Over the past few years Banana Republic’s cheaper diffusion line, Banana Republic FACTORY, has been a standard around these parts (blazers, sweaters, jeans, etc.) Prices are low, and the styling is similar to what big brother Banana Republic delivers. But we’ve gotten a couple of reports that BR Factory’s quality may have gone wonky. Which would be super disappointing, as it seems like they’ve been one of if not THEE brand to weather the tariffs/transport costs/trade war(s) mess the best.
I was due for some new jeans, and as BR Factory’s cheaper version of the mainline’s “Luxe” version are a personal go to, I ordered up a couple of pairs from BR Factory’s most recent sale.
I got two different sizes. Both a 32 waist, but one with a 30″ inseam, and the other with a 32″ inseam, as sometimes I like to have my drycleaner hem a 32″ to 31″, although if I can get away with a 30″ I will.
Well, they arrived:
Left: 32×30. Right: 32×32.
Each jean’s tags/stickers tell a consistent story. Meaning: the 32x30s all have 32×30 labels. The 32x32s all have 32×32 labels. And being that there are four tags on each pair of jeans delineating the size, their consistency with their messaging while being inconsistent with their measuring is remarkable.
Maybe this order is just a one off, and we have more on the way from them yet to be delivered. But this experience combined with the tips we’ve gotten as well as noticing some changes to their product line (fully synthetic suits are now the norm)… we’ll be more careful with our coverage of BR Factory moving forward.
Especially as the entire industry seems to be creaking under the weight of so much uncertainty.
Bottom line: Don’t cut any tags off or throw anything in the wash assuming it’s the same old same old. And not just for BRF. For any brand. I’ve been bit by that before.
That’s all.
Carry Caveat Emptor on.
P.S. Both measured out to have a 29.5″ inseam.
A legend and bestseller. 100% merino. The standard for the style, no matter the brand.
Amazon has announced the dates for their next big sale.
Most now in the low to mid $300s. Outbound shipping is free too.
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