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Sometimes, when a new “It” brand begins popping up everywhere, we can’t help but feel a bit…suspicious. Why is everyone suddenly wearing it? Are the pieces really that good? More than once, we’ve been left feeling disappointed, but in the case of sustainable luxury fashion brand Quince, the clothing and accessories are worth the hype.
We know because we (as in commerce editors and writers at StyleCaster) put them to the test, aiming to give a truly honest review. TL;DR: Quince is quality and worth the money (especially since the items are reasonably priced).
What does Quince sell?
In case you haven’t been targeted by social media ads or spotted the pieces in various shopping stories, Quince is essentially a one-stop shop for fashion essentials. A quick browse through the brand’s site and you’ll see that Quince makes clothing for women, men, babies and children, as well as home goods, travel essentials, and luggage. Still, the brand is sure not to overproduce, sticking with classic staples rather than rushing to be on-trend.
Why is Quince so affordable?
Quince lives by one rule: “Quality shouldn’t be a luxury.” The brand, which was founded in 2018, doesn’t believe that only a small group of people should be able to afford well-made items. To prove that it doesn’t need to be this way, it’s transparent when it comes to production costs, breaking it down on the “How It Works” part of its site. In short, it’s a combination of making just the essentials (for low design costs), working directly with factories (including shipping straight from there, reducing its carbon footprint), and having “minimal packaging and corporate overheads.”
Is Quince good?
Quince’s clothing, accessories, and home goods feel like high-end designs despite the low cost. That’s because it uses luxury materials, including Mongolian cashmere, Italian leather, and organic cotton. In terms of a company, it also keeps sustainability in mind, only working with factories that aim to limit their impact on the environment and treat their employees fairly.
The best things to buy from Quince, at a glance:
Quince Item: Responsible Down Puffer Vest
Color Options: 4
Size Range: XS – XL
Material: Shell and Lining: 100% recycled polyester; Fill: 90% goose down, 10% goose feathers
“I initially worried about the Responsible Down Puffer Vest not being warm enough for New York City winter weather, but so far, I’ve been A-OK in temperatures that fall in the 30s and 40s. In fact, I prefer to wear my puffer vest to avoid overheating on the packed subway, so if you run warm, consider getting this lightweight yet still toasty layer.
The removable hood is a standout feature, but I think my favorite part is the fleece-lined pockets that stop my hands from freezing. While I wish they had zippers instead of snap closures, I appreciate how deep they are because I can fit my bulky keys and hand in one pocket, and my phone and other hand in the other. There’s also an interior pocket (with a zipper) that houses my two lip balms and a pair of gloves. All of these storage options have me ditching my purse on most days.
In terms of style, a lot of the puffer vests I’ve been seeing are cropped, so I was excited to find one that’s on the longer side. I’m 5’5” and typically an Extra Small, but I like to size up in outerwear to leave plenty of room for layering. The Small fits me perfectly and has proven to comfortably fit oversized sweatshirts and chunky sweaters underneath.”
— Katie Decker-Jacoby, Associate Commerce Editor
Quince Item: Baby Alpaca-Wool Quarter Zip
Color Options: 5
Size Range: XS – XL
Material: Baby alpaca wool, extra fine merino wool, and nylon
“I’ve been dying to get my hands on a quarter-zip sweater that looks and feels luxurious, and I couldn’t have found a better option than the Baby Alpaca-Wool Quarter Zip. The material is ultra-soft and, best of all, not itchy. While lightweight, it’s actually very warm, plus it’s super versatile and timeless. When I styled it with my Quince puffer vest (pictured above), the outfit felt very “cool rich aunt,” which has me thinking that perhaps I’ve found my new aesthetic. I’ve also worn it with an oversized bomber jacket and puffer coats.
Similar to the Responsible Down Puffer Vest, the Baby Alpaca-Wool Quarter Zip is high-quality yet a fraction of the price of similar styles, which often cost over $100. Hold them up to this $69.90 Quince option and, to me, the decision is obvious.”
— Katie Decker-Jacoby, Associate Commerce Editor
Quince Item: Australian Shearling Mini Boots
Color Options: 3
Size Range: Small
Material: Suede, shearling
“I’ve been wearing these shearling boots for about six months — they warmed my feet through LA’s weirdly cold and rainy spring, were perfect for chilly summer nights by the beach, and are currently keeping me cozy as the temps dip. As someone who has been wearing UGG boots since the 9th grade (I am from SoCal after all), I can confirm these are just as good at half the price. They look and feel like the same thing, and they are truly just as durable. Things I love about them: They’re non-slip, so whether I’m shuffling into the kitchen on my vinyl floors at 6 a.m. or walking my dogs across the slippery grass at the park, these boots have A+ traction. They come pre-water repellent treated so they’ve been able to handle light rain (but I wouldn’t wear them in the snow or during a downpour — and if you want to, I’d apply more water repellent). The suede leather upper and 100 percent Austrailian shearling lining feels luxe. I’m a big fan!”
