If you’re looking for the best stores like Madewell, you’re not only a smart dresser but also a smart shopper. Following the latest trends can be quite fun, but at the end of the day, or better said, at the end of the season you’re left with a bunch of cheap crappy clothes. They’re already so yesterday and no one wears them anymore.
This doesn’t happen when you go for brands like Madewell, brands that offer good quality clothing at an affordable price. The jeans Madewell is famous for are classic and timeless. They won’t ever go out of style. A pair of high-rise jeans and a silk tunic, and a trademark Madewell tote bag, that’s timeless elegance.
People have a special relationship with their favorite store, but, as in any long-term relationship, at some point boredom sets in. You need a breath of fresh air, you want something new. Fortunately, there are plenty of alternatives to Madewell, brands which focus on quality and versatility.
A good pair of jeans, a body-hugging pencil skirt or, why not, a warm and fuzzy cardigan, those are dependable items, things you can wear on many occasions. Things that will be in your closet for years.
If that’s what you’re looking for, we have compiled a list of the best Madewell alternatives. Check them out and don’t be afraid to try out something new and exciting.
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& Other Stories
This is one of the best alternatives to Madewell.
& Other Stories is part of H&M, one of the largest clothing retailers in the world, so they know a thing or two about what sort of clothes people really need.
The brand promises to let you create your fashion story.
You get to choose your own style by mixing and matching a wide assortment of basics, like jeans, unicolor, or striped tees on organic cotton, not to mention gorgeous shoes.
As for dresses, they have classical belted midi dresses, as well as fashionable ruffle mini pleated dresses.
For chilly days, check out their relaxed wool cardigans, a must-have for any stylish woman.
Abercrombie & Fitch
If you’re looking for Madewell alternatives, Abercrombie & Fitch would be a great option.
Truth be told, the brand tries to project a near-luxury image, so their prices are also high-end.
On the other hand, once you start shopping at Abercrombie & Fitch you’ll realize that it’s worth the money.
Their clothes are made of high-quality materials and they’re very resistant.
The brand offers all the essentials you might need, as well as minimalist clothing.
Check out their Minimalist with a Twist dress collection, which offers splendid pieces in a classic design and muted colors.
Also, don’t miss the graphic tees, which offer a retro vibe, and they’re more affordable than other items at Abercrombie & Fitch.
Able
Able is an American brand that made a name for itself for selling ethically sourced pieces made with mostly natural fibers from sustainable cultures.
It might interest you to know that the company was founded in 2010 as a non-profit organization to help women in Ethiopia escape the sex industry.
Their garments are pricier than at other stores, but the quality is outstanding and the design quite exquisite.
They sell everything from jeans and jumpsuits to office dresses and some adorable wrap dresses in rich warm colors.
American Eagle
American Eagle is one of the most popular brands among teenagers and young adults looking for good-quality reliable clothes, rather than flimsy rags that go out of fashion in a couple of months.
The brand offers a mix of old and new styles.
After being on the market for five decades, that’s not so hard to do.
All it takes is a bit of digging through the archives to bring to light once again designs that were fashionable in the 80s or 90s.
Also, have a look at their True Tee collection, which offers oversized unicolor T-shirts that flatter any size and body shape.
Amour Vert
If you’re in the market for some sustainable and stylish basics, check out Amour Vert, an eco-friendly American brand.
The French name translates to Green Love, and the company has a very direct way of showing their love and care for the environment, by regularly planting trees with part of their profits.
You won’t find mass-produced items at Amour Vert, everything is manufactured in a limited quantity.
And you’ll love the fibers they use, Merino wool, Mulberry silk, organic cotton, plus such novelties as Tencel, which is obtained from eucalyptus trees.
Anthropologie
Anthropologie is part of the URBN group which also owns Urban Outfitters and Free People.
The brand was launched in 1992, with a clear mission, to offer 30-40s urban and educated women a place where they can find clothes that reflect their personal style.
The woman that shops at Anthropologie is comfortable with herself and doesn’t feel pressured to follow the latest trends.
She’s the kind of woman that goes with a Let Me Be, a quilted dress which is frankly quite gorgeous.
