Free People vs. Urban Outfitters: Which brand should you buy? [2026]

Free People offers a distinct bohemian, vintage-inspired aesthetic with a focus on higher-quality materials and more intricate details, carrying a higher price point to match. In contrast, Urban Outfitters provides a broader, more eclectic mix of trendy streetwear and retro styles at a more accessible, budget-friendly price.

Let's compare everything you need to know to decide which of these popular retailers fits your personal style and budget.

Free People: The Artisanal & Bohemian Specialist

Free People is a lifestyle brand dedicated to a free-spirited, artistic, and feminine aesthetic. It targets young women who appreciate unique, relaxed styles that feel personal and timeless. The brand is known for its flowy dresses, detailed embroidery, lace accents, and layered looks that define modern boho-chic fashion.

• Product mix: Specializes in women's clothing, including dresses, tops, outerwear, and intimates. They also have an activewear line (FP Movement) and a curated selection of footwear and accessories that align with their romantic, adventurous vibe.
• Price point: A mid-to-premium brand. Expect to pay between $50-$150 for tops and basics, while dresses, sweaters, and outerwear often range from $150 to over $300.
• Quality: Known for using quality fabrics like linen, organic cotton, and delicate lace. Pieces often feature detailed craftsmanship such as beading and embroidery, designed to last longer than typical fast-fashion items.
• Fit & Sizing: Sizing generally runs true to size but is known for a relaxed, and sometimes intentionally oversized, fit. Many tops and dresses are designed to be flowy, so shoppers sometimes size down for a more fitted look.
• Sales: Holds seasonal sales and periodic promotions, but full-priced items dominate the selection year-round. Sale events are a good time to find their higher-priced items at a discount.
• Return policy: Offers returns within 30 days of the delivery date for a full refund.

Free People is the choice for shoppers seeking well-made, artisanal pieces with a distinct bohemian feel and who are willing to invest more in their wardrobe.

Shop Free People: freepeople.com

Urban Outfitters: The Eclectic Trend Emporium

Urban Outfitters serves as a one-stop-shop for a younger demographic focused on current trends, blending streetwear, vintage-revival, and indie styles. The store offers a vast and ever-changing collection of apparel, accessories, home decor, records, and novelty gifts, making it a cultural hub for teens and young adults.

• Product mix: Carries a wide range of men's and women's clothing, graphic tees, denim, and dresses from their in-house labels and other brands. They are also a major source for apartment decor, vinyl records, beauty products, and unique gifts.
• Price point: More budget-friendly, with most apparel priced between $20 and $100. Basics like tees and tanks are often under $40, while jackets and statement pieces can reach $150 or more.
• Quality: Quality can be variable. While many of their basics hold up well, the focus is primarily on accessible, trend-driven fashion rather than long-term durability. Materials often include polyester blends and standard cotton.
• Fit & Sizing: Sizing is generally standard, offering XS-XL. However, fit can vary significantly depending on the style, as many items are intentionally oversized, cropped, or fitted to match current trends. Always check product details and reviews.
• Sales: Famous for its frequent sales and a large, permanent sale section online. Student discounts are also commonly an option, making it very accessible for a younger, budget-conscious audience.
• Return policy: Provides a flexible 30-day return window for online and in-store purchases.

Urban Outfitters is perfect for shoppers who want to experiment with current styles and buy trendy, affordable pieces for their closet and home.

Shop Urban Outfitters: urbanoutfitters.com

Free People vs. Urban Outfitters Comparison

Price Comparison

The price difference is one of the most significant distinctions between the two. Free People operates in a more premium space. A simple blouse might cost $88, a standard dress around $168, and a jacket upwards of $200. This reflects their focus on more detailed designs and higher-quality materials.

In contrast, Urban Outfitters is far more affordable. You can easily find graphic tees for $25-$40, trendy mini dresses for under $70, and outerwear for around $100. With its constant sales and promotions, Urban Outfitters is the clear winner for shoppers on a tighter budget.

Quality & Materials

Free People places a strong emphasis on craftsmanship. The brand heavily favors natural fibers like cotton, linen, and silk-blends, and its garments often feature intricate embroidery, beading, and custom lace that feels substantial. The higher price is often justified by the nicer feel and durability of the materials used.

Urban Outfitters' quality is more typical of a mass-market retailer. The materials are often synthetics like polyester and rayon, designed to be affordable and stylish for a season. While you can find some durable basics, many items are built with the trend cycle in mind and may not retain their shape or quality after extensive wear and washing.

Style & Aesthetic

While both brands cater to a young, fashion-conscious audience, their core aesthetics are different. Free People's identity is deeply rooted in bohemian, romantic, and vintage-inspired style. Think flowy maxi dresses, folk-inspired blouses, wide-leg pants, and delicate prints. It’s a very defined look for someone who wants to appear artistic, relaxed, and feminine.

Urban Outfitters has a much more eclectic, streetwear-influenced style. It follows a wide range of micro-trends, from 90s grunge and Y2K revival to casual skate-wear and minimalist indie looks. It's the place to go for a popular graphic tee, a trendy corset top, or a pair of baggy cargo pants. Its aesthetic is less singular and reflects whatever is currently popular on social media and in youth culture.

Fit & Sizing

Free People is notorious for its oversized and relaxed fits. Many of their items, particularly sweaters and dresses, are designed to hang loosely. It's common for regular shoppers to size down if they want a less billowy silhouette. Their sizing generally runs from XS to XL across the brand.

Urban Outfitters sizing is more straightforward, typically running true to size for a brand targeting a youth market. However, because they follow trends so closely, the fit of individual items can vary. You’ll find extremely oversized sweatshirts alongside skin-tight baby tees, so reading the product description ("The fit is oversized," "The fit is slim") is very helpful.

Sustainability & Ethics

Both brands are owned by the same parent company, URBN, and face similar scrutiny regarding their sustainability practices. Free People has made bigger public steps with its "Care FP" collection, which highlights products made with eco-conscious materials or through certified ethical processes. There's a tangible effort to spotlight more sustainable options.

Urban Outfitters has also made commitments to improving its environmental footprint but is often criticized for its fast-fashion business model, which encourages frequent consumption of trend-based items. While they do have initiatives in place, sustainability is less central to their brand identity when compared to Free People’s eco-conscious messaging.

Which One Should You Choose?

The best choice depends entirely on your personal style, priorities, and budget.

Choose Free People if:

• Your personal style is bohemian, romantic, or vintage-inspired.
• You value higher-quality, natural materials and are willing to pay more for them.
• You prefer investing in unique, artisanal pieces that you'll wear for multiple seasons.
• You love a relaxed, oversized, and flowy silhouette in your clothing.

Choose Urban Outfitters if:

• You are on a budget and love finding a good deal.
• You enjoy keeping up with a wide variety of fast-moving trends, from girly to grunge.
• You are also shopping for men's clothing, home decor, or unique gifts.
• You prefer clothing that typically runs true to size and covers a wide range of modern fits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Free People or Urban Outfitters cheaper?

Urban Outfitters is significantly cheaper than Free People. Most items at UO fall into the $20-$100 range, while Free People's clothing typically starts around $50 and goes well into the $300s.

Which has better quality?

Free People generally has better construction and uses higher-grade materials like linen, organic cotton, and intricate lace, leading to more durable garments. Urban Outfitters' quality is more inconsistent and typical of a fast-fashion retailer, with a focus on affordability over longevity.

Are Free People and Urban Outfitters owned by the same company?

Yes, both Free People and Urban Outfitters are owned by the parent company Urban Outfitters, Inc. (URBN), which also owns Anthropologie, BHLDN, and Terrain.

Which is better for bohemian style?

Free People is the definitive choice for bohemian style. Their entire brand identity is built around a romantic, artistic, and free-spirited aesthetic, offering a much deeper and more authentic selection of boho-chic clothing and accessories.

Does Free People or Urban Outfitters sizing run large?

Free People is known for running large and featuring intentionally oversized and flowy fits. Many shoppers recommend sizing down. Urban Outfitters' sizing is generally more standard, though specific item fits can vary based on the intended trend or style.

What are their return policies like?

Both brands offer a similar 30-day return window for a full refund on unworn, tagged merchandise. Both accept returns in-store or by mail, making the process fairly convenient.

Which brand is more sustainable?

While both brands are part of a large corporate structure and face challenges with sustainability, Free People has a more forward-facing initiative with its "Care FP" edit to help customers find more eco-conscious items. Sustainability is a more prominent part of Free People's branding and marketing.

Does Urban Outfitters sell Free People clothing?

Yes, you can sometimes find a small, curated selection of Free People and especially its activewear line, FP Movement, on the Urban Outfitters website and in some of their larger retail stores.