Boden

[moresproutspleasemum]

What do we all think of Boden these days? I heard they're trying to move away from the frumpy mum image and market to a target audience. I still buy from them but regular disappointed at the lack of natural fines on offer and general randomness of some of their designs.

I like some of the shoes & bags though the prices are slightly ridiculous. I like the clothes for my young DD though only ever order with a significant discount code. They have discount codes so frequently I would never pay full price for anything though it does make me question the mark up.

I agree that the quality isn’t as good as it used to be, particularly knits which have become increasingly acrylic. However their customer service is truly excellent , and they are extremely reliable. There are always a few things I want for myself every season. I would buy more for my dds actually, but they have seemingly got rid of the teen range, and their sizing is too large for me to buy trousers or skirts for my small framed but tall dd, so I buy the odd thing, but not a wardrobe full.

www.midlifechic.com/boden-order-ss18-keepers-and-returns/

........ and also a reminder of how good MidlifeChic is at building proper conversation.

They are now in John Lewis and tbh a lot of it is a bit garish. Just a very few nicer things

I only look at boden for fun print tops for my 4yo - and even then only if they are in the sale. They seem to Ebay well when he's outgrown them.

I agree the customer service is generally excellent, as is their 365 day return policy

I agree about the quality of the knitwear being really awful these days - looks nice first time on - then bobbles terribly and the last two jumpers I bought (cashmere mix) shrank when washed exactly according to their instructions. I won't be bothering again.

One thing I do like is their winter parkas for children though (although DD's is much thinner this year than last year) because they wash brilliantly and dry overnight.

I have mixed views on Boden. There was a time when I bought a lot from Boden both for myself and my DS and DD. There's now nothing suitable for the 12 year old but the 10 yr old still gets some activewear there.

For me, I just find I'm the wrong shape, especially in trousers which appear to be designed for someone much more pear-shaped and very short in body - camel-toe alert - and much much taller than me. I ordered some wide legged trousers a few weeks ago with regular length as I'm 5'7". They were impossible long in the leg but too short in the crotch. My family were in hysterics.

The only reason that I continue to order is that it is so easy to order and return if necessary and the customer service is absolutely excellent. They provide the best service of any company I have bought from and that retains my loyalty to the brand.

Yes I agree that they provide the best customer service of anyone I buy from. The only brand that comes close is LandsEnd in America, although it is some years since I had to use that customer service ( i buy swimwear and outdoor stuff for my dcs from the US rather than the UK lands end as the US site has the option of a slim fit ).
I wish boden would soften the colour palette a bit, and stick to natural fibres as much as possible, especially now we are all more aware of microplastics and the harm they are doing. I would love them to offer a range of fits in a few bottoms, not all ten year olds are the same width ! La Redoute offer a slim and curvy fit in some of their trousers, Boden should do the same. I would also like some lovely simple, good quality teenage things.
But I absolutely trust them as a company, they have lovely, helpful people manning the ‘phones, and they do inspire customer loyalty because they are such a great company to buy from.

I think they were a great company, less sure now tbh. Their integrity, like their quality, has really taken a dip with the constant promotions to the extent that you never, ever pay full price for anything - a bit like a posh Gap and I really laugh/puke at their chasing Instamums who are clearly only wearing it for the money. I may be 48 and a size 14 but I was a loyal customer for many a year.......

I hadn't actually looked at their women's clothes for several years because they were so ridiculously frumpy when I used to look. Just looked again on the back of this thread and I'm surprised there are some things I'd wear... it's the plainer things I like though and I don't think I'd pay those prices for basics. Definitely an improvement though imo.

I do really love their kids clothes though and have for over a decade now. I disagree with someone who said they are out of touch with age 10 plus clothes. I like that they have children's clothes for longer. I particularly like that they have extended the baby range. I like my toddler to look like a toddler rather than a teenager, likewise my older children (I don't want them to look like toddlers, but fun, comfy prints, bright cords and dungarees etc).

This dress is my most recent purchase (with coordinating bright stripy tights) it's the second one we've had in this style and it's so thick and soft sweatshirt fabric, I'm so pleased with it. We had the space print one last year that has been worn to death and lasted really well. I've rarely been disappointed with the quality, unlike with Frugi.

Rarely use it anymore. £130 for this 100% polyester dress.

www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/womens-dresses/smart-day-dresses/w0297-nav/womens-navy-circle-geo-lottie-midi-dress

MsMamaNature - that is total madness. I guess they try to sell it on the styling or the cut or the colour or something but actually it is just madness.
Huge shame for such a good company to have lost its way when there aren't enough good companys around to fling my middle aged money at.

AtHomeInFrance I'm not sure I would be impressed with the cut when I was walking around in a big sweaty mess!

Like a PP I've been buying from Boden for 20 years. Use to love their tweed and thick merino jumpers. And have some lovely woolen widelegged trousers for work that are older than my kids. Tweed is still good to be fair but I've just bought a stripy cashmere jumper and although I'm keeping it the quality has gone down in comparison to previous years.

I'm short and I do struggle to find anywhere else that makes petite dresses in natural fabrics so I do keep going back for those.

Oh, and the MLC post about Boden is precisely why I love the MLC blog.

I buy Boden because of the free delivery and returns plus quick delivery and refunds. I only buy at a discount or in the sales as it's just too expensive otherwise. I've just got a wool/cotton mix jumper in the clearance for less than half the original price which fits well, is warm and won't shrink - and if it does, I can return it with no quibbles unlike other places.

I'm a short pear shape and their dresses and good work well for me. Trousers, not. I find the quality is generally good and their basics are better than things I can find on the high street. I avoid the more garish prints.

With a good discount, they are not more pricey than

Jigsaw
Hobbs
Whistles
The White Company

All of the above are where I look. Jigsaw is big sizing and I'd need to have dresses shortened. Hobbs is a bit 'workwear' for me usually. Whistles a bit weird at times though have one nice dress. TWC- far too pricey/ not value for money, and would only buy tops/knitwear.

I have lots of Boden trousers- jeans, chinos, stretchy black jersey smart ones- BUT I always read the measurements first.

I am short- 5 3" but have a long rise (!). I need petite in the legs but not the crotch. I also find they make trousers for saddle bag thighs and I've got slim legs.

Like PPs I buy because it is SO easy- orders arrive in 2 days and refunds are quick.

I'd like more muted colours and a softer pastel range. I wear a lot of blue, teal, grey, navy, soft pink or sometimes coral.

IMO there is far too much RED, bright green and bright blue.

Ha I’ve actually got that spotty blue dress in my basket - agree that even at 20 pc off north of £100 is too steep and that’s why it’s not checked out. I know that it’ll fit me well, wash well and not need ironing though, plus those fabric tie belts are flattering and elimiates the belt accessory search..

@maxiflump1 - I was also horrified by the Union Jack dress. That model must have been paid handsomely to keep a straight face while wearing that number. I am also an ex bodenista in recovery. It’s been 1 year since my last purchase.
The gap between the pictures in the catalogue, the implied promise of a kind of upper middle class British lifestyle and the reality of the cheaply, often Chinese made synthetic fabric clothes is now too large to ignore. The prices can’t be justified by the actual products.

Their older children’s clothes are perfect for my naive 10 year old DS who wears age 13 clothes for height.

I buy mostly from uniqlo for brilliant basics, and banana republic. Used to be M&S and boden

Aaahhhh, I thought I was the only Banana Republic fan on Mumsnet! Never, ever hear it mentioned by anyone!

Oh yes, like banana republic too, where have you gone for safe flattering dresses then bob?