It’s also the kind of woman that is full of confidence and feels great enough in their own skin to wear a Let Me Shimmer dress in sensual tones of bronze and red.
Aritzia
If you’re looking for casual elegance, Aritzia is just the place for you.
They don’t follow the fashion, they set the fashion for today’s young and not-so-young adults.
By Aritzia standards, fashionable means an outfit that looks great and will continue to look so next year or the one after that.
Just have a look at their effortless pants, which go so well with a mock-neck Valencia blouse and a Margaux blazer.
The whole ensemble gives you a very classy look.
If you’re more of the sporty type, check out their incredibly comfy leggings made from their trademark
TnaButter fabric, aptly described as buttery-soft, so you’ll feel totally at ease during your yoga routine.
Banana Republic
Banana Republic is one of the best brands in contemporary fashion.
This might sound a bit misleading.
Banana Republic doesn’t concern itself with fashions that come and go.
For them, contemporary fashion means mostly timeless, iconic pieces.
Buy a pair of classic jeans and a V-neck sweater or a ribbed long-sleeve tee today and they will still be very much in style 5 or 10 years from now.
They’ll still fit under contemporary fashion.
As for dresses that will still look fabulous in a couple of years, have a look at their soft satin midi dresses or the gorgeous backless maxi ones.
Bonobos
Bonobos is a subsidiary of Walmart and specializes in men’s clothing.
They offer everything from shorts and tees to high-end suits, fit for the office.
When the brand was launched, the whole idea was to offer men what they want – a quick and hassle-free shopping experience.
Men are notorious for having little patience with clothes shopping.
Bonobos makes it easier for them as they trade in basics and their garments are always true to size, so they’re a perfect fit.
Bonobos is a bit pricier than Madewell, but they do have huge sales so check them out.
Chic Me
Chic Me is an online clothing retailer known for its wide range of garments as well as for their incredible discounts.
Not that their prices were high, to begin with.
It’s not only a good alternative to Madewell, it’s a good alternative to any store.
The brand offers casual clothing as well as some very daring party or clubbing dresses.
If you’re looking for something special, make sure to check out their Exclusive collection featuring sexy tops and some drop-dead gorgeous sandals, all of them quite affordable.
Cuyana
One of the best alternatives to Madewell out there is Cuyana.
It’s a relatively new brand, founded in 2011 and based in San Francisco.
Their motto is ‘fewer, better things’.
Why clutter your closet with dozens of mass-produced ‘latest fashion’ junk when you can buy premium quality clothes, guaranteed to last for many years.
Take, for instance, their classical silk tee.
Yes, it’s more expensive than a regular cotton T-shirt, but it’s 100% silk, it drapes fabulously and it has a luxury finish that will feel most sensual against your skin.
On top of that, it looks classy and it’s extremely versatile, you can wear it on jeans and look sporty, or on a tight skirt and look sexy.
Dresslily
Dresslily is a retailer based in Shenzhen, China and although it caters to both men and women, it’s definitely the ladies that have more to choose from.
They are a good alternative to Madewell if you’re looking for timeless pieces, like basic jeans and dresses, suitable for casual or formal occasions.
They have great outfits for women of every age and size, from petite to plus size, and they do look great. And the prices are simply unbeatable.
Everlane
Launched in 2010, American retailer Everlane set out to conquer the hearts (and wallets) of a young generation looking for trendy good quality basics verging on minimalism.
Everlane prides itself with the exceptional quality of its items, most of them produced in ethical factories using fibers from sustainable sources.
Most of all, they promise radical transparency when it comes to pricing.
Check out their latest Wear Air collection, which offers an incredible range of highly breathable tees and bodysuits.
Or their Cleanest Denim collection, which offers the most-flattering very high-waist jeans, that won’t dirty the planet in any way.
Way to dress affordable and responsible.
Fisher + Baker
This brand is dedicated to the discerning gentleman that doesn’t want to waste money on mediocre quality clothing.
Fisher + Baker has the perfect recipe: timeless design, functional performance, and purposeful detail.
It might surprise you that the brand doesn’t sell jeans, but they do have a wide collection of pants, from linen shorts to classy dress pants.
A stylish guy can match the pants with a low-key T-shirt or polo shirt, or splurge on a gorgeous cashmere long sleeve sweater.
