The Issue With Maebe

 

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A few weeks ago Molly Mae launched her own clothing brand, Maebe, but the reception has been less than favourable.

Described on the brand’s website as a “non-seasonal label designed to bring beautiful, elevated pieces to your daily wardrobe, with a commitment to producing high-quality garments for everyday wear,” Maebe has not lived up to expectations, according to many online users.

One user notably referred to the brand as “fast fashion with a premium price tag” after analysing the fabric composition of the products and reviewing the brand’s ethos.

Despite being just two weeks old, much of the media attention surrounding Maebe has focused on affordable dupes from high street stores that offer similar styles for a fraction of the price. For reference, Maebe’s items range from €42 for a basic white tee to a staggering €167 for a slouchy oversized blazer.

@lilymariebond 💫Just a reminder: this video is a review of a product, NOT a person. Please keep the comments respectful and focused on the blazer itself. Sharing my experience to help others make informed decisions—let’s keep it constructive. Feedback is very valuable to new brands, allowing them to evolve for the benefit of their customers✨ #maebeblazer #maebereview #maebe #maebestore ♬ original sound – lilymariebond

These prices are certainly on the higher end for a brand competing with the likes of Zara and H&M, which can realistically offer the same products for a fraction of the cost.

One TikTok user reviewed the Maebe grey blazer, documenting her experience after just one use, noting pilling fabric across the entire garment and exposed button threads—both signs of poor quality.

She stated, “I’m really disappointed ultimately and would not recommend buying this.” For €162, we expect better, especially when we can pop down to H&M for a blazer of the same, if not better, quality for a fraction of the price.

 

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Love Island star Molly has also faced criticism regarding Maebe’s sizing, where a large is classified as a UK size 12, an extra-large as a UK size 14, and a 2XL as a size 16. Molly herself has admitted to wearing an XL or 2XL. For heaven’s sake, if Molly is a 2XL, what does that make the rest of us?

Although the sizing is technically inclusive, extending all the way up to 4XL, is there really a need to use these terms if you still need to provide a size guide to clarify things? Such sizing can leave women feeling as if they are something they’re not, and it can be quite triggering sometimes.

@lifebysoph.x Maebe sizing bothering anyone else??? #mollymaehague #maebe #clothing #clothingsizes ♬ original sound – lifebysoph.x

Astonishingly, the collection sold out in just 24 minutes! And it’s worth acknowledging that its restock also sold out near instantaneously.

Molly Mae is undeniably the It Girl of both Ireland and the UK, and she has proven to be the most accomplished and successful member of UK reality TV that we have ever seen. This girl knows how to market herself and works incredibly hard, so launching subpar products doesn’t seem very on-brand for Miss Molly Mae.

Molly made sure to briefly respond to the controversy in a recent video, claiming that people are complaining about Maebe without having even placed an order. She wanted to clarify that the business is entirely self-funded and consists of a small team.

Maebe is set to launch multiple other collections in the near future, so we’ll just have to wait and see if Molly has taken on customer advice and adjusted some of the prices and sizing. Nonetheless we’re sure it’ll sell out anyway. 

Words by Cillian Murphy

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