Table of Contents
About SSENSE
SSENSE is a high-end e-commerce fashion retailer that offers a mix of luxury, streetwear, and avant-garde labels to women and men all over the world. The brand has a solid Instagram presence with 883k followers and has been featured in media including Medium, Canada NewsWire, CTV News, and Flare.
In this SSENSE clothing review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the brand and its products, customer ratings, promotions, and more, to help you decide if their products are worth the buy.
SSENSE is a Montreal-based fashion platform with global reach. Founded in 2003, SSENSE clothing features luxury, streetwear, and avant-garde labels. They produce industry-leading original content and take pride in building their own technology solutions and systems from scratch.
The company’s focus has grown beyond that of a typical e-commerce entity as they explore the relationship between content, commerce, and culture. SSENSE serves 150 countries, generates an average of 76 million monthly page views, and has achieved high double-digit annual growth since inception.
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Our team spends hours researching, consulting with medical experts, gathering insight from expert professionals, reviewing customer feedback, and analyzing products to provide you with the information you need.
Pros & Cons
While SSENSE has achieved a lot in its 17-year history including a strong customer base and huge product line, there are also some downsides to the brand. We want to be honest in this SSENSE clothing review, so take a look at these pros and cons:
Pros
- Wide range of products: SSENSE offers products from over 400 designers. They have a diverse selection of clothing, accessories, and footwear, catering to various styles and preferences.
- Competitive prices: SSENSE is known for offering lower prices compared to other premium retailers. This makes it an attractive option for customers looking for luxury fashion at more affordable prices.
- Discounts and sales: SSENSE frequently has hundreds of items on sale. This provides an opportunity for customers to find great deals and discounts on high-end fashion items.
- Brand recognition: SSENSE has gained significant brand recognition. Their popularity and reputation as an online fashion retailer can give customers confidence in their purchases.
- Trendy and unique products: SSENSE offers unique and trendy clothing from up-and-coming designers. This allows customers to discover new styles and stay ahead of fashion trends.
Cons
- Return policy limitations: SSENSE’s return policy may not be as lenient as some other retailers. Customers should familiarize themselves with the specific return policy before making a purchase.
- Pricey products: While SSENSE offers competitive prices, some products may still be expensive. This can limit the affordability for some customers.
Features
Before we explore some of the brand’s best-selling products, let’s take a peek at the features of shopping with them:
- Wide selection of products: SSENSE offers a diverse range of products across various categories, including womenswear, menswear, kidswear, and more. They have clothing, shoes, bags, jewelry, and other fashion items to cater to different styles and occasions.
- Mix of established and emerging luxury brands: SSENSE features a mix of established and emerging luxury brands. This allows customers to explore a variety of designer labels and discover new and up-and-coming designers.
- Global reach and popularity: SSENSE is a global technology platform that reaches millions of visitors in over 150 countries. They have gained significant recognition and have become a leading destination for coveted fashion labels.
- Intersection of culture, community, and commerce: SSENSE operates at the intersection of culture, community, and commerce. They aim to provide a platform that goes beyond just selling products, embracing a broader cultural and community-driven approach.
- Editorial content and innovation: SSENSE has been a pioneer in exploring the intersection of content and commerce. They have incorporated editorial content on their website, offering a mix of fashion-related articles, interviews, and features. This approach provides customers with a unique and engaging shopping experience.
- SSENSE+ loyalty program: SSENSE offers the SSENSE+ loyalty program, which provides eligible customers with exclusive services and personalized experiences based on their shopping habits. Members can unlock different levels of benefits, including access to products, promotions, surprises, and potentially being selected for the invitation-only Personal Shopping program.
- Commitment to growth and innovation: SSENSE has achieved double-digit annual growth while remaining profitable and nimble. They prioritize healthy and sustainable growth and focus on innovation in style, business, and technology.
