Lulus vs. ASOS: Which brand should you buy? [2026]

Lulus is a curated online boutique focused on feminine, romantic, and occasion-ready clothing with a consistent mid-range price point. In contrast, ASOS is a massive global marketplace offering a vast, trend-driven selection of clothing from hundreds of brands at a wide variety of prices. The core difference is curation versus volume: Lulus offers a specific, chic aesthetic, while ASOS provides endless options for every style.

Let's find out which of these popular online retailers is the right fit for your wardrobe and budget.

Lulus: The Destination for Feminine Occasionwear

Lulus is an online fashion destination for young women seeking stylish, on-trend pieces for everything from Sunday brunch to serving as a bridesmaid. It has carved out a niche by focusing on a distinctively feminine and romantic aesthetic, making it a go-to for shoppers looking for quality dresses, chic tops, and accessories without an intimidating price tag. The brand targets women aged 16-30 who appreciate a polished and put-together look for special events and everyday life.

• Product mix: The catalog is heavily focused on dresses for all occasions, from casual maxis to formal gowns. You'll also find a well-edited selection of trendy tops, skirts, shoes, and accessories that align with its bohemian and contemporary style.
• Price point: Most items fall between $20 for accessories and $150 for more intricate dresses and outerwear. It strikes a balance between affordability and quality, making it accessible for shoppers on a moderate budget.
• Quality: Lulus generally offers consistent quality, especially for its price. Fabrics like polyester blends, chiffon, and satin are commonly used for its dresses, giving them a more substantial feel compared to ultra-fast fashion alternatives.
• Sizing/Fit: Sizing typically ranges from XS to XL. Most customers find the fit to be true to size, although some dress styles can run slightly small, especially in the bust area.
• Sales: The brand runs frequent sales and promotions, particularly around holidays and the end of seasons. Signing up for its newsletter often provides access to special discount codes.
• Return policy: Lulus offers a 30-day return window for most items. In the U.S., you can get a full refund with a small shipping fee deducted or opt for a free return for store credit.

Lulus is the ideal choice for shoppers who need a beautiful, reliable, and affordable outfit for a specific event and prefer a more guided, boutique-like shopping experience.

Shop Lulus: lulus.com

ASOS: The Global Trend Marketplace

ASOS is a UK-based online fashion giant that functions as a one-stop shop for young adults all over the world. The site carries over 850 different brands, including its own in-house lines like ASOS DESIGN and ASOS EDITION, alongside popular names like Topshop and Nike. Its mission is to give customers the confidence to be whoever they want to be, which is reflected in its incredibly diverse range of styles, sizes, and price points.

• Product mix: The selection is enormous and eclectic, spanning streetwear, formalwear, casual basics, activewear, vintage styles, and designer collaborations. You can find everything from a simple t-shirt to a runway-inspired outfit.
• Price point: The pricing is incredibly broad, with affordable basics starting around $10 and premium designer pieces reaching several hundred dollars. This diversity makes it accessible to almost any budget.
• Quality: Quality on ASOS is highly variable and depends on the specific brand and item you choose. Fast fashion pieces from its more affordable lines can be hit-or-miss, while offerings from higher-end brands are more reliable. Always read the customer reviews for guidance.
• Sizing/Fit: This is where ASOS truly excels. The platform is a leader in inclusive sizing, offering dedicated Petite, Tall, and Curve ranges that often span sizes 00 to 30. Detailed size guides are provided for each item.
• Sales: ASOS constantly has items on sale and features a large outlet section. It is also famous for its 10% student discount.
• Return policy: ASOS offers a 28-day return window for a full refund. The process is generally straightforward, though it can vary slightly by country.

ASOS works best for trend-driven shoppers who crave variety, need inclusive sizing options, and enjoy exploring different styles from hundreds of brands in one place.

Shop ASOS: asos.com

Lulus vs. ASOS Comparison

Price Comparison

Lulus maintains a fairly consistent mid-range price structure. A stylish dress for an event will typically cost you between $60 and $100, which offers good value for the quality. It's a reliable place to shop when you have a specific budget in mind for a nice outfit.

ASOS, on the other hand, operates on a much wider scale. You can put together an entire outfit for under $50 from its basic collections or splurge hundreds on a piece from a designer collaboration. While ASOS has cheaper items, Lulus often provides better value within its specific niche of occasionwear.

