
ME+EM UK Review: Sizing, Celeb Customers & Is It Worth It?
There’s a quiet shift happening in British womenswear – and the name ME+EM keeps coming up. Known for minimalist designs and a sustainability pledge that asks you to wear each piece at least 30 times, the brand has attracted an unlikely mix of royals, politicians, and celebrities. But does the high price tag match the quality? Here’s what the reviews and fashion insiders say.
Founded: 2009 ·
Headquarters: London, UK ·
Price Range: £80–£500 ·
Celebrity Endorsements: Kate Middleton, Emma Watson, Claudia Winkleman ·
Sustainability Pledge: 30 Wear Rule ·
Trustpilot Rating: 4.2/5 (approx.)
Quick snapshot
- ME+EM is a British brand founded in 2009 (Red Online)
- Kate Middleton has worn ME+EM (Harper’s Bazaar UK)
- Brand promotes the 30 Wear Rule (ME+EM Official Site)
- Exact number of employees
- Whether the brand is profitable
- Specific sales figures
- Whether the brand operates additional physical stores beyond London
- From a small startup in 2009 to a celebrity favourite by 2020, the brand gained rapid visibility after royal endorsements (Harper’s Bazaar UK)
- Expansion into more retail concessions and potential international growth (Harper’s Bazaar UK)
Seven key facts, one takeaway: ME+EM has built its reputation on a tight foundation of British heritage, celebrity pull, and a sustainability ethic that resonates with conscious shoppers.
| Year Founded | 2009 (Red Online) |
|---|---|
| Founder | Clare Hornby (Harper’s Bazaar UK) |
| Headquarters | London, UK (ME+EM Official Site) |
| Price Range | £80–£500 (Red Online) |
| Number of Stores | 2 (London boutique and online) (ME+EM Official Site) |
| Sustainability Initiative | 30 Wear Rule (ME+EM Official Site) |
| Celebrity Endorsements | Kate Middleton, Emma Watson, Claudia Winkleman, Nicole Kidman, Olivia Colman (Harper’s Bazaar UK) |
Is ‘me & em’ a British brand?
Yes, ME+EM is a British luxury womenswear brand founded in London in 2009 by former advertising executive Clare Hornby (Red Online). Hornby designed the first pieces while on maternity leave, aiming for “flattering, functional, forever” staples. The brand quickly found a home at high-end retailers: it’s stocked at Selfridges (London department store) and Harrods (luxury London retailer), confirming its upmarket positioning.
Where do upper class people shop in the UK?
Beyond ME+EM, upper-class British shoppers frequent the same department stores – Selfridges, Harrods, Liberty – and brands like Hobbs, Jigsaw, and Sézane. ME+EM distinguishes itself by blending affordable luxury with a capsule‑wardrobe philosophy that appeals to busy professionals and royals alike (Anna Eleri Hart blog).
Bottom line: ME+EM is a genuinely British brand born in London, now sold in the same stores where the UK’s most style‑conscious consumers shop.
What celebrities wear me and em?
The celebrity roster is impressive. Beyond Kate Middleton, Nicole Kidman, Katie Holmes, Trinny Woodall, Cat Deeley, Claudia Winkleman, Olivia Colman, and Gugu Mbatha‑Raw have all been photographed in ME+EM (Harper’s Bazaar UK). Even UK Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner wore a ME+EM green suit on her first day in office.
Does Kate Middleton wear Me and Em?
Yes, the Princess of Wales owns several ME+EM Breton tops and has worn the brand to the Chelsea Flower Show and other public engagements (Red Online). Her choice of ME+EM’s modest yet chic silhouettes fits royal dress protocols while staying contemporary.
Are royals allowed to show cleavage?
Royal dress codes, both written and unwritten, favour high necklines and covered shoulders for official appearances. ME+EM’s designs – think tailored blouses, high‑neck coats, and floor‑grazing skirts – align naturally with these guidelines, which likely explains their popularity with the royals (Harper’s Bazaar UK).
The implication: ME+EM’s “modest chic” aesthetic gives royals and celebrities a way to look polished without breaking protocol.
Is me and em worth it?
On Trustpilot, the brand earns a solid 4.2 out of 5 from several hundred reviews. Customers consistently praise the quality of fabrics, the precision of the cuts, and the helpfulness of customer service (Trustpilot). The main drawback cited is price – many pieces sit between £80 and £500 – but most reviewers feel the durability and flattering fit justify the spend.
What are people saying about Me and Em UK?
A typical review from Midlifechic calls the brand “investment‑level quality” but warns that trousers often need hemming. Another customer on Trustpilot writes: “The fit is so good it ruins other brands for you – but you’ll pay for it.”
You’ll pay £100–£500 per piece, but the 30 Wear Rule means you wear each item three dozen times instead of three. For the cost‑per‑wear metric, ME+EM often beats fast fashion.
The pattern: Customers consistently rate the quality high, making the higher price point a worthwhile investment for long-term use.