- Employee development and learning: SSENSE strives to help individuals broaden their expertise and reach their full potential. They have a culture of knowledge sharing and continuous learning, with employee-led events and initiatives to foster personal and professional development.
8 Best-Selling SSENSE Products
Next up in this SSENSE clothing review, we’ll showcase some of their trending pieces for men and women. Get ready for some serious urban style.
SSENSE Men
SSENSE offers a huge variety of fashion pieces for men including:
- SSENSE Accessories: belts & suspenders, blankets, dog accessories, eyewear, gloves, hats, jewelry, keychains, pocket squares & tie bars, scarves, socks, souvenirs, tech, ties, towels, umbrellas, wallets & card holders, and watches
- SSENSE Bags: backpacks, briefcases, duffle bags, messenger bags, pouches & document holders, tote bags, and travel bags
- SSENSE Clothing: jackets & coats, jeans, pants, shirts, shorts, suits & blazers, sweaters, swimwear, tops, and underwear & loungewear
- SSENSE Shoes: boat shoes & moccasins, boots, espadrilles, lace-ups, loafers, monkstraps, sandals, and sneakers
You’ll notice the trendy, sleek styles are great for both casual and formal situations. As part of this SSENSE clothing review, we’re providing some of the more popular, trending items (and, luckily, they’re all on sale!)
White Airport Tape Long Sleeve T-Shirt by Off-White
This long-sleeve tee by Off-White has some chill travel vibes: check out CABIN BAGGAGE tape design on the sleeves and back. The White Airport Tape Long Sleeve T-Shirt features comfortable jersey cotton, a rib-knit crewneck collar, and cuffs. It’s a level up from the plain white tee, and just as casual. It’s cool without trying too hard.
The White Airport Tape Long Sleeve T-Shirt is for lounging—at home, at the gate before you catch your next flight, wherever. Anywhere casual is the dress code. This Off-White tee retails at $168, originally $358.
Beige Check George Shirt by Burberry
You can never go wrong with classic Burberry: the beige/camel shirt features their signature check pattern in white, red, and black, with a spread collar and a button closure in front. The look of the Beige Check George Shirt is elevated by two-button barrel cuffs, a shirttail hem, and logo-engraved tonal hardware.
This is a smart look to meet your girl’s parents, hit up a nice restaurant, or a luxury pop-up event. The camel long-sleeve stretch cotton has a loose and airy fit, so you’ll still be comfortable while repping the suave gentleman. The Beige Check George Shirt by Burberry currently goes for $264, marked down from $292.
Beige Bicolor Classic Card Holder by Maison Margiela
Why go with the same black leather wallet that every guy has? This Maison Margiela card holder has 6 card slots, so no bulky pants pocket—just carry the essentials. The buffed leather Beige Bicolor Classic Card Holder has a polished look to it on the front cover, featuring Maison Margiela’s classy gold-tone logo.
Flip the holder, and the cream-colored back face has white stitching for an extra design element. Inside you’ll find a nice black leather lining. The Beige Bicolor Classic Card Holder by Maison Margiela measures 4” long x 3.25” high.
Its neutral color and size go with nearly everything, day or night. Get this Maison Margiela wallet for $105, marked down from $234.
Nike Air Zoom Spiridon Cage 2 Sneakers
You can hit the courts or the track in style with these striking low-top sneakers. These trendy Nike sneaks combine red/orange with silver in a breathable all-mesh upper. The Air Zoom Spiridon Cage 2 Sneakers are built with a treaded rubber outsole to absorb ground shock, paired with a comfortable round toe.
The athletic look of these Nike sneakers is souped up and stylized by a faux-leather trim, rubberized signature Swoosh appliqué and cut-out detailing on the sides.
Make these running shoes stand out with a neutral outfit or make a statement with matching orange and black workout gear. The Air Zoom Spiridon Cage 2 Sneakers are on sale for $104, regular price $135.
