Ann Taylor vs. Loft: Which brand should you buy? [2026]

Ann Taylor offers timeless, sophisticated pieces for the professional woman with higher quality fabrics and a more premium price point, focusing on classic, tailored workwear. In contrast, Loft provides trendy, casual, and more affordable clothing with a youthful feel, catering to everyday life and more relaxed dress codes.

Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right brand for your wardrobe, budget, and personal style.

Ann Taylor: The Classic & Polished Professional

Ann Taylor is a go-to for women seeking sophisticated and professional apparel that balances timeless silhouettes with modern updates. The brand targets professional women aged 25-45 who need reliable, high-quality pieces for the office and beyond, focusing on refined designs that are built to last.

• Product mix: A complete range of work-appropriate clothing, including tailored dresses, blouses, trousers, skirts, and outerwear. They also offer polished accessories to complete any professional look.
• Price point: In the mid-range to premium segment. Expect to pay around $60-$90 for blouses, $100-$150 for pants, and $150-$200+ for blazers and dresses.
• Quality: Known for using more premium fabrics like silk, wool, and high-grade cottons. Pieces often feature lining and detailed stitching, contributing to better durability and a more structured look.
• Sizing/Fit: Sizing is generally consistent and true to size, with a focus on a classic, tailored fit. The brand also offers petite and tall sizing to accommodate a variety of body types.

Ann Taylor provides investment-worthy professional staples known for their quality construction and elegant, lasting style.

Shop Ann Taylor: anntaylor.com

Loft: The Trendy & Casual Favorite

Loft caters to women who want fun, trendy, and affordable fashion that works for a busy, active lifestyle. Its style is more relaxed and playful, often featuring bright colors, fun prints, and comfortable fits suited for everything from a casual day at the office to weekend outings.

• Product mix: A wide array of versatile clothing including comfortable tops, dresses, jeans, skirts, and accessories. Their selection is ideal for building a flexible wardrobe that doesn't feel stuffy.
• Price point: Very accessible and budget-friendly. Most tops fall between $30 and $60, with dresses and pants typically ranging from $40 to $80.
• Quality: Good for the price, focusing on comfortable materials like cotton blends, soft knits, and polyester. The pieces are stylish but may not have the longevity of higher-priced alternatives.
• Sizing/Fit: Offers a broad range of sizes, including petite and plus, making it accessible for many women. The fit can sometimes vary by style, feeling more relaxed and less structured than Ann Taylor.

Loft is the perfect destination for affordable, trend-forward pieces that easily blend into a casual work or weekend wardrobe.

Shop Loft: loft.com

Ann Taylor vs. Loft Comparison

Price Comparison

The price difference is one of the most significant distinctions between the two brands. Ann Taylor sits comfortably in the mid-tier premium market. For instance, a tailored work blazer might cost you $170, while a classic dress is often priced between $130 and $180. These prices reflect the brand's commitment to higher-quality fabrics and more intricate construction.

Loft operates in a much more budget-friendly space. You can often find a stylish blazer for around $80 and dresses regularly priced between $50 and $90. Furthermore, Loft runs promotions almost constantly, making their already low prices even more attractive. If your priority is building a wardrobe without a big investment, Loft offers undeniable value.

Quality & Materials

You can feel the difference in quality between the two. Ann Taylor focuses on materials designed for longevity and a sharp appearance, like wool blends, silk, and structured ponte knits. Garments are more likely to be lined, hold their shape well, and withstand repeated wear and professional cleaning, making them true workhorse pieces in a professional wardrobe.

Loft prioritizes comfort and trend-friendly compositions, such as soft cotton blends, rayon, and polyester. The quality is solid for the price, perfectly suited for items you might wear for a season or two. However, the fabrics are generally less substantial and may not hold up to years of use in the same way Ann Taylor's pieces do.

Style & Aesthetic

The style of each brand is directed at two different lifestyles. Ann Taylor is the clear winner for a corporate or formal business environment. The aesthetic is polished, classic, and elegant, favoring timeless silhouettes, neutral color palettes, and sophisticated details. It’s for the woman who needs to look sharp and put-together in a professional setting.

Loft’s style is much more casual, vibrant, and playful. While many pieces are work-appropriate for business-casual settings, the overall vibe is relaxed. It's the place you go for fun floral prints, comfortable everyday tops, casual weekend dresses, and trendy jeans.

Fit & Sizing

Ann Taylor generally provides a consistent, true-to-size fit with a focus on tailoring. Their cuts are designed to flatter in a professional context, often feeling more structured and closely fitted. They also offer a good range of petite and tall sizes tailored to those specific proportions.

Loft's sizing is generally reliable, but its fits can be more relaxed and sometimes vary between different items. A medium-sized top in a knit might be loose, while a medium in a woven blouse could be more fitted. The brand excels in its expansive size range, offering petite, tall, and a well-regarded plus-size collection.

Sustainability & Ethics

Both brands, which are under the same parent company, have taken steps toward more responsible practices. They incorporate eco-friendly fabrics and participate in initiatives aimed at reducing their environmental footprint. However, neither brand is a leader in sustainability, and there is room for greater transparency regarding their supply chains and manufacturing processes.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both brands serve their target audience well, but they aren't interchangeable. The right choice depends entirely on your needs.

Choose Ann Taylor if:

• You work in a corporate or formal business setting and need polished, professional attire.
• You are building an investment wardrobe with timeless pieces that will last for years.
• You value high-quality materials and a structured, tailored fit.
• Your personal style leans classic, sophisticated, and elegant.

Choose Loft if:

• You're on a budget and love finding a good deal.
• Your workplace has a business casual or relaxed dress code.
• You enjoy keeping up with current trends and updating your wardrobe frequently.
• You prioritize comfort and fun, casual styles for everyday life and weekends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ann Taylor or Loft cheaper?

Loft is significantly cheaper than Ann Taylor. With lower everyday prices and near-constant sales and promotions, Loft is the clear choice for budget-conscious shoppers.

Which brand has better quality clothing?

Ann Taylor has better quality clothing. The brand uses more premium materials, focuses on tailored construction, and designs its pieces for greater longevity, making it a better choice for investment-worthy wardrobe staples.

Is Ann Taylor sizing the same as Loft?

No, their sizing can differ slightly. Ann Taylor is known for a more structured, tailored fit that runs true to size. Loft often has a more relaxed, casual fit, and sizing can feel less consistent across different styles. It's always a good idea to check the size chart for each brand.

Which brand is better suited for work attire?

For formal or corporate office environments, Ann Taylor is the superior choice due to its polished, professional aesthetic and high-quality tailoring. For business casual offices, both can work, but Loft offers more relaxed and colorful options.

Which is better suited for your weekend wear?

Loft wins for casual clothes without a doubt. Its focus on comfort, current trends, and accessible price points makes it perfect for weekend outfits, casual dresses, jeans, and fun everyday tops.

Can you return items to both stores?

Yes, both Ann Taylor and Loft have straightforward return policies that allow you to return items both in-store and by mail, typically within a 30-day window.

How often does Loft have great clothing deals or special discounts?

Loft is famous for its frequent sales. It's uncommon to visit the site and *not* see a major promotion, often 40-50% off select items or even your entire purchase. They also have seasonal clearance events with significant discounts.

Ann Taylor's clean, timeless clothes provide more options suitable for women who need modern officewear, whereas Loft offers great casual choices for trendy new collections.