From Cashmere Sweaters to Washable Silk, We Tested Elevated Basics From This Affordable Viral Brand

“Hot girl summer takes on a whole new meaning in New York City, where heat radiates off the pavement and humidity makes it feel like I’m stuck in an oven. Dressing to beat the heat becomes largely a matter of practicality—and in the dog days of summer, I gravitate towards loose garments and avoid anything that clings to my skin. (Bonus points if they’re versatile enough to see me through most warm-weather situations.) Quince’s Tiered Maxi Dress ticks all the boxes: It has a roomy silhouette that permits airflow between the fabric and my skin, and it’s made from breathable cotton that feels pleasantly smooth and resists wrinkles. Details—like the puff sleeves and ruched waist—add some polish, making me look put together without feeling stuffy. So far, it’s seen me through jaunts around the city and backyard barbecues, and it’ll be in heavy rotation for the rest of my hot girl summer.” —Danielle Calma, commerce writer

Sizes: XS-XL

Colors available: 9

“I don’t like to think about my outfit while I’m wearing it. Meaning: I don’t like clothing that is fussy or uncomfortable to wear, while allowing for plenty of movement—and Quince’s wide-leg jumpsuit meets the criteria. At first glance, I thought it would be restrictive to wear all day long, but the Tencel material is buttery smooth and thin enough to wear in my hotbox of an apartment, but not so much as to reveal the contours of my underwear. Its style also adds to its ease: The relaxed wide-leg silhouette is ripe for doing cartwheels and high kicks (trust me, I’ve tried), and while as comfy as pajamas, I can throw it on when I leave the house, whether for errands or a casual hangout, with minimal effort on my part.” —Calma

Sizes: XS-XL

Colors available: 7

The leggings we wrote about a year ago as a Lululemon dupe really are worth the hype—I’ve been wearing them for about two years now, and I can confirm they’re a really nice set of leggings for lounging and low-impact activities. I’d say go for a more compressed fit if you’re looking for a legging that’ll get you through marathon training, or an intense HIIT class—but if you’re looking for a soft, everyday yoga pant, look no further.

Made from a recycled polyester-spandex blend, you get generous 4-way stretch, and a high-rise fit that’s Downward Dog-friendly. Plus, its moisture-wicking and anti-microbial properties give you a little bit of leeway after an extra sweaty class (I have 100,000 percent gone to Trader Joe’s to pick up a salad after a hot yoga class, and didn’t feel like I was offending anyone with my drenched ensemble.)

Anyway, I love these leggings. Since they’re only $30, I have three pairs in different colors, but my favorite is the Heather Charcoal. I wear them with the Flowknit Ultra-Soft Performance Cropped Tank ($30), a soft, padded tank that feels like a low-impact sports bra.

Sizes: XS-XL

Colors available: 11

4th of July is usually the very last day of “June Gloom” here in Los Angeles. From now until mid-November, Angelenos expect 80-100-degree days that are dry and relentless—and the only solution is to arm yourself with shorts (and hopefully a powerful A/C). These are the perfect “do-it-all” shorts, because I can wear them during the day for work (I work from home), on a long evening stroll with the dogs, on a trip to Trader Joe’s, and if I’m too lazy to change into PJs, I wear them to bed.

They’re made of a soft, stretchy, and durable polyester-spandex blend, and they’re moisture-wicking and quick-drying, so even if you sweat through them, they dry within minutes. (Case in point: I wore them over my swimsuit to the beach right outside the resort while on vacation, and they were dry by the time I got back to my hotel room.) I’ve worn these non-stop so far this summer, and I have no plans to stop—in fact, I’m ordering a few more colors.

While you *can* wear them while working out, I prefer shorts with built-in underwear (or, honestly, bike shorts), because otherwise they’re a bit too loose for most weight room activities, or even stretching.

Sizes: XS-XL

Colors available: 5

It’s early September, which means it’s almost time for Princess Diana uniform season (aka, biker shorts, vintage sweater, sneakers…and maybe an iced PSL in hand, why not!). Another athleisure piece that looks (and feels) way more expensive than it should be, this pair of stretchy, moisture-wicking, anti-odor shorts are another go-to of mine.

You know how some biker shorts are too compressed and feel like they’re squeezing the life out of your thighs? Not these. Like the Performance leggings, these are soft, stretchy, and form-fitting, but they’re not holding everything in. This is definitely not shapewear. With that said, they’re great for your yoga class, hot girl walks, and lounging on the couch catching up on the new dragon-y Game of Thrones show. Bonus? They make your butt look awesome.

