About ban.do
Ban.do teaches us one thing: be like Dorothy from 1939 and immerse yourself in a world full of color. This online boutique is known for its vibrant collection of lifestyle products, ranging from clothing and accessories to self-care items and stationery.
From pink plaid vests to strawberry-printed notebooks, they are absolutely uncompromising when it comes to prints and patterns.
You’ve probably come across their feed before, as the company has a total of 588,000 followers on Instagram. Ban.do has also been featured in several media outlets, including Refinery29 and Entertainment Online.
If you live in a monochrome world of black and white, it might be time to spice up your life. Stay tuned, because this ban.do review takes an in-depth look at the brand, its products, customer reviews, promotions, and more to help you decide if they’re worth checking out.
Overview of ban.do
Ban.do is a world unto itself. Similar to films such as “The Grand Budapest” and Coppola’s “Marie Antoinette,” they offer the same fantasy world: a colorful utopia that only exists in the realm of Hollywood. While most people go home with a used movie ticket and an empty bag of popcorn, ban.do wants that positive, cheerful attitude to last forever.
Founded by Jen Gotch, the online boutique wants to “spread joy in many forms,” from cute notebooks to clothing with colorful patterns. They believe that color is a means of self-expression, as it promotes creativity and individuality. According to ban.do, the brand collaborates with several independent artists to spread its message of inclusivity and diversity.
Since its debut in 2008, the Los Angeles-based brand has grown significantly over the years. But it remains true to its company mission:
“At our core, we are and always have been optimists who strive to be better than great and less than perfect, and firmly believe that it’s much more fun to stand on your head than on your feet.”
Before we dive into this ban.do review, let’s first summarize a few key points:
Highlights
- A wide selection of clothing, stationery, personal care products, and much more
- Supports charitable organizations such as the Loveland Foundation
- Independent artists can submit their artwork for collaboration with the company
- Offers Afterpay as an alternative payment option
- Free standard shipping on orders over $50
Browsing ban.do’s assortment is a bit like watching “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” for the hundredth time. In the main character’s eyes, life was a boring snapshot in shades of gray and black. But when he visited Wonka’s workshop, Charlie was introduced to a world full of color.
Unfortunately, ban.do doesn’t offer a selection of candy to sample—but that’s made up for with colorful stationery, clothing, accessories, self-care products, and more.
For anyone who wants a Wonka-style tour, this ban.do review is the ideal guide. We take a look at some of the brand’s best-selling products for readers to try. Don’t worry, you don’t need a golden ticket to visit the website.
ban.do Clothing Review
It evokes nostalgia, is colorful, and exudes a certain childlike playfulness throughout its entire collection: this is how ban.do clothing can be described, at least in a nutshell. Customers will find a wide selection of clothing with vibrant patterns online, including dresses, jumpsuits, pants, tops, jackets, lingerie, and much more.
As we continue this review of ban.do clothing, we’ll highlight some of the brand’s best-selling pieces that trendsetters should try.
ban.do I Believe In Coffee Tee Review
If you believe in the “morning trinity,” then you swear by a hearty breakfast, morning television, and, of course, a hot cup of coffee. For anyone who wants to proclaim their morning religion loud and proud, the “I Believe in Coffee” T-shirt is just the thing.
This cotton jersey shirt is kept simple in white, which really makes the bold red lettering stand out. Printed with water-based ink, the top is super soft and ideal for everyday wear.
While it can be worn as loungewear, we recommend pairing it with high-waisted mom jeans and a cute tote bag for an urban look.
If you have one or two espresso fans in your circle of friends, you might want to order several copies of the “I Believe In Coffee” T-shirt for $26 each.
ban.do Sunset Stripe Cardigan Review
I have to be honest. If the Sunset Stripe Cardigan had been around when I was 7, I would have worn it nonstop throughout elementary school.
I’m not saying it embodies a childish aesthetic, but rather that it has a nostalgic design. Please take a close look at the product image. Doesn’t this sweater remind you a little of Lucky Charms/Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood? That’s what I thought.
This sweater is made from a blend of cotton, nylon, and wool to keep you warm during the cold season. With its cropped hem and button placket, this garment adds a touch of childlike splendor to your outfit.