Do me and em run small or large?
According to the brand’s official size guide, ME+EM designs for a “technical, emotional fit” – the trousers cut generously to fall off the bottom rather than hug. Customer feedback confirms that sizes generally run true to stated, with two common exceptions:
- Trousers run long – women under 5’9″ often need a 1‑2 inch hem (Midlifechic).
- Waist runs generous – one reviewer recommends sizing down by 1 inch from your usual waist measurement.
Important: Trousers typically run long; budget for a tailor if you are under 5’8″. This means planning for alterations before wearing.
A YouTube haul from a 5’5″ viewer shows she takes UK 10/12 top and 12/14 bottom in the Spring 2024 collection (ME+EM Spring 2024 Haul).
Bottom line: Order your usual size for tops and dresses, but expect to try on trousers – and budget for a tailor if you’re under 5’8″.
What is the 30 wear rule?
The 30 Wear Rule is ME+EM’s sustainability commitment: each garment is designed to be worn at least 30 times. It’s a direct counter to fast‑fashion’s “wear once” cycle, encouraging customers to buy fewer, higher‑quality pieces that interlock like a capsule wardrobe (Red Online).
What style is coming back in 2026?
Fashion forecasters point to “quiet luxury” – minimal, well‑cut clothes in neutral palettes – as the dominant trend for 2026. The 30 Wear Rule philosophy fits this moment perfectly: timeless blazers, wide‑leg trousers, and silk blouses that transcend seasons (Harper’s Bazaar UK).
What this means: ME+EM isn’t just selling clothes – it’s selling a wardrobe strategy that aligns with the biggest shift in fashion since the rise of fast fashion.
Timeline: ME+EM’s journey
- – ME+EM founded by Clare Hornby after leaving advertising
- – Online store launched
- – First boutique opened in London
- – Kate Middleton wears ME+EM coat, gaining widespread media attention
- – 30 Wear Rule formally introduced as brand sustainability pledge
- – Collection sold at Harrods and Selfridges concessions
The pattern: Each milestone marks a step from niche startup to mainstream luxury contender.
Clarity check: what’s confirmed vs what’s unclear
Confirmed facts
- ME+EM is a British brand founded in 2009
- Kate Middleton has worn ME+EM
- The brand promotes the 30 Wear Rule
What’s unclear
- Exact number of employees
- Whether the brand is profitable
- Specific sales figures
- Whether the brand operates additional physical stores beyond London
“ME+EM has found a sweet spot – it’s too good for the high street but not quite designer, which makes it the perfect investment wardrobe for women who want longevity.”
Grazia fashion editor, quoted in Harper’s Bazaar UK
“I’ve had my ME+EM coat for three winters and it still looks new. Yes, it cost £400, but the cost per wear is now under £5.”
Trustpilot reviewer, ME+EM Trustpilot page
“The trousers are beautifully cut but they definitely run long – budget for a trip to the alterations shop.”
Midlifechic blog, “Let’s talk about Me+Em”
For the UK woman looking to invest in versatile, sustainable pieces, ME+EM delivers on its promises – high quality, flattering cuts, and a wardrobe that works for both the office and a royal garden party. The trade-off is clear: pay £100–£500 per piece and commit to the 30 Wear Rule, or accept the faster cycle of high street trends. For the conscious shopper who values longevity over quantity, the choice is straightforward: buy ME+EM, wear it 30 times, and let the cost‑per‑wear justify itself.
Frequently asked questions
Does ME+EM offer international shipping?
Yes, ME+EM ships to over 30 countries from its UK warehouse. Delivery costs and times vary by destination (ME+EM Official Site).
What is the return policy for ME+EM?
ME+EM offers free returns within 14 days for full‑price items. Sale items are final sale. Used or worn items are not accepted (ME+EM Official Site).
How can I find the size chart for ME+EM?
A detailed size guide is available on the ME+EM website. It includes measurements for bust, waist, and hips, as well as fit notes for trousers (ME+EM Size Guide).
Does ME+EM have physical stores?
Yes, ME+EM has a flagship boutique in London at 73 Marylebone High Street. It also sells through concessions at Selfridges and Harrods (Red Online).
What materials are commonly used in ME+EM clothing?
The brand uses high‑quality natural fibres: cotton, linen, silk, and wool blends. Many pieces feature added stretch for comfort (Anna Eleri Hart blog).
Is ME+EM considered a sustainable brand?
The 30 Wear Rule is its core sustainability stance. The brand also focuses on timeless design to reduce waste, though it does not yet publish full supply‑chain audits (Red Online).
How does ME+EM compare to other British brands like Hobbs?
ME+EM is pricier than Hobbs but offers more unusual cuts and celebrity cachet. Hobbs is more accessible for workwear; ME+EM leans towards occasion‑wear and luxury basics. For value, the 30 Wear Rule gives ME+EM an edge in cost‑per‑wear (Harper’s Bazaar UK).