When I first heard about the ongoing tariff dispute, Quince was one of the first companies that came to mind. All of the company’s clothing and home goods are made overseas, so if Quince’s direct-to-consumer model can’t navigate the turbulent trade negotiations, its “affordable luxury” status could be in jeopardy. We’ve been testing Quince clothing and home goods for two years now and have seen their popularity skyrocket. Lately, it seems like it’s become cool to hate Quince. Some of the criticism is fair: she redefines the meaning of luxury, and we also don’t like how blatantly she plagiarizes designs. But we can’t completely follow the Quince “hate” trend, since some of her pieces are actually made from exquisite materials. If you like quality wardrobe staples at a reasonable price, it’s smart to choose a direct-to-consumer brand that sources materials directly from the manufacturer. Quince can afford to charge prices that are, on average, 50 to 80 percent lower than traditional retail prices because it doesn’t have to pay overhead. That’s why a $50 cashmere crewneck sweater goes viral. I’ve been wearing the same Quince sweater for years (and have tried on a few since), and I think everyone can find at least one Quince item they love. It usually depends on the material it’s made from:
Below, we review each Quince piece. You’ll find out which pieces impressed us and why, and which ones didn’t. Our editors reviewed some cozy spring pieces (like this flowy maxi skirt and some super soft bike shorts), as well as some classic pieces from the cashmere collection.
This $50 cashmere crewneck sweater is the brand’s best seller. It’s incredibly soft and affordable. We love that it’s lightweight enough to layer while still keeping you warm.
This simple maxi dress is the perfect addition to your summer outfit. It’s stretchy, flowy, comes in white, black, and navy, and yes, it has pockets.
“I wore it to the office, but it felt like I was wearing sweatpants,” said Gabrielle Chase, deputy fashion editor. These high-waisted, stretchy jumpsuits are made from a soft, lightweight fabric that’s perfect for travel.
Quince’s take on Everlane’s Day Glove Flat is crafted from the same soft, supple leather that made its creator so popular.
This lightweight, packable jacket has a slightly cropped length and a relaxed silhouette. Ideal for unpredictable weather, the high stand-up collar provides protection from the wind and allows you to hide the hidden hood.
While we think some of Quince’s products are good value for money, the company’s business practices don’t quite live up to our expectations. Here are some of the behaviors we’ve noticed over two years of continuous testing:
Quality varies. Take Quince leather goods as an example. The company uses the term “Italian leather” to describe luxury, but we’ve seen Quince use a variety of leathers, from smooth, grainy cowhide to rubbery, rough cowhide. Some of the bags are unlined and lack the structure to support the weight. But we like its ballet flats and suede loafers. The selection ranges from cheap-looking to less than satisfactory, so we can’t say Quince is a reliable source for high-quality goods.
Not enough size selection. Most of Quince’s women’s clothing comes in sizes XS–XL, while men’s clothing only comes in sizes S–XL. Some pants come in different lengths, but they don’t hug our curves as perfectly as we’d like. Quince made some progress last year by launching an expanded range of women’s sizes, but we’d like to see similar sizing for men. It’s also unfair that Quince’s plus-size clothing costs more.
Greenwashing. We found that most Quince clothing (excluding silk and linen) has a much longer shelf life than fast fashion. While Quince often markets itself as “sustainable,” it doesn’t specify where exactly its textiles come from. Ultimately, you should consider your own sustainability standards before deciding whether the potential environmental impact of purchasing Quince is worth it.
Morality Signaling: Quince has been widely criticized for the efficiency of its supply chain. The claim that workers hired by manufacturing partners are “fairly paid” does not prove that they earn enough to live on. We wish its claims of ethical business practices were fully traceable.
Too good to be true return policy. Quince’s 365-day return period comes with one caveat. If you’re testing, make sure your payment method (PayPal, Apple Pay, or Google Pay) matches the same default refund period as Quince. If the refund period is less than 365 days, you may receive a Quince store credit instead of a refund.
I’ve tried a lot of washable silk brands, like Quince and Everlane, and I have to say they’re really nothing special (though hear me out, because I love this skirt!). These silks almost always fade over time, and the fabric is too thin to machine wash. The problem wasn’t with the stitching, but with the density of the silk itself — it just couldn’t handle the stress of the washing machine. That’s why I only choose silks that are washable and that I won’t wear very often, like this skirt.