Sizes available: XS-XL

Colors available: 6

Holy. Softness. This oversized cashmere cardigan is the perfect amount of drape-y I need for that effortless-yet-put-together look I strive for when I truly don’t have the time. It somehow comfort-ifies my outfit while simultaneously making me look more chic. Crafted from 100 percent Grade A Mongolian cashmere, I’d say it’s “medium” level thick (perfect for chilly morning and nights—you’d need to layer up in the winter). I love the fisherman rib detailing—it gives the fabric a higher quality look than your average cardigan. I’ve been wearing it for weeks, and so far? No pilling.

Sizes available: XS-XL

Colors available: 5

For an elevated “I just threw a hoodie on” ensemble, I am head-over-heels in love with this cashmere sweater. Made from 100 percent Mongolian cashmere, the material is impressively soft. The length isn’t super long, but isn’t boxy either—it’s a happy medium that makes it possible to tuck into your high-waist jeans, or show off that booty if you’re wearing leggings. It’s also on the drape-y side, which I love. The arms are nice and long, and when you want to snuggle up, just throw that hoodie over your head. The thickness of the material is equal to the cashmere cardigan (above), so it’s definitely toasty (but you’d want to layer up if you’re braving true winter weather).

Both cashmere options are a perfect indoor option—great for classing up with some jeans, also great for lounging in your sweatpants. You get a bang for your buck either way.

Sizes available: XS-XL

Colors available: 5

First of all, I need to just say: I haven’t felt this confident in a bodycon-style dress in a long time. After literal years of basically living in baggy sweatshirts and sweatpants, the idea of a skin-tight dress doesn’t exactly feel appealing. But the second I slipped this on, I felt comfortable, put together, and pretty fly. The material is this buttery Tencel with a splash of spandex for that ultra stretch (but so stretch that you feel like you’re wearing a nightgown—this dress still has form). The fabric is ultra soft, and pill-resistant, so you can wear it non-stop (and wash and dry it) without the material wearing down and looking shabby.

What gives it that wink of sexiness is the side slit, which is just dramatic enough—it hits mid-thigh (I’m 5’7) so you don’t have to worry about folks seeing your underpants every time you sit down. I recently (in the photo above) dressed it up for a baby shower and wore it with some heeled sandals, but I’ve also worn it with sneakers and sweater for more of a casual ensemble. It’s one of the best, most versatile dresses in my closet.

Sizes available: XS-XL

Colors available: 3

After my husband complimented my Quince outfits several times, I decided to put him to work and have him test some of the Quince men’s goods. And because I was genuinely curious. I’m here to report the men’s clothing options are just as luxurious, well-fitted, and high-quality as the women’s offerings I’ve tried. My husband tried the Mongolian Cashmere Ribbed Crewneck, which he ordered in the size he always gets (medium), and it fit like it was tailor-made for him.

Warm, yet layerable, this crewneck is ideal for everyday wear as well as fancier occasions, thanks to its leveled-up ribbed texture, which looks more premium. It was worn to a family Thanksgiving dinner and a date night out—yet is still casual enough for a grocery trip. (Feel free to dress it up with a buttoned-up shirt underneath for a scholastic/Wall Street look.) “I feel put together. It’s so soft. I know this will have to get dry-cleaned eventually, but I don’t even care,” he texts me after I asked him for a quick summary. I agree that it’s incredibly soft—I’ve already borrowed it several times.

And you just can’t really beat the price.

Sizes available: S-XL

Colors available: 3

My SO is a big fan of hoodies (he likes the zip-up option), so I asked him to swap his Hanes cotton zip-up hoodie for this Quince Mongolian Cashmere Full-Zip hoodie—a nice upgrade if you ask me. My husband got it in medium, which is his go-to size, and it fit perfectly—fitted enough to be worn by itself without looking baggy, but stretchy enough to easily layer with a long-sleeve shirt or even another sweater (which is what he did in the above photo).

Made from 100 percent Grade A Mongolian cashmere, this is the luxury hoodie you’ll want in your closet. With small, thoughtful details like a nickel finish front zipper and metal drawcord tips, this sweatshirt is soft to the touch while remaining durable for everyday wear. My husband can’t stop wearing it, and tells me it’s one of the best gifts I’ve gotten him. “I can’t believe how soft it is,” he says.

