When it comes to life’s little luxuries, we want them now. Actually, we want them yesterday. We want control and efficiency for a reasonable price, exactly when we need it. It didn’t take long for some clever clogs to catch on to this, and so, the subscription service was born. And now we introduce you to... clothing subscription boxes. AKA the best thing invented since sliced bread.
We have access to mammoth libraries of entertainment, meal plans, beauty products and even period products at the click of a button, making our lives easier and expanding our shopping choices exponentially. The fashion industry soon cottoned on to the trend, noticing an audience of busy women who want to look good, but simply don’t have time to shop.
The best clothing subscription boxes, at a glance:
Editor's Choice: Stitch Fix, from £10
Best value-for-money clothing subscription box: Lookiero, from £10
Best vintage clothing subscription box: A Curated Thrift, from $69.95
Women’s clothing subscription boxes give shoppers the option to try before they buy, only pay for what they keep and encourage trying new items they usually wouldn’t, hand-picked by professionals. What’s not to like?
Ready to discover your new favourite clothes subscription box? Here’s our round-up. Want to know how we got on ordering for the first time - we've got you. All the info you'll need is below.
SHOP: The best clothing subscription boxes to revitalise your style
Editor's Choice: best clothing subscription box
Stitch Fixwww.stitchfix.co.uk
As one of the biggest names in the game, Stitch Fix prides itself on delivering a personalised, customisable shopping experience. Human stylists, working in partnership with its styling algorithm prove great for rebuilding your wardrobe and discovering new pieces.
Simply fill in a Style Profile and one of their personal stylists will hand-pick five items, based on your style and budget and post them out to you. You select the frequency of your deliveries and have the option to only order a Fix when you need it, so you have plenty of freedom.
Pros
- Accurate algorithm for excellent styling
- The styling fee is redeemable against the cost of anything you keep
Cons
- Only have seven days to return any items
- Don't receive entire outfits
Best value-for-money clothing subscription box
Lookierolookiero.co.uk
If you want to discover new brands to love, Lookiero could be the one for you. As with many subscription services, fill in your style profile and get ready to see what the stylist has chosen for you.
The team works with over 150 European brands, many of you won't have heard of, which makes your delivery all the more exciting. The service costs £10 but is deducted from your purchases - even if you only keep one thing.
Pros
- 25 per cent off if you keep all five items in your box
- Clothes are good quality
Cons
- Only have five days to check out items
- Slightly more expensive items
Best vintage clothing subscription box
acuratedthrift.cratejoy.com
Launched by eco-blogger and mother Julia Meadows, A Curated Thrift began as a thrifty-style service for her friends and family but quickly morphed into a well-reviewed and loved service. Born out of a love for conserving the environment and battling the fast fashion industry, A Curated Thrift brings you secondhand and vintage items to mix up your wardrobe.
With the Thrift Box, Deluxe Box and Vintage Box to choose from, you can tailor the service to your needs. Although based in the US, A Curated Thrift ships worldwide, and offers exchanges to international customers. If you're looking for unique items, hand-picked from vintage markets and thrift stores, this could be the box for you.
Pros
- Eco Friendly
- A wide range of styles to choose from
Cons
- US-based so have to pay for international shipping
- No free returns for international shoppers
Best socks subscription box
Socks in a Boxwww.socksinabox.com
Are boring socks your Achilles heel? You can sprinkle a little bit of fun into your sock drawer by signing up for a sock subscription box. Socks in a Box lets you choose from the recurring plans to keep your sock collection topped up, with pre-pay options to save money, a specific date selection and even a "his and hers" box, if you'd prefer.
The socks are comfortable, high quality and look super cool. Available in men's sizes 7-11 and women's sizes 4-7.
Pros
- Letterbox delivery service
- Recyclable packaging
Cons
- Quality isn't as good as others
- Don't offer weekly subscriptions
Best lingerie subscription box
Express Mimiwww.empressmimi.com
Is your wardrobe on point but your underwear drawer is lacking? You're in luck: lingerie subscription boxes exist! Unlike traditional underwear companies, Express Mimi is putting the fun back into lingerie - that means no wire, plenty of stretchy materials and adjustable straps. Praise the bra gods!
You can choose from one pair of undies a month, all the way up to the Empress box, which will probably turn your house into the Fifty Shades of Grey film set. But hey, if that's what you're into, you do you. Subscriptions start from one month, with discounts for 3, 6 and 12-month options. Change or cancel your subscription at any time and return any unworn, unused items within 14 days.
Pros
- A huge range of lingerie for any occasion
- Wire-free
Cons
- Basic materials
What are the benefits of a clothes subscription box?
Personal styling
Most people with a love for fashion will have dreamed about being styled by a professional, but who can afford that? We're not all Kimmy K. For a small styling fee, some clothes subscription boxes offer you advice from a real pro, who takes into account your personal taste, your body shape and what you want more or less of in your wardrobe. It makes you feel like a real A-lister, and it will be deducted from your total bill.
Trying something new
Along with brands you might not have heard of, a fashion subscription box lets someone else do the choosing for you, so there will be silhouettes, colours and styles you would never pick off the shelf for yourself. You'll definitely end up being pleasantly surprised.
No trying-on stress
Is there anything worse than feeling sweaty and stressed out in a fitting room? It's definitely not at the top of our bucket list. With a subscription box, you can try on your clothes in the comfort of your home, with your own mirror and with a few days from delivery to decide. As long as the items haven't been worn, still have all tags attached and are in the original packaging, you're all good.
Full box discounts
If you decide you do want to keep everything in your box, you may receive a discount from some providers. Bonus. You can also get rewarded for referring your friends, as well.
Easy returns
Most subscription boxes come with a pre-paid returns label to make sending back anything you don't want a breeze. Easy peasy.
Jade Moscrop is the Commercial Content Editor for Grazia, specialising in lifestyle topics. When she’s not writing about beauty products, gym leggings and chic homeware items, she can usually be found on a hot girl walk, buying houseplants or listening to female-fronted rock bands.