While I’d choose dry cleaning over machine washing, I believe in being gentle with the pieces you truly love, and I really like this option. The dress is easy to wear with or without a belt, but if you’re petite like me (I’m 5’2”), you might want to consider adding a belt to make the skirt a little shorter. I also like the slightly gathered sleeves, which give the dress a fuller look. — Sally Kaplan, executive editor of Insider Reviews
While this maxi dress is elegant enough to wear to a dinner party with heels and a clutch, I usually pair it with sneakers for a comfy yet sophisticated daytime look. The sneaker look works for me because I’m 5’7” and the skirt length hits just above the ankle, but if you’re shorter, the skirt might fall to the ground. On particularly hot days, I sweated in this dress (I usually go sleeveless when I’m worried about sweating), and the sweat was clearly visible through the silk fabric. That’s the only downside I found to this skirt. I washed it on a cold, gentle cycle and hung it to dry. I used steam to remove wrinkles (ironing silk is not recommended). Every time I wear this skirt after washing, I find it as soft and shiny as ever. — Talia Ergas, Freelance Writer, Insider Reviews
When I received this comfy dress, I was immediately eager to try it on, and it immediately proved its versatility. Made from an incredibly soft and stretchy Tencel and spandex blend, it features a fitted bodice and a flowy midi skirt. I did get a little sweaty when I wore it to vacuum, but it was so lightweight and breathable that I continued wearing it once I cooled down. I’m 5’9” and have a short torso, so the S sits low and sits slightly on the hips. Crucially, though, the dress has two hip pockets — so in addition to being super comfy, it’s also super comfortable. If you want a style that’ll really make you sweat, Quince also offers styles in sweat-wicking Flowknit fabric. — Gabrielle Chase, senior associate fashion editor at Insider Reviews
What I love most about this midi dress is that the fabric is stretchy and it’s lightweight without being revealing, which I love. The lining is lightweight and a little clingy, but the back slits keep it comfortable even on long walks. It’s perfect for travel because it folds up neatly and fits in your carry-on. Compared to similar styles from Athleta or Lululemon, this casual dress is a great value. It’s also available in a long-sleeve version, perfect for the colder months. —Gabrielle Chase, Senior Associate Fashion Editor at Insider Reviews
The Quince silk slip dress shows us the true meaning of this brand’s clothing. It’s such a winning classic that fashion editor Samantha Crozier even washed it for nine months before she tore it apart. It’s also easy to wear, has a nice sheen to it, and looks shiny wherever you wear it, and because it’s silk, it’s very affordable.
“This dress is only $79. When I used to shop for a silk dress, I’d spend days looking at dresses under $250, wondering if they were worth the money. For me, this dress is the perfect combination of price, style, and fit,” Crozier said. You’ll likely wear this dress for a long time, but you’ll still be disappointed. It recently came out in plus sizes, too. However, the expiration date puts it in the fast-fashion category, so we wouldn’t call it a sustainable choice. For more details, read our full review of the Quince Silk Slip Dress.
We asked two editors, both sizes 1X and 3X, to try on pieces from the Quince plus-size collection, part of the brand’s new expanded sizing. The results were mixed, but the ribbed Tencel knit earned unanimous praise. “This dress is so outside my comfort range that I was surprised how much I ended up loving the style. It’s similar in silhouette to the hit Skims maxi slip dress, but it’s about $20 cheaper. It’s super soft and stretchy, made from a ribbed Tencel and spandex blend for superior breathability. This dress is perfect for day or night—I could wear it on its own for a summer dinner, but I prefer to layer it with a blazer for work. I’m 5’11” and the dress hits my ankles with shoes on.” The adjustable straps help adjust the length a bit, but I’d say if you’re shorter than 5’8″ you might want to wear heels with this dress or consider a hemmed hem. —Lauren Savoie, deputy editor, Insider Reviews
If you’re looking for a cozy sweater, I highly recommend this jumpsuit. While the legs are a little long for my 5’11″ frame, the fit is perfect—loose enough to wear under a turtleneck on cool spring days, but not too big that my bra would show if I wore it on its own. The linen isn’t particularly thick, but the black isn’t see-through at all. —Sally Kaplan, executive editor, Insider Reviews
In my opinion, this is the best sweater dress ever: It’s only 3% cashmere, so it’s soft and comfortable and won’t irritate your skin, even if you’re sensitive to lanolin. I love how thick and stretchy the fabric is, how comfortable it is, and how form-fitting it is. I also love the ties in the back, so I can cinch it at the waist without it turning into a bulky, shapeless sweater dress. It’s worth the investment, and I’ve been wearing it at least once a week for a month now. This sweater dress can go from cozy loungewear to semi-formal with just a quick accessory change. For more on its versatility, read my full review of the Quince Sweater Dress. —Gabrielle Chase, Senior Associate Fashion Editor at Insider Reviews
Quince’s cashmere turtleneck dress (available in five cozy shades) is a must-have for cozy warmth in the winter and a must-have for the colder months. I have a pear-shaped body, and even though I size up, the dress is still quite form-fitting, so I probably wouldn’t wear it for a formal event. However, for a night out, this look would still look great with a pair of over-the-knee heeled boots. — Talia Ergas, Insider Reviews freelance writer
If you want a dress with a more fitted silhouette, the midi version of this Mongolian cashmere turtleneck dress is a great option. It’s loose at the waist, so if you want a more fitted look, it’s best to go down a size. Also, if you’re looking to add a statement belt to the look, you can also use one to accentuate the waist of this dress.
