Recently I was contacted by UK based retro inspired clothing brand Collectif to do a product review. Because I often get questions about where to buy vintage inspired clothing, especially where to get 40s style pants and plus size garments, I enjoy working with and exploring these types of brands.

Let’s talk about sizes and fit before I dive into the items. At a 37 inch bust, 27 inch waist, and 39 inch hip, I’m almost a perfect hourglass, and thankfully that is how Collectif makes their stuff. I’ll spare you the lengthy details, but basically I’ve always struggled with other vintage inspired clothing companies that have a different bust-waist-hip ratio. Now, your proportion ratios may not be like mine, because every body is different and every body is beautiful no matter the size, but I’m saying this because this is why it is vital to look at how a company measures their sizes! After looking at Collectif’s size chart, I opted for a UK size 10 in each of the items, which according to their size chart equates to a size 6 in the US. But, as many of us know, sizes don’t really matter, it’s all about the measurements! A size 10 for them equates to a 36-38 inch bust, 28 inch waist, and 36-38 inch hip.

As noted earlier, I get asked often about wide leg 40s style pants. Several vintage inspired clothing companies produce variations on that style, so I’m always curious to compare them, which is why one of the items I selected was the Victoria Trousers, which come in a very lightweight, rust colored fabric.

For me, living in Southern California, lightweight pants are a dream. These were so light is felt like I was barely wearing anything at all! So if you are in love with these, but live in a colder climate, I recommend wearing a pair of fleece lined leggings under these. The fabric itself is 85% viscose, 15% linen. While there are darling buttons on the side reaching toward the Hollywood waistband they are just for show! These pants actually close with an invisible zipper and a hook and eye on the back. They also feature a sewn in crease down the front and back.

Overall Collectif does a really good job with their descriptions, noting the type of fabric their garments are made of, various measurements, closures, and washing guidelines. I think that is vital when shopping on-line! So I applaud them on that front. They do not however mention where their garments are made, and I had to check the label once my items arrived.

I’ve included some shots of the items inside out to showcase their construction. Each item features surged edges, and interfacing on some of the facings.

I always measure garments when I receive them to make sure they truly are what they say they are when it comes to the size guide. When I measured these pants, they came in at a tight 29, with an overall length of 44 inches, and an inseam of 31 inches. As you can see, they are a wee bit long on me (I’m 5 foot 6 inches), so I’ll be hemming these in the near future.

The only downside to these pants is that they lack pockets…but the second item made up for that!

Ok, so I already have a handful of denim skirts, but I didn’t have one with suspenders! And I’m all about that farm girl chic, so I selected the Nomi Denim Dungaree Pencil Skirt. The skirt is made of a stretchy denim that is 74% cotton, 24% polyester, and 2% spandex, and features adjustable but not removable suspenders. So normally when I notice a denim has stretch I’m concerned about it being thin, but the denim is a decent medium weight fabric. The bit of stretch made this skirt really comfy to wear, and I can see myself enjoying a day at Knott’s Berry Farm in these.

The skirt closes in the front with three buttons and a short zipper. I measured this skirt at a 28 inch waist, and 38 inch hip (measured eight inches below the waist) however at its fullest part, it measured 40 inches. The length of the skirt portion is 27 inches.

As you can see I’m wearing the same top with both of these bottoms, and it is the Lorena Plain Top in green. And I think I might have found my new favorite peasant top! Currently the top is offered in white, black, red, yellow, and this green. I just wish it came in more colors!  Unlike other peasant tops that have an underbust seam, this is perfectly smooth and I think makes it much more comfortable and wearable, because you don’t have to worry about the underbust seam riding up.

This top is made from 98% cotton and 2% elastane, with elastic in the cuffs and neckline. The cotton is a perfect thickness, not too thin and not too thick. It features darts to give it shape, as opposed to panels in other tops that are similar. It also features a small little tie at the neckline for a cute detail. I especially love that this top closes with a side invisible zipper. I’m totally against side zippers in dresses (I literally have a panic attack getting them on and off) but love them when it comes to tops. It makes it much more comfortable and a sleeker back. I measured the Lorena Top at a 38 inch bust and 28 inch waist.

Overall I am very pleased with Collectif’s items, and think they are great staples to add to any wardrobe. But staples aren’t all they have, they have a lovely selection of dresses, outerwear, and more. Visit their website and possibly find something for yourself!

Collectif makes garments ranging from US size 2/UK size 6 (24 inch waist) to US 18/UK 22 (40 inch waist.) Collectif has their garments made in various countries. The pants and skirt were made in China, while the peasant top was made in India.

Jewelry: Match Accessories
Shoes (Pants): Re-Mix
Boots (Skirt): West of Texas

Disclosure: I was approached by Collectif, and I received these items free of charge in exchange for an honest review of the items.