The Sunset Stripe Cardigan currently retails for $98.
ban.do Notebooks Review
Even if your school days are long behind you, that shouldn’t stop you from buying a whole bunch of cute notebooks. Fortunately, this online boutique offers a wide range of aesthetically pleasing diaries to choose from.
To make it easier for readers to choose, we’ll be showcasing some of our favorites from this range in this ban.do review.
ban.do Rough Draft Mini Notebook – I Am Very Busy, Pink Review
You want to say “My schedule is full,” but in a friendlier way. In this case, the Rough Draft Mini Notebook – I’m Very Busy, Pink can help you convey that message.
To be honest, the expression is a bit blunt, but the tone is strangely balanced by the vibrancy of the color. If anything, it takes the “power” out of the phrase and gives it a flowery, “cursive” touch.
This 7“ x 9” notebook contains 160 wood-free pages. It is bound with metal loops and features a convenient center fold on the front and a double-sided pocket for extra storage. This journal is great for use as an appointment book or planner, as it even has space for handwritten notes.
Priced at just $12, the Rough Draft Mini Notebook – I Am Very Busy, Pink Journal is a great addition to your stationery set.
ban.do Rough Draft Large Notebook – Be Nice To Yourself Review
Sometimes you just need to pause, take a deep breath, and relax. Unfortunately, most hard-working people forget that they are allowed to take a break.
The Rough Draft Large Notebook – Be Nice to Yourself Pad serves as a gentle reminder for busy people to take some time out. This colorful diary has a baby blue background and rainbow-colored lettering.
Designed by artist Katie Kimmel, the journal has a total of 160 wood-free, perforated pages. Other sophisticated details include a double-sided pocket, a center page, a metal spiral binding, and spaces for dates.
The Rough Draft Large Notebook – Be Nice to Yourself Pad is ideal for daily entries or spontaneous poems and is available in stores for $16.
Who Is ban.do For?
If you’re a fan of color, you’ll probably fall in love with the ban.do collection. From vests with bright patterns to notebooks with vibrant designs, customers will find a kaleidoscope of pink, red, blue, and yellow tones in every product.
Therefore, this online boutique caters to a very specific audience. Those who prefer minimalist shades may not find Ban.do particularly appealing.
In general, we recommend Ban.do for trendsetters who like colorful brands such as Lazy Oaf, Dollskill, and Mara Hoffman. All of these clothing brands offer the same aesthetic as the company we are featuring here.
ban.do Reviews: What Do Customers Think?
Ban.do certainly dresses to impress, but what do customers say about this brand? From what we’ve seen so far, the reactions are quite positive.
It’s worth noting that most of the reviews can be found on the company’s website. As a result, we found very little feedback from independent bloggers and review websites.
Ban.do has a total of 14.4 thousand reviews on its website. To get a better overview, let’s take a look at the reviews of some of the brand’s best-selling products:
- The “I Believe In Coffee” T-shirt: 3 reviews with 5/5 stars
- The “Sunset Stripe” cardigan: 22 reviews with 5/5 stars
- The “Rough Draft” mini notebook – “I Am Very Busy,” pink: 485 reviews with 5/5 stars
- The “Rough Draft” large notebook – “Be Nice To Yourself”: 331 reviews with 5/5 stars
Overall, Ban.do seems to be a great place to find aesthetically pleasing products, whether it’s clothing or stationery. According to a majority of online customers, the clothing items proved to be flattering and comfortable.
As for notebooks, hundreds of satisfied buyers reported that Ban.do’s journals are both functional and fashionable.
“This cardigan definitely exceeded my expectations. It’s so well made and the colors are even more vibrant in person. The material is heavy, but not too heavy. It’s definitely worth the price,” one customer wrote about the Sunset Stripe Cardigan.
