Everlane vs. Herschel: Which brand should you buy? [2026]

Everlane is known for its minimalist wardrobe essentials founded on ethical production and "radical transparency," while Herschel specializes in stylish, vintage-inspired backpacks and accessories with a modern, streetwear aesthetic. Everlane offers a full range of high-quality, sustainable clothing and footwear, whereas Herschel focuses almost exclusively on durable, functional, and trend-forward bags.

Let's explore the key differences to help you decide which brand best fits your style and values.

Everlane: The Minimalist & Transparent Wardrobe

Everlane has built its brand on the promise of timeless design, quality materials, and unparalleled transparency in its manufacturing process. The company appeals to conscious consumers who want to know where their clothes come from and what they cost to make. Their aesthetic is clean, understated, and versatile, centered on creating a high-quality capsule wardrobe that lasts beyond seasonal trends.

• Product mix: A complete range of men's and women's apparel including organic cotton t-shirts, premium denim, Italian leather shoes, cashmere sweaters, and accessories like bags and scarves.
• Price point: Mid-range, with most core apparel items priced between $20 and $100. For example, their popular organic cotton crew t-shirts are around $25-$35.
• Quality & Materials: A strong emphasis on sustainable and premium materials like organic cotton, recycled polyester, ethically sourced wool, and traceable leather. Garments are known for their durability and thoughtful construction.
• Style: Minimalist, classic, and timeless. The color palette focuses on neutral tones and simple silhouettes designed for easy integration into any wardrobe.
• Sizing/Fit: Clothing generally fits true to size, and the website offers detailed size guides, fit notes, and customer reviews to help find the perfect fit.
• Sustainability & Ethics: This is Everlane's core pillar. The brand shares detailed information about its factories, supply chain, and production costs for each item, a practice they call "Radical Transparency."

Everlane is the ideal choice for shoppers seeking long-lasting, ethically-made staples who value sustainability and supply chain transparency as much as style.

Shop Everlane: www.everlane.com

Herschel: The Modern & Vintage-Inspired Accessory Brand

Herschel Supply Co. has become a globally recognized name synonymous with well-designed and functional backpacks. Drawing inspiration from classic mountaineering and retro styles, Herschel remixes them with modern patterns, colors, and functionality. The brand targets students, urban commuters, and travelers who need a durable, practical, and stylish bag to carry their essentials.

• Product mix: Primarily focused on bags of all types including backpacks, duffels, hip packs, and luggage. They also offer a range of accessories like wallets, hats, and laptop sleeves.
• Price point: Affordable to mid-range. Their iconic backpacks are typically priced between $40 and $120, making them highly accessible for their quality and design.
• Quality & Materials: Products are made with durable materials like polyester, nylon canvas, and leather accents designed to withstand daily use. Zippers and stitching are robust, reflecting a focus on longevity.
• Style: A signature vintage-inspired aesthetic blended with modern, streetwear trends. Herschel is known for its distinct logo patch, bold color blocking, and wide array of custom patterns.
• Sizing/Fit: As an accessories brand, sizing refers to dimensions and carrying capacity (measured in liters), which are clearly detailed on every product page to suit different needs.
• Sustainability & Ethics: While not a central part of their marketing, Herschel focuses on creating durable, long-lasting products to reduce waste. They have also introduced product lines made from recycled materials.

Herschel is the perfect brand for anyone looking for a fashionable, durable, and functional bag that makes a statement without breaking the bank.

Shop Herschel: www.herschel.com

Everlane vs. Herschel Comparison

Price Comparison

While both brands operate in the accessible to mid-range market, their pricing reflects their different product focuses. An Everlane organic t-shirt ($30) or pair of jeans ($98) is priced based on sustainable materials and ethical labor. Comparatively, a popular Herschel backpack is around $50-$100, offering great value for its durability and style in the accessories market.

Essentially, you are paying for different values. With Everlane, a premium is placed on the ethical and environmental story behind the clothing. With Herschel, you are paying for robust construction, brand recognition, and a specific design aesthetic in an accessory.