SSENSE Women
Just like their men’s products, SSENSE offers women trendy, sleek styles that are great for both casual and dressier events. SSENSE offers a wide array of women’s fashion pieces, including:
- SSENSE Accessories: bag accessories, belts & suspenders, blankets, cosmetic cases, dog accessories, eyewear, fine jewelry, gloves, hats, jewelry, keychains, scarves, socks, tech, towels, umbrellas, wallets & card holders, and watches
- SSENSE Bags: backpacks, clutches & pouches, duffle & top handle bags, messenger bags & satchels, shoulder bags, tote bags, and travel bags
- SSENSE Clothing: activewear, dresses, jackets & coats, jeans, jumpsuits, lingerie, pants, shorts, skirts, sweaters, swimwear, and tops
- SSENSE Shoes: boots, flats, heels, sandals, and sneakers
Below, in this SSENSE clothing review, we’re providing examples of some of the best-selling, trending items for women.
Nike White Sportswear Essential Tank Top
You’ll work out in style with this basic, trendy Nike White Sportswear Essential Tank Top. This jersey tank top features a comfortable, stretchy 71% cotton and 29% polyester blend, with a square neck collar and classic Nike Swoosh at the front.
Nike’s products tend to last a long time and this one is versatile: you can easily go straight to apres-gym activities in the White Sportswear Essential Tank Top, like that post-workout smoothie with your buds. You can grab this neutral tank for $26.
Nike Grey Leg-A-See Bike Shorts
These Nike Grey Leg-A-See Bike Shorts are great not just for biking, but for exercise of any sort, whether you’re hiking, running or just walking the dog on a summer evening. These Nike bike shorts feature an oh-so-comfy stretch cotton and jersey blend.
The Nike Grey Leg-A-See Bike Shorts have a high-rise, elasticized waist with overlock stitching throughout, plus the iconic Nike Swoosh embroidered in black at the cuff. These comfy bike shorts retail for $37.
Laura Lombardi Gold Fede Necklace
This Laura Lombardi chain-link necklace is stunning. The Gold Fede Necklace in 14k gold-plated brass features hinged ring fastenings and is about 14″ long, close to choker length.
It’s a glam, timeless look that you can wear to the office, paired with a classic, dark suit, or for a night out, with a little black dress. The Lombardi Gold Fede Necklace can be yours for $190.
Gold DiorStellaire04 Glasses
These funky, gold-tone, hexagonal metal-frame Gold DiorStellaire04 Glasses have transparent rubber-covered metal nose pads, so comfort doesn’t come at the cost of style. The Dior logo is engraved on the bridge and hinges for a touch of elegance. These specs come with a leather case and a magnetic tab fastening included.
You’ll definitely pull off urban chic with these unique specs which go well with any outfit, from jeans on a patio to a business-casual dress in the boardroom. These Gold DiorStellaire04 Glasses retail for $339.
Who Is SSENSE For?
Here’s who SSENSE is for:
- Fashion enthusiasts: SSENSE is a reputable and well-known fashion platform that curates a wide range of luxury and streetwear brands. It appeals to fashion enthusiasts who are passionate about discovering and exploring the latest trends, designer labels, and unique fashion pieces.
- Independent and luxury designers: SSENSE features a mix of established and emerging luxury brands across various categories, including womenswear, menswear, kidswear, and more. It serves as a platform for independent and luxury designers to showcase their creations and reach a global audience.
- Online shoppers: SSENSE is an e-commerce platform that operates globally, reaching millions of visitors in over 150 countries. It caters to online shoppers who prefer the convenience of shopping from the comfort of their homes and having access to a wide selection of fashion products.
- Customers seeking a unique shopping experience: SSENSE has pushed the boundaries of traditional e-commerce with a different message, perspective, and approach to the way people shop. They incorporate editorial content on their website, providing viewers with information, education, and entertainment related to fashion. This approach creates a unique shopping experience that goes beyond just purchasing products.
