Everlane Ryan Muscle Tank | medium
T by Alexander Wang cardigan | so old…..
IRO jeans | sold out in black, lighter wash on sale (I sized up one size)
Beek Finch toe ring sandals | true to size
I ordered a few Everlane tanks last week* to try out, and here’s the Ryan muscle tank, which is really my favorite, in terms of fit, even though I liked the “regular” muscle tank better overall, aside from it being too big at the chest/arm openings. This one is long in the arm openings, and you can see my bra (I’m wearing this one today), but that doesn’t bother me at all, I’d typically wear a black bra with it and just let it show.
I’m a HUGE ryan tank fan, I have 4 of those in several different sizes/colors, on heavy rotation for layering, Pure Barre, around the house, whatever. I like the drapey material, and that the length is slightly longer in the back. I don’t dry them, and wash them in the machine in cold water. Over time, my white ryan tanks definitely show their wear, and have shrunk in length a little (even though I never put them in the dryer) and have pilled a little, but honestly, they’re still in good shape, and serve their purpose well.
I think the medium in this ryan muscle tee is the right size for me, because I don’t like my tanks like this to FIT; I like them to hang off my body and be long enough to layer comfortably.
Here is the Everlane muscle tank in 100% cotton on me the other day:
I do like the medium on me, because it doesn’t cling to me either, but I will try a small in this one because I’d like it to be a little shorter, and the chest area is just too big. I love the cotton and the fit of this one a lot; it’s different enough from the ryan styles to have one of each if you wear tanks/t-shirts a lot and layer as much as I do.
I also ordered the clean edge muscle tank in black and it was all kinds of wrong.
(see what I do for you guys?? I took these photos before my day “started” while I was taking pictures of some new things going up on slowre.com. I have NO MAKEUP on at all. Not that I wear a lot, but I do wear some to even out my skintone a bit…)
I ordered the medium and it doesn’t fit my hips, and it’s too big at the chest/armholes. It’s an interesting tank though, and could be very nice on someone who is perfectly straight, with a bust. It should hang straight down right at the hips, sort of more like a tunic, and it absolutely doesn’t do that on me! I don’t even think the large would fit me…
Finally, I ordered the slim crew in black (medium):
And it’s good, but I just don’t like Everlane’s tees that much. It’s too long on me, and not slim, although perhaps the small would fit me better. I do like the u-neck tees in general, but not as much as my James Perse casual tees. They just don’t compare…
What Everlane tanks do you have? What’s your favorite?
Speaking of Everlane, there are a few new reader comments/reviews on this post if you haven’t checked recently.
And also, just to be clear about my relationship with Everlane, if it’s not already: Sometimes Everlane sends me pieces to review, like items that are part of big new launches, etc., which is at their discretion and never at my request. Otherwise, I purchase things from Everlane to review using credits I earn via my referral link. Everlane does not pay me for my reviews, nor do they require me to write positive reviews. When Everlane sends me items to review, all they ask is that I post about it/them on launch day and share my thoughts with you, whatever they may be.
That said, I am getting some of the new linen pieces that are launching next week to review for you 😉
Thanks for the reviews Grechen! I’ve been eyeing both of those muscle tanks and the U-neck tee for a while now, but was waiting to pull the plug since it’s been so cold in Chicago for so long and didn’t want to buy warmer weather clothes during this depressing weather. I have an hourglass body shape with a large bust, so I’m a bit worried that the higher necklines on the tanks won’t be that flattering, but I suppose that’s better than flashing people if I bend forward lol. I’m with you that I prefer these types of tanks to be looser in fit, especially when it’s warm out, so I think a medium is what I would go for. It’s a shame that the clean edge muscle tank didn’t work for you since from the waist up I think it looks great, and I’d imagine the fabric feeling really soft and smooth against the skin. As an aside, I bought the James Perse causal tee last spring, but it kind of fell flat for me. I wanted a looser, boyfriend fit, but sized up way too much, to a 4, when I should have gotten a 3 (my usual size in JP is 2) and I felt like I was swimming in it. That part was my own fault, but about 2 months later a hole developed right in the middle of the stomach area, and I always washed it gently and never put it in the dryer, so I’m not sure what happened. That experience is sort of why I want to try the Everlane tees now.
