Frank & Eileen Review: Best Button-Up Ever?

Last week, I learned a long overdue style lesson: The best way to roll up your shirt sleeves. It came courtesy of a brand you’ve likely seen all over your Instagram feed, Frank & Eileen. The California-based brand collabs w/ celebs like Juliane Moore to create pieces like this shirt and is known for well-designed classics. Curious, I popped over to its button-up styling guide and mind blown! I’ve been doing it ALL wrong – and the fix is easy. In this post, we’ll not only walk you through how to roll your sleeves up, but also share a comprehensive Frank & Eileen review for those wondering if this brand is worth its investment price point.

Let’s begin with that game-changing shirt hack

How to Roll Up Shirt Sleeves Like a Stylist

Am I the only person on the planet who didn’t know about this method? While it’s important to choose a timeless, quality shirt to achieve that polished J.Crew catalog look, the styling is what matters most. Ladies, there’s a reason models, celebs, and stylists look effortlessly cool with a simple button-up shirt and jeans. They kick messy, sloppy, always unfurling sleeves to the curb with a simple 3-step process.

Eileen Shirt | Shorts | Mary Janes | Belt | Bracelets

First, let’s troubleshoot the issues you might be encountering. If you’re attempting to keep your sleeves buttoned while rolling them up (this was me), the cuffs become incredibly tight and uncomfortable on your forearms – if there’s enough room to roll them up at all.

Alternatively, if you’re rolling them up unbuttoned, the look can get a little wild and sloppy. When I try this method, they might stay put a half hour but will ultimately come undone. Instead, I’m learning how to roll up sleeves like a stylist with Frank & Eileen’s method.  

To achieve crisp cuffs, the brand recommends:

• Unbutton both buttons on the sleeves of your shirt.

• Fold the cuff back so that the edge reaches your elbow crease.

• Now, fold up the bottom portion of the sleeve so it traps the cuff

Who doesn’t love an easy fix like that? It was one of those lightbulb moments that left me a bit embarrassed I didn’t think of doing it that way myself. Instead of cutting off circulation and feeling tight around my forearms, my Eileen Relaxed Button-Up Shirt looked polished with this tidy cuffing method. I’m wearing the “Famous Denim” in vintage stonewashed indigo. The brand just started making the Eileen in an adorable ruffled version.

• Click here for Frank & Eileen’s styling guide for button-ups

Now, let’s jump back into my honest Frank & Eileen review

When this slow fashion brand first began popping up on my Instagram, I was immediately taken by the effortless “California cool” vibe it projects. But was it worth it? The prices are higher than what I usually spring for, so I began combing the web looking for a “frank” Frank & Eileen review.

Some mom bloggers had mentioned the brand, but the posts were fairly brief and didn’t cover everything I wanted to know. So, I wrote my own.

Eileen Shirt | Shorts | Mary Janes | Belt | Bracelets

Why I tried Frank & Eileen

I’m in a phase of life where I want to simplify and streamline my closet. The goal? Buy less and wear more. Ultimately, that means I need to be incredibly selective when I add new pieces. I want to be timeless not trendy.

On a more practical level, I live in an older home and my closet is bursting at the seams. There is literally no room. If something is going in, it has to be perfect.

Consequently, I’m focusing on quality basics like a perfect button-up shirt. If I can find those basics from a brand that is also woman-owned and attentive to sustainability? Even better!

Did the sticker price give me pause? Certainly.

These pieces do fall into what I would consider the “investment” realm. For example, the Eileen Shirt is $278. However, I’ve been pleased. Let’s talk about why…

Is Frank & Eileen Worth It?

About Frank & Eileen

Whenever possible, I like throwing my support behind woman-owned companies. That reasoning is two-fold. Not only do female founders inspire us with their entrepreneurship, but (when we’re talking about fashion companies) I find they pay extra attention to cut and comfort.

In addition to delivering on a fashion front, Frank & Eileen also has a sharp focus on female empowerment and transparency. It has pledged to spend $20 million in the next 10 years to support female entrepreneurship. Click here to read about its Giving Pledge.

Furthermore, it demonstrates its commitment to sustainability as a certified B Corporation (recertified in 2024). This means the California brand meets high standards of social and environmental performance.

For instance, Frank & Eileen shares details about all of its fabric sourcing and production here on its website. Rarely, do you see that level of transparency in modern fashion. As Frank & Eileen states on its website, B-corp status suggests a company values purpose over profit. The brand only works with sustainable manufacturers and finishes most garments right here in the U.S. The process leaves you with a closet classic, you’ll be proud to style (like I am in the video below).