— Gina Vaynshteyn, Senior Commerce Director
Quince Item: Responsible Down Cropped Puffer Jacket
Color Options: 7
Size Range: XS – XL
Material: Recycled polyester shell, nylon and elastane cuffs, and a fill made off goose down and goose feathers
“I wore this puffer to the San Bernardino mountains last winter and was so impressed by how warm it kept me — chilling winds, snow, and all. Back in LA, where I live, I wore this on cold nights walking my dogs (in 40-degree weather — it gets chilly at night!) and it kept me super snug. As someone who originally dealt with Minnesota winters, I know how stifling a winter jacket can be, and this puffer still gives you enough freedom for movement while keeping you insulated and protected from the elements (thanks to the water-repellent and wind-resistant fabric, you’ll stay dry). The fit is adjustable (hood is removable, bungee drawcord lets you choose how snug you want to be). And the fabric itself feels luxe and is durable. Plus, I like the sleeve thumbholes (a great feature for dog walkers who have to keep at least one of their hands exposed!).”
— Gina Vaynshteyn, Senior Commerce Director
— Gina Vaynshteyn, Senior Commerce Director
Quince Item: Mongolian Cashmere Knit Hoodie
Color Options: 6
Size Range: XS – XL
Material: 100% Grade-A Mongolian cashmere
“Quince is known for making classic pieces over trendy ones, but this ribbed hoodie brought me straight back to the early ’00s — I even joked on Instagram that it reminded me of something my middle school crushes might have worn (and trust, I mean that as a compliment). Still, I highly doubt the boys back then were rocking Mongolian cashmere, which is what this option is made of. Not only is it super soft, I felt it was warm enough for a (heated) outdoor dinner date, no coat required. Typically, I range between an XS and small in clothing, and the latter gave me the perfect oversized look. I dressed up this typically casual staple with a mini skirt and boots, but prepare to see me styling it with jeans, trousers, and maybe even pajama pants (it’s that cozy).
— Samantha Sutton, Commerce Writer
Quince Item: 100% Organic Cotton Knit Blazer
Color Options: 11
Size Range: XS – XL
Material: 100% organic cotton
“I’m going through a preppy phase, but I’m also a Taurus — I can’t deal with stiff clothing and would rather wear softer, comfortable clothing. Quince’s Organic Cotton Knit Blazer satisfies both needs. On one hand, it looks sleek and really pulls an outfit together, just like a structured option would. However, it’s as soft and flexible as a cardigan or sweater. This might become my new go-to layer!”
— Samantha Sutton, Commerce Writer
Quince Item: Ultra Stretch Ponte Cropped Wide Leg Pant, $49.90
Color Options: 11
Size Range: 0 – 16
Material: Rayon, nylon, and spandex
“You may see trousers in this photo, but what I feel is sweatpants. These super stretchy slacks are the pants for people who hate anything that feels too constricting but still want a sharp, elevated look. The wide leg is roomy and relaxed, but the waist is the real highlight — it’s snug and supportive without feeling too tight (especially after a bloat-inducing meal). I’m also 5’0, so the cropped length is perfect for my short legs — they hit my ankle and no alterations are needed.
To be completely honest, when I first tried them on while working from home, I forgot to change back into my PJs and wore them the whole day through. I can confirm they feel just as comfortable as loungewear but look a lot cuter, and you really can’t beat the price.”
— Samantha Sutton, Commerce Writer
Quince Item: 100% Washed Leather Bomber Jacket, $179.90
Color Options: Black
Size Range: XS – XL
Material: Top grain sheep leather, poly stain
“If you’re obsessed with buying leather jackets like I am, you’ll want to add this bomber option to your collection right away. It’s super sleek looking (if you prefer an oversized fit, I’d recommend sizing up) and extremely comfortable—the leather feels so soft. It hits right at my waist for a very flattering look, and as someone who doesn’t always want to carry a handbag out on the town, I appreciate the two roomy pockets in the front.
No joke, I’ve worn this jacket nearly every day since it arrived, including to the office, on nights out to the bars and even on little errand runs. It’s also surprisingly warm (I’ve been fine layering a long sleeve underneath on 45-degree days in NYC), though I imagine I’ll have to add a puffer on top once the weather really dips.
For the level of quality—the leather used for this jacket is biodegradable and tanned in a Leather Working Group certified tannery—the price is extremely reasonable. If you’ve been searching for a black leather jacket you can wear regularly that won’t cost you hundreds, this is the one.”
— Maya Gandara, Commerce Editor
Samantha Sutton
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