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

Everlane is an ethical fashion brand focused on providing a complete wardrobe of minimalist, transparently priced basics, from cashmere sweaters to leather shoes. In contrast, Rothy's is a footwear-first innovator that creates stylish, comfortable, and machine-washable shoes from recycled plastic water bottles. Everlane offers a broader range of apparel and classic materials, while Rothy's centers on sustainable technology and unparalleled convenience in footwear.

Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right brand for your closet and lifestyle.

Everlane: The Minimalist Wardrobe Essentialist

Everlane has built its reputation on "Radical Transparency," revealing the true costs behind its products - from materials to labor to transportation. This approach appeals to conscious consumers who want to know where their clothes come from. The brand focuses on creating timeless, high-quality wardrobe foundations designed to last for years, rather than chasing fleeting trends. Their aesthetic is clean, modern, and versatile, making it easy to create polished looks for both work and weekends.

• Product mix: A comprehensive collection of women's and men's apparel, including their popular cashmere sweaters, silk blouses, organic cotton tees, and denim. They also offer a full line of footwear, bags, and accessories made from materials like Italian leather.
• Price point: Generally mid-range, with prices from $50 for a quality t-shirt to over $200 for outerwear or premium leather goods. Their popular Day Glove flats are around $135, offering an accessible price for quality construction.
• Quality: Everlane uses premium materials like Grade-A cashmere, organic cotton, and full-grain leather. The focus is on durable construction and timeless design so that pieces can remain in your wardrobe for seasons to come.
• Sizing/Fit: Sizing is generally consistent and true to size across categories. Their website provides detailed fit notes and garment measurements on each product page, helping customers find the right size online.
• Sales: Everlane has a permanent "Choose What You Pay" sale section online and holds sitewide sale events a few times a year, offering a chance to get their essentials at a lower price.
• Return policy: Offers returns within 30 days of the ship date for items that are unworn, unwashed, and in the original packaging.
• Sustainability: The brand is deeply committed to ethical production, working with some of the best factories worldwide and sharing those details with customers. They focus on using less plastic, reducing carbon emissions, and incorporating more recycled materials.

Everlane is the go-to for building a complete, high-quality minimalist wardrobe with a conscience, thanks to its focus on timeless design and transparent pricing.

Shop Everlane: everlane.com

Rothy's: The Innovator in Sustainable Footwear

Rothy's made a splash by transforming single-use plastics into chic, unbelievably comfortable shoes. Their signature 3D knitting process uses thread spun from recycled water bottles to create seamless shoe uppers that eliminate material waste. The brand’s number one feature is that nearly all its shoes are fully machine-washable, making them a practical and long-lasting choice for people on the go. Rothy’s combines modern style with a powerful commitment to circular manufacturing.

• Product mix: Primarily women's and children's footwear, including their iconic styles The Point and The Flat, as well as loafers, sneakers, and sandals. In recent years, they have expanded to include men's shoes and a line of bags and accessories made from recycled materials.
• Price point: Positioned in the premium-mid-range market for footwear. Prices for their popular flats and loafers typically range from $129 to $179.
• Technology/Innovation: Rothy's 3D knitting technology crafts shoes with virtually zero waste. This process creates a flexible, comfortable fit that conforms to the foot without the seams that can cause rubbing or irritation.
• Quality: Despite being made from plastic, the shoes are durable, flexible, and hold their shape and color remarkably well, even after multiple washes. The rubber outsoles are sturdy, and a cushy insole provides added comfort.
• Sizing/Fit: Most styles run true to size, but the brand advises that many customers with wider feet prefer to go up a half size, especially in more pointed styles like The Point. The flexible knit accommodates various foot shapes well.
• Sales: Rothy's has a "Twice a Year" Archive sale and an online sale section, but discounts are less frequent than at many other retailers, reflecting the value and demand for their core product line.
• Return policy: Offers free returns and exchanges within 30 days for unworn and unwashed items returned in their original box.

Rothy's is the top choice for eco-conscious shoppers who refuse to compromise on style or convenience, offering innovative, washable footwear that lasts.

Shop Rothy's: rothys.com

Everlane vs. Rothy's Comparison

Price Comparison

While both brands operate in the mid-range market, their pricing reflects their different focuses. Everlane offers a broader range of price points across its entire collection. You can buy a T-shirt for under $50, a pair of jeans for around $100, and a pair of leather loafers around $150. This makes building a full outfit more accessible.

Rothy's concentrates on premium footwear, with most of its popular styles priced between $129 and $179. While this may seem higher for a pair of flats, the cost is justified by their unique sustainable manufacturing, durability, and the convenience of being machine washable. Overall, Everlane is more budget-friendly for a wider clothing assortment, while Rothy's positions itself as a worthwhile investment in innovative footwear.

Quality & Materials

Quality at Everlane is defined by traditional, natural materials. They use Grade-A cashmere, soft pima cotton, Italian leather, and sturdy denim. These materials offer a classic look and feel and are chosen for their longevity. However, some items, like silk blouses or leather goods, require more delicate care.