Quality & Materials

Lulus prides itself on offering quality that feels a step above typical fast fashion. The construction and fabrics used in their dresses are meant to be worn to important events and hold up well. Shoppers can generally expect a consistent level of quality across the site.

With ASOS, quality is a mixed bag. The sheer volume of brands means quality varies from item to item. An ASOS DESIGN piece might be made from lightweight materials suitable for a few wears, while something from a premium brand like Whistles, also sold on the site, will use high-end fabrics. Checking product reviews and material specifications is key when shopping on ASOS.

Product Selection & Style

The style difference is a primary deciding factor. Lulus is for the person who loves a romantic, chic, and feminine look. Its collection is tightly curated, making it easy to find something appropriate for a wedding, date night, or party. You won't have to sift through thousands of unrelated items.

ASOS is a playground for the fashion explorer. Its aesthetic is whatever is currently trending, from Y2K revival to minimalist workwear to edgy streetwear. If you want endless options and enjoy keeping up with fast-paced trends, ASOS is your destination.

Fit & Sizing

Lulus offers standard sizing (XS-XL) and has a limited plus-size collection. The brand is fairly true to size, but its fitted dress styles are sometimes best for those with a straighter body type.

ASOS is the clear winner on this front. As one of the most size-inclusive retailers online, it makes a dedicated effort to serve a wide range of body types with its ASOS Curve, Petite, and Tall collections. This commitment makes it a more reliable choice for shoppers who struggle to find their size in standard retail ranges.

Sustainability & Ethics

Both brands operate within the fast-fashion model, which faces environmental challenges. Lulus has made some moves toward sustainability, but details on its manufacturing practices are limited.

ASOS has more public-facing commitments to ethical trading and sustainability, including initiatives for recycling and reducing its carbon footprint. However, as one of the largest fast-fashion retailers in the world, it continues to face scrutiny over its overall impact.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both Lulus and ASOS are excellent online shopping destinations, but they cater to very different needs and preferences.

Choose Lulus if:

• You're shopping for a special occasion like a wedding, graduation, or formal party.
• You have a feminine, chic, or romantic personal style.
• A curated, less overwhelming online boutique experience is what you prefer.
• You value consistent quality and are willing to pay a little more than basic fast-fashion prices.

Choose ASOS if:

• You want endless options and enjoy keeping up with the very latest trends.
• Inclusive sizing for petite, tall, or plus-size bodies is your top priority.
• Your style is eclectic and you like mixing high and low-priced items.
• You are hunting for a bargain and love browsing large sale sections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lulus or ASOS cheaper?

ASOS offers items at a cheaper starting price point. You can find basics for as low as $10. However, Lulus often provides better value in its specific category of occasion dresses, offering higher-quality materials for a mid-range price.

Which has better quality?

Lulus generally has more consistent and reliable quality. Because it focuses on its own in-house brand, you know what to expect. Quality on ASOS varies widely depending on the brand you purchase.

Which is better for wedding guest dresses?

Lulus is the undeniable winner for wedding guest dresses. Its entire brand is built around providing beautiful and appropriate dresses for special events, making it the go-to destination for many.

Does Lulus or ASOS have more inclusive sizing?

ASOS has far more inclusive sizing. With dedicated Petite, Tall, and Curve lines spanning a huge range of sizes, it is one of the best online retailers for shoppers with specific sizing needs.

Are Lulus returns free?

In the U.S., Lulus returns for store credit are free. If you want a refund to your original payment method, a $7 shipping label fee is typically deducted from your refund total.

How long does ASOS take to ship?

Since ASOS ships from warehouses in the UK and other global locations, standard shipping to the U.S. can take anywhere from a week to several weeks. Express shipping options are available for a fee to get orders delivered much faster.

Is Lulus considered fast fashion?

Yes, Lulus is part of the fast fashion industry. However, it is often positioned as a more elevated alternative, with a focus on creating pieces for special occasions that may be worn more than once.

Can I find other brands on Lulus?

No, Lulus exclusively sells its own in-house label and curated styles. This contrasts with ASOS, which is a marketplace for hundreds of different external brands in addition to its own private labels.