Is Quince worth it? Our honest review after testing 10 of Quince's top-selling items
'High quality,' 'better deals,' 'sustainable': The brand makes big promises, but how do the clothes actually hold up?
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I first heard about Quince a few years ago when the online retailer gained popularity seemingly overnight for promising budget-friendly clothing, high-end fine jewelry, luggage, bedding and even kitchen knives — all as good as brands that charged quadruple. Such delights like affordable cashmere sweaters and half-price washable silk shirts have since gone viral dozens of times over.
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The brand's mission, it is own words, is to "create products of equal or greater quality than the leading luxury brands at a much lower price," so it's no surprise that its main draw has become designer dupes at a fraction of the cost. Don't just take my word for it: Quince itself features a "beyond compare" tool on-site that stacks its offerings up against luxury brands including Michael Kors, Veronica Beard and Kate Spade.
There's no denying that it's cute stuff, but the bigger question in my mind: How exactly does Quince sell what it claims to be exact dupes for so much cheaper? Could two 100% leather bags or Grade-A cashmere sweaters sneakily be so vastly different in quality? Is there some sort of manufacturing or quality secret that I, as a consumer, wasn't seeing? What do the price differences really indicate? Is it all too good to be true?
To find out, our editors wear-tested Quince best-sellers for months, evaluating them for durability, warmth, comfort, fit, washability and fabric issues like snags or rips. Since the question of the hour isn't whether Quince makes good, cute clothing, it's whether its claims actually held up, I ran each piece by leather and fabric experts to get the scoop on quality.
What we found was surprising. Here's our review of Quince's most popular clothing and accessories, according to pros, complete with try-on photos of each item. Consider this article the closest you'll get to feeling and experiencing these Quince items without actually having felt or seen them in real life — yet.
Quince clothing reviews
Material: 100% cashmere | Claims: Grade-A Mongolian cashmere, three times as warm as wool, sourced sustainably and ethically | Sizes: XS-XL | Color options: 8
Why we chose it: Quince offers a $50 cashmere sweater that is extremely popular, however we chose this Boatneck Sweater as the winner due to the fact that it's the softer, warmer and slightly more luxurious option of the two. This $80 pick is made of 15.1 micron fibers rather than the $50 sweater's 15.8-16.2 micron fibers — that lower number indicates finer, softer material and a cozier feel.
Our POV:" Cashmere is graded into three categories (A, B, and C) based on the thickness of the individual hair fibers," explains Anthony Bolognese , owner of Capitol Hill Clothiers . "Grade A cashmere," which is what this sweater is made of, "is the thinnest, finest, and most luxurious fiber," he says. If you're looking for a chunky, sturdy knit, this isn't it, but it is is an elegant cashmere top that drapes chicly when tucked into trousers or jeans. It's extremely soft on the skin and feels light as air but is surprisingly warm despite the occasional breeze that gets in through the looser knit and wider neckline.
Keep in mind: While the cuffs and hem have this nice reinforced, ribbed texture to them, the neckline is more of a thin, rolled boatneck that feels, to me, a little unfinished. And while the delicate fabric isn't obviously sheer, I wouldn't wear a really bright and/or patterned bra underneath.
Is it worth it?:Yes, it is. The just-under $80 price tag for Grade A cashmere that's light yet warm is pretty rare. Many brands that don't have as much of a focus on fabric quality will sell sweaters for a comparable price that are made of much lower-quality materials, making this sweater a good deal.
- Light as air and super warm
- Drapes nicely and easy to layer
- Made of 100% Grade A Mongolian cashmere
- Neckline isn't ribbed like the cuffs and hem
Shell: 100% mulberry silk | Lining: 90% silk, 10% Spandex | Claims: OEKO-TEX certified; produced in BSCI (Business Social Compliance Initiative) | Sizes: XS-XL | Color options: 7
Why we chose it: If you have any weddings coming up this spring and summer, Quince has you covered with its washable silk fabric. As the name suggests, there's no need for dry cleaning. You can put this gorgeous cocktail dress in a lingerie bag and simply run your machine on a gentle cycle. Quince also offers a version with straps if you'd prefer, and its non-strapless option also comes in extended sizing from 1X to 3X .