Sizes available: S-XL

Colors available: 6

The washable silk top has entered the chat. I probably have, like, 20 years worth of outfits to choose from, but that doesn’t stop me from having a quasi-nervous breakdown every time I have to get dressed to go out. Which is why I’ve made a silk cami and jeans my fail-safe “going out” uniform. Even though I have a closet full of dresses and jumpsuits, 9/10 times you will see me at a restaurant or at the movies wearing a silk cami and jeans. It’s just how I roll.

And Quince’s silk camis are *chef’s kiss*. Made with 90 percent mulberry silk and 10 percent spandex, I don’t have to worry about the inevitable stains that’ll end up on this top, because I can (and I have) throw it in the wash when I’m done with it. It’s dressy-feeling, goes with everything, and has adjustable straps (which is really nice, especially if you have smaller or bigger boobs and are tired of ill-fitting tops).

I’ve washed my silk cami fives times now, and it looks like I just bought it. Genius.

Sizes available: XS-XL

Colors available: 6

And when I need to put in more effort than a silk cami, I throw on this silk blouse. It’s the top I wear for Zoom calls for which I want to look really smart, dinners with outdoor seating, and other occasions that make me feel like I need to “step up my game.”

The washable silk blouse is made from the same material as the cami, so it’s identically soft and luxurious-feeling, and you can totally toss it in the washer when it’s time. It’s nice and loose-fitting, so I can easily tuck it in my pants, or wear for a flow-y fit.

Sizes available: XS-XL

Colors available: 8

My first foray into Quince: I bought the Mongolian Cashmere Tee for myself a couple years ago, and it’s still one of my favorite tops. Normally I say “no thank you” to sweater tees, because I think they’re a confusing concept, but this one is really light, perfectly fluffy, and fits like a dream. It’s made of 100 percent Mongolian cashmere, and has a comfortable, relaxing fit (you can easily tuck it into your pants or wear un-tucked—I’ve done both.) It’s got kind of a ’90s vibe, so I like to wear it with my high waist jeans and boots, but it’s incredibly versatile. Pair it with your skirt, shorts—anything you want.

I wear this top a lot in the fall—it’s great for Los Angeles autumns. When it gets chillier, I opt for my Quince shrunken cashmere sweater ($70), which offers more coverage (but honestly isn’t heavy duty enough for real winter.)

Sizes available: XS-XL

Colors available: 9

The Tencel Jersey Fit & Flare Dress is the latest Quince addition to my closet, and it served me well this summer. Made of a stretchy and soft Tencel-spandex fabric, this dress has no zippers, so you can just throw it on two minutes before you head out the door. Easy, breezy, and beautiful (that scoop neck, though), I’ve either worn it on almost day trip and packed it anywhere I knew would be warm.

Bonus? It has pockets.

Sizes available: XS-XL

Colors available: 4

I’ve tested dozens of bedding brands, and trust me when I say this duvet cover is a legitimate dupe for Citizenry’s pricey linen line. I’ve been using Quince’s linen duvet set all summer long because it’s so breathable (and I run hot at night, yet refuse to sleep without at least seven layers cradling my body) and soft. Plus, I love the colors.

Sizes available: Twin, Full/Queen, King/Cali King

Colors available: 4

As someone who owns a similar leather quilted-style bag (but Gucci’s), I can confirm that Quince’s has that same luxury Italian leather feel that gives your ensemble a “quiet luxury” edge that’s all the rage on social media in our post-Succession world. The biggest difference is the flashy label (although, “quiet luxury” rules specifically favor hidden labels—just saying) and the golden or silver chain a lot of the quilted leather bags typically come with.

With all that said: Aside from being a luxe dupe, this bag is just very good. I took it with me to a vacation in Mexico, and I used it everywhere to see if I could really test its durability. A 105-degree tour in Yucatan to see ancient Mayan temples? Check. An entire week at the beach and pool? Check. Lugged with me on several airplane rides? Check, check, check. The sunscreen and sand that threatened to wreck this pretty little bag came off/out easily with some Wet Wipes, the leather looking as good as new after my week of heavy-duty testing.

The interior of the bag has a simple layout—one extra pocket (in which I stored my passport and lip balm) along with the “main cabin” that fit my wallet, sunglasses, Kindle, sunscreen, room key, and some pens. The crossbody strap is adjustable, and I liked that it has a zipper enclosure—perfect for safe travels.

Colors: 4