To complete the outfit all you need is a coat and Fisher + Baker has a lot to offer in the outerwear department. You can choose between a relaxed anorak or an elegant trench coat.
Forever 21
Forever 21 is one of the biggest competitors to Madewell, at least when it comes to teenagers and young adults.
As the saying goes, you don’t have to be 21 to shop there, but it helps.
Forever 21 focuses on the staples in every young man or woman’s closet, starting with jeans, leggings, joggers, and tops to go with them.
The brand is known for its edgy style and its amazing collection of graphic T-shirts.
At Forever 21, you can always pick a nice pair of skinny jeans or chinos, and match them with a cool ACDC T-shirt or a more modern Rick & Morty one.
Frank and Oak
Frank and Oak is a Canadian retailer that is very similar to the American Madewell.
They have an impressive collection of modern and eco-friendly clothing for both men and women.
Most of their garments are not only stylish and very good quality but also eco-friendly as they use ethically sourced sustainable fibers.
One of the coolest things about Frank and Oak is their monthly Style Plan subscription.
This is aimed at the busy people who want to dress fashionable, but don’t have the time to check what’s in and what’s out.
The Style Plan puts together a nice selection of hot new items for you to choose from. Smart, isn’t it?
Free People
Of all the alternatives to Madewell we checked out for you, Free People speaks to those interested in bohemian apparel.
It’s not for nothing that the brand is called Free People.
They’re not into trendy clothing, they’re more into retro vibes and relaxed, yet glamorous clothing.
Take, for instance, their latest collection The art of the long weekend, which features Old West slouchy jeans, very 1970s, as well as classic crew sweatshirts or striped voyage dresses.
The collection also includes such basics as simple cotton tees and or the most amazing cashmere tunics.
Will cashmere ever go out of fashion? No, we don’t think so either.
J.Crew
There is no better alternative to Madewell than J.Crew, which is, after all, it’s the parent company.
J.Crew offers a vast assortment of basics for men, women, and children, and the brand is known for its high-quality garments.
Just like Madewell, they offer clothes that will last for many years, so it’s well worth it to spend a bit more than at other similar shops.
A trip to J.Crew or a visit to their online store can help you load up on street and activewear, not to mention the cute dresses you won’t be able to resist.
If you want to treat yourself to something exquisite, check out the cashmere collection.
Levi’s
If you don’t know about Levi’s you must be from another planet.
Even your great-grandmother must have heard about Levi’s, a denim company founded in 1853 which has become synonymous with good quality jeans.
Their jeans are of such good quality that Levi’s has recently launched a Second-Hand collection available on its online store.
Buying pre-owned and pre-loved jeans is one small thing you can do to reduce pollution and save the planet.
For its part, Levi’s has come up with a novel fabrication process, vastly reducing the quantity of water consumed at its factories.
Pacsun
Pacsun is an American brand that caters to the needs and tastes of the young urban population.
They’re a tad more affordable than Madewell and they’re not just into classical pieces.
One of the biggest novelties introduced by Pacsun is the unisex collection.
The collection is focused on activewear and features jeans, sweatshirts, and tees.
For the creation of its unisex collection, Pacsun partnered with Playboy, so you’ll see plenty of pink bunnies around.
If you’re into alternative styles, check out their Mystic graphic tees collection.
Reformation
It’s rare to hear about a clothing brand that hates fashion.
That’s Reformation for you. It’s not that they hate everything that’s fashionable.
Only those mass-produced items that poison the earth with the massive pollution they generate.
Reformation is all about sustainability and ethically-obtained fibers that can be traced back to their origins.
The brand offers items like high-quality jeans with a classic cut, that goes well with a time-defying trench coat or a sleeveless top.
Don’t miss their stupendous dress collection, made from sustainably sourced linen, that comes mostly in muted colors that won’t go out of style.
Brands like Reformation | Sustainable Fashion Stores
SheIn
If you’re looking for one of the most affordable alternatives to Madewell, try SheIn.
This is one of the most successful online retailers, and don’t let the fact that they’re based in China put you off.
After all, most of the stuff sold at the world’s biggest retailers is actually made in China or some third-world country.
