White Stuff

I quite like this branch of White Stuff and I usually exit with a lighter purse. Not being a massive shopper, I like to get in and out quickly, so this is usually a safe bet if I need an addition to my wardrobe. I like the layout and the location, and the staff are friendly but not too overbearing. Clothes are good quality and long lasting, if a little predictable in their styling, but I like their prints and the fit seems to suit me.
Get on their email list and get invitations to their discount days. Normally 20% off everything, and everyone like a bargain, right? Also, they offer free drinks and nibbles on these days — a glass of wine may loosen the purse strings but its makes for a far more enjoyable shopping experience!

I’m a big fan of polo shirts, and White Stuff definitely has its share of polo shirts, so that alone warrants a recommendation from me. The only thing is that some of their shirts are a bit pricey, and you can pay up to £50.00 for just a simple striped Polo shirt. Their t-​shirts are a cheaper, but even then, you’ll be paying £20.00 for a solid red tee.
They do, however, have sales, and you can sometimes get some quality sweatshirts, belts, t-​shirts, and jeans for 50% off. White Stuff has a simple, clean style that doesn’t attract too much attention. If that’s the kind of thing that floats your boat, then White Stuff is a nice place to pick up a few items of comfortable clothing.

‘Lovely clothes for lovely people’
I’ve gotta be honest, I’m really not a fan of White Stuff. I think their strapline (see above) is annoying and I find the names they give their clothes too posh and patronizing. I also think most of the stuff they sell is over-​priced with womens shirts and kaftans ranging from £32 upto £50. I have to give them credit though, in an era when a lot of shops seem to be selling more small sizes and less big ones, they at least stock most of their styles in a size 18.
As for the actual clothes, they stock tracksuits, jeans, chinos, tee-​shirts, polo shirts, linen shirts and hoodies for men and a mix of active-​wear and smart casual for women. Think denim jackets, jeans, shirts, knitted jackets, floaty tops, skirts and yes, lots of kaftans.

Seems this shop is getting a bit of a beasting from previous reviews but coming from someone that hates fashion and very rarely spends money on clothes, i really like this place. I’ve bought a number of jumpers and shirts from them and they’re still going strong now.
It is a bit of an annoying décor inside with the whole ‘lets go mountain climbing’ tish on the walls but the staff are always really friendly and not at all too pushy in on the sales side.
Best of all, my wife loves the stuff from here so I always manage to score brownie points at Christmas and birthdays — if a little predictable.

Don’t be fooled by White Stuff’s apparent marketing plan to present itself as an outdoor/​extreme sports clothing supplier. It is in fact just a clothes shop with a few extras. Like O’Neil, Quicksilver and all other such places, White Stuff have realised that the market for proper outdoor gear is one that knows where good products are likely to be found i.e. not at a ‘lifestyle’ store. Let’s admit it: these places simply sell the idea of an alternative lifestyle not the actual gear necessary to make said lifestyle actually happen. If you want to show people that you’re into mountain sports and camping this is the place for you, however, if you actually want to get the supplies to facilitate these things head elsewhere.

Everything about my experience in White Stuff was … soft. Soft music playing, soft styles, clothing made from soft materials like wool and cashmere. Most tops were long and flowing, paired with suit coats or vests to add a bit of a professional tweak. There were a few pairs of jeans, but most trousers were of the dressy variety.
Sale racks were off to one side, offering cheaper versions of the soft, flowing styles. Most of the shoppers were women 40 and over, although the shop does offer some men’s selections as well.
Several men were in the shop, but waiting patiently, probably soothed by the soft music. It made for a very relaxing shopping experience, despite the store being quite busy.

As the name suggests, White Stuff specialises in correctional fluid. What?! Men’s and women’s fashion and outdoor wear?! Preposterous!
Oh well, I guess it kind of makes sense. Snow is white after all!
Unlike one of P. Diddy’s parties, everything on display isn’t pristine and white, but it is pretty classy. With items such as body warmers and you can ensure you look good on the streets or even the slopes. I always imagine the people who shop at White Stuff to enjoy a spot of skiing or various other outdoor sports. The clothes definitely lean towards the outdoorsy fraternity and sorority respectively, and they also have their practical uses in the harsh British winters. They are not specifically outdoors clothes, but this is my best description, as they’re not particularly influenced by current trends either.
If you’ve ever been on a ski or outdoor holiday you’ll know it’s not exactly cheap, which also goes for the products on sale in White Stuff, but the brands they stock do tend to be specialist and therefore pretty durable.
On the whole, not my kind of store, but a trendier alternative to Blacks if you want fashionable outdoor wear — maybe not as practical though.