Is Buying Bodyline Still Viable?

Since Bodyline began shipping overseas, it's been one of the first resources recommended to newbie lolitas at panels and online. However, as anyone can tell you, Bodyline is inconsistent at best: the quality is variable, the selection is arbitrary, and the design choices are sometimes more than a little questionable. This is complicated by the fact that Bodyline is often touted as a good option for plus size lolitas, despite having a limited selection with inconsistent measurements. Young newbies without financial independence may also feel the lure of Bodyline; it's easier to convince parents to buy from one weird, moderately priced site, rather than several more expensive weird places. Bodyline has lessened its lolita offerings in the recent past as well, to the point where I found myself asking if I could even build a wardrobe with in-stock Bodyline. Even if it's possible, would it be affordable?

 I'm not going to address the ethical ramifications and Mr. Yan conspiracy theories here; that's a whole other haul to unbox, and my critical box cutter just isn't sharp enough for the job. This is purely a test of possibility, without addressing any dimensions of the company beyond their (questionably formatted) webshop.

After days of toiling over website and spreadsheet alike, I have compiled a small classic capsule wardrobe (missing some legwear and undergarments) that is entirely Bodyline. I went with classic because sweet seemed easy and gothic was basically impossible.  I've been putting together capsule wardrobes for fun for a few years, though, so it's unreasonable to expect any sane newbie to think the way I would. Without further ado, let's take a look!

 

 

Because this is Bodyline, the prices are subject to unexpected change. Here's the breakdown:

 

Item Name

Item Type

Price

Item Code

ウサギと女の子のプリントタイツ	tights	2640	LGTT-0482X
プチローズのお袖とめ	wristcuffs	1210	acc1040
ローズストライプジャンパースカート	JSK	4345	L587
ゴージャスフラワー柄ハイウエスト2段スカート	SK	2750	L353
フラワーブーケ柄ブラウスドッキングワンピース	OP	3630	L585
編み上げスカラップシューズ	Shoes	2970	ACSH-0060Y
薔薇のヘッドドレス	hair accessory	2750	LGHA-0685X
チェーン飾りつき総レース手袋	Gloves	2200	LGGL-0059X
カメオリボンつきクラシカルベロアワンピース	OP	2860	L310
プチローズヘッドドレス	hair accessory	880	acc1085
スカラップカットリボンシューズ	Shoes	3300	ACSH-0076Y
レースマスク(花ラメ)	mask	880	ACKF-0158X
洗えるロリータマスク　花柄01	mask	660	LGKF-0071X
洗えるロリータマスク　花柄03	mask	660	LGKF-0075X
ボックスかごバッグ	bag	2200	ACBG-0260X
エレガントコサージュブラウス	Blouse	2200	L159
ツインボタンピンタックブラウス	Blouse	1100	L108
カメオリボンつきブラウス	Blouse	4056	L383
リボンとチェーンのチョーカー	Necklace	2200	LGNL-0351X
立体ドットカーディガン	Cardigan	2200	L553

Altogether, this wardrobe would cost 45691 Yen, or about 415 USD, not including shipping. This is a pretty big investment for something that, honestly, isn't too great. As is pretty obvious, I had to compromise with accessory colors a lot; Bodyline has tons of ivory and beige for classic looks, but never in a useful place. Personally, if this were my style of lolita, I probably wouldn't buy all these things from Bodyline: Chinese brands have comparable pieces to most of these items. In fact, the only items that I would absolutely prefer from Bodyline are the stripe JSK, skirt, and long-sleeve OP; it's difficult to find sturdy cotton or non-stretch velvet main pieces right now. I own the velveteen OP from the image, and I'm pretty sure I could use it as armor in a swordfight.  With Bodyline main pieces and Chinese brands for everything else, a newbie would have the best balance of price, sturdiness, and variety.

Really, seeing how Bodyline has rolled downhill with all the restraint of a stray cheese wheel was a little bit disappointing. Even though I don't own a huge amount of Bodyline, it was a real help in building my wardrobe back when I started, and that strategy just isn't viable today. Bodyline has turned from an institution in the English-speaking lolita community to a single, slightly subpar fish in the sea of global brands, removing one of the few unifying experiences (the first Bodyline order) that many lolitas had.

In the end, is building a small classic lolita wardrobe with only Bodyline possible? Yes! Is it even remotely a good idea? Not really. Was it a fun challenge? For me, yes! I love exploring details and new coording possibilities with difficult restrictions. For newbies, though,there's so much more out there now, and sticking to exclusively Bodyline is, at this point, as practical as the storage in a mini-mini Usakumya. Lolita is about self-expression and freedom, and elaborate, unnecessary barriers? They're just not kawaii.