I recently purchased my first piece from the Parisian cult-status brand Sezane, and was quite impressed. I thought I’d share a review of Sezane, based on my first experience, in case you have also been eyeing off their chic designs but can’t attend one of their physical ateliers. From a slow fashion and budget perspective I generally don’t do clothing “hauls” and prefer to purchase one or two high quality, items at a time so this review is just based on one purchase. However, as they saying goes, first impressions count and can speak volumes about a brand – so I hope this will be a helpful resource.
Where I heard about Sezane
I stumbled across Sezane a few years ago while down a Instagram rabbit hole (does this happen to you too?). After seeing several sustainable influencers mention the brand, I of course had to investigate. While I loved Sezane’s designs, I’m quite risk adverse about ordering online from international brands I haven’t tried before as I’ve had some bad experiences in the past in terms of fit and quality. At that stage, Sezane didn’t offer free return postage to Australia and the prospect of paying international postage to return an item if it didn’t fit or suit wasn’t appealing. For that reason, I filed Sezane away as a brand to try if I was ever in Paris. However, a few months ago I fell head over heels for Sezane’s Joanie bodysuit and seeing that Sezane now shipped and offered free returns to Australia sealed the deal.
Quality and Design
I may have justified the purchase of the gorgeous Joanie bodysuit in black by the fact that it was “versatile” – but who am I really fooling? It was love at first sight with that low back and high boat neckline. I love that it’s a statement piece with a classic design that I can dress up or down. Even though it has a low back the shoulders don’t slip off (something I find can happen with designs of this nature). The fabric composition is merino wool and cotton, making it lightweight but still warm and very soft – perfect for those transitional months of spring and autumn. According to Sezane’s website this garment was Oeko-tex certified, 100% natural, from an audited factory and had recycled packaging.
While there’s a lot to love about the Joanie bodysuit there are two things you may want to keep in mind. First, as much as I love the statement back, it does made wearing a bra problematic (here are some good bra options for low back garments). Second, while I was impressed with the quality of the piece the wool composition does make it a bit more delicate and it’s probably a garment that I’ll hand wash. These weren’t deal breakers for me, but they may be for you.
Sizing
Although this piece was true to size for me, it’s difficult to weigh in on sizing across Sezane as a whole. I’ve only purchased one item and so couldn’t tell you if sizing is representative across their collection. I did find it helpful that under each item Sezane has a sizing notation (for example, “choose your usual size” or “if you are between sizes choose the size down otherwise choose your normal size”). I purchased the Joanie bodysuit in a size XS which was a good fit for me. For reference, I generally consider myself a size 6. However, recently Australian brands have been introducing a AU size 4 which seems to be replacing what was previously the size 6 (very confusing) and more frequently I’m finding myself purchasing a AU size 4. The Joanie bodysuit does have an adjustable crotch strap which is very useful to cater to different body lengths and to avoid the dreaded wedgie. The Joanie bodysuit came in a XS to an XXL with most of their clothes ranging from a size 2 to 14. However, some knitwear ranges from XXS to XXXL.
Delivery
I had no problems with the ordering process and the parcel arrived in 7 days – very quickly for an international item in the middle of Sydney lock down. I absolutely loved the recycled cardboard packaging with a beautiful Parisian motif inside. It also came with two floral frilly little bags. I’m not sure whether this bags were a one off, or whether these come with each item. While they were a lovely detail and one that I put good use as a make up bag (the other I’m giving to a friend), from a minimalist and sustainability standpoint, I fear that sometimes samples and unordered extras can contribute to waste if not used. That said, small bags like this can also be a good way to use up excess material scraps in the design process. I’m not sure if that’s the case here, but if it were, it’s a great way of re-purposing fabric off cuts which might otherwise go to waste. The garment arrived lightly scented. I’m not a big perfume wearer and, while I have a few favourite fragrances, don’t like heavy scents. However, this scent wasn’t off putting or overpowering to me.
Returns
Ease of return is a significant consideration for me when ordering from brands online. Occasionally I’ll throw caution to the wind, but generally I like to know that I can return an item, preferably for free. According to the US version of Sezane’s website it states that they offer free returns from US, Canada and Australia. As at the date of this review the French version of Sezane’s website states that it offers free returns from “Metropolitan France, Monaco, Belgium, Germany, UK, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Portugal, Finland, Sweden, Ireland, Slovakia, Austria, Denmark, Luxembourg, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Estonia, Poland, Czech Republic, Malta and Greece”. However, as I kept this item, I can’t comment on the process.
Cost
The Joanie bodysuit set me back $120 AUD. Admittedly, this was quite expensive for a bodysuit but I loved the low back which make it a statement piece that I was willing to splurge on.
