If there was one brand that was a huge hit with the community last year, it was Johnny Was. It seems that everyone was curious about it, wanted to know more about the history of the product, the quality, and whether it was worth the price. Johnny Was is one of the most effective affiliate products, which is surprising because until now I have never had a dedicated post or review about the product. The reason it works so well is because when my students buy it, they keep it. Rarely returns, rarely exchanged. That kind of record tells you something.
I started taking a closer look at Johnny Was while researching swimwear for women over 40 (stay tuned for that article), and what I found was worthy of its own dedicated post.
Who was Johnny?
Johnny Was is not human. It is a California fashion label founded in 1987 by Eli Levite, named after a Bob Marley song. Since its inception, the brand has been known for high-end, artisan-inspired clothing: intricate embroidery, rich fabrics, global influences, and a colorful boho aesthetic that feels sophisticated, yet fun and comfortable.
What differentiates between many stores for women over 40? Johnny Was made for us from the start. It is not a genre intended for young people among whom we choose practical pieces; Johnny Was has always had the stylish woman in life as his main customer.
Johnny Wa began as a supermarket brand, sold in high-end stores, until 2010 when the first store opened in Santa Monica. Today there are several Johnny Was stores, a full e-commerce site, and ongoing placement in major stores around the world. In 2015, Endeavor Capital acquired a majority stake; in 2022, Oxford Industries, the parent company of Tommy Bahama, Lilly Pulitzer, and Jack Rogers, acquired Johnny Was for $270 million. (I wrote more about what Oxford Industries’ ownership means for product pricingthis piece on Lilly Pulitzer, fast fashion, and clothing prices.)
Was Johnny Worth the Price?
This is a question I get asked a lot, and the honest answer is: it depends on what you’re comparing it to.
Johnny Was is considered an affordable luxury brand. Prices range from under $150 for accessories, leggings, and tees to $1,800 for the label’s signature 100% silk kimonos. Most pieces fall somewhere in between. That’s not the price point of a casual purchase… but it’s also a no-brainer.
What you pay for: the quality of fabrics, the intricacy of embroidery and beading, the diversity of prints, and silhouettes designed to be worn and loved for decades, not discarded after one season. Johnny Was makes his clothes into collector’s items.
In measurement:Most of the collection runs from XXS/2 to XXL/16, and is known for its generous fit and comfort. Most styles are also available in petite (PXS/4–PXXL/16) and plus sizes (1X/18-20W to 3X/26W). Size availability varies by style, so I’ve noted the range throughout this post, and built one capsule specifically around the plus size range.
How to Dress Johnny Without Dressing Yourself
Johnny Was beauty is clear: elevated boho chic, built in luxurious fabrics and decorated with embroidery, beads, and vivid prints. If that sounds like a lot, it might be… but it doesn’t have to be.
My aesthetic goes clean and minimal, and I love Johnny Was because one piece does all the work. The Johnny Was coat transforms a simple tank and jeans. One of Johnny Was’ blouses elevates your tried and true work pants. Let the piece be the statement and keep everything else simple. The prints are works of art, the silhouettes are comfortable, and the overall effect is easily put together in a way that is very hard to fake with a cheap alternative.
For swimwear and leisure wear in particular, this aesthetic is very close to older women who want to look good at the pool without looking over the top, gaudy, or like they’re trying to hide.
Johnny Was Swim & Resort Collection
I’m not a matchmaker. But for vacation and beach wear? I’m totally on board. It’s fun, it’s beautiful, and the combined set elevates the whole experience. Johnny Was completely dependent on a matching set for its swimwear collection, and I love the result.
Below I have put together four wardrobes built around Johnny Was swim prints: while all three have a good range of sizes, one has special features and sizes.
Johnny Was the “Mulla” of Travel Print Clothing
The “Mulla” print was the first one that stopped me scrolling. It has a strong Pucci vibe: blue and lavender, prints and summer, and it’s a print that goes well with stark white. The tan and straw accessories anchor it, taking it from daytime beach to evening resort without changing too much.
Buy Mulla capsule:pants(XXS-3X & petite) |a packable hat|wrap top/cardigan(XS-XXL) |and earrings|a simple sweater(XXS-3X) |a swimsuit(XS-XXL) |a long dress(XXS-3X & petite) |band|shorts(2-24 & petite) |waterproof tote|a shirt(XXS-3X & petite) |polarized sunglasses|short dress/dress(XS-XXL) |waterproof sandals
Johnny Was “Cristada” Holiday Cap Print Dress
The “Cristada” print is very boho and strong. I saw it as a capsule for someone looking for color and pattern and movement. I took out a few colors from the print to build the whole collection, so it feels cohesive even when you mix pieces from other brands. And how sacred is that matching throwback towel?
Buy a Cristada capsule:printed pants(XS-XXL) |tote|sleeveless top(XXS-3X) |shorts(XS-XXL) |reversible hat|sunglasses|a swimsuit(XS-XXL) |get dressed(XXS-3X & petite/tide) |sandals| reverible towel|printed top(XS-XXL) |linen pants(XS-3X)
Johnny Was the “Baccara” of Holiday Cap Print Clothes
Let’s settle the debate: black is absolutely the color of summer, and the “Baccara” print makes a great case. This is a dark floral that feels flattering rather than heavy: the kind of print that looks chic and classy, and takes you from the pool deck to the resort restaurant with just a change of shoes. There were so many pieces in this collection it was really hard to narrow it down. I kept the basics light and dark so the flowers could do what they do best.
The Baccara collection includes some of the strongest plus-size options in the entire Johnny Was swimwear line: both the one-piece swimsuit and wrap pants are available in XXS-3X.
Buy a Baccara capsule:a hat|polarized sunglasses|a shirt/covering(XS-XXL) |throwback towel|one piece swimsuit(XS-3X) |swimsuit top(XS-XXL) |swimsuit down(XS-XXL) |tote|reverse tank(0/2-20/22) |shorts(0/2-20/22) |the guard(XS-XXL) |a skirt(0/2-20/22) |tie your pants(XS-3X) |waterproof sandals
Johnny Was Plus Sized: The “Melia” Print Capsule
If you were scrolling through this post you are thinkingthis product looks amazing but i need more than XL… this section is for you.
While some of Johnny Was’ pieces in the above collections are plus sizes, I wanted to create a capsule that is completely available up to 3X and equally as chic. I chose the Melia print, which comes in both white and navy. I mixed these two on purpose: together they create something clean, unusual, and truly versatile in many summer settings, from a beach resort to a Mediterranean port day.
The anchor piece is the one-piece swimsuit (XXS–3X), which is quintessential Johnny Was: a combination of beautiful prints, a wearable silhouette, and a quality brand that makes you feel polished. From there, white linen pants, a navy slip dress, and a white eyelet duster give you an easy outfit combination that works from the sand to dinner. I had to put on an embroidered tee; is the epitome of Johnny Was beauty!
Buy the Melia Plus size capsule:pants(XXS-3X & petite) |a packable hat(S-XL) |sunglasses|get dressed(1X-3X) |a necklace|a swimsuit(XXS-3X) |tote|tunic tank(XXS-3X) |sandals|a blouse(XXS-3X & petite) |eyelet duster/swimming hole(XXS-3X) |embroidered tea(XXS-3X & petite)