- Individuals interested in cultural intersections: SSENSE operates at the intersection of culture, community, and commerce. It appeals to individuals who are interested in the cultural aspects of fashion and want to engage with a platform that embraces and reflects cultural influences.
- Global audience: SSENSE has a global reach and is available to customers in various countries around the world. It caters to a diverse international audience interested in fashion and luxury brands.
SSENSE Clothing Reviews: What Do Customers Think?
While conducting this SSENSE clothing review, we found that the brand has mixed, just above average reviews and ranks 9th among designer clothes sites, according to SiteJabber, with 3.66/5-stars based on over 900 reviews as of May 2023.
Despite the lower rating, we saw many reviews that look a little bit like this one: “I love shopping on SSENSE. They have a wide range of products from different categories and brands, and they offer amazing deals and discounts. I can find anything I need or want on SSENSE, from clothing, accessories, shoes, to home decor, books, and more. SSENSE has a user-friendly website and app, and a secure payment system. SSENSE is a convenient and fun way to shop online.“
That sums it up pretty nice from our point of view
We also found higher reviews from TrustPilot, which gives SSENSE 4.5/5 stars based on 26,641 reviews. It makes sense for the TrustPilot ratings to carry more weight since it features a larger sample of customers. It also helps that 80% of customers on TrustPilot rated the brand as 5/5 stars.
Here’s one testimonial from a veteran shopper: “Great purchasing experience. Quick shipping and receipt. Overall one of the best online buying experiences to date and that’s coming from a heavy online consumer.”
Some customers indicated shipping was quicker than expected (in some cases, orders arrived a day earlier than quoted), while others experienced slower-than-expected shipping times.
Customer service was the most common poorly rated issue, falling below the expectations of some customers with indications that response times were slow.
To end on a high note, there are over 900 Google reviews with an average score of 4.6/5 stars. We saw so many reviews that succinctly encompass the SSENSE experience. Here’s one of them: “Awesome selection fast delivery it was my first time buying from Ssense would definitely do it again.”
Is SSENSE Clothing Worth It?
In this SSENSE clothing review, we provide our impression of the brand and whether or not they’re worthwhile to shop at.
Based on the research we conducted, buying from SSENSE is a pretty safe bet. It’s important to note that many more reviewers were satisfied with their SSENSE clothing compared to those who were not.
If you’re looking for fashion items from luxury, street, or avant-garde labels, SSENSE provides a varied collection at a lower cost compared to retailers or from brands directly.
Even the most reputable and trustworthy brands will have some negative reviews. There is a chance that you’ll have one of the issues that customers complained about, but it’s more likely that you’ll be happy shopping with SSENSE.
SSENSE Promotions & Discounts
This SSENSE clothing review wouldn’t be complete without mentioning promotions and discounts. Although there was no SSENSE promo code or SSENSE discount code available when conducting this SSENSE review, we found that SSENSE offers some deals to its customers.
In Canada, you can get free shipping on orders over $100 and free returns on all orders. Plus, right now, there are also hundreds of sale items at up to 70% off for both women and men.
Where To Buy SSENSE
You can buy SSENSE products directly from their site, SSENSE.com, and some limited products are available through other retailers like Amazon.
Alternatives
Looking to shop around a little more? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered:
- Farfetch: Farfetch is a global platform for luxury fashion that connects creators, curators, and consumers. It offers a wide variety of high-end brands and has some similarities to SSENSE in terms of their extensive collections.
- Net-a-Porter: Net-a-Porter is a premier online destination for luxury fashion at affordable prices. It carries a wide range of designer clothing, shoes, handbags, accessories, and other items[4].
- Mr Porter: Mr Porter is another alternative to SSENSE and is known for its curated selection of men’s fashion. It offers a range of established and emerging designer brands.
FAQ
Our SSENSE clothing review comes with answers to some frequently asked questions:
Why Is SSENSE So Cheap?
