SmallBizGenius Analysis
Kuhl receives mixed reviews, with customers praising the durability and design of some products, while others report issues with quality, sizing inconsistencies, and customer service. The brand's reputation appears to be declining, with many reviewers noting a decrease in quality in recent years.
Category Breakdown
Scores based on analysis of 77 recent reviews
Product Quality
4.0/10Many reviewers report a decline in the quality of Kuhl products, with issues such as fading, fraying, holes developing, and broken zippers. Several reviewers specifically mention that the quality has decreased in recent years, with some stating that the materials and construction are now cheaper. For example, one reviewer noted that a jacket's sleeves started fraying after only a few months, while others mentioned pants shredding for no apparent reason.
42 reviews mention thisCustomer Service
3.0/10A significant number of reviewers express dissatisfaction with Kuhl's customer service, citing issues such as unresponsiveness, rude representatives, and a lack of willingness to resolve problems. Many reviewers mention having to pay for return shipping, even for defective items, and some report difficulty getting refunds or exchanges. One reviewer described the customer service as "crap," while another called it "dreadful."
25 reviews mention thisSizing and Fit
4.5/10Several reviewers complain about inconsistent sizing, with some finding that the sizes run small or large, or that the fit varies between different products or even within the same style. This makes it difficult to order online and increases the likelihood of needing to return items. One reviewer stated that they had to return multiple sizes before finding one that fit, while another noted that the waist size of new pants was significantly smaller than expected.
15 reviews mention thisReturns and Exchanges
3.5/10Many reviewers express frustration with Kuhl's return and exchange policies, particularly the requirement to pay for return shipping and the lack of free exchanges. Some reviewers also report difficulty getting refunds or store credit, even for defective items. One reviewer described the return policy as "misleading," while another complained about being charged a return fee for Kuhl's mistake in sizing.
14 reviews mention thisDurability and Design (Positive)
8.0/10Despite the negative feedback, some reviewers praise the durability and design of specific Kuhl products, particularly pants. They highlight the comfortable fit, functional features, and high-quality materials. Several reviewers mention owning Kuhl products for years and being impressed with their longevity. For example, one reviewer described Kuhl as "one of my favorite clothing producers!" and praised the top quality of their pants, shirts, hoodies, and jackets.
12 reviews mention thisShipping and Delivery
5.0/10A few reviewers mention issues with shipping and delivery, including delays and lost packages. One reviewer reported waiting 16 days for delivery, while another claimed that their order was never received despite the tracking information indicating it had been delivered.
4 reviews mention thisPros & Cons
What Customers Love
"KUHL is one of my favorite clothing producers! I've been wearing this brand since I first found it in an REI in Chicago. Pants, shirts, hoodies, fleeces, and I recently snagged a BURR jacket- all top quality."
"KUHL Konfidant Air Pant. Best material, great fit, no shinkage when washed, colour fastness is much better than some other KUHL pants. Best Pant for spring, autumn and in particular summer or hot climates."
"Excellent service from KUHL UK customer service. MIke was supportive friendly and very helpful. Great to have a human being dealing with ‘human’ issues. Well done that man! If you need support this is an example of how it should be."
"Just got my amazingly fast order today, so happy!! & to top it of they sent me a huge GERMAN CHOCOLATE BAR 🍫. Kuhl is amazing"
"They also have great customer support, all email communications are answered and they really go the extra mile in making things right."
Common Complaints
"Same as a lot of the other more recent reviews. Bought 4 pr of shorts Sept of 2021, 3 of them are fine, one of them, the material is completely falling apart (in MID FABRIC< not at seams or stres..."
"Very poor, poor customer service. An item was defective and they made me pay to return it. I had to battle with customer service multiple times for them to take responsibility. I will never shop for Kuhl products again."
"I have 3 pair of kuhl revolvr pants. I love them and have worn them out. I purchased 2 new pair of revolvr pants and they are mis sized. The pant waist is small and not correct."
"The customer pays for returns. Material quality was poor."
"Purchased a $99 pair of dark khaki RYDR pants and experienced significant fading after the first wash. Exact washing directions were followed. Fading was spotty in nature and really made pant look terrible..."
Common Questions About Kuhl
Answers derived from customer review patterns
Is Kuhl legit and trustworthy?
Kuhl has a Trustpilot rating of 2.3/5, indicating mixed customer experiences. While some customers praise the durability and design of Kuhl products, a significant number report issues with declining quality, inconsistent sizing, and poor customer service. Many reviewers express frustration with the company's return policies and the requirement to pay for return shipping, even for defective items. Given the volume of negative reviews, it's advisable to proceed with caution and carefully consider the potential risks before making a purchase from Kuhl.
Based on 45 reviewsDoes Kuhl have good customer service?
Customer service is a major point of contention in Kuhl reviews. While a few reviewers report positive experiences with helpful and responsive representatives, the majority express dissatisfaction with Kuhl's customer service. Common complaints include unresponsiveness, rude behavior, and a lack of willingness to resolve issues. Many reviewers also mention having to pay for return shipping, even for defective items, and some report difficulty getting refunds or exchanges.
Based on 25 reviewsIs Kuhl worth it for small business?
Whether Kuhl is worth it for small businesses depends on their specific needs and priorities. If durability and unique designs are paramount, and the business is willing to accept the risk of quality inconsistencies and potential customer service issues, Kuhl might be a viable option. However, given the widespread complaints about declining quality, inconsistent sizing, and poor customer service, small businesses seeking reliable and high-quality apparel for their teams may want to consider alternative brands with more consistently positive reviews.
Based on 30 reviewsWhat is Kuhl's return policy like?
Kuhl's return policy is a frequent source of frustration for customers. A common complaint is that customers are required to pay for return shipping, even for defective items. Additionally, some reviewers report difficulty getting refunds or store credit, and others mention being denied returns or exchanges due to being outside of the return window, even for Christmas gifts purchased in advance. These factors contribute to a perception of a rigid and customer-unfriendly return policy.
Based on 14 reviewsWhy are Kuhl's sizes so inconsistent?
Several reviewers report that Kuhl's sizes are inconsistent, with some finding that the sizes run small or large, or that the fit varies between different products or even within the same style. This makes it difficult to order online and increases the likelihood of needing to return items. Some speculate that Kuhl may have changed its sizing standards or that there may be quality control issues in the manufacturing process.
Based on 9 reviewsLooking for Something Different?
Compare Kuhl against 80 similar sports & outdoors options.
View Alternatives