Our POV:There are several types of silk, and while no decent silk is truly cheap, Mulberry silk is the gold standard for both smooth quality and affordability compared to the rare and pricey Muga silk or the textured Tasar silk. "I love the look, but it's also incredibly comfy. The material is soft, it slips on easily (read: no zippers) and stays up with elastic at the top," says Initiatives Writer Ellie Conley . "If you want it to flow a little more, I'd go a size up — I did!"
Keep in mind: Quince notably doesn't share the exact weight of its maxi silk skirt or its strapless silk dress. A higher weight indicates a more luxurious feel and higher quality, so the fact that this information is not disclosed seems to imply that the silk used may be of a lower weight. The only downside fit-wise, Conley notes, is that because it's silk it has a tendency to be "a tad clingy." She adds that it's fully lined and that "it's nothing Spanx can't fix."
Is it worth it?: While we wish there was more transparency around the fabrication, our experience with the brand's silk has been positive and it seems to perform well. For that reason, we'd say that it is worth it so long as you're buying if because it's silk as your primary reason.
- Grippy strip around the top to prevent slipping
- Fully lined with a silk and Spandex lining
- Can size up for a more flowy fit
- Slightly clingy
Material: 100% mulberry silk | Claims:OEKO-TEX certified; produced in BSCI (Business Social Compliance Initiative) | Sizes: XS-XL | Color options: 9
Why we chose it: This washable silk maxi is the longer version of Quince's popular silk skirt . I'll admit that I accidentally bought the maxi version thinking it was the shorter version, but it was a happy surprise since I love how elegant the longer silhouette looks. It's soft and light on the skin too.
Our POV: I love wearing mine with a chunky sweater or cashmere turtleneck and can confirm that the lighter shade I own isn't see-through! Lisa Schweitzer, Senior Home Writer, has also tried the shorter version of this skirt in navy. She loves it, saying, "It matches perfectly with the navy cashmere sweater and the waistband is comfortable. Plus, it's affordable!"
Keep in mind: I'm 5'3" and if I fold the elastic waistband once, it's the perfect maxi length when worn with a little heel. If you're taller, it'll most likely hit your calves — whereas the regular version of Quince's silk skirt (which is also available in extended 1X-3X sizing ) is intended to hit at knee to mid-calf length depending on your height. The only downside is that I have to store it folded, so it tends to get very wrinkled and requires a steam every time I want to wear it. The good news, though, is that it doesn't take long to de-wrinkle.
Is it worth it?: Quince's silk skirt is a 19 momme, which is a lightweight and thinner fabric (something like a 22 or 25 momme would be considered more luxurious and high quality.) It also lacks an inner lining, and though it's not see-through, it's an indicator of the lower price. Still, it's a good value for the price!
- Easy to style for casual and formal occasions
- Comfortable elastic waistband
- Lighter colors are not see-through
- Tends to get a little wrinkly
Material: 95% Tencel, 5% Spandex | Claims: Produced in Sedex certified factories | Sizes: XS-3X | Color options: 6
Why we chose it: Sundresses can be everyday, casual clothing when they're this comfortable (with pockets, too!). Just ask Senior Wellness Writer Kelli McGrane who owns this dress in both brown and navy. It's just as cute for a nice brunch as it is for grocery shopping, and it's available in extended sizing from 1X to 3X as well.
Our POV: "I don't think I've ever had a dress that I've loved this much," says McGrane. "It's buttery soft and hangs just right — the top is fitting without being too tight, and the bottom flows out so nicely. It's easy to wash and can be dressed up or down. I've worn it to a cousin's bridal shower and while running errands with my two toddlers in tow. Oh, and of course, the pockets are also a standout feature as they're actually deep enough to hold my iPhone."
Keep in mind: The straps are not adjustable. But if you fall in love with the dress and just need the straps to be slightly adjusted, it's a quick fix for a tailor or anyone with a sewing machine to shorten those straps a tad.
Is it worth it?:Yes, absolutely. It's almost entirely Tencel which is an extremely comfortable fabric that feels great on the skin, with a little Spandex for stretch. For $50, it's a total steal and a highly versatile wardrobe staple.
