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As a committed eco-friendly consumer, I know firsthand that trying to reduce your wardrobe's environmental impact and look good at the same time can be tricky.
That's why brands such as Roark, who shun the fast fashion business model, are a welcome antidote to the modern throwaway consumer society.
Roark has been making waves in the fashion world. It's more than just a clothing company. It's an adventure-driven lifestyle brand that has carved out a niche in the highly competitive fashion world.
But is Roark the brand for you?
In this Roark clothing review, I take a deep dive into the brand's history, philosophy, design elements, eco-credentials, and overall aesthetic to help you decide if Roark clothing is the right fit for you.
Roark was created by Ryan Hitzel and Ryan Sirianni in 2010 to share real stories of exploration and adventure while also working to develop high-quality travel gear specifically designed for your journeys.
It produces a collection of gear designed with specific purposes each season. The styling details are appropriate for various scenarios, from the outdoors to social situations (or, as Roark likes to say…"From the trail to the bar!" 🍻).
The Roark team finds inspiration by testing their product in various adventure sports such as surfing, climbing, running, skating, and more.
Roark places great importance on using sustainable fabrics and working with Fair Trade partners for each collection. All while ensuring durability and comfort are not compromised.
I carefully review brands and products to ensure they meet my strict criteria for eco-friendliness and sustainability.
I thoroughly tested Roark's products by evaluating factors such as build quality, materials, style, and comfort.
I also went the extra mile and conducted a comprehensive assessment of the brand as a whole, considering factors such as sustainability, ethical practices, shipping policies, return policies, and prices.
Here's what I discovered.
✔ Hardwearing
✔ Pairs with most other items in my closet
✔ Getting softer after every wash
I recently had the pleasure of testing the Hebrides Lightweight jacket, which exceeded all my expectations.
Most of the clothing I test is given to friends and family (or donated to charity), but this shirt/jacket has taken pride of place in my wardrobe.
It's incredibly hard-wearing and durable yet soft to the touch.
The organic cotton canvas is great for those cooler days as it keeps me warm enough without being too bulky or heavy.
The fit is also perfect. It's loose enough to allow some layering underneath while still being form-fitting enough to hug my body slightly.
I went for the Light Army colorway. It matches well with pretty much every other item of clothing I own, making it a versatile addition to my wardrobe.
Even after multiple washes, the fabric hasn't lost its shape or color and is getting softer as time goes on.
The snaps are great for getting the jacket on and off quickly. They're also strong and secure and don't pop open unexpectedly.
The deep front pockets are also a winner for me. They're positioned just right, and the insides are super soft.
I've got a lot of love for my Hebrides Lightweight Jacket and would highly recommend it if you're looking for a reliable and comfortable trans-seasonal layer.
Not only does it look good, but you can trust that it'll last for years!
✔ Super Soft 30/1 Organic Cotton
✔ Cool Mineral Wash
✔ Flattering Fit
My Roark Guideworks Premium Tee is best friends with my Hebrides Lightweight Jacket…they do everything together! 😊
They really are the best pair for all-day wear. Depending on the weather, I wear the jacket half buttoned up or fully unbuttoned. But I like to take off the jacket indoors to show off the cool design on the back.
The 30/1 cotton fabric is buttery soft and just the right thickness for me (a nice weight without being too heavy/hot). The mineral wash gives it an added layer of style.
I'm impressed with how well Roark's sizing works for me. I'm 6ft and 210 lbs, and the L size fits perfectly. The fit is loose without being too baggy, and the length cut perfectly sits around the back pockets of my jeans.
If you're looking for a T-shirt that can take you from the city to the countryside in comfort and style, I'd recommend this one. It's worth every penny!
Customers living in the US and Canada can buy Roark clothing directly from roark.com.
Customers living in Europe will be redirected to a regional Roark clothing site.
Roark items are available to buy from physical stores. Check out a list of stores and participating retail partners here.
Roark's clothing range is also available on Amazon.
One standout aspect of Roark's design is the attention to detail.
From durable and functional materials to intricate patterns and artwork, every piece tells a story.
Roark's use of great quality fabrics ensures that their clothing looks great and stands the test of time.
My dad has had a pair of Roark jeans for years, and the only deterioration he's experienced is when his back pockets tore when caught on a fence nail.
His fault…not the jeans…and it was an easy repair for my mom.
Roark prides itself on using high-quality materials that are both functional and environmentally friendly.
It sources sustainable fabrics like organic cotton, recycled cotton, and hemp, which have lower environmental impacts than conventional materials.
In addition to its high-quality, sustainable materials, Roark is committed to ethical manufacturing practices.
It champions fair trade by partnering with factories that adhere to strict social and environmental standards, ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions for their workers.
Roark pays an extra premium directly to the workers who made the clothes for every Fair Trade Certified product it sells. The workers collectively decide how to use the funds to address local needs, aiming to improve their families' lives.
Roark makes sure to contribute to the local community, too (by addressing their needs during every journey). Whatever is needed (be it environmental concerns, humanitarian issues, or social causes), leaving a positive impact on the places it visits for adventure and inspiration is essential.
The price of Roark clothing reflects the quality of materials and craftsmanship used.
It's not a cheap brand (sustainable items are usually more expensive), but it's reasonably priced for the amount of care that goes into creating each piece.
Roark clothing ships to the US, Canada, Australia, and Europe.
Shipping is fulfilled by FedEx, and orders cannot be delivered to P.O. Boxes.
Free shipping is available on all US orders over $75.
Customers in the US can take advantage of free returns and exchanges within 30 days of purchase, as long as the items are unused and still have the original packaging and tags.
Items on sale with discounts greater than 30% cannot be returned or exchanged.
There are three options available for unwanted orders:
Yes, Roark is a legitimate clothing company based in the US.
Most men's items go up to XXL, and women's to XL.
The items I tested were made in China, which is often a red flag. However, Roark has strict supply chain ethical requirements that all its factories must adhere to.
Yes, Roak does have a YouTube channel with some pretty cool videos. My favorite is Dusted.
Brooks Brothers is the oldest men's clothing store in the US. It was founded in 1818.
According to Roark support, "The Roark logo is our iteration of the "safecamp," which dates back to the hobo era, in which its marking represented a safe place to camp for the night."
In a world full of fast fashion and fleeting trends, Roark stands out as a brand that values storytelling, adventure, and sustainability.
With its unique design approach, high-quality materials, and commitment to ethical practices, Roark is an excellent eco-friendly clothing choice if you want to elevate your wardrobe with bold patterns or just need a new pair of running shorts.
Roark's philosophy revolves around the concept of the adventurer, with each collection being inspired by a different real-life journey.
This narrative approach to design allows the brand to weave together compelling stories, art, and culture, resulting in clothing that is not only stylish but also deeply meaningful.
I'd class Roark's signature aesthetic as a functional fusion of classic American style and local indigenous flair (all delivered with a generous sprinkling of rebelliousness).
So go ahead, embark on your adventure with Roark, and discover the perfect fit for your journey.
Do you already own any Roark clothing? What's your favorite piece? What would your first pair be if you could choose any Roark jeans from the entire product line? Drop me a line and let me know.
Our core values mean we always prioritize sustainability over profit. We carefully evaluate and personally test every product to ensure they meet our high standards. All products recommended in this article were tested in accordance with our Review Methodology.
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