Rothy's defines quality through modern, sustainable innovation. Their signature material is a thread made from recycled marine-bound plastic. This creates a fabric that is surprisingly soft, flexible, and extremely resilient. The biggest quality advantage for Rothy's is ease of maintenance - the ability to toss them in the washing machine makes them look new again and again, a huge benefit Everlane’s conventional shoes can’t offer.

Product Selection & Style

Everlane is a one-stop shop for a minimalist, modern wardrobe. Their aesthetic is clean, sophisticated, and built on timeless silhouettes: think classic trench coats, perfectly cut trousers, and simple sweaters. The color palette is often neutral, making it easy to mix and match. They are the ideal choice if you subscribe to a "capsule wardrobe" philosophy.

Rothy’s is a footwear and accessories specialist. Their style is chic, modern, and practical. While their shoes feature simple silhouettes, they often release limited-edition colors and patterns that add a pop of personality. Rothy's products are designed for the person on the move who wants to look polished without sacrificing comfort.

Fit & Sizing

Both brands provide reliable sizing guidance, which is crucial for predominantly online retailers. Everlane's fit is generally true to size and consistent across its apparel and footwear. Their detailed online charts and model specifications help remove the guesswork from ordering.

Rothy’s shoes are also mainly true to size, but the specific last and knit construction of each shoe can affect the fit. For their pointed-toe styles, sizing up a half is often recommended. However, the 3D-knit material offers a forgiving stretch that molds to the foot over time, providing a near-custom fit after a few wears.

Sustainability & Ethics

Both brands are leaders in the sustainable fashion space, but they approach it from different angles. Everlane’s focus is on revealing the journey of the product - shining a light on their factories, supply chain, and pricing. They have made significant strides in eliminating virgin plastic from their supply chain and setting targets for reducing carbon emissions.

Rothy’s focus is on material innovation and a circular product lifecycle. By turning millions of plastic bottles into products, they actively solve a waste problem. Their production process is designed to minimize waste, and their shoes are built for longevity and washability, which combats the fast-fashion cycle of disposable footwear.

Return Policies

Both Everlane and Rothy's offer a similar 30-day return window for unworn and unwashed merchandise. One key difference is that Rothy's consistently offers free return shipping on all U.S. orders, making it completely risk-free to try a pair. Everlane's policy may involve a shipping or restocking fee for mailed returns, though returns to their physical stores are free.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both Everlane and Rothy's are excellent choices for the conscious consumer, but they serve different needs within your closet.

Choose Everlane if:

• You're looking to build a complete capsule wardrobe with timeless, versatile pieces.
• You value transparency in pricing and ethical factory production.
• You prefer working with natural materials like organic cotton, cashmere, and leather.
• Your style is minimalist, understated, and built on high-quality basics.

Choose Rothy's if:

• Your primary need is comfortable, stylish, and durable footwear.
• You want a low-maintenance shoe you can easily wash to keep it fresh.
• You are passionate about products made from recycled and innovative materials.
• You need a go-to shoe for work, travel, and commuting that is both chic and practical.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Everlane or Rothy's more expensive?

Comparing apples to apples, a Rothy's shoe (starting around $129) is generally more expensive than a similar style from Everlane (starting around $135). However, Everlane is a full apparel brand, so its overall price range is wider, with items available for under $50. Rothy's specializes in premium sustainable footwear, which accounts for its higher entry price point.

Which brand is more sustainable?

Both brands are sustainable, but in different ways. Everlane's sustainability is rooted in supply chain transparency, ethical partnerships, and using natural, organic, or recycled versions of traditional fabrics. Rothy's sustainability comes from its core product innovation: turning recycled plastic bottles into durable goods and using a manufacturing process that minimizes waste.

Are Rothy's shoes actually comfortable for all-day wear?

Yes, comfort is a primary selling point for Rothy's. The seamless knit upper prevents rubbing, the insoles are cushioned, and the material has a flexible give that accommodates your foot's shape. They are very popular among professionals and commuters who are on their feet for hours.

How does Everlane's quality hold up over time?

Everlane products are designed to be staples that last for years. Their items made from materials like cashmere, leather, and premium cotton are known for their durability. Proper care is essential to maintain their condition, especially for more delicate items like silk.

How do Rothy's and Everlane shoe sizes compare?

Both brands generally run true to size. For Everlane shoes, sticking with your usual size is a safe bet. For Rothy's, it depends on the style, their classic round-toe flats are true to size, but for the popular pointed-toe styles, many customers find sizing up a half size provides a more comfortable fit.

Which brand is better for workwear?

This depends on what you need. Everlane is better for a complete work wardrobe - they offer tailored pants, blazers, silk blouses, and leather loafers perfect for the office. Rothy’s is the better choice for comfortable and stylish work shoes, especially if you have a long commute or are on your feet all day.

Can you wash Everlane shoes like Rothy's?

No. Most Everlane shoes are made from traditional materials like leather, suede, or canvas that cannot be machine-washed. They require standard shoe care like spot cleaning or professional services. The machine-washable feature is unique to Rothy's innovative materials.

Which brand runs more sales?

Everlane tends to have more frequent sales. They have a year-round sale section and run several promotional events annually. Rothy's sales are rarer, typically limited to their "Twice a Year" Archive Event, which makes getting their products at a discount less common.