marine Layer sizes depend on the clothing item. Women’s sizes range from XS-XL, while men’s sizes run from S-XL, as well as a “Larger/XL” category for taller people. 

What is Marine Layer’s Shipping Policy?

Domestic orders are fulfilled by USPS and are shipped out from California or New Jersey, usually within 1-2 business days. Standard shipping is free, but if you just can’t wait to get your hands on that Marine Layer stripe henley top, you can spring for an expedited option:

  • FedEx 2 day shipping—$15
  • Overnight shipping—$25

Marine Layer international shipping is $15, though note that additional fees and duties may be applied by your country of residence. Estimated arrival time is 10-14 business days. 

What is the Marine Layer Returns Policy?

For items bought on the brand website or any Marine Layer retail locations, the company offers free return shipping for US customers within a year of purchase. Here’s how to initiate a return: 

  1. Enter your order number and zip code on the Marine Layer returns page 
  2. The company will send you instructions on how to print your return label 
  3. Package up your unopened item and drop it off at your nearest USPS location
  4. Inform customer service that the return is on its way, and you will receive your refund once they’ve confirmed your package’s tracking number has been processed by USPS

International customers are responsible for their own return fees. Items should be sent to the Marine Layer returns department at the address below: 

Marine Layer 
c/o Returns Dept 
1572 California Street 
San Francisco CA 
94109

How to Contact Marine Layer Customer Service 

Have any questions that weren’t covered in our Marine Layer clothing review? You can contact the brand’s customer service team via:


Looking for more options when it comes to clothing? Then check out these brands below:

EntireWorld Clothing

PrAna Clothing

Tradlands Clothing

Wolven Threads

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