Princess Polly vs. Pretty Little Thing: Which brand should you buy? [2026]

Princess Polly offers trendy, social media-inspired fashion with a focus on slightly better quality and a versatile, chic aesthetic. In contrast, Pretty Little Thing (PLT) is known for its bold, sexy, and statement-making outfits that prioritize rapid trend turnover and aggressive, budget-friendly pricing.

Let's compare these two fast-fashion giants to help you decide which is the right brand for your wardrobe and style.

Princess Polly: The Trendy & Polished Choice

Princess Polly is an Australian-based retailer that has become a go-to for young women seeking stylish, on-trend, and affordable clothing. The brand targets college students and Gen Z shoppers who want versatile pieces inspired by influencer and celebrity styles, focusing on a feminine but edgy aesthetic that works for everything from class to a casual night out.

• Product mix: A wide range of dresses, crop tops, denim, casual wear, and party outfits. Their collection feels curated to follow current social media trends while maintaining everyday wearability.
• Price point: Most items fall between $20 and $80. While affordable, it's positioned slightly higher than some ultra-fast-fashion brands, often reflecting better material choice.
• Quality: Princess Polly generally uses better fabrics and has more consistent quality control. Pieces are often made from thicker materials with better finishes, making them feel more durable.
• Sizing/Fit: Sizing is generally considered true-to-size and consistent across most items. Their website features helpful sizing guides and customer reviews to aid in selection.
• Style aesthetic: The overall vibe is trendy, feminine, and chic. You'll find modern silhouettes, flattering fits, and styles that are on-trend without being overly disposable or too daring for daily wear.
• Return policy: The brand offers a straightforward return policy, typically allowing returns within 30 days for a refund or store credit.
• Sustainability: Princess Polly has started to invest in sustainability, promoting eco-friendly fabrics and improving supply chain transparency.

Princess Polly is an excellent choice for shoppers who want fashionable, quality pieces that strike a balance between being trendy and versatile enough for regular rotation in their wardrobe.

Shop Princess Polly: princesspolly.com

Pretty Little Thing: The Bold & Budget-Friendly Trendsetter

Pretty Little Thing is a UK-based fast-fashion brand famous for its edgy, sexy, and statement-making styles. PLT lives on the cutting edge of trends, using celebrity collaborations and influencer marketing to push bold designs to a global audience. The brand is for confidently dressing for a night out and wanting to be noticed.

• Product mix: PLT specializes in head-turning party wear, streetwear, and figure-hugging essentials. You'll find an enormous collection of dresses with cut-outs, bold prints, coordinating sets, and an extensive range of footwear and accessories.
• Price point: Extremely accessible, with most items priced between $15 and $70. The brand is known for its constant sales, sitewide discounts, and promotions that make it a favorite for budget shoppers.
• Quality: To keep prices low and trend turnover high, PLT often uses thinner fabrics and simpler construction. Quality can be hit-or-miss, and items are typically designed for short-term wear.
• Sizing/Fit: Sizing can be inconsistent. Many customers find that items, particularly bodycon dresses and form-fitting styles, run small and recommend checking specific product reviews for guidance.
• Style aesthetic: Confident, daring, and