Shop the Edit
Website and navigation
I love the beautiful imagery on Sezane’s website. While I feel the layout and navigation could be slightly more streamlined I never have too much trouble finding what I’m looking for.
Sustainability
First, Sezane is now a B Corp – an important certification which means that they have to meet certain social and environmental standards and have legal accountability and transparency obligations.
Sezane’s recent report, published on their website, also gives some great insight into their sustainability and ethical goals and initiatives. According to this report, three quarters of the materials they use in production are eco friendly comprising “organic cotton, linen, Tencel, FSC certified viscose, Ecovero, wool certified by the RWS [Responsible Wool Standard] wool, mohair from farms audited by Mohair South Africa, Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified materials, recycled materials, vegetable-tanned leather”. 83% of the cotton used in production is organic, almost three quarters (73%) of the polyester used in their designs is recycled, they use vegetable tanned leather for 61% of their leather goods as opposed to chrome tanning (which uses harmful chemicals and toxic waste which can get into water streams) and “68% of viscose comes from sustainably managed forests”.
A few of the sustainability initiatives included in Sezane’s report were that:
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- Between 2019 and 2020 they achieved a 22% reduction in their carbon footprint and are aiming to reduce this another 10% by the end of this year through transport optimisation, packaging reduction, a new recycling program for their clothes, green energy initiatives and an environmental audit program.
- From 2019 Sezane doubled the percentage of vegetable based tanned leather (now 61%) which reduces their use of chrome and metal tanning processes. Furthermore, they use a high percentage of organic cotton in their designs which are made without pesticides and some of their pieces are Oeko-Tex standard 100 certified which ensures the fabric are tested for harmful substances “beyond what is permitted under European regulatory requirements”. For me, this indicates that they are taking some steps toward reducing their use of toxic chemicals and waste.
- They recently implemented a recycling program and have recycled 13,000 items since its implementation.
- Although Sezane does not appear to have made their Code of Conduct publicly available, and this would be a great step from a transparency point of view, the report mentioned that they did have such a Code of Conduct and their factories were independently audited and seemed to perform well (47% achieved a score of excellent, 43% very good and 9% were compliant. No ateliers met the “warning” criteria).
I applaud the Sezane’s current and future sustainability initiatives and feel that compared to they majority of brands on the market they are a wonderful sustainable option.
Would I purchase from Sezane again?
Yes. I was happy with my first experience having ordered from Sezane. I have my eye on a few of their lace tops. I’m also looking to invest in a trench coat and their well known Sezane Trench is a contender on my wish list right now.
In summary...
- I love Sezane’s beautiful, classic designs and the imagery of their website.
- I like how they use a high percentage of eco friendly materials although it would be great to see a Code of Conduct on their website.
- They seem to have some great sustainable and ethical initiatives and have some concrete steps in place to improve further.
- The delivery process was smooth – although I can’t comment on the returns process.
- Cost is mid-range.
Do you love Sezane’s designs? I’d love to know if you’ve purchased from this brand before and, if so, how your experience was?
Outfit details: Joanie bodysuit (similar here) Mejuri aquamarine layered necklace (previous gifted product), Country Road linen skirt (similar here) and shoes (similar here).
Photos: Sara Eshu
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A few Other sezane pieces I have my eye on
Martina
Congratulations on getting the bodysuit! It’s stunning combined with the black skirt. I love the silhouette and the effortless, timeless elegance you created.
Reading your impressions of Sezane was interesting and sort of nostalgic for me. It reminded me of the time I fell in love with the brand. Living in Europe, I was even lucky enough to visit their Paris store. It was a rather sobering experience, though – maybe I went at the wrong time of the day, but it was incredibly crowded. Very stylishly furnished and all, beautiful flower arrangements, but just too full. The most disturbing experience might have been that there were exclusively women at my age/style/background, I guess, perusing the clothes. I felt like a clone or something! More so than in any other stores!
And of course, there were no articles in my size left…on this day, that is. So I bought nothing, just imagine! But I turned to ordering online as you did, and this has always been a pleasant and satisfying experience. I got two sweaters which I love dearly despite having to handwash them. I also upgraded my wallet to a beautiful one from Sezane – it was quite an investment, but it has brought me joy every day for the last two years. It’s aging nicely, also.
I actually love Sezane’s delicate perfume which is indeed sprayed on every order. I didn’t get it in Paris and regret this now as I cannot order it online. I like the fresh, airy scent, and the price is actually allright considering the large flacon.
Thanks for sharing your experience! This feels like comparing notes with a friend!