 

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A post shared by Lindsay Veremis Perrault | Petite Style Blogger (@anchoredinelegance)

Frank & Eileen Review: The Pros

These are FOREVER pieces

To me, the strongest selling point for Frank & Eileen has got to be how classic it is. Timeless is part of the brand’s architecture. Its pieces are extremely versatile, easy to dress up or down—the type of clothing you could see Meghan Markle wearing in her Netflix series. Love it or hate it, you’ve got to admit she gets points for the outfits!

The tailoring is spot-on (even for petites)

Frank & Eileen manages to project a relaxed and tailored vibe all at once. That’s tough to do! As a petite, tailoring is essential for me. Generally, if I hear a brand mention the word “relaxed,” I run! Relaxed silhouettes tend to look sloppy on my 4’11 frame. Frank & Eileen was different.

Interesting tidbit: This brand launched specifically to reinvent the button-up shirt for women. Its founder, former engineer Audrey McLoghlin, recognized that this fashion category centered on men. She was determined to create a better button-up. The Skimm has a great profile on McLoghlin and resilience in business.

Although its pieces run large (in my opinion), if you’re aware of that, and size down – they’re picture perfect. Not only does its Eileen Shirt go down to an XXS, but it also has an ideal length. Not too long, not too short. It’s long enough for leggings/pants, but tucks in easily. And the softness? It’s next level!

Thoughtful button placement

Then, there’s the button-placement. It’s in the ideal spot to flatter your bust. The Eileen creates a feminine (and neck elongating) V-shape without plunging too low. I can’t tell you how many button-ups I’ve had with awkward buttons. Need more proof? More than 2,000 shoppers rave about the Eileen on Frank & Eileen’s website. It’s got just the right amount of distressing for a “lived in” vibe. It’s the epitome of relaxed polish.

The packaging is art!

It feels a little silly including this on this list, but I was so taken aback by the beauty of Frank & Eileen’s packaging, I need to mention it. Unboxing my Eileen shirt and Patrick Henley felt like such a treat, almost like opening a gift. You’re greeted with beautiful imagery that calls attention to the brand founder’s love of Ireland. Think sweeping green vistas with adorable sheep and heart-shaped tea bags tucked inside.

Frank & Eileen: The Cons

Prices on the high end

In my mind, there’s only one con. That’s the aforementioned quiet luxury price tag.  This is why I’d recommend using this brand as your source for the type of items you’ll hang onto for years. When you invest in clothing, that investment needs to be for the long haul. The Eileen is my favorite denim shirt EVER. I grab it all the time, so if you consider cost-per-wear, it makes the price much more palatable.

Ultimately, the decision of whether Frank & Eileen is worth it will come down to your personal style and need for the garment. As a generally thrifty gal, I’m careful where I put my dollars – and I’m sure you are too.

Why is Frank & Eileen so expensive?

Several reasons – Quality is one of them, but it’s also how Frank & Eileen pieces are made. The brand is stringent in its effort to keep production as close to home as possible. You can read its full Impact Report here.

Lots of brands outsource production to minimize cost. Frank & Eileen finishes many of its garments in Los Angeles, California and uses the talents of many local artisans. This means workers are paid fair wages and manufacturing standards are regulated.

Would I spring for the brand’s travel sets ($380s-$548) at full price? Probably not. They’re cute, well-made, and I know I’d love them. But, travel gear is generally not a “forever item” in my closet.

Rather, the Frank & Eileen pieces I have no reservations springing for are those eternally classic pieces.

On my list? The Eileen Shirt, the Mary Shirtdress, the Monterey sweater, and the Patrick Henley. The Eileen is so fun to style for summer with crisp white shorts and a playful flat, like this Mary Jane from VIVAIA (another brand focused on sustainable practices – you can read my blog review here).

Final Thoughts – Frank & Eileen review

In conclusion, once I started wearing my pieces regularly, I understood why so many hype this brand. It’s an investment, but the pieces last. You’ll never regret adding a perfect button-up to your closet, particularly one that fits like a dream.

Additionally, this brand is dependable and transparent. Shipping is standard (around 10 business days – free for orders $250+) as is the return process. You have 30 days to return anything you’re not in love with, less the shipping fee.

Would love to hear your thoughts if you’ve tried this brand! Let me know what you think in the comments below.