- Has side-seam pockets
- Very soft and stretchy
- Available in extended sizing
- Straps are not adjustable
Material: 100% linen | Claims: OEKO-TEX certified; produced in BSCI (Business Social Compliance Initiative) | Sizes: 0-16 | Color options: 7
Why we chose it: Quince makes several popular linen items including skirts, pants and bedding (which I've owned for years — it's only gotten softer with each wash). These linen trousers look polished thanks to the pleated detailing, zipper front and belt loops on the waistband, but there's a sneaky elastic waistband in the back that makes them both comfortable and perfectly fitted at the waist. Quince also makes a slightly more casual (and slightly more affordable) linen pant with an exclusively elastic waistband that Gifting Editor Amanda Garrity loves.
Our POV: Yahoo's Senior Operations Analyst Lucy Wan, pictured above, lives in "the swamp that is Washington, D.C. and I'm always on the lookout for affordable linen because it's the only material that I don't feel suffocated in with the summer humidity," Wan says. She likes that these linen pants are unique in that they "still have some shape and structure to them and didn't have an elastic waistband so I could dress them up more." She adds, "I have them in the deep navy color and as far as I can tell they haven't faded at all, and I do NOT baby my clothes when I'm washing. At $50 a pair, the price is right as well!"
Keep in mind: Wan is 5'6" and says the pants are just about the perfect length on her, just about touching the floor without shoes. Garrity is 5'1" and says that the length of Quince's 100% European Linen Pants fits her perfectly, so if you're on the more petite side, they might be a better option for you.
Is it worth it?:Yes, this is one of those Quince gems that you can feel good about buying. The construction is thoughtful, the fabric is functional and the price seals the deal.
- Elevated waistband with zipper and belt loops
- Hidden elastic in the back
- Front pleating detail
- Light, breathable material
- Doesn't come in multiple lengths
Material: 73% organic cotton, 26% Lyocell Tencel, 1% Spandex | Claims: Organic Content Standard (OCS) certified cotton fiber; OEKO-TEX certified; produced in BSCI (Business Social Compliance Initiative) | Sizes: 24-33 | Inseams: 26-32" | Color options: 4
Why we chose it: There are standing jeans (a.k.a. jeans that are so tight, they only fit well while standing, not sitting), and there are these jeans: relaxed, wide-leg fit and with a comfortable stretch. Quince made a big splash when it announced that it was going to start releasing denim and at such a low price, and I was pleasantly surprised with how great the jeans really were. You can order based on your inseam and waist size, which is a recipe for an excellent fit.
Our POV: If I had to wear a pair of jeans on an airplane, I'd reach for these. The cut feels laidback, but at the same time, I feel cinched and secure thanks to the flexible material. I wore them all day at the office and didn't feel them riding up or causing any discomfort which is huge. They feel similar (okay, maybe slightly thinner but not in a major way) to another pair of jeans I own that are closer to $180!
Keep in mind: My only critique of these jeans is theoretical — technically, materials that give jeans their stretch (Spandex, in this case) tend to wear out a little quicker than cotton. But with the affordable $50 price point, I don't need these jeans to last me a decade.
Is it worth it?:Yes. Given the price of Quince jeans (and the rising cost of denim — someone recently told me that they paid $250 for jeans without blinking an eye!) and how incredibly comfortable they are, this is a deal worth snagging.
- Multiple inseam lengths
- Really comfortable fit
- No waist gaping
- Stretchy material may not last as long
Material: 100% cashmere | Claims:Grade-A Mongolian cashmere, produced in BSCI (Business Social Compliance Initiative) | Size: 81" x 25.5" | Color options: 5
Why we chose it: Quince offers a variety of wraps and scarves, including a ribbed cashmere scarf. This one is our top pick because it's made of 12-gauge cashmere (as opposed to the 7-gauge ribbed cashmere) which means it's a finer, smoother, lighter yarn that has a better drape to it. It's big enough, at almost seven feet long, to be wrapped around your body multiple times in a chilly theater or while lounging around, but it's also light enough to be a travel companion.
Our POV: Commerce Initiatives Director Jeanine Edwards says, "I'm one of those people who's always cold, so this gigantic cashmere scarf is very on brand for me. I use it as a scarf to keep my face and neck warm on freezing winter days, but I also wear it around the house when it's chilly, but I don't want to get under a blanket. It's so soft, provides lots of warmth and it's huge which I really love."