Quality & Materials

Quality is a priority for both brands, but they approach it from different angles. Everlane's definition of quality is rooted in premium, sustainable fabrics - think soft organic cotton, traceable leather, and recycled fibers. The focus is on comfort, feel, and a lower environmental impact.

Herschel’s quality is about practical endurance. They use tough polyester and nylon fabrics, reinforced seams, and sturdy zippers designed to handle daily commutes, heavy textbooks, and weekend trips. The materials are chosen for their ability to resist wear and tear, ensuring the bag lasts for years.

Style & Aesthetic

This is the starkest difference between the two brands. Everlane is the champion of minimalism. Its aesthetic is clean, sophisticated, and understated, favoring neutral colors and classic silhouettes. It’s for someone who wants their style to be timeless and refined.

Herschel, on the other hand, embraces a more casual, youthful, and expressive style. Inspired by vintage Americana and modern streetwear, their products often feature bold colors, unique patterns, and their unmistakable woven logo. A Herschel bag is often a key piece of an outfit, not just a quiet accessory.

Product Selection

Your shopping needs will quickly point you to the right brand. Everlane is a complete lifestyle brand focused on building a full wardrobe. You can shop for everything from basic tees and denim to outerwear, shoes, and understated leather bags.

Herschel is a dedicated specialist. Their world is bags and travel accessories. While Everlane sells bags, Herschel offers an extensive variety of backpacks, luggage, totes, and crossbodies in countless sizes and styles. If a bag is what you primarily need, Herschel’s selection is far more comprehensive.

Sustainability & Ethics

For conscious shoppers, this is a clear-cut comparison. Everlane has built its entire identity around "Radical Transparency," detailing the costs, materials, and factories behind every product. They are one of the industry leaders in promoting ethical manufacturing and sustainable practices.

Herschel’s focus has traditionally been on creating durable products that don't need frequent replacement. In recent years, they have begun to incorporate more recycled materials into their collections, but sustainability and transparency are not the central pillars of their brand message in the way they are for Everlane.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both brands offer quality products appreciated by loyal customers, but they cater to very different needs and priorities.

Choose Everlane if:

• You are building a minimalist, versatile wardrobe
• Ethical manufacturing and sustainable materials are top priorities for you
• You prefer timeless, classic styles over fleeting trends
• You value brands that are transparent about their supply chain and pricing

Choose Herschel if:

• You primarily need a stylish, functional, and durable backpack or travel bag
• Your personal style leans casual, trendy, or streetwear-inspired
• You enjoy bold patterns, colors, and vintage-inspired designs
• You want a highly functional accessory at an accessible price point

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Everlane or Herschel more expensive?

It's hard to compare directly as they focus on different categories. A Herschel backpack ($50-$100) is generally less expensive than a pair of Everlane jeans ($98) or a cashmere sweater (over $100). Overall, Everlane is positioned as a slightly more premium brand due to its focus on ethical production and high-quality materials for clothing.

Which brand is better for sustainability?

Everlane is the definitive winner in this category. Their entire business model is built on transparency, ethical sourcing, and the use of sustainable materials, making them a top choice for eco-conscious shoppers.

Does Everlane sell backpacks?

Yes, Everlane offers a selection of bags, including backpacks. However, their collection is much smaller and more minimalist in design compared to Herschel's extensive range.

Does Herschel sell clothing?

While Herschel has released limited apparel collections, their primary and overwhelming focus is on bags, luggage, and accessories. You would not go to Herschel to buy a full wardrobe.

Which brand has better quality?

Both have high-quality products, but they define quality differently. Everlane's quality lies in its premium, sustainable fabrics and refined construction for apparel. Herschel's quality is centered on rugged durability and longevity for daily-use bags, with tough fabrics and sturdy zippers.

What is Everlane's style?

Everlane’s style is minimalist, timeless, and sophisticated. They focus on neutral-colored essentials that form the foundation of a classic wardrobe.

What is Herschel's style?

Herschel has a casual, trend-aware style inspired by vintage design and modern streetwear. Their products are often recognizable by their iconic logo, bold patterns, and distinct colorways.

How does Everlane sizing run?

Everlane's apparel generally runs true to size. They provide detailed sizing charts and customer reviews on their product pages to help you choose the correct fit.