Item: Gil Rodriguez
Rating: 5
Author: Jade P

Gil Rodriguez makes a range of staples for women featuring classic designs and sustainable production techniques.

Gil Rodriguez is an exercise in slow fashion. Essentials that are made locally by skilled workers making a living wage in a safe environment. Classic silhouettes that will flatter for years to come. Elegant basics you can lean on – without artifice or embellishment – confident in their quality and economy of means.

Gil Rodriguez

Clothing

Super high quality pieces made of a really great cotton fabric; I've bought from Gil on three occasions and have never been disappointed. I still have a few things on my list, too. This is also a sustainable brand and they send you little goodies with your purchase. 

Was looking for some good-quality cotton t-shirts/basics and ordered the classic Bellevue t-shirt + Lapointe tank. Mostly, I was looking for a high-quality product, and preferred to support a made in USA product; it also feels good to know this is a female-owned business that treats its workers well. As a person who likes textiles, I liked knowing that they developed their own proprietary fabric as well. The quality of the baby rib cotton is good - not too flimsy or thin, and not too thick. 
The Bellevue t-shirt is the perfect fitted tee - not too long, not too cropped, and perfect fitted look. Extremely flattering, you can dress it up or down. I am a typical M but I was afraid the shirts would fit too tight (I prefer a more relaxed fit), so ordered L and was happy with the fit. I have tried my normal size M and it looks great, as well as L, XL, XXL due to availability (I wanted to get a range of colours). Even sizing up 1-2-3 sizes the shirt looks really good,  and does not in any way look awkward/boxy/ill-fitting (as it is a close-to-the-body fit). I loved the Bellevue tee so much that I purchased the Bellevue mini dress (L) and midi dress (XL). Am on the shorter side (163 cm/5'4) so midi dress is more of a longer length but that's what I wanted. Comfortable fit as well, I sized up for a relaxed and less form-fitted look. 
The Lapointe tank is a decent product as well; I ordered in L and XL, and they don't fit as close to the chest or back as I would have liked due to how it is cut, so I would recommend purchasing your 'true to size' fit - a M probably would have worked best, but I ordered the items just for sleeping/lounging so it isn't such a big deal. 
I ordered the Matisse Tank in L, it is a snug fit, and stretchy; for this I probably should have ordered a true to size fit (in my case size M) as the straps seem a bit long, but I can't comment as I don't know how the M fits. I was afraid it might be too restrictive or tight, however, I will say the fabric Gil Rodriguez sources is forgiving and comfortable (cotton blends). I also have a terry cloth tshirt (ordered for pool/vacation days) which I ordered in a much larger size (XXL) but it looked fine (& not boxy) as it is a fitted, close-to-body fit. I tried the Lou trouser in black (size 0), which fits a shorter person, with an adjustable waistline. I think I should have gone for the size 1 or even 2 for a more baggy fit, although the size 0 is ok. Just a bit slim in the hips for my general preference, but it is wearable for a vacation, lounging etc. The cotton twill is durable and I look forward to this wearing softer in time; I also wore it to the gym to lift weights and it was fine :) 
Finally, I have tried the El Tigre dress and Valentina dress styles; the brushed stretchy cotton is an interesting fabric finish; I would recommend people buy their normal dress size and not size up, but the dresses are bodycon and fitted (it's the look); I didn't buy since that is not what I was going for, but I think the cuts are simple, sophisticated, and easy to accessorize if I was in the market for that type of outfit. I get that the pricing is set as a slow-fashion initiative, so I do not mind supporting a small business paying living wages; I expect these pieces will wear well and that I will get good value out of them. Would definitely buy more in time to invest in my basics, and recommend it for others seeking something simple, classic, wearable yet distinctive/thoughtfully designed.

Gil Rodriguez reviews