My Frank & Eileen Review: Is It Worth the Price?
I own three pairs of the same Frank & Eileen jeans. My oldest pair is at least four years old, and I still wear them all the time in warmer weather.
But would I buy everything I’ve tried from the brand again? No.
Frank & Eileen is expensive, and some of its clothes make more sense to me at those prices than others. In my opinion, their Triple Fleece is the best fabric they make. All of their Triple Fleece pieces have raw edges, which gives them a more casual look
After several years of wearing their clothes, here’s where I think the money is well spent, what works on my 5’4” frame, and what I’d skip.
I’ve worked with Frank & Eileen on sponsored posts before, but this post isn’t sponsored. Some of the pieces shown were provided by Frank & Eileen.
What Is Frank & Eileen?
Frank & Eileen is a California clothing brand founded by Audrey McLoghlin and named after her Irish grandparents. It started with button-up shirts made from Italian fabrics and has expanded to include jeans, jackets, dresses, and casual separates.
The brand has a relaxed California aesthetic that suits the way I dress, and nothing feels overly complicated or trendy. These are classic pieces you can wear year after year, which is exactly what I want from an expensive purchase.
Frank & Eileen is also a woman-owned, Certified B Corporation that emphasizes responsible manufacturing. That’s important to me. I’m trying to be more thoughtful about where my clothes come from and the welfare of the people who make them.
Does Frank & Eileen Clothing Hold Up After Washing?
My Triple Fleece pieces have held up beautifully. They come out of my dryer looking brand new and haven’t shrunk. That’s a large part of why I recommend this fabric so strongly. An expensive casual jacket becomes much less appealing if it needs fussing over every time you wash it.
The jeans also hold their shape without bagging out at the knees, and their pull-on styles have a flat, smooth waistband that looks modern. The fraying at the unfinished jean hems tends to get longer when laundered, so I trim mine lightly for a tidier look.
My experience with one fabric doesn’t tell us how every fabric will behave, so follow the care instructions for your particular piece.
My Favorite Frank & Eileen Pieces
Montecito Cardigan
I own the Montecito Cardigan in ivory and navy, and it’s the kind of sweater I never tire of. It’s made from pure Italian cotton, which works year-round in California. It’s a heavyweight knit that hangs nicely and drapes well.
Belfast Jacket
I own more than one Belfast Jacket, so clearly I’ve decided this style is worth repeating. I love the little peacoat details that make it feel like a proper jacket rather than another sweatshirt. It’s soft, comfortable, and easy to wear with jeans.
I also own several Mini Belfast jackets, and just got this Trench style, which I adore! The longer proportion is less boxy, so it may be my new favorite.
Dublin Sweatshirt Blazer
The Dublin sweatshirt blazer is another Triple Fleece favorite. I like the notched collar and patch pockets, which give it enough of a blazer shape to pull an outfit together. The sleeves are easy to push up, and the fabric is soft enough for everyday wear.
Bibi Barrel Leg Sweatpants
I’m not usually a fan of barrel-leg pants because the shape can stick out more than I’d like. But the Bibi Barrel Leg Sweatpants are soft enough to drape, which makes the curve more subtle. This off-white is sold out, but they also come in camel, navy, and sage. I suspect they will restock because these have been super popular.
Derry Illusion Jeans
The Derry Illusion Pull-On Jeans have a smooth waistband without the gathers that can make pull-on jeans look old-fashioned. The soft, stretchy denim holds everything in without feeling restrictive, and the knees don’t bag out. I own them in blue and black and just trimmed the raw hems to get the length right. These have no pockets, which can be frustrating because I love a back pocket for my phone.
Derry Signature Jean
BOUCLÉ CAP
The Derry Signature jeans have the same soft Italian Dream Denim as the Illusion style, but with front and back pockets, plus a zipper-and-hook closure. The back pockets are a big selling point for me, and the 27″ inseam is a versatile length for different shoes.
Galway Wide Leg Jeans
TOTE BAG / SUNGLASSES – Earrings and necklace were my mom’s
The Galway Wide Leg Jeans were my first Frank & Eileen purchase, and I now own them in three washes, including white. The relaxed wide leg works well on my petite frame, and the 26″ inseam is a good length for me at 5’4”. They have front and back pockets with a zipper and hook-and-eye closure. I’ve owned them for years and worn them so often that the cost per wear is very reasonable.
What I Wouldn’t Buy Again
I wouldn’t buy the shirts with permanently ironed-in wrinkles again. I’m a little too persnickety for those. And yes, I tried to iron them out. Trust me, they’re permanent. If you love that rumpled look, those shirts may appeal to you, but I wouldn’t spend my money on them.
I’m also not a fan of the obvious fraying on some of the shirt hems. I don’t mind it on jeans, but a chewed-up shirt hem looks a little affected to me.
The linen seemed to wrinkle the second I looked at it, and I know you can find good linen for less, so I wouldn’t buy those pieces again either.
Can You Buy Frank & Eileen for Less?
Frank & Eileen has an official resale marketplace called ReLoved, where you can buy and sell previously owned pieces. ReLoved purchases are final sale, so read the listing and check the measurements carefully.
It’s worth browsing if you already know which style and size work for you. I’d be more comfortable buying a familiar piece this way than experimenting with an entirely new fit.
They also have occasional sales, and I always keep my eye out for them. Read the return conditions before ordering because a discount loses some of its charm when you’re stuck with pants you don’t like.
My Final Thoughts: Is Frank & Eileen Worth It?
For me, certain pieces have been worth the price. I’ve gotten plenty of wear out of their jackets, sweaters, and jeans over the years. Would I like the prices to be lower? Absolutely. But the clothes I keep reaching for have justified their cost.
If you’re taking a closer look at your own wardrobe, you may enjoy my post on building a wardrobe that works for your real life.