Summary: As someone who lives in her “cozies” year-round, MATE the Label’s organic basics are my cozy garments of choice — for lounging at home or running errands around the city. The quality and mission justify the hefty price tag, and even after years of wear, these sweats and tees look as good as new.
PROS
- MATE’s clothing is made with 100 percent certified organic cotton. The brand only uses organic materials and nontoxic dyes.
- Sizing is inclusive, running up to XXL (sweatshirts) and 3XL (sweatpants).
- Everything is made in Los Angeles and shipped with zero plastic. The brand is Climate Neutral Certified.
- Zero waste packaging and no plastic! Everything comes wrapped in tissue paper.
CONS
- Prices are steep, and inventory is often limited (if you see something you love in your size, it’s best to snag it while you can).
I’ve always been one to dress for comfort or to at least strip down and throw on the coziest sweatshirt I can find as soon as I get home. Now that I work from home, too, sweats are simply my attire. Even in the summer, I’ll put on my sweatpants for a few hours and crank up the AC just so I can feel cozy.
Lately, I’ve found myself intrigued by the more elevated sweatpants options making their way around TikTok and Instagram. Monochrome? Matching sets? Sweats you can wear with cute sneakers to brunch or while running errands? I love them all. And this is how I first discovered MATE the Label. If there is one brand making sweatpants look chic, MATE is it. I knew I needed to their sweats out for myself.
But first, a bit of background: MATE the Label is a Climate-Neutral Certified company and a brand known for its “clean essentials made with organic fabrics and low-impact dyes.” With almost 400k Instagram followers, the brand has made somewhat of a name for itself since its launch in 2015.
I decided to try a sweatpants set, an organic tee, a sports bra, bike shorts, and some socks. Here’s my honest review:
Organic Fleece Half-Zip Sweatshirt | $158
Color: Heather Gray | Size: Small
Obsessed is an understatement for how I feel about this sweatshirt. While I’ve generally gravitated towards crewnecks in the past, I feel like I’ve entered my pullover sweatshirt era — ever since finding a Reformation half-zip in a thrift store last winter. As soon as I unwrapped the half-zip, I put it on and was transported to my teenage years (remember the soft interior fleece of sports/choir hoodies before you washed them?). The main difference is that the MATE sweatshirt is GOTS Certified Organic fleece and stays soft and cozy, even after washing. As for the color and fit, I love them both. The Heather Gray pairs with everything, and I’m so glad I selected this color, though the Bone also has my eye. I opted for the small one, and it’s roomy yet fitted. The sleeve lengths are perfect, and the bottom of the sweatshirt hits right at my waistline (not too long or too short). I’ve already worn this sweatshirt 10x, and it’s projected to be 100 degrees in Los Angeles this week. I imagine I’ll be living in it come fall/winter.
Organic Fleece Wide Leg Pant | $138
Color: Heather Gray | Size: Small
I was very excited to try these! The wide-leg sweatpants are quite a departure from my usual jogger or cuffed sweatpants, so I was eager to see how they would fit. The fleece is the same material as the pullover, so it’s just as soft and buttery. The GOTS Certified Organic fabric is thick without feeling heavy, and the cut is actually very flattering. I have more of an hourglass figure (larger bust/hips, smaller waist), and sometimes the model photos can be deceiving when I shop online. But I’m happy to report these sweats look and feel great, even if you have hips to fill them out. They are also great for petites since they hit right at the ankle and don’t drag on the floor. Oh, and the internal drawstring? Chef’s kiss.
Organic Stretch Biker Short | $68
Color: Jet Black | Size: Small
I love a good pair of bike shorts, and the MATE organic stretch biker shorts do not disappoint. The shorts are made with 92% Organic Cotton and only 8% Spandex. They are soft and stretchy yet hug all the right places and make me feel supported. Sometimes, bike shorts can feel suffocating, but these don’t do that. They also check the coverage box — no see-through fabric, please! I will say, that I wish I would have sized up since these are mostly cotton and don’t have as much stretch as some brands with more spandex. Something to think about when you choose your size. Since I will likely wear these to yoga in the summer, I also love that they are healthy for my body. MATE guarantees the shorts are made without harmful chemicals like pesticides, BPA, PFAS, and formaldehyde. The brand enforces a strict restricted substance list across the entire supply chain (love that).
Organic Comfort Scoop Bralette | $38
Color: Espresso | Size: Medium
Here is where I have a bit of a bone to pick with MATE: I love, love, love their stretch sports bra (I wear it 4–5x a week). But as someone with a larger bust (34C), the scoop bralette is just okay. It’s as cozy and chic as all of the other basics in their collection, but it doesn’t really offer coverage or support. I fear if I had sized up to a Large, the fabric and straps would be too loose. That said, it’s very comfortable and the espresso is a new color favorite for me. All in all, I’d skip out on this one if you have a larger chest and opt for the sports bra instead (I seriously live in it).
Organic Cotton Classic Tee | $48
Color: Birch | Size: Small
I’ve tried MATE’s organic cotton tee in the past, so I was excited to see it in another color. This one is knit, cut, sewn, and dyed in downtown Los Angeles and uses only 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton. I’ll be honest: this particular color isn’t for me — my husband jokes that I look like I’m on my way to basic training (iykyk). But the organic materials and fit make up for any gripe I have with the color! I love that I can sleep in these tees or wear them without a bra and still feel like I’m caring for my skin and health by opting for organic materials.
Organic Cotton Sock 3 Pack | $48
Color: Natural Sage Sedona
I can hear you, you’re saying: “Kayti, $48 for three pairs of socks, really?” Just hear me out.
These socks are the true MVP of this review, and here’s why: I go through socks at a ridiculous rate. Even though I live in the desert, my feet are always cold. My floors are also hardwood. So, I’m constantly scooting around the house in socks or wearing them with my sandals to take the dog out.
So many socks are too thin and wear out within weeks. These are not those socks; I’m convinced the wear-to-price ratio will make these more affordable long-term. Plus, the colors are gorgeous, and the cotton is so thick and cozy. Just trust me!
Let’s address the elephant in the room: MATE isn’t cheap. $150 for sweatpants feels a bit outrageous, especially in this economy. That said, I can see, feel, and tell the difference in the quality of these garments. I understand that I’m paying for organic fabrics that are safer for the planet and my body. Especially as I plan to wear these a lot over the fall and winter and even sleep in them, it’s comforting knowing that the fabric is safe for my health. MATE offers after-pay options and a price breakdown to help buyers see how much their sweatpants will cost them over time.
“I understand that I’m paying for organic fabrics that are safer for the planet and my body.”
All in all, I will be living and lounging in my MATE basics and sweatpants year-round, regardless of temperatures — from writing at home to walking my dog to grabbing lunch with friends. I’m even wearing the fleece set right now, as I write this.
It’s not often that a brand can make you feel chic and comfortable at the same time, and it’s even less often that the brand is good for your body and the planet. But MATE seems to check all the boxes. And for that, this cozy girl is all in.
Kayti Christian is a Contributing Editor at The Good Trade. She has a Master’s in Nonfiction Writing from the University of London and is the creator of Feelings Not Aside, a newsletter for sensitive people.