I can’t put my finger on why exactly, but I’ve lost a lot of my interest in Everlane. The shoe you reviewed yesterday is intriguing, and I wore Everlane cashmere sweaters very often during fall and winter, so I’m not down on them completely. It looks like they still have serious fit issues to straighten out.
they absolutely do have fit issues to work out, and i don’t understand why they haven’t by now…that or stop releasing so many pieces that seem to fit rather strangely on certain body types (specifically pear shapes). i’ve said this before and i’ll keep saying it, i wish they would focus on fewer pieces, and continue perfecting those rather than keep launching SO MANY new things. BUT. there are a lot of things that seem to work for others very well that don’t work for me…so…
i think about half their stuff works only for straight/boyish body types, and the other half can fit a much wider range of sizes.
i won’t stop believing in everlane though, i really appreciate what they’re doing. i just need to start ordering smalls 😉
i would say on the regular muscle tee (not the ryan one) the neckline might be an issue for you. i only noticed it being rather constrictive when i wore it to pure barre, though…
i’m sorry about your jp shirt! that happened to me once, several years ago, and i’d only worn the tee a couple of times. i contacted them and they let me exchange it – but that should NOT happen. my very old JP casual tee has a couple of holes in the front, but i have worn the heck out of that one…i never had a problem with any of my other casual tees though.
i think the everlane u neck is a very good duplicate for the JP tee, although it is even more casual since it has raglan sleeves, and a lower hem in the back. they run pretty large though.
You are not alone with the clean edge tank ! I had the same problem. I ordered it in an XS and it was like a rubber band around my hips. Yet, the short sleeve and long sleeve clean edge both fit in an XS. Its frustrating to order on line because I never know if I need an XS or a S. Or whether the arm holes will be huge or the hips too tight !!!
I really like the first pic (and your background!) of the tank and how you put it all together ( you just gave me an outfit idea for work tomorrow. Thx!) And with the floaty black ES pants. Plus, if the black tank actually fit, the black on black looks great on you…my standard NY’er uniform. (A co-worker asked me about my penchant for black this week and I explained it as my Makeup Artist holdover, but really, I just like it.). I’m never thrilled with crewneck tees on me. I don’t like something close to my neck anymore, not even turtlenecks.
I am excited to check out the linen pieces! Thanks for your thorough and honest reviews! 🙂
Thanks for the comparison photos! I love the cotton U-necks and V-necks but just haven’t pulled the trigger on the cotton muscle tee as it’s close in price to Ryans which I think are the best tees ever, especially the muscle tank IMO. Love the body of the fabric, the hemline and the neckline.
I ordered the white muscle tank and I like how it looks on me, although the armholes are a tad too large for my taste. It’s been too cold to wear yet. I love Everlane’s v-neck tees. Their navy v-neck has become my go-to tee, and I ordered it in charcoal as well, but it’s back ordered. The “clean-edge” tee concept definitely has issues. I don’t own the tank, but I have the clean edge long sleeve tee. The fit is fine, but it makes me crazy that the clean edge on the sleeves prevents me from rolling them up. I have never seen a shirt that attracts more lint, and finally, after one season’s wear, the front of the neckline has split along the edge where it folds.
The Ryan Muscle tank looks lovely on you, as though it was made for you. I’m thinking about purchasing a Ryan, but I do like the 100% cotton (I have it in pink). Agree about the clean edge muscle tee, if you have any kind of bum or hips it’s tight regardless of size. I think it would be perfect for a straighter figure though.
Regarding Everlane…I too am frustrated with their fit lately. I want to continue to support them, but wish they would focus on improving fit. I have several of the Everlane U-necks that I don’t wear after seeing myself in photos with them on-frumpy city. I have a couple of the v-necks, but they (and u-necks) aren’t long enough for me so they , along with the U-necks, end up becoming drawer filler. I wish I would learn my lesson, but every time a new color or stripe is introduced , I order thinking this time will be different. So it may be time for me to try James Perse. I’ve wanted to order a JP t-shirt for years but it’s hard for me personally to part with that much money for a basic t-shirt when uncertain of fit. Funny thing is, I’ll part with much more than that when purchasing a dress from an indie on-line designer that can’t be returned and that I’ll only wear 2 or 3 times. My uniform is typically a t-shirt and jeans/pants.
Thank you for your reviews. Through you I’ve found many more potential vendors I can drool over and/or purchase. Thinking about purchasing the Clyde or Cecilia pants from Elizabeth Suzann.
I just tried out some Everlane tees last week. I’d happened upon your blog while trying to figure out sizing, and thought I let you know what I ended up liking. For reference, I’m 36yo 5’5″ 140, 37, 28, 39, pear shape, A cup with hips and big ol’ runner’s thighs. I really don’t like U-neck or v-neck tees because my chest is small and they always gap oddly at the top if they are a loose cut.
Like: I ended up loving the box-cut tee in medium. It’s a bit shorter and hits just above the hips, so no dreaded clinging around the hips. It’s loose, but not frumpy loose and just looks casual cool. I liked the cotton tank in small. It fits well in the chest and hits mid-hip. It is a little bigger around the hips so it flows (no cling at all), but not so big that it cannot be tucked in because of too much fabric. I also liked the slim crew in medium. It is a bit long, but just big enough that even though it clings a bit it doesn’t look tight on my hips. It fits great through the chest/shoulder. I
On the fence about: Drop-shoulder tee size small. I like it because it looks a bit more polished with the wide hem around the sleeve and bottom. No hip cling at all. It’s loose, but looks cute with skirts and jeans. I could size down to a x-small. Seriously Everlane – I’m not an x-small in anything.