“I love these two journals,” another reviewer wrote about the I Am Very Busy Pink Notebook. “I’m terrible at keeping daily planners, but these have convinced me to remember to write in them every day. They’re so cute and compact. I would definitely recommend buying them,”
As mentioned earlier, reviews for Ban.do are somewhat sparse in terms of external feedback. For now, we’ll add the websites we found:
- Amazon for the 17-Month Daily Planner in Secret Garden: 639 reviews with 4.8/5 stars
- Shopbop: 32 reviews with no star rating
- Influenster for the I Am Very Busy Ice Blue Agenda: 32 reviews with 4.9/5 stars
I think it’s safe to say that Ban.do journals are a safe bet. From Amazon to Influenster, most customers agree that the company’s notebook collection is sturdy, giftable, and affordable. Others raved about the stickers and overall cute designs.
“I have this planner in pink and I absolutely love it. It helped me stay organized while planning my wedding… I love its size and the stickers that come with it,” wrote one Influenster reviewer about the I Am Very Busy Planner.
Several independent bloggers, such as Damask Love, have also left glowing reviews. According to the author, ban.do agendas are “unmatched.” “If you’re a color-loving, crafty girl or find yourself in the world of planners, I highly recommend ban.do planners!”
Despite the many colorful reviews on the internet, this ban.do review uncovered some “black and gray” negative features during its research.
While there are a few complaints about poor product quality and an unpleasant smell when unpacking, the biggest concern is a controversy attributed to the brand. Jen Gotch, the founder of Ban.do, has been accused of creating a toxic work environment, along with allegations of bullying and racism.
Fortunately, the company has been quick to address these allegations and has posted a statement on its official website. Overall, this ban.do review recommends this brand for its creatively designed planners and clothing
Is ban.do Worth It?
Guys, it’s hard not to admire Ban.do’s colorful collection. From stationery sets to rainbow-patterned cardigans, just looking at the product images gives customers a good dose of serotonin.
Most online boutiques don’t offer the same collective theme as Ban.do, which I think is relatively difficult to do. Nevertheless, this company manages to carry the theme through to the simplest of items, such as makeup erasers.
The best thing about Ban.do is that they work with several independent artists, which speaks to a company that values supporting skilled workers. While I wouldn’t say this brand is the cheapest on the market, I would say it’s worth the money.
ban.do Promotions & Discounts
This ban.do review highlights several ways customers can save money. To keep things simple, we will provide the details in bullet points below:
- There is a 20% discount on all planners and notebook accessories. Customers must use the promo code PLNIT to take advantage of this offer.
- Ban.do has a sale outlet where shoppers can find select items at a discounted price.
- You can save 10% on your next order when you sign up for the company’s newsletter.
- There is a rewards program that grants exclusive perks to members only.
- Ban.do has a referral program where customers can earn $10 off orders of $20 or more.
Where to Buy ban.do
Want to buy a pretty planner? Visit bando.com to see what else they have in stock. You can also find them at select retailers, including
- Amazon
- Hudson’s Bay
- Indigo
- Barnes & Noble
- Walmart
- Staples
- Nordstrom
FAQ
Does ban.do support female artists?
The brand offers a registration form for artists who are interested in collaborating with ban.do. So far, it appears that they support some female employees, such as Katie Kimmel.
Does ban.do have a free rewards program?
Yes! Participation in Ban.do’s rewards program is free. All you need is your birthday, email address, and name to sign up.
Where are ban.do products made?
Unfortunately, the brand does not provide much information about where its products are made.
Where is ban.do based?
This ban.do review found that the company’s headquarters are located in Los Angeles, California.
Does ban.do have a store?
No. However, ban.do is available in other stores such as Hudson’s Bay and Nordstrom.
Does ban.do ship internationally?
Yes, ban.do ships to countries outside the US. Unfortunately, this only includes locations within the United Kingdom.
What is ban.do’s shipping policy?
This ban.do review is pleased to inform you that ban.do offers free standard shipping on orders over $50. For anything below this amount, a flat fee of $5 is charged.
Other shipping options are also available, such as second-day air and international shipping. Recently, we have not found any reference to a tracking number that customers can use to track their purchases.
What is ban.do’s return policy?
Ban.do offers a 30-day return policy on its products. Thankfully, the brand provides a free shipping label that buyers can use. To initiate this process, customers must visit the portal link provided on the company’s website.
Contacting ban.do
If you have any questions that are not related to this ban.do review, you can contact the company:
- Phone: 1-800-992-3774
- Email: info@bando.com
- Fill out the online inquiry form
- Use the chat function on the website