Keep in mind: You'll want to be a little careful with the delicate fabric. The same material that makes it extremely warm and soft also makes it slightly prone to snagging if you're rough with it.
Is it worth it?:This cashmere wrap is double the price of Quince's $50 cashmere sweater , so if you're considering buying one or the other as a gift, you'd get more bang for your buck going the clothing route. $102 is a pretty average bordering on expensive price for a cashmere wrap, so while it's still a good offering and product, I wouldn't consider this to be a massive steal.
- Can be worn as a shawl or a scarf
- Large and lightweight
- Extremely soft and smooth feel
- May snag on rough materials
Material: 80% Italian wool, 20% nylon | Claims: Designed for temperatures as low as 6°F / -15°C | Sizes: XS-XL | Color options: 7
Why we chose it: Wool coats are a capsule wardrobe necessity, and while I've found that the expensive ones really do perform well, there's no denying that they cost a pretty penny to invest in. This stepping-stone option from Quince is half the price of some of the more popular winter coats and makes for a chic addition to your closet for mild to moderate winter days. The double-breasted style is timeless, and if you're feeling extra chilly, the coat lapels can be folded back and buttoned up to the top.
Our POV: Temperature-wise, I'd say that the coat is perfect for 35-50°F when worn with a scarf— think cold but not freezing days when you want a solid extra layer that doesn't add too much bulk. It's warmer than I expected it to be based on the thickness, but I don't agree with Quince's assessment that it's engineered for temps as low as 6°F. I tend to run cold so I'd prefer to switch to my ankle-length puffer coat as soon as temps drop below 30°F.
Keep in mind: There is a line of visible, slightly clunky stitching about an inch above the cuff. It's definitely more noticeable on the lighter colors whereas on darker colors, it's only visible in certain lighting. The coat also feels more like a felt texture than a thick, plush wool.
Is it worth it?:If it's style you're looking for, this is a good option to consider. If it's warmth and longevity you're after, you may want to save up for another pick. Frej Lewenhaupt , co-founder and chief product officer of Steamery , says, "garments with higher wool content will often be warmer than those with a high percentage of synthetic materials," he says, adding that the highest "percentage of wool used [will] guide you to find the highest quality." This coat is made of 80% wool, which is a fairly high percentage, but that 20% nylon means it's not as warm as it could be. There are also some minor craftsmanship flaws like the visible stitching and texture. On the other hand, it'll give you the classic wool coat look without a $400+ price tag.
- Simple, chic style
- Good for mild winter temps
- Can button up all the way if you prefer
- Not great for sub-30 degree temperatures
- Some visible stitching
Quince bags reviews
Material: 100% Italian calf suede | Claims: LWG (Leather Working Group) certified tannery; produced in Sedex certified factories | Size: 11" H x 17.5" W x 4.75" D | Color options: 7
Why we chose it: There are some really nice, celeb-loved designer suede bags that are out there (think The Row's Bindle bag or the Coach suede Brooklyn Bag ) and after eyeing them for awhile, I decided to give this Quince version a try. It's not an exact dupe for either, but has a similar look and vibe.
Our POV: This bag is soft, supple and looks far more expensive than it is. It fits a decent amount (including my 14" laptop) and has an internal zip pocket for anything you need to keep extra secure. It's perfect — it immediately elevates any outfit I'm wearing, even if it's just a plain ol' jeans and T-shirt.
Keep in mind: After using it as an office bag for 9 months I'm starting to see some slight unraveling in the stitching: something to keep in mind if you're planning on putting a lot of heavy things in it all the time! I think this is an easy fix for a tailor/shoe repair shop/leather repairer. The colors tend to go out of stock quite frequently, so if you see one you love, I'd grab it if it's available!
Is it worth it?: Yes, this is a great deal especially if you're looking to recreate look of the almost-$1000 Bindle Bag from The Row for a measly 15% of the price. Suede is the softer underside of leather, so while it's more delicate than, say, a hefty full-grain leather, it has some of its inherent durability that Lewenhaupt says is ideal for purses and bags. In my experience, this particular suede has held up nicely.