Dislike: The muscle cotton tee, medium. This is huge under my armpits, like wings of extra fabric, but it doesn’t cling to the hips. I don’t think I’ll bother trying this in a small because the look under a jacket or cardi is a lot like the slim crew minus the extra fabric.
Other Everlane items I’ve purchased and kept- Slim trouser in a size 8 and 10. Their sizing is not inconsistent. I just like how both sizes look good in different ways. Modern loafer in grey 8.5. I’m usually an 8, but went up a half size and they fit really well.
I am struggling with Everlane. With each new launch, I see pieces that are cut less well (and less forgivingly) for a range of bodies, harder-to-wear colors, and less flattering (overall) pieces. Frankly, I’m coming to resent the impression I’m getting from a lot of eco-sustainable clothiers that you have to be built like a tall, thin model to have an ethical wardrobe work for you, or that the answer to a range of body styles is to emulate a pillowcase.
I was a U-neck devotee before I had babies (I had twins last June). I recently decided to donate or sell all 8 I’d purchased over the past two years because they are NOT forgiving on a postpartum tummy – they cling, are a little too short in front, and the u-neck is not flattering to post-nursing breasts. I am still fond of the v-neck as an alternative – something about the cut makes the drape better – but the v is SO deep.
I like the idea of the ryan line. I have the muscle tee, tank and short sleeve. At 5’10” with a long torso they are just the right length when I get them, but the rayon shrinks too much after one wash. They end up being too wide and short and I regret the purchase after one wash. Before washing the drape is lovely. But my experience with rayon is that is always shrinks no matter what I do (even hand-washing) so I just don’t buy it anymore.
Thanks for the reviews of the others, I was considering the clean hem but I have wide hips and slender arms so I’m glad I didn’t buy it. Doesn’t look like it would work for me anywhere!
I have the Ryan muscle tank, Ryan regular tank, and the cotton tanks. I looooove the muscle tank. I thought the neckline was going to be too high, but it’s perfect. I layer it with a variety of cardigans for work, and the length is perfect for me to wear clingier pants like ponte leggings because it goes down far enough in the back and front for me to feel work-appropriate.
My regular Ryan tank just arrived in the mail, and I love the fit – very sleek and comfortable – over the cotton tank. Not sure how it will wear yet, but I got it as a casual summer shirt (DFW native here, always on the lookout for shirts that won’t make me die in the heat/humidity). I like wearing tanks in the summer, but I don’t like how a lot of tanks are too low cut or the straps are too thin, or the material is too thin – I don’t like the layer. I think the Ryan tank will take care of all of that for me, but looks a little nicer because of how the fabric lays. The cotton tanks are very comfy and soft and work with slouchy jeans, but they feel frumpy to me when I wear them with anything else.
BTW throwing in my vote for Everlane to start using models with some varied body types. I loved it when they did the pants fitting guide with women of various sizes, so you could see how the same pair fit on different people. I get that it would be expensive and time-consuming to do that with every item, but I just wish they’d mix it up a little bit more.
One more for those of us who have had rayon shrink – I read that you can un-shrink rayon with a teaspoon of baby shampoo in a quart of ice cold water, let it soak a few minutes then stretch it out a little and let it air dry. Definitely going to try because I’ve had my favorite black muscle tank shrink. 🙁
what?? that’s crazy! i might try it, but if you try it first, let us know how it turns out 😉
I have also been losing interest in Everlane in the past year. The quality and fit are just too unpredictable. However, I have just decided that I will no longer order from them as I read on a forum that I follow that Everlane has been emailing some customers with:
Hi there,
We’ve noticed that you’ve initiated quite a few returns with us, so I wanted to make myself available in case you had questions about an item before purchasing.
Our return shipping fee is currently $6, but unfortunately we’ll need to increase that cost to $10 for customers who return the majority of what they order. Don’t worry, you’re not there yet — and I’m here if you have any questions about sizing, color, quality, or anything else moving forward. Please feel free to send them my way.
To me, if they are going to do this to customers they better have a much better quality product with a more standard fit so that returns won’t need to be frequently made. I honestly think this is the kiss of death for them.
Here I am, just getting started with them and then I read this. NO WAY! I think you’re right, Mallory. I’m not willing to risk it.
interesting. i reached out to my contact there to see if she can comment on that. honestly, i don’t know how i feel about it. i don’t like the idea of penalizing people for returning things, and perhaps they’re better served trying to work out fit issues, but i do also give them credit for trying to provide significant pre-order support/advice. and they’re very good at asking for feedback after orders as well, to get a better idea of how things fit, etc.
again…i have to suppose that maybe they’re growing too fast, and are losing touch with the basics, which I would rather they focus on perfecting instead of launching so many new designs each season. but they’re still rather new to this in the whole scheme of things, and have been highly adaptable right out of the gate. we may also expect too much from them? they have set the bar high for themselves…