Italic vs. Quince: Which brand should you buy?

Italic delivers modern, designer-inspired apparel and home goods with a focus on contemporary craftsmanship, while Quince leans into timeless, classic essentials that prioritize sustainability and unbeatable value. While both eliminate traditional markups by selling directly to consumers, the primary difference lies in their aesthetics: Italic is for the fashion-forward minimalist, and Quince is for the practical, classic wardrobe builder.

Let's compare them side by side to help you decide which brand best fits your style and budget.

Italic: Modern, Designer-Inspired Essentials

Italic's mission is to offer high-quality, luxury goods without the branding and retail markups. The brand partners with the same factories that produce for high-end designer labels, providing expertly crafted apparel, accessories, and home goods at a fraction of the price. Italic appeals to shoppers who appreciate a sleek, modern aesthetic and value transparent manufacturing.

• Product mix: A wide range of men's and women's clothing, footwear, leather handbags, fine jewelry, and home decor.
• Price point: Prices are typically 50-70% lower than comparable luxury items. For example, a full-grain leather handbag might cost between $150 and $250.
• Quality & Materials: The focus is on exceptional craftsmanship. Materials include full-grain Italian leather, fine wools, and premium metals sourced from reputable manufacturers.
• Style & Aesthetic: The overall look is modern, minimalist, and clean with a slightly edgy vibe. Italic is perfect for those who want understated pieces that still feel current.
• Sizing/Fit: Garments are designed to fit true to size. Detailed sizing guides are available on each product page to help find the best fit.
• Return policy: Italic offers a 30-day return window, making it easy to send back items that don't work out.

Italic is the ideal choice for someone who wants the modern look and feel of a designer brand without paying for the logo.

Shop Italic: italic.com

Quince: The Go-To for Timeless, Affordable Luxury

Quince specializes in high-quality, sustainable essentials at radically low prices. By cutting out middlemen and shipping directly from the factory, Quince delivers classic wardrobe and home staples without compromising on quality or ethics. The brand targets value-conscious shoppers who want versatile, well-made pieces designed to last for years.

• Product mix: Apparel for men and women (especially strong in cashmere and silk), shoes, accessories, home goods, and personal care products.
• Price point: Extremely competitive, offering prices 50-70% below traditional retail. A comparable leather tote, for instance, typically sells for $120-$200.
• Quality & Materials: Quince prioritizes quality, sourcing traceable materials like Mongolian cashmere and organic cotton. It works with top factories to ensure durability.
• Style & Aesthetic: Think timeless, understated, and versatile. Quince’s designs are classic pieces that easily integrate into any wardrobe and won't go out of style next season.
• Sizing/Fit: Quince aims for a true-to-size fit and emphasizes inclusive sizing across many of its product lines.
• Return policy: A generous 365-day return policy gives you plenty of time to decide if you love your purchase.

Quince is perfect for shoppers looking to build a high-quality, classic wardrobe at the most accessible price point possible.

Shop Quince: quince.com

Italic vs. Quince Comparison

Price Comparison

Both brands offer incredible value by cutting out retail middlemen, putting their prices roughly 50-70% below traditional luxury. However, Quince often has a slight edge in pricing, especially on foundational items like cashmere sweaters, silk blouses, and leather goods. For example, an Italic leather handbag might sit around $150-$250, whereas a similar tote from Quince could be found for $120-$200.

While both are far more affordable than their designer counterparts, if your primary goal is getting the absolute lowest price for a high-quality item, Quince will frequently win out.

Quality & Materials

Quality is a top priority for both Italic and Quince, and both partner with factories that produce for well-known luxury brands. You can expect materials like Italian leather, fine wools, and premium textiles from either company.

Italic places a strong marketing emphasis on the craftsmanship and origin of its products, often highlighting specific Italian manufacturers. Quince, on the other hand, emphasizes the durability and sustainability of their materials, with a focus on creating long-lasting staples. Both deliver excellent quality for the price, the choice comes down to whether you're more drawn to a story of designer craftsmanship or one of lasting value.

