Today I’m sharing my opinion about two clothing subscription box services – Stitch Fix vs thredUP.
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When I first brainstormed ideas for this blog, a fashion piece was nowhere on my radar. I am no fashionista. I don’t change my bag to match my outfit (ain’t nobody got time for that). And speaking of time, I have little to spare to go clothes shopping either. That’s why I love these subscription box services. You can try the clothes on in the comfort of your home, and it’s so exciting when the boxes arrive – it’s Christmas every month!
I’ve been using Stitch Fix every month since November 2017, and thredUP since they introduced their service back in April of this year. People ask me questions about both services, so I thought why not do a blog post? And no, I’m not being compensated by either company. I want to help you make an informed decision if you are on the fence about trying either service.
Both services share similarities but contain significant differences.
Opening Your Account
When you open an account on either site, you will answer a questionnaire. The questionnaire will help your stylist pick out items that match your size, style and budget. The more specific you are in this step, the happier you will be with your box. But no worries! Even if your first box is not everything you hoped for, both services encourage constant feedback, so the boxes become more tailored to your tastes with each delivery.
Keep in mind you must keep a method of payment on file with either company. If you’re not comfortable with that, this method of shopping isn’t for you.
Frequency of Delivery
Stitch Fix: a true subscription service, you will receive a box based on the timetable you choose. Current offerings are every 2-3 weeks, every month, every other month, or every 3 months.
thredUP: not a subscription service (though they are considering it). You order a box whenever you want.
Styling Fee
Stitch Fix: $20 per box (though they rolled out a new service called “Style Pass” this month which costs $49 for one whole year of fixes – no more monthly fee!). Style Pass is by invitation only though, so when you first sign up, you will pay the $20 per box until they consider you a VIP.
thredUP: $10 per box.
Both fees are non-refundable. If you return every item in your box, you lose your styling fee. If you keep something, your styling fee becomes a credit toward whatever you buy. For example, let’s say you keep a shirt from your thredUP box that costs $12. You will only owe $2 at checkout, because your $10 styling fee gets subtracted from your purchase.
Number of Days to Return Unwanted Items
Stitch Fix: 3 days
thredUP: 7 days
Number of Items Per Box
Stitch Fix: 5
thredUP: 10-15 (although in one shipment I received 17 pieces!!)
Kind of Clothing
Stitch Fix: new
thredUP: secondhand
The items from thredUP are of excellent quality. I even receive pieces that still have their original tags attached! And I will say thredUP is a great way to score name brand and designer clothing for much less than what Stitch Fix charges. Which brings us to our next point…
Price Points
Both sites will ask you for your budget preference. My personal experience with Stitch Fix is even if you choose the lowest budget tier (as I did) you will still receive items well over budget.
For example, in my first two Stitch Fix orders, the average price per item was $43.60. With thredUP it was $15.86.
And the Stitch Fix items are from brands I’ve never heard of (they stock designer and name brands, but at a higher price point). With thredUP, I’ve scored items from Jones New York, Ann Taylor Loft, and The Gap, just to name a few.
Checkout Procedures/Returning Items
Stitch Fix: Before you send your items back, you must login to your account and let them know what you are returning. Once you hit “submit”, your styling fee gets subtracted and any remaining balance goes on your credit card on file. You then put your returns in the postage-paid envelope they give you and drop it off at the post office.
thredUP: Once you decide what items you’re returning, package them up in the same box they shipped. Stick the prepaid postage return label to the box and drop it off at the post office. Once thredUP receives your box, they will go through it to verify what you kept. They will then apply your styling fee and charge any remaining balance to your credit card, emailing you a receipt.
As stated above, returns are free for both companies. But be sure to get those returns to the post office within the stated number of days to avoid getting charged for the entire box.
Discount on Entire Box
Stitch Fix: offers a 25% discount off your order if you buy every item in the box.
thredUP: does not offer a discount if you purchase every item in the box. However, if you purchase more than $75, they will give you a $10 credit towards a future purchase.
There you have it. I think I covered everything in this Stitch Fix vs thredUP comparison. If there’s something I missed or if you still have questions, just leave them in the comments section below and I’ll answer them for you!
For a $10 shopping credit on thredUP, click here!
For a $25 shopping credit on Stitch Fix, click here!
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I just started Stitch Fix. I just got my second order. Good quality clothes. They have my style pegged so kept all the items and got 25% off the purchase price. They give a credit for referrals, does Thred Up? I am assuming their used clothes are cleaned first. I like the idea of recycling clothes but used by someone else gives me an odd feeling.
Hi Diane,
I’m so glad to hear that you are enjoying Stitch Fix! To answer your question, yes, thredUP does give a credit for referrals. As you know, Stitch Fix gives you a $25 referral fee; with thredUP it’s $10. And yes, thredUP does clean all of the clothes first. The clothes arrive clean and smelling fresh – you really can’t tell that they’re used. You should give it a try – they’re not a subscription service, so you can try a box first to see if you like it. And even if you end up returning everything in the box, you would only be out $10. They have several customization options for the boxes, which will give you a greater chance of getting items that match your style. And to your last point – the only items of clothing that I won’t buy used are footwear – that gives me the “odd” feeling too!
Thank you for the review! Just tried Stitch Fix, which is not exclusively subscription anymore and users can receive a box on demand. I just did one box and probably won’t do another, but I appreciate the option to have one come at some point in the future, no obligation of a subscription. I am interested in trying Thred Up, and will probably do so now. Thanks!
Hi Melissa! Thank you for taking the time to read and comment on my review – I’m glad you found it helpful. And yes, since my review was originally published in September of 2018, I’m sure there have been some changes to the policies of each service, but at least my post encouraged you and got the ball rolling, lol. I’m interested to know if you have tried thredUP – I’ve been exclusively shopping from their “New with Tags” section for about a year now, and I love it!