SheIn has a huge range of products, starting with basics like underwear, T-shirts, and jeans to suit every taste.
One thing these products have in common is that they’re cheap, or at least cheaper than your local department store.
Gap
Gap is one of the best known American clothing brands and in the five decades they’re been on the market they’ve conquered the world.
Gap is a good alternative to Madewell as it offers good-quality pieces for the whole family.
Everyone in the family needs jeans, and Gap has something to offer to suit every taste.
While you’re at it, check out the denim jackets, reliable, always trendy, and guaranteed to last for many years.
For the younger customers, Gap has some amazing tie-dyed tees, and an impressive collection of activewear, very colorful and very comfy.
Tonle
If you want to stock up on basic garments and feel good about yourself, try Tonle.
The brand is committed to a zero-waste policy.
Nothing gets thrown out during the manufacturing process.
Every scrap is reused to make new yarn, and the women that work for Tonle In Cambodia and other such countries get fair wages and good working conditions.
As for the clothes themselves, you can find classic pieces, such as a cool mini white dress, as well as colorful garments meant to appeal to today’s Generation Z.
Tradlands
Tradlands’ motto says it all – Clothing to live in and love forever.
Tradlands stands for comfort and effortless elegance.
All their pieces are designed to feel light and breathy.
There’s nothing restricting your movements, which sort of explains the ‘clothing to live-in’ part.
The brand prides itself on using only the highest quality materials and its fabrics are made with sustainably sourced fibers.
When you visit their online store, don’t forget to take the personality quiz that will tell you which dress style is more suitable for you.
Uniqlo
Uniqlo is a Japanese clothing retailer founded back in 1949.
They have a lot of experience in this business which allows them to understand better than most of their competitors which garments are timeless hits and which are not.
Uniqlo offers a wide selection of jeans that go equally well with their knit cardigans or their graphic tees.
For the cold season, you might want to have a look at their down jackets and coats, which are guaranteed to keep you warm even in freezing temperatures.
And they come in a variety of colors because winter doesn’t have to be gloomy.
Universal Standard
The first thing you need to know about Universal Standard is that they set no standard.
It’s not one of those stores that cater to the impossibly skinny woman so many brands seem determined to serve.
At Universal Standard, they have stylish and quite affordable clothes for all sizes and body shapes.
A curvy woman deserves a nice pair of tight jeans just as much as one blessed with a slim figure.
You can pair your new jeans with a short or long-sleeve T-shirt in premium Peruvian cotton, and you’ll look striking.
For special occasions, do check out their dresses in French silk.
Urban Outfitters
Urban Outfitters has been dressing up America’s young generations for more than five decades.
Chances are your parents also shopped at Urban Outfitters when they were your age but don’t ever imagine their style is dated.
Far from it. Designers at UO go with the flow and get the pulse of their target clientele, mostly teenagers and young adults.
They understand what every new generation is looking for.
Right now, they’re all into alternative fashion and hipster culture.
If you’re looking for the latest in babydoll dresses or an oversized and overdyed Nirvana sweatshirt, you’ll find it at Urban Outfitters.
Also, have a look at their sportswear, you won’t regret it.
Zaful
Zaful is pretty much similar to SheIn, and the two brands are owned by the same Chinese businessman.
What is great about Zaful is they update their collections often and, being on the affordable side of the spectrum, you can fill your closet without emptying your bank account.
All you need is a bit of patience to browse the online store and find the things you need.
Maybe their stuff is not always top quality, but they do have a lot of essentials, like jeans, tees, and casual wear.
And you might find some delightful little pieces in the party dresses collection.
Zara
Zara is a Spanish retailer known all over the world.
It’s one of those stores that appeal to all ages.
When you wear Zara, you know you’ll look well dressed, no matter the occasion.
Zara caters to the whole family, and they have everything from basics to fancy party dresses.
Most of their clothes are made of natural fibers, like cotton, wool, or silk, but what you’ll appreciate even more is the craftsmanship and the attention to detail.
The colors of your new and gorgeous Zara dress won’t start fading the first time you wash it, nor will it start breaking at the seams.
As far as the prices are concerned, Zara is somewhere mid-range, but it’s money well spent.