The turtleneck is high enough to hit just above the chin, making it a great choice for staying warm and looking stylish. The dress had side slits to allow for more leg movement, and the skirt hit just above the knee. —Gabrielle Chase, Senior Associate Fashion Editor, Insider Reviews
I love the simple cut of this sundress, and the high slit makes it look sexy and chic. The fabric felt a little thin when I bent over, so I’d recommend going up a size to make it easier to bend over or move around. I went with a size L, which is my usual size, but I could have gone with an XL since it fits more loosely. — Sally Kaplan, executive editor of Insider Reviews
This organic cotton poplin dress is a great alternative to Anthropologie’s popular Somerset Dress, and it’s less than half the price. It’s available in six colors, including a vibrant red-orange. While the cotton material doesn’t stretch, the skirt has an elastic waistband for flexible sizing. The model’s skirt hit mid-calf, but at 5’8″, it felt like a maxi dress to me. I’d definitely wear it on a date or for a warm-weather outing! — Sally Kaplan, executive editor, Insider Reviews
I found that linen isn’t Queens’ strong suit, and while this dress is lightweight, it’s not the most comfortable to wear. The only thing I’d suggest is adding silicone padding to the sleeves and shoulders, as the elastic is too stiff for bare skin. I bought a small, and the hem is too short for someone who’s 5’8” — barely acceptable under the middle school dress code. However, the elastic bodice and loose sleeves fit me perfectly, and the skirt has a nice flow, so I’ll probably wear it more often. —Gabrielle Chase, Senior Associate Fashion Editor at Insider Reviews
Some people consider tracksuits to be activewear, but to me, they’re just comfortable, easy-to-wear clothes to wear when you don’t have to dress up for a special occasion. I’ve tested over a dozen different brands of activewear over the years, and Quince is one of the best, and the price makes it even better. If I had to guess the suggested retail price of a crewneck sweatshirt and fleece sweatpants before I knew the brands’ prices, I’d say $80 each.
The top and bottoms are made from a heavyweight 375g organic cotton fleece, which is warmer and softer than most items in this price range. Small details like the metal drawstring tips and hidden zip pocket for your smartphone also add an extra touch of sophistication.
I could have gone with a size S for a more fitted cut, but I prefer the looser fit of a size M. Don’t worry about the creases; I wear this outfit all the time just for comfort. — Amir Ismael, Senior Writer, Insider Reviews
We’ve been writing a lot about the best loungewear to buy during the pandemic, so I’ve probably tested out 10-15 loungewear sets while working from home. I’m so sad I didn’t find out about this set sooner because it’s definitely my new favorite!
The fabric is relatively thin, and the lining is a super soft fleece, which makes it feel like you’re wearing it on a cloud. The wide-leg pants hit my calves, and I love how versatile they are because you can layer them with other tops, not just a matching sweatshirt. The crewneck top is very form-fitting, and while it’s not cropped, it doesn’t feel too bulky when tucked into high-waisted pants. It will take two or three washes to see any remaining lint, so I recommend washing the item before wearing it for the first time. — Sally Kaplan, executive editor, Insider Reviews
I was looking for the perfect white button-down shirt, but many of the styles I tried were too sheer. This made me hesitant to wear a white shirt, but I was impressed by how opaque it was, with only the outline of my beige bra showing in places. Still, if you’re looking for a place to buy women’s work clothes, it’s sophisticated enough to wear in a business setting.
I got a size medium (my largest sizes are usually between small and medium), and it was a great choice. It’s loose and comfortable without being too big. It looks great tucked into high-waisted jeans or layered over a cropped Quince’s Baby Alpaca Wool Sweater. Like the skirt, this washable silk shirt comes in 15 colors. — Talia Ergas, Insider Reviews freelance writer
Quince’s Fisherman’s Knit is one of my favorite pieces in the cashmere collection—it’s thick and structured, yet incredibly soft. Made from #7 cashmere, this vest is lightweight and breathable, making it perfect for layering. It’s cut in a slim, relaxed style with a slightly baggy fit, so size down if you want to emphasize your waist. I wore this vest on its own for a casual look, but it would also look super chic paired with a white button-down. —Gabrielle Chase, Senior Associate Fashion Editor, Insider Reviews
The super-soft Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crew Neck Sweater looks more expensive than it is, and it’s easy to see why it’s such a hit. The main difference from the Naadam ($98) is that the Quince Cashmere Crew Neck Sweater is a little thinner and less smooth. I tested the latest version, the Cashmere 2.0, which costs the same and feels a little thicker than the original, but still isn’t as soft as the Naadam.