We did a little digging and found out the reason SSENSE can offer products at such deep discounts is that they’re an online marketplace that buys from boutiques and brands across the internet.
Pricing is set by the online retailer the goods come from, many of which sell similar items which creates competition and drives prices down.
Are SSENSE Products Authentic?
SSENSE points out that, as an established and trusted online retailer of luxury brands, all of their merchandise is backed by their Authenticity Guarantee.
They receive all merchandise directly from suppliers and, depending on the designer, items might come with a proof of authenticity (e.g. dust bag, original box, certificate of authenticity). Plus, for quality assurance, all products are carefully inspected before shipment.
SSENSE Shipping Policy
Domestic Shipping (Within Canada)
In Canada, you’ll get free standard shipping on orders over $100 (or it’s $7-$10 for Priority Shipping, depending on your province). For orders under $100, Standard Shipping is $5-$8 depending on your province (or $7 for Priority Shipping).
International Shipping
In the US, shipping is free on orders over $300, and it’s $12 for orders under $300. SSENSE also ships to over 40 other countries and regions. International costs start at about $20 and orders take about 2-5 business days.
Order Processing
Up to 2 business days of processing time is required before the order gets shipped out (this may be longer during peak periods). Orders placed after 11:00 AM (EST) may be processed the next business day, and orders placed on weekends and holidays will be processed the following business day starting at 8:00 AM (EST).
Once your order is placed, you’ll receive an email confirmation, including your order number, and when the order has shipped you’ll get an email with your shipment’s tracking information. You can use SSENSE’s self-serve tools, ssense.com/en-ca/account/login, to track your order status at any time.
SSENSE Return Policy
Free return shipping is offered to customers located in Canada, the United States, and Japan, with the exception of Final Sale items. To return one or more items from an order:
- The return must be requested within 30 days of the delivery date
- The item must be in its original, unused, unaltered, and unwashed condition
- The item must be returned with the tags and packaging in their original condition
SSENSE will begin the return process within 5 business days of receiving your returned package.
You can initiate returns by submitting a request for a Return Authorization through your SSENSE account using the self-serve tools, or you can contact the Customer Care team to assist you with the process. If you placed your order under a guest checkout option, you’ll need to create an account to request and manage the return yourself.
SSENSE has a no-paper policy to reduce waste, so shipments don’t come with a return slip. As well, SSENSE does not process exchanges; instead, you need to return the merchandise for a refund and place a new order for your new item(s).
Order Modification & Cancellation
You can modify or cancel an order as long as the merchandise has not yet entered the packaging or shipment phases. To modify or cancel your order:
- Log in to your SSENSE account
- Click on the Order History tab on the left-hand side
- Under Modify, select the subject of your request
- Fill out the contact form and send SSENSE your request
- If you do not have an SSENSE account and would like to make changes to an existing order, contact Customer Care anytime.
How to contact SSENSE
If you have questions beyond this SSENSE clothing review, you can contact SSENSE Customer Care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for immediate answers to questions regarding orders and shipping by one of the following methods:
- Toll-Free +1 877 637 6002
- English +1 514 600 5818
- French +1 514 700 2078
- Via email, using their Contact Form
Looking for more Canadian brands? Check out more reviews luxury apparel:
I have bought brand name items from SSENSE for years now and have no complaints on any purchases I have made. They have been shipped in a timely fashion and I have met the free shipping minimum in most cases. I have made a few returns without incident.
I find them to be reputable and as good as any other web based retailer. I did come across a blog that discussed employment at SSENSE in their Canadian headquarters. Most of the respondents were warehouse or clerical workers. The majority of the comments were derogatory of the working conditions and those individuals did not see a future working for SSENSE. I found that unfortunate because a company dealing in what would seem a progressive industry had such a poor reputation among its employees. I like to buy products from “good companies” so this may cause me to hesitate on future purchases. I guess they have to cut corners somewhere to be able to sell their merchandise at such competitive prices.