Style & Aesthetic

This is the most significant point of difference. Italic’s inventory feels more fashion-forward and contemporary. The designs are minimalist but often feature a modern, slightly edgy twist - think sleek lines, structured bags, and a sophisticated color palette. It's for the person who follows trends but prefers an understated look.

Quince focuses on timeless classics. Its designs are utterly versatile and built to become permanent fixtures in your wardrobe. They offer simple, elegant silhouettes in neutral colors that are easy to mix and match. Choose Quince if you’re building a capsule wardrobe or prefer a classic, understated style.

Fit & Sizing

Both brands provide detailed size charts and aim for a true-to-size fit. Customers generally find the sizing to be consistent and reliable. However, Quince makes a more prominent effort to offer inclusive sizing, with a broader range of sizes available across many of its core styles. If you often find yourself looking for extended sizes, Quince may be the better starting point.

Shopping Experience

Both Italic and Quince operate primarily through slick, user-friendly websites. Italic's site is clean and minimalist, reflecting its brand aesthetic. Quince's website is straightforward and value-driven, making it easy to browse by category or material. Both offer customer reviews and detailed product information. Quince pulls ahead with its exceptionally generous 365-day return policy, which far surpasses Italic's standard 30-day window.

Sustainability & Ethics

Both companies are transparent about their supply chains and partner with factories that maintain high ethical standards. Sustainability is a core part of each brand’s identity. Quince tends to highlight its green initiatives more prominently, such as using eco-friendly packaging and providing detail on its sustainable sourcing. While both are responsible choices, Quince has made sustainability a more central part of its customer-facing storytelling.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both brands offer excellent products at fair prices, but their distinct styles cater to different customers.

Choose Italic if:

• You prefer a modern, sleek, and minimalist aesthetic with a contemporary edge.
• You want designer-inspired pieces - from handbags to outerwear - without the high-end logos.
• You appreciate a deep dive into the craftsmanship and the specific factories where items are made.
• Your style leans more fashion-forward than classic.

Choose Quince if:

• You are building a wardrobe of timeless, versatile essentials that will last for years.
• You want the absolute best price on high-quality basics like cashmere, silk, and linen.
• Sustainability and transparent ethical sourcing are very important to you.
• You want the peace of mind that comes with a very long 365-day return period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Italic or Quince cheaper?

Both are significantly cheaper than traditional retail, but Quince is often slightly less expensive on comparable items, particularly wardrobe basics like classic sweaters and leather goods.

Which brand has better quality?

The quality is excellent and very comparable for both, as they use factories that manufacture for luxury brands. Italic often emphasizes detailed craftsmanship and specific European origins, while Quince focuses on durable materials and long-lasting construction.

What is the style difference between Italic and Quince?

Italic's style is modern, minimalist, and on-trend with a sleek, somewhat edgy feel. Quince's style is classic, timeless, and completely versatile, focusing on essential pieces that don't go out of fashion.

Do Italic and Quince have a membership fee?

No, neither brand requires a membership fee to shop. Italic previously used a membership model but has since made its site open to all customers.

What are the return policies for Italic and Quince?

Italic offers a 30-day return policy. Quince has an exceptionally generous 365-day return policy, giving you a full year to make a final decision.

Which brand is better for home goods?

Both offer a great selection of home goods. Italic's range includes modern decor, accessories, and cookware with a minimalist design. Quince focuses on home essentials like bedding, towels, and rugs, often made from sustainable materials like organic cotton and linen.

How do Italic and Quince sizes fit?

Both brands generally run true to size, but reading individual product reviews and consulting the size chart is always recommended. Quince places a stronger emphasis on offering an inclusive size range for many of its products.

Are Italic and Quince sustainable?

Yes, both brands are committed to responsible and ethical manufacturing practices. Quince tends to be more vocal about its sustainability initiatives, like its commitment to eliminating plastics and using eco-friendly packaging.