This article was written in 2011.
Things have changed a lot in the meantime
I invite you to read the up-to-date brand sheet on Monoprix to find out our opinion on the current collections.
Good deals aren't always where you expect them. And if our regular readers know that the Monoprix distribution brand offers excellent quality (and reasonably priced) cashmere t-shirts and hoodies every season, new arrivals will be delighted to learn that they can find there what to wear well... without having to engage in organ trafficking to finance their saps budget.
So yes, for once we're not talking to you about the latest blazers from Maison Martin Margiela , or this fall's Lanvin sneakers ... but that's good because the Monoprix collection has serious assets.
Little 360° of the pieces that I spotted for you:
T-shirts (still so soft)
Long sleeves, very practical in winter,
but also available in several short sleeve colors.
Well-cut t-shirts, in cotton that holds up well to washing. The quality is clearly superior to American Apparel (yes), and the colors are more interesting (pastel, gray or sand tones that go with everything). This is by far the best basic tshirt buy on the market - €10.
Two models of sailor tops… optional
I had to risk my life by faking the security guards to take this photo.
If you're reading this article, dear reader, you owe me a beer.
We also find well-priced sailor tops. They do not have the fault of being too “white”: the cotton is off-white (a sailor top is not worn new, but slightly worn for optimal results). However, it is certain that it is not the most useful garment with summer on the wane - €20.
A honey cardigan for winter
It’s not visible, but there are felt elbow pads.
Very nice detail and very fashionable at the moment.
Another interesting piece: a small wool knit cardigan to spend the winter warm. There's a nice detail: reinforced elbow pads with tone-on-tone felt patches.
The color is rather pleasing to the eye (many brands are incapable of producing quality honey knits... and confine themselves to cheap brown). And so far the Monoprix mesh is still of good quality. This season confirms it: you can go there with your eyes closed - €40.
(Really) interesting desert boots
This is the moment when the big guy at the entrance kicked me out.
I think they ban photos because they make
also chemical weapons in the frozen section.
“But Meusssiieuuuuu, it’s for BonneGueuuuuule”. 'Out".
I grant you, these are by far not the most carefully designed desert boots ... but they do the job perfectly and they are well made: pretty suede (gray or blue), sewn sole (and not glued), and crepe skates…
For the same price you would have dung at the local shopping center - €60.
The best for last: the return of the cashmere hoodie
Monoprix is reissuing its cashmere hoodies (available in midnight blue and heather gray). They are well cut and thin enough to wear them for layering . The cashmere is of a higher quality than that of Eric Bompart (afterwards, of course, it is not Loro Piana). If there was one piece to keep in the range, it would be this - €130.
Fabrice, BG reader, also tested the Monoprix mesh:
“The new Monoprix collection confirms the chain’s good reputation for cashmere clothing. The cashmere hoodie is a great example. The mesh is uniform and of a deep color, which reflects light well. As for the cut... I'll let you judge the fit in the photos.
As expected, the softness is there, even after machine washing... on a delicate program and drying flat of course. Finally, I haven't noticed any pilling at the moment. This hoodie is available in heather gray and navy blue, excellent basic colors!”
A beautiful color, a very deep blue
In red the critical places to check when choosing a hoodie:
The seam at shoulder level, the sleeves not too long,
and the hoodie that falls without flapping at the waist.
Some of you sometimes contact me saying that you can't find certain parts. This is normal, the selection varies from one Monoprix to another as restocks are made. So you'll have to do a little digging and try different stores.
Last minute note: I just had him undergo a men's makeover (purchased in advance... the makeover is for discovering the little hidden shops, not for buying carrots at Monop'!). In short, it looks like this:
Decryption of Julien's upcoming makeover
And here is Jean-Charles who you may have seen in the Guide BonneGueule.
Really last minute note: a cross collection between American Vintage and Monoprix has just been released at the time of publication of the article. Don't get hung up on it, the basic lines of the two brands are of better quality than the co-produced items.