- Fits a 14" laptop
- Extremely soft, supple suede
- High-end look and feel
- Stitching began to come undone a little
Exterior: 100% top-grain Italian leather | Interior: 100% cotton | Claims: LWG (Leather Working Group) certified tannery; produced in Sedex certified factories | Size: 10.5" H x 15" W x 5" D with a 12.5" drop | Color options: 1
Why we chose it: What initially caught my eye about this bag is the shape and the fact that it's 100% leather. The center pocket zips up and gives the bag a lot of structure, and then the two side sections act like full-size pockets that fit a million things. And while it's not an exact dupe for anything, it's very similar to both the Freja Paloma tote and the Kate Spade Maise Carryall which both have similar triple compartment designs.
Our POV: I'll admit it that when I first took this bag out of the box, I was not impressed by the thin straps. But having used it for over a month now, I can say that there is a massive plus to the thin (yet durable) straps which is that they don't fall off of my shoulder! They're extremely secure and I love that the straps have a longer drop, too. I've been reaching for this bag every day because it's so practical and cute. It really goes with everything. After using it for weeks on end, my new favorite thing is the triple compartment design and I love that it has protective metal feet at the bottom — overall, this bag is really thoughtfully designed.
Keep in mind: I can fit my 14" laptop horizontally in this purse, but my 16" laptop has to go in vertically. It's not ideal, but I've been loving this bag so much that I've just been carrying it with my giant laptop sticking out the top.
Is it worth it?:David Mesquita, vice president and co-owner of Leather Spa , tells me that top-grain leather is the second-strongest layer of leather (the first being the tough, full-grain outer layer) that's been lightly sanded for uniformity. Most luxury bags are made of top-grain leather, and Quince claims that this bag is too. My experience of the bag and the way it feels has been really positive, and I couldn't identify any deviations from real top-grain by touch alone, but it's worth noting that a leather expert dissected a different Quince leather bag that also claimed to be 100% top-grain leather and found that only certain parts were. Basically, buy at your own (very stylish) risk.
- Durable top-grain leather
- Thin straps that don't fall off the shoulder with a nice, long drop
- Triple compartments with a zipper section
- Protective metal feet
- Doesn't zip up over a laptop over 14 inches
Is Quince legit?
Yes, Quince is a legitimate company and safe to purchase from. I and several other editors on staff have successfully bought multiple items from the Quince website over the past few years. The brand always offers free shipping and has a generous 365 day return policy on new and unused items. The materials are as advertised, too — real, 100% cashmere, leather and silk.
So how is Quince so cheap?
According to Quince, the way it offers low prices is by "skipping the middleman." Customers buy directly from the manufacturer via Quince instead of having to pay up-charges associated with storage at expensive warehouses, wholesale costs that are tacked on when a brand buys something from a supplier and then sells it to you at an even higher price to make a profit and retail markups that often happen along the way. Quince also rarely runs sales, so there isn't that extra MSRP markup built into the price, making the items a little cheaper up front.
Further cutting costs, Quince tends to use more affordable materials and means of production. For example, Quince's 100% Washable Silk Maxi Skirt doesn't have a lining, which may help cut down on costs. Certain items' hems and seams are not be reinforced and stitching is visible whereas it could have been made invisible via more expensive methods of production. Not a dealbreaker at all, but just something to keep in mind when setting expectations for what the items will look and feel like IRL.
Bottom line: Is Quince worth it?
Yes, with the caveat that it's good to have a realistic expectation of what you'll receive. Quince leans into lofty claims, comparing its inventory to that of much more expensive designers and brands. While the brand does make cute clothing with quality fabrics like 100% cotton, 100% wool and 100% leather, will it have the exact same level of detail as a luxury item? Probably not.
For example, its Italian Wool Double-Breasted Slouch Coat is $175 and compares itself to the popular $375 Aritzia Slouch Coat . I've felt both in person and the Aritzia coat is a lot softer, thicker and more detailed than its Quince counterpart, which is a good option within its lower price range — it's just not an exact dupe as it claims.
Meet our experts
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Anthony Bolognese, owner of Capitol Hill Clothiers
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Frej Lewenhaupt, co-founder and chief product officer of Steamery
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David Mesquita, vice president and co-owner of Leather Spa
