Reviewing Madewell's new spring basics
Curated product reviews on T-shirts, socks, hoodies, sweats, and more
A quick note
This is an ongoing content series on Sprezza meant to help you make better shopping decisions for you, your partner, friends, parents, significant other, colleagues, etc.
What is the Basics Program?
It’s simple:
We review products from brands that make basics—like t-shirts, hoodies, socks, briefs, etc.— for you.
Here’s what we’ve reviewed so far:
If you want to access this full series, subscribe below
Remember when we used to shop at malls?
Well, we’re kind of doing that all over again.
Over the last few years, J.Crew has become relevant again, thanks to their giant-fit chinos.
GAP is (holds breath) finding their footing with collabs like PALACE.
And Madewell is creating some major heat at the moment, plain and simple.
Behind the scenes, a retail dream team of Luke Linder (formerly of Gap) and menswear gurus Aaron Levine and Jon Tietz bring these designs to life. Levine, in particular, has a Midas touch when it comes to retail.
He consults and designs with brands like Aimé Leon Dore, Viberg, and Huckberry — and even brought Abercrombie & Fitch out of the trenches, infusing them with his trademark blend of understated elegance and affordability.
The current iteration of Madewell feels like a natural extension of Levine's vision, almost as if it's the culmination of what could have been, had he remained with A&F for longer.
While Madewell’s denim may get you in the door, the brand’s basics and well-fitting trousers are the standouts.
Everything is low-key, available in tastefully curated colors, and doesn’t require a small business loan to buy.
As spring blooms, we had the chance to test-drive a few pieces from the brand, and it's safe to say that Madewell lives up to its name – everything is indeed made well.
McCarren midweight hoodie sweatshirt ($89)
Fit + Fabrics
These fit TTS (true to size), and I went with a small. The body and sleeves are fuller and boxier; however, the waist is a bit cropped, hitting perfectly at the waist. There’s nothing worse than a sagging hood on a sweatshirt with an elongated waist — this has neither, thankfully.
This is made of a 13 oz.-midweight French terry. It feels like an old Russell Athletic hoodie you've found in your dad’s vintage collection.
Pricepoint
This hoodie is a steal at under $100. With its quality construction and perfect fit. It could easily be valued at around $180. You're essentially getting two for the price of one!
Wearability
This hoodie's versatile weight makes it suitable for year-round wear. It's an excellent layering piece in autumn and winter and complements a tee in the warmer months.
Opting for the coal color, I paired it with olive fatigues and black denim for a tonal contrast. There's no incorrect way to wear it — hell — drape it over your shoulders for a relaxed, laid-back vibe.
Wearing after a wash
The hue has a natural garment-dyed aesthetic, which draws me to it. After each wash and air dry, it should gradually develop a faded look.
Considering the sunny weather, I think line-drying it outside to help a sun-induced fade. Regardless, there's no indication of shrinkage, so it's currently holding up exceptionally well.
Garment-dyed all day crewneck pocket tee ($35)
Fit + Fabrics
I opted for a size small, and the T-shirt fits like a glove. It hits right at your biceps, and the neckline feels sturdy. It’s the perfect balance of being fitted without making you feel like a stuffed sausage.
This shirt is crafted entirely from cotton and has undergone garment dyeing to achieve a comfortably worn-in texture that becomes even softer with time.
Pricepoint
I just got a T-shirt that was double the price from a brand that shall go unnamed, and this one fits and feels the same. The quality and attention to detail could be worth more than $35, so this is the best bang for your buck.
Wearability
You can't complicate a T-shirt, but you can style it in countless ways. I usually wear it as a base layer beneath an OCBD shirt.
However, with warmer weather, I'm excited to pair it with my navy linen double-breasted suit. It's all about elevating the T-shirt while keeping the suit relaxed and casual.
Wearing after a wash
Because it's garment-dyed, it's already partially pre-shrunk, but I wash it in cold water and let it air dry. It maintains its original fit, only getting softer with each wash.
Cotton-wool blend trousers ($148)
Fit + Fabrics
The fellas knocked it out of the park with the cut of these pants. I went with a size 31 in the waist for a more relaxed look, and it’s straight butter.
The silhouette offers a fuller leg with a comfortably high rise in the midsection, and the pants come with a 31-inch inseam that hovers perfectly over my shoes or boots.
This fabric, designed from a cotton and wool blend, is perfect for a versatile three-season pant.
Pricepoint
These pants, priced just shy of $150, are truly remarkable. My only minor complaint, unrelated to the price, is the limited color selection — I'd love to see more options in a navy or a luxurious brown shade.
Considering the price point, it's difficult to find trousers that strike the perfect balance between comfort like jeans, and the formal appeal suitable for office wear.
Wearability
Although these can be dressed more formally, I’ve been wearing mine very casually. A crewneck sweatshirt and denim jacket combo always hits — and even a sweater vest over a well-loved T-shirt is another way to get a fit off.
The pants are super comfortable, and the rest of the outfit should reflect that.
Wearing after a wash
These pants break the norm of needing dry cleaning for a dressed-up look. Throw them on a gentle cycle on cold, hang them to dry, and voila — they’re good to go.
However, I’d steam them so they maintain that fresh-out-of-the-store crispiness.
Cotton-hemp blend pleated trousers ($118)
Fit + Fabrics
These fit similarly to the cotton wool trousers, only with pleats — another banger of pants that feel amazing right off the rack. Take your usual size. I went with a 30, and they sit on my waist without feeling constricting.
These are made from a cotton-hemp blend for an airy, lightweight feel.
Pricepoint
Like everything in the collection, the fabrics and cuts are superior and could be double the price. I don’t know if you’ll find a pair of better-fitting pants for the summer with this price — if so, please point me in that direction.
Wearability
Madewell is killing it with the versatility. Take these trousers, for example — they effortlessly transition from a summer wedding fit to a casual bagel run with a navy hoodie.
I've been styling mine with suede loafers and a lightweight sweater for that classic Ivy League vibe. And if you're aiming for a more formal appearance, there's a handsome jacket available that takes the guesswork out of pairing.
Wearing after a wash
After several washes, these pants become increasingly comfortable. Thanks to their hemp blend, the fibers don't weaken with each wash; they become softer and better to wear.