Sure, the Quince 100% Premium Mongolian Cashmere is priced right, since it’s nearly identical to Naadam Cashmere. The patterns are exactly the same (if I’m not being picky, the Quince’s neck seams are a little rough and prone to fraying). But the quality is acceptable, in line with other Quince cashmere sweaters I’ve tested. — Gabrielle Chase, Senior Fashion Editor, Insider Reviews For more details, check out my full review of the Naadam and Quince Cashmere Sweater.
This merino wool half-zip sweater is made from a chunky knit that resembles a bucket shirt and has a loose, relaxed fit that’s easy to layer. After putting it on, I realized that I actually like the half-zip design because I can unzip it when I pull it over my head without messing up my hair or makeup. Once I put it on, I zip it back up, which keeps both my neck and me warm. I love that this sweater is a chunky knit because it’s heavy and warm without making the neck area feel stuffy. And for the price, you really can’t beat the price for a merino wool sweater of this quality. —Gabrielle Chase, Senior Associate Fashion Editor at Insider Reviews
Of all the premium cashmere sweaters we tested, Quince’s affordable style is my favorite. It’s a more cold-weather alternative to the original cashmere crewneck. It’s not as thick as a classic fisherman’s shirt, but it’s thick enough to keep you warm. Here, I’m pairing it with my favorite scarf, a Mongolian Cashmere Scarf. I wear this sweater all winter long (even to bed) because it’s so soft and cozy. True to size, but I’d size up next time so the sleeves are a little longer than my wrists. —Gabrielle Chase, Insider Reviews Senior Fashion Editor
This sweater is probably my favorite of all the sweaters I own. I initially liked the ivory version, but then I saw reviews that said the white version was a bit see-through, so I went with a similar light gray version. I love that this cardigan can be worn on its own or layered with a collared shirt or a simple tee. The large buttons give it a vintage look, like it came straight out of grandpa’s closet, and the loose sleeves give it a more modern feel and elevate the overall look.
Although the site says this cardigan is cropped, on me it hits just above my hips (and I have a long torso), so a more accurate description would be “semi-cropped.” Best of all, it’s warm and cozy and not at all itchy. I’ve never been able to wear a cardigan without a vest before because it was itchy, but this cardigan lets me do just that. — Talia Ergas, Insider Reviews freelance writer
This cotton sweater is a little shorter and has a medium weight, making it perfect for any season. I like to tuck it into jeans or throw it over my shoulders. The construction is simple, but very affordable and versatile, and you can quickly save on the unit price. — Sally Kaplan, executive editor of Insider Reviews
I love cropped cardigans, and this one in cement gray (one of seven colors) is a must-have in my closet. I find myself wanting to wear it every week, even though it’s stretched out a bit over time, and the buttons have lost some of their shape from constant wear and washing. I could probably avoid this more effectively by laying it flat to dry, but I’m lazy, so I always use the dryer. If you take good care of it, it will last a long time before it starts to swell. — Sally Kaplan, executive editor of Insider Reviews
I have a wool allergy, so whenever I see a loose cotton sweater or cardigan, I get excited. After trying this Quince sweater, I decided it was the best choice for women’s sweaters, and I definitely plan to buy it in more colors! I love the loose, relaxed fit, and it’s thick enough that I don’t have to worry about it shrinking or stretching out. — Sally Kaplan, executive editor of Insider Reviews
I love winter knitwear, but if there’s one staple that’s a must-have in my wardrobe, it’s a black turtleneck. It can be dressed up or down, making it the perfect base layer. Paired with black jeans, a black turtleneck will go with almost any jacket, shoes, and hat. My favorite piece this winter was the Mongolian Cashmere Turtleneck by Quince.
When it comes to cashmere, I care less about the brand name than the quality of the fabric. After all, you’ll never see a brand logo, but the fabric is what’s memorable. The Quince Cashmere Sweater is made from 100% Grade A Mongolian cashmere, and I didn’t feel any discomfort even after wearing it directly against my skin for hours.
I’ve seen quite a few sweaters in the same price range, some even cheaper, but they’re notoriously itchy. So it’s not worth skimping on. — Amir Ismael, Men’s Style Editor, Insider Reviews Read our full Quince Cashmere review to learn more.
This relaxed, casual, yet sophisticated sweater has become a favorite for Zoom meetings. It fits me perfectly (I usually wear tops in sizes S to M), and the S/M fits me perfectly, even with some room, and can be layered over a long-sleeve shirt or tank top. Since this style has a longer, tunic-style fit, it looks great with leggings or jeans, but you can also pair it with a midi skirt for a more sophisticated look. — Talia Ergas, Insider Reviews freelance writer