H&M vs. Topman: Which brand should you buy? [2026]

H&M is a global fast-fashion retailer known for modern, versatile, and highly affordable clothing for a broad audience, with a strong focus on sustainable initiatives. In contrast, Topman is a British menswear brand that caters specifically to young, fashion-conscious men with an edgier, trend-driven, and streetwear-inspired aesthetic at a slightly higher price point.

Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right fast-fashion brand for your wardrobe.

H&M: The Global Leader in Affordable & Versatile Fashion

H&M is one of the world's largest fashion retailers, offering trendy clothing for men, women, and children at accessible prices. The brand is a go-to for shoppers who want to update their wardrobe with seasonal styles and everyday basics without overspending. H&M's collections are comprehensive, ranging from casual t-shirts and jeans to professional workwear and special collaborations with high-end designers.

• Product mix: A wide array of apparel for all genders and ages, including basics, activewear, business attire, and formal pieces. They are also known for designer collaborations and their "Conscious" collection made from recycled or sustainable materials.
• Price point: Extremely affordable, with basics like t-shirts starting around $10. Most items, including jeans, sweaters, and dresses, fall in the $25-$70 range.
• Quality & Materials: The quality is consistent with its fast-fashion price. Basics are generally reliable for regular wear, though more trend-focused pieces may not be built for long-term durability. The Conscious line often features higher-quality, sustainable fabrics.
• Sizing/Fit: Sizing is generally true to size and inclusive, with regular, tall, and petite options available. The fit is typically modern and accommodating for a wide range of body types.
• Style & Aesthetic: The overall aesthetic is modern, minimalist, and versatile. H&M translates runway trends into wearable, everyday pieces perfect for a broad audience.
• Sustainability: A major focus for the brand. H&M runs a garment-collecting program in its stores and has committed to using only recycled or other sustainably sourced materials by 2030.

H&M is the ideal choice for budget-conscious individuals and families looking for stylish, everyday clothing with a commitment to improving sustainability.

Shop H&M: hm.com

Topman: The Hub for Edgy, Trend-Driven Menswear

Originally from the UK, Topman is a menswear retailer that focuses on edgy, fashion-forward styles for young men. The brand is known for being on the pulse of youth culture and streetwear, offering bold prints, contemporary cuts, and of-the-moment clothing that makes a statement. While once part of the Arcadia Group with Topshop, Topman is now sold primarily through retailers like ASOS and Nordstrom.

• Product mix: Specializes exclusively in menswear, including everything from graphic tees and distressed denim to sharp suits, statement jackets, and a wide variety of accessories.
• Price point: Best described as mid-range affordable. Items generally fall between $20 for a shirt to over $100 for outerwear or tailored pieces. It's priced slightly above H&M.
• Quality & Materials: Quality is comparable to other fast-fashion brands. The focus is more on unique designs and trendy materials rather than long-term durability, with many pieces made from synthetic blends to achieve specific looks.
• Sizing/Fit: Topman notoriously runs slim and narrow. Its fits are tailored for a lean physique, aligning with modern streetwear and European style trends, so sizing up is often recommended.
• Style & Aesthetic: Edgy, youthful, bold, and heavily influenced by streetwear and music culture. Expect vibrant colors, distinctive patterns, and slim, contemporary silhouettes.
• Sustainability: Sustainability is a work in progress for the brand. While part of larger retail groups that have initiatives, Topman itself is less known for prominent environmental efforts than H&M.

Topman is perfect for the style-conscious man who wants to experiment with current trends and isn't afraid of a bolder, more fitted look.

Shop Topman: topman.com

H&M vs. Topman Comparison

Price Comparison

There is a clear difference in price between the two brands. H&M is the more budget-friendly option across the board. You can easily find t-shirts for under $15 and jeans for around $30, making it a go-to for stocking up on essentials. They also run frequent sales and have a robust clearance section online.

Topman is positioned slightly higher, with prices that reflect its more specialized, trend-focused designs. T-shirts typically start around $20-$25, and jackets or more intricate pieces can cost over $100. While not expensive, it is a step up from H&M’s rock-bottom pricing, targeting a customer willing to pay a little more for a specific aesthetic.

Style & Aesthetic

Style is the biggest differentiator. H&M provides fashion for the masses with a clean, current, and broadly appealing aesthetic. Their clothes are designed to fit seamlessly into any modern wardrobe, focusing on wearability and versatility. Think of them as a source for reliable basics with a trendy twist.

Topman, conversely, is all about making a statement. Its style is niche and unabashedly dedicated to the young, urban man who follows streetwear trends closely. With its loud prints, slim cuts, and experimental designs, Topman's clothing is meant to be seen and is less concerned with timeless versatility.

Fit & Sizing

The fit and sizing could not be more different. H&M offers a more standard, true-to-size fit designed for a wider demographic. Their cuts are generally more relaxed, and with options like regular, tall, and plus-size, most shoppers can find something that works for them.

Topman is famous - or infamous - for its slim and narrow sizing. Their clothes are cut close to the body, particularly their jeans, shirts, and suits. Unless you have a very lean build, you will likely need to size up. This is a crucial factor for online shoppers to consider.

Sustainability & Ethics

H&M has placed sustainability at the forefront of its public-facing brand strategy. With its large-scale Conscious collection, in-store recycling programs, and ambitious goals to use 100% sustainable materials, it is one of the most proactive brands in the fast-fashion industry regarding environmental impact. However, the company still faces criticism over the inherent unsustainability of the fast-fashion model.

Topman's sustainability efforts are much less defined and promoted. As a brand that prioritizes fast-moving trends, environmental initiatives have not been a core part of its identity. Shoppers primarily focused on eco-friendly and ethical production will find H&M’s efforts more transparent and substantial.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice really depends on your personal style, body type, and shopping priorities.

Choose H&M if:

• You're on a tight budget and want the most value for your money.
• You prefer a versatile, modern, and minimalist style that’s easy to wear for work or casual settings.
• You need a broad range of sizing options or a more standard, forgiving fit.
• Brand sustainability and environmental initiatives are important factors in your purchasing decisions.

Choose Topman if:

• You want to make a fashion statement and follow the latest streetwear and youth culture trends.
• You have a slim build or prefer a very narrow, fitted silhouette.
• You are looking for bold, unique pieces like graphic tees, printed shirts, or statement jackets.
• Your shopping priority is distinctive style over affordability or sustainability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is H&M or Topman cheaper?

H&M is significantly cheaper than Topman. H&M's business model is built around high-volume sales at very low prices, making it one of the most affordable options in fast fashion. Topman targets a shopper willing to spend a bit more for edgier designs.

Which brand has better quality?

The quality for both brands is what you would expect from fast fashion and is generally comparable. Neither is known for creating garments that last for years. H&M's Conscious collection can sometimes feature more durable natural materials like organic cotton, while Topman may use more unique synthetics to achieve a specific trend-driven look.

How does the sizing compare between H&M and Topman?

H&M generally runs true to size with a standard fit that accommodates diverse body types. Topman is well-known for running very slim and narrow. It's often recommended to size up when buying from Topman, especially for shirts, jackets, and trousers.

Which is better for basics?

H&M is the undisputed winner for basics. They offer a vast selection of t-shirts, hoodies, socks, underwear, and other essentials in multiple colors at extremely low prices.

Which brand is better for seasonal trends?

This depends on the type of trend. For mainstream, easily wearable trends, H&M is a great choice. For more niche, edgy, and streetwear-focused trends, Topman is more aligned with the cutting edge of youth fashion.

Is Topman only for men?

Yes, Topman is an exclusively menswear brand. H&M offers clothing for men, women, and children, making it a one-stop shop for families.

What are the return policies like?

Both brands generally offer standard return policies, typically allowing returns of unworn merchandise within 28-30 days with a receipt. Since Topman is primarily sold via third-party retailers now, its return policy will depend on the site you are purchasing from (e.g., ASOS or Nordstrom).

Which brand is more sustainable?

H&M has a much stronger and more public commitment to sustainability. They have numerous initiatives like their Conscious collection and garment recycling programs, which are a core part of their brand identity. Topman's efforts in this area are not as developed or visible.