Seasalt sizing issue ( and other matters!)

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I wonder if anyone here shed any light on this. I posted it in AIBU where it is unsurprisingly sinking without trace.

Not like me to be so invested in a pair of trousers, but I am so annoyed about this!

I recently bought, from the Seasalt online store, a pair of size 14 Lamledra cord trousers in green.

The instant I put them on, they felt fantastic - perfect fit. Most comfortable trousers I have owned for ages. So much so, I thought I would treat myself to a further two pairs in different colours.

They arrived today. Both pairs are marked as size 14, but both are just short of an inch smaller on the waistband than my original pair. They fit, and are wearable, but not as comfy as the first pair.

I have tracked down (in a Seasalt store miles away),a pair in size 16 in one of the colours, but I think they will be too big - because the very reason I bought online was because the size 16 being sold by my local stockist was too big and they wouldn't order me a size smaller, unhelpfully.

Nevertheless I am off to try the16s at the Seasalt branch this weekend.

Anyone else had a similar sizing issue with Seasalt clothing?

They appear to be in some sort of meltdown to be honest, with the helpline suspended. I've read about the nightmare it is trying to get refunds, so I would prefer an exchange- not least because I really like the trousers and want to wear them!

I buy quite a lot from Seasalt and haven't noticed inconsistencies in their sizing. I'm quite surprised your issue is that items are smaller as in my experiences their sizing is generous. Having said that I usually buy dresses so can't really comment on sizing for trousers.

I also have never had to wait too long to get a refund - I returned some items last Monday and got my refund within the week. Sometimes it has been a bit longer, but I have never had to chase them for a refund. I see on their website they are advising customers against sending emails but there's nothing to say that the phone line has been suspended.

I haven't had an issue with them specifically but I think most places say about 2cm allowance is normal within the same size as it can easily happen when the garment is made. It's annoying when you think you've found something that fits and the other colours are totally different.

Thanks both - that's interesting about the size tolerance- I didn't know that. Just assumed they would all be identical in each colour. (Clueless)

I've seen a lot of complaints online about poor customer service, and returns taking ages to process, so glad it isn't universal. The phone line is definitely suspended though - I called it today. They are unable to give customers the service they deserve, or something.

The two shops I got through to were very helpful, I have to say.

Also I have had an issue in past with items not as described on the website. I bought a lovely soft organic cotton 'Handyband' - really useful scarf/ face covering/neckerchief type thing so ordered a second one in another colour which was also supposed to be cotton, but was according to the label 100 per cent elastane. I called the number about that too. It took 45 mins to get through and they wouldn't accept at first it wasn't as described.

This rather poor service really surprised me, and now there is the issue with the sizing.

I would agree by the way the sizing is generous. The trousers I initially bought at size 14 are a bit larger than I would expect, to be honest, and the 16 s in the shop were definitely too big for me.

I don't really mind what size they are tbh, I just want two more pairs of trousers that fit me as nicely as the first pair!

I agree, especially re Lamledra cord jeans. I've got pairs that vary by consideraly more than 2 cm around the waist. But on the whole I like them. They have moderately narrow legs that go with boots and - very important - they come in a 'tall' size that is shaped proportionately - ie slightly longer than average from waist to hip and from hip to knee. I think that's why I find them comfortable.

But not only does the sizing vary, the fabric seems to vary, too, between different colours. Some colours seem stretchier than others; some colours seem to age faster , as well.

I'll probably go on buying them because they are (relatively) ethical and also well made, on the whole. Nicely finished etc. And they last. They are not cheap, however. But IF you find a pair that fits, then the cost per wear over three or four winters is really very good value.

A pity if Seasalt are in trouble, however.
Wash at 30 C or less however. A pair of mine once got in with a hotter wash - my fault - and shrunk.

Thanks so much @scottishnames ! I thought it w as just me. I've also noticed the difference in quality between different colours too.

Thanks for the washing tip also.

Seasalt are terrible

Such bad customer service

I was trying to buy a coat from there and ordered 4 to try on, similar styles but different colours. 3 were a 16 (my normal size), 1 was a 14.

One of the 16s fitted perfectly.
Another 16 was at least 1 size too small.
The final 16 was at least 2 sizes too big.
The 14 was at least 1 size too big

I don’t actually care what size I buy, but I’d like it to be vaguely consistent!

That's interesting isn't it.

I'm taking my two smaller pairs back next weekend and have reserved a size 16 in another colour from the shop to try. Can't be bothered with the pot luck of online ordering.

They clearly have a surprising quality control issue around consistency of sizing. I note the trousers are made in China - different factories/ batches/suppliers?

@Isthisthereaklife

Seasalt are terrible

Such bad customer service

I’m really surprised to see this comment. I have shopped with them for years and always found their customer service and speed of refund really good, with one exception- something got lost, but they sorted it straight away.

I had the carved wood dress in red, green and blue. The red and green dresses fitted perfectly but the blue was very different. That might be why the blue can still be bought new online but the other colours have long been sold out.