If you’ve been looking for ethical and sustainable work clothes I think you should look no further than Brass. They’re a fairly affordable ethical clothing brand and their pieces are more tailored than other brands. Plus, they have inclusive sizing, and tall sizes, so I have had more luck with them. I’ve reviewed a lot of Brass on this blog so I thought I would compile it all in one place–from the Brass Ponte Pant to the All Day Fabric to the sweaters to the Essential Dress to everything in between–here are my reviews and photos of every Brass Clothing item I own, my advice for finding Brass on sale, and a little discount code! Now updated for 2021!
If you are looking for a little discount and don’t want to scroll, my code for 20% off is PHDINCLOTHES !
Pants and Shorts
All Day Pants
I should probably tell you at this point that I own A LOT of Brass. None of it is gifted and there are no monetized links in this post. I’m just excited that I’ve found a company that reliably provides good work clothes. The All Day Pant is my favorite work pant, probably ever. They are as comfy as pajamas, paired with the All Day Tank make a great faux jumpsuit, and the whole look with a blazer is such a power outfit. The pants are little bit wide, but the also drape really well, so they work in a traditional work environment. And yes, there are pockets. Comes in two inseams. I’m a size 6 and am wearing a small in the long inseam.
Prima Joggers
I now also own the prima jogger. I love it because it’s the same fabric as the all day pants–which NEVER wrinkles–but with a zipper and an elastic leg. These joggers are very polished looking and I would still wear them to work! I got a size 6 with the long inseam. They have a high rise, as an FYI, I sometimes like slouchy joggers but these sit higher on my waist and are more form fitting through the hips.
Other details: Shoes (button up is old, turtleneck is the Brass mockneck raglan, now sold out, sorry!)
The Ponte
Before I bought these ponte pants I didn’t think I really needed them–though they are a cult Brass favorite. They’re not a wardrobe gap I had ever identified, but they are amazing for casual workplaces and working from home. I thought I would only be comfortable wearing these with tunics, because they are legging-like, but the pockets and the weight of the fabric mean I don’t feel self-conscious wearing them as plain old pants. Comes in 2 inseams and XS-3X sizing. I’m wearing a small in the long inseam.
The all day shorts
These are my favorite shorts, ever. I do not enjoy shorts but these make me feel so glam all summer! They are tailored and the pleat on the front is somehow flattering?? Also, pockets. Also, the belt loops are appreciated, because belts are the only accessory I ever bother with when it’s hot. These run slightly small on me in the waist (I have a relatively straight waist to hip ratio so if you’re more “hourglass” it’s likely not a problem). I chose a 6 and they do fit and I wear them. If I go back for the navy color this summer I will probably choose an 8 just to compare!
Dresses
The Essential Dress
The essential dress was my first Brass purchase. It’s airy enough for summer, but the slight sheen to the fabric makes it dressy. I wear mine absolutely everywhere. The only con is that this is the tall size, and it’s still a little on the short side for me for work. Comes in two lengths and XS-3X sizing. I’m wearing a small in the long length.
The A-Line
The A-Line is my preferred work power dress (this link is to the the new a-line 2.0, I’m wearing 1.0 here). It has pockets, it has the right neckline for button up layering, and in person it just looks put together as heck. I’m a size 6 usually and am wearing a small in the long length.
Tops
The Button Down Blouse
I tend to find button ups uncomfortable and restricting. I honestly still feel a little of that in the button down blouse, and I recommend sizing up! The only other downside as a tall person is that the sleeves are a bit short. Otherwise, I love the vintage feel of this top and feel really classy in it. The weight is nice and it isn’t sheer. I’m wearing a medium.
The Best Tee and Best Tank
Over $50 for a t shirt is new territory for me, but the best tank and best tee fabric is my favorite thing ever!! It’s so soft and both of these tops look just as great tucked or untucked. They are definitely more elevated than a regular tee and look great under a blazer. I’m wearing a medium in both. The are fitted but not clingy. If you ever see on one sale (they are right now for $42/$48), grab it. It’s the kind of shirt I think about buying multiples of because when it’s in the wash I’m annoyed.
The Essential Top in Wave Weave
The wave weave top is in the clearance section right now (honestly where I snag most Brass clothes!). It has a straight, boxy fit and is the closest thing to a tank top that is work appropriate. The wave weave fabric is really amazing–it feels cool to the touch and airy in the summer. I know more wave weave is coming on the Brass site this summer and would recommend it. I’m wearing a small here. The essential top in its regular fabric is available year-round.
The Split Neck
A button down with no boob gap problems? That’s the idea of the split neck. It’s in the clearance section right now too and it’s the most misleadingly comfortable fabric ever (Doesn’t it look corporate? It’s not stiff like a normal button down at all!). This looks great under a blazer but I like that it can stand on its own untucked as well. I’m wearing a small here but should have sized up for more room in the bust.
Sweaters
The scallop raglan
The scallop raglan is one of my top recent purchases. The texture is like nothing I have ever owned and the neckline is really cool! It definitely pops under a blazer and on Zoom calls it frames your face well! This is a loose knit so it’s a bit sheer but not a big deal with a bra that matches your skin tone or a camisole. I chose a medium because I don’t like clingy sweaters but I think I could have gone with a small for a different look. I regret not buying the black also!
The Brene
The Brene sweater is another recent, loved addition! It is longer and has a loose, almost bell sleeve. The ribbing on the sleeves and hem is a lovely detail. It has a nice side slit, too, that makes winter layering a bit more interesting (I love it with a crisp white button up underneath). This is the size small and it is definitely oversized–also I’m 5’11” and the sleeves are long enough on me! I’ve seen other Brass ladies embracing the longer sleeve or cuffing the sleeve, many people advising sizing down at least one! This is a great sweater for lettings.
I will say, though, that it pills! Possibly because there’s no texture to the knit it’s very obvious. I’ve had mine for 2 months and have already used my sweater shaver twice!
The Drift Knit
I purchased the Drift Knit in July, which makes me a total fool, but I found it surprisingly wearable. It’s a linen blend and it just feels sooo good on your skin. It’s nice and airy feeling–perfect for a slightly chilly summer evening. I loved mine the most in early fall though, when I wanted a sweater but had no business wearing one! I picked a size small in this for a slightly tailored, office ready look!
Other details: Shorts, Sandals
The Spring Top
The spring top is a top/sweater hybrid that was a much-needed injection of color in my fall wardrobe. It’s light but the arm coverage is appreciated for chilly offices. Ideal if you live in a warm climate but still want to feel like you’re wearing a sweater. This is the size medium. The olive green color is on my list, too! Brass has released the spring top twice now in seasonally appropriate colors and I hope it returns in more colors when it’s, well, spring! I have owned mine since 2019 and it still looks great! If it is brought back this spring I’ll grab another color.
The Sunset Sweater
I appreciate that Brass does a good job thinking about what you need by season–the sunset sweater was released just as nights were cold but days were warm. It’s a loose weave that looks expensive in real life. It is a bit prone to being pulled–by jewelry, fingernails, etc, so I’ve had to do a couple repair jobs on mine so far. And, as a tall person, the sleeves are really three-quarters length. This is the small but I doubt going up a size would have helped in the sleeves. But I love the weight and color and reach for it constantly anyway!
If you’ve been wanting to give Brass a try and haven’t ordered before you can get 20% off your first order using code PHDINCLOTHES.
Also, if you are interested in trying out some secondhand Brass items, you can join their private Facebook group, The Brass Guild. I love seeing everyone’s outfits and have tried many items secondhand through the new Exchange on the website!
I’ll update this post if I take in more Brass in 2021. Do you have other workwear brands you love, especially ethically produced ones? Or other Brass pieces you really recommend? Please leave me a comment, I’d love to hear about them!
PhD in Clothes 
I have the Work Dress from Brass and I love it! Unfortunately I got it in a medium which is too small but I’m trying to sell it and track down a large secondhand:) You look lovely in all of these pieces. I really like your somewhat relaxed corporate style. It’s how I mostly like to dress for the office as well.
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Thank you! Yes ugh I just wanna be comfy but still look like I have it together. Are you in the Guild? You might have luck selling it there??
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I just joined it!
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