Herd of Zebras is not your average clothing line; it is a story, a message, a cause and a symbol of strength. Forest, CEO of Herd of Zebras was dealing with life-crippling endometriosis, causing her pain not only physically, but emotionally as well.
She identified herself as feeling like a zebra in a herd of horses; that she stood out when she just wanted to blend in. Despite these challenges, she found strength through the support of other endometriosis warriors and together they made their herd. She realized you need to wear your scars like a badge of honour, to embrace your unique qualities and to always, Show your Stripes.
Being an active equestrian her whole life, she decided to make a clothing line for other riders; a way to represent a love for horses and the message to always be true to yourself. From this, Herd of Zebras was born, with a logo inspired by her forever love, and first horse, Sparky.
I personally really identify with this brand, as I also suffer from endometriosis. For years, I have had a list of issues, affecting me from sporadic unexplained pains, terrible cramping to terribly painful sex. For years, doctors dismissed me. After finally seeing a gynecologist I received some answers but no treatment. Despite my daily suffering, I was told I would not receive treatment or formal diagnosis through laparoscopic surgery until I expressed concerns about fertility issues. As someone who does not want kids, it bothers me that my condition and pain is not taken seriously unless I am trying to fill the womanly expectation of producing children. This, unfortunately, is very common, as records indicate it takes the average woman 7 years for a proper diagnosis.
Meeting Forest and introducing myself to her brand, gave me so much confidence. I was able to discuss with her the symptoms I had, and we bonded over our stories and our love for horses. From this friendship, I don’t feel ashamed of myself anymore, I am open to #Showmystripes because I know I am #Partoftheherd. Since my conversations with Forest, it is crazy the other women I have met that also have endometriosis. It has been really empowering for myself and them to realize that they are not alone.
First Impressions
I going to discuss Women’s Thumb Hole Crew (size medium), Women’s Pigment Dye Long Sleeve Tee (size medium) and the Canvas Take-All Bag. I own additional items that you might notice me wearing in photos on Instagram, but those were limited edition products. Keep your eyes peeled for
My first impression of when I got these products was how awesome the quality was. Everything by Herd of Zebras is made in house and never outsourced. If you go on their Instagram (herd.of.zebras) you can find photos of shirts in production, going through the screen printing process.
I buy a lot of clothes, and I have come to kind of have an eye for good screen printing. Never once have I ever thought that the logos would peel. Same goes for the quality of the material, it is soft and strong. All stitching is well done, and sizing is realistic to what you would normally wear.
The tote is small and light, but it is the perfect size for a book bag, lunch bag, or even grocery shopping . I like to use it to hold my fruit, or bulk items I like to keep separate.
Fit and Feel
Women’s Thumb Hole Crew
The Thumb Hole Crew is by far, one of my favourite sweaters. I own it in a size Medium and it fits perfectly. I am 5’8, and finding things with long enough sleeves or a long enough body can be something of a challenge. This sweater is perfect. I have other sweaters that have thumb holes, and they are basically there for decoration because they can’t make it down to my long thumbs and instead sit mid-wrist. The Thumb Hole Crew is so comfortable, I can slip my thumb in and I forget I ever did. I even ride like that.
The other thing I love about this sweater other than the length of the arms and
Women’s Pigment Dye Long Sleeve Tee
With the 3/4 quarter sleeves of this shirt, it makes it great for layering. I own this in a size Medium, and I would recommend (as does the site) sizing up as it fits a bit small. It is not as long on the body as the Thumb Hole Crew, but for a nice light shirt, I think that it is perfect. I am looking forward to a warm spring day when I can wear this with a pair of leggings.
Personally, I really love shirts and sweaters with graphics on the back. I think that they are super unique and trendy. The brand in the corner is really subtle but an awesome touch to show the brand that you are wearing.
Canvas Take-All Bag
This super cute little bag is my grocery store companion. It is important to be conscious of our use of plastic and paper bags, so the canvas is a perfect
Final Thoughts
Herd of Zebras hits a special place in my heart. As someone who sometimes finds themselves shut out because of my quirks, it is amazing to find a group of people (or a herd), that not only accepts you but embraces you. I am proud to wear clothing that represents being a strong person, to #Showmystripes and to be #Partoftheherd.
The quality of the clothing is great, there is no doubt about it. It fits great and is suitable for so many activities. I have worn these shirts over and over again, and they hold up great in the washing machine. No fraying, or peeling or pilling. The Thumb-Hole Crew is $40.00 USD the Pigment Dye Long Sleeve Tee is $25.00 USD and the Canvas Take-All Bag is $10.00 USD. They also make key chains, water bottles, mugs, saddle pads and so many other types of sweaters and shirts. To all my Canadians out there, Herd of Zebras does SHIP TO CANADA, and for only $10.00 USD. What more of an excuse do you need??
Limited Edition Product: Support The Cause
This month,
Always get back on,
Love Tess
*The opinions shared in this blog are of my own, and not a reflection of the company or its current and future product
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