Calvin Klein — the name alone evokes images of minimalistic style, timeless basics, and iconic underwear. With a history rooted in clean cuts and bold branding, Calvin Klein has been a household name for decades. But in today’s fast-changing fashion world filled with new emerging brands, influencer-driven labels, and ever-evolving trends, a big question remains: Is Calvin Klein still worth it?
In this in-depth review and try-on haul, I’ll share my personal shopping experience with Calvin Klein, highlight the quality and fit of the pieces I tried, and help you decide whether this classic brand still earns a place in your wardrobe.
My Relationship with Calvin Klein
I’ve always associated Calvin Klein with sleek, stylish, and slightly rebellious fashion. Their underwear ads with famous celebrities and supermodels have been unforgettable, and their minimalist designs have often made me feel confident and clean. However, I haven’t bought anything from them in a while, so I decided to give them another shot and do a proper try-on haul.
I placed my order from Calvin Klein’s official website, choosing a mix of underwear, loungewear, and a few pieces of casual streetwear. I wanted to assess how the brand fits into today’s style scene — both in terms of quality and value for money.
The Try-On Haul Begins
Let’s get into the haul! I’ll break down each piece I tried on, how it fits, the quality, and whether I think it’s worth buying.
1. Calvin Klein Modern Cotton Bralette & Bikini Set
This is perhaps Calvin Klein’s most iconic look — the bralette and bikini underwear set with the bold waistband logo. I got it in heather gray, the classic Calvin Klein color.
First impression:
Soft, stretchy, and very breathable. It gives off the sporty-chic vibe I remembered. The cotton is lightweight, and the elastic band feels secure without digging in.
Fit:
True to size. It offers light support, making it ideal for lounging or low-impact activities. It’s not for workouts or heavy-duty support, but it’s perfect for casual, everyday wear.
Is it worth it?
Yes — especially if you catch it on sale. It’s stylish, comfortable, and still feels iconic.
2. Calvin Klein Cotton Stretch Boxer Briefs (Men’s)
I picked these up for my boyfriend (okay, maybe also for me to borrow occasionally). He’s been a longtime fan, and I wanted to see if the quality still held up.
First impression:
The waistband is thick and solid, and the cotton blend feels soft and high-quality. The stitching and construction are clearly built to last.
Fit:
Snug without being tight. The stretch allows for flexibility, and they keep their shape after multiple washes.
Is it worth it?
Definitely. They’re a classic for a reason — comfortable, breathable, and they hold up well over time.
3. CK Monogram Logo Hoodie
This was one of the trendier pieces I bought — a white hoodie with the CK monogram logo across the chest.
First impression:
Super cozy, with fleece on the inside. The logo is bold but not overwhelming. It’s a good blend of casual and stylish.
Fit:
I got a size medium for a slightly oversized look. It’s roomy but not sloppy. Sleeves are long enough, and the cut flatters most body types.
Is it worth it?
Yes, if you’re into branded streetwear. It’s great for layering, lounging, or running errands while still looking polished.
4. High Waist Skinny Jeans
I was curious to try Calvin Klein’s denim, so I ordered a pair of high waist skinny jeans in a light wash.
First impression:
Nice color, soft denim, and not too stiff. They came with minimal branding — just a small leather tag on the back.
Fit:
They run slightly small, so I recommend sizing up if you’re between sizes. Once on, they hugged my body nicely, especially around the waist and hips.
Is it worth it?
Yes and no. The quality is good, but the price is comparable to premium denim brands like Levi’s. If you find them on sale, they’re a solid buy.
5. Calvin Klein Performance Leggings
I wanted to see if CK could compete with other activewear giants like Lululemon or Gymshark.
First impression:
The material felt durable but not super soft. There’s a good amount of stretch, and the high waistband provides support.
Fit:
Comfortable and compressive. Great for yoga or light workouts, but may not be ideal for high-sweat activities since it’s not as moisture-wicking.
Is it worth it?
If you want activewear that’s more about style than heavy performance, yes. But fitness fanatics may prefer more specialized brands.
Style vs. Function
Overall, Calvin Klein still nails the “effortlessly cool” vibe. If you love minimalist fashion with a hint of athletic edge, CK delivers. However, some items — especially those marketed as performance or premium — may not always justify the full retail price when compared to niche brands that focus solely on those categories.
Still, the brand shines when it sticks to what it’s known for: basics, underwear, and lounge pieces. Calvin Klein doesn’t try too hard to follow trends. Instead, it leans into its identity, which is a good thing — especially for those looking to build a long-lasting, capsule wardrobe.
What About Price?
Let’s be honest — Calvin Klein isn’t cheap. A bralette can run $40, and hoodies easily go for $80–$100. But the brand frequently has sales and discounts (especially on outlets or third-party retailers like ASOS or Macy’s), which can make the price far more reasonable.
I scored most of the pieces in this haul during a 30% off promotion, and it made a huge difference. When discounted, the quality you get for the price is absolutely fair.
Final Verdict: Is Calvin Klein Still Worth It?
Yes — but it depends on what you’re buying.
If you’re shopping for:
- Underwear that’s stylish and comfy ✅
- Loungewear that makes you feel cute but relaxed ✅
- Denim that’s fashionable (but not necessarily groundbreaking) ✅
- Activewear to lightly exercise in ✅
Then Calvin Klein is still worth it, especially during a sale.
However, if you’re looking for the most high-performance gym gear, cutting-edge fashion, or ultra-affordable everyday wear, other brands might serve you better.
Would I buy again? Absolutely — especially those bralettes and hoodies. They still give me that cool, laid-back, “model off-duty” look.
So, is Calvin Klein still relevant in 2025?
In a world full of fast fashion and fleeting trends, Calvin Klein holds its ground by doing what it does best: making classic, comfortable, and confident pieces that you’ll want to wear again and again.
Try it on, feel it for yourself — and decide if Calvin Klein still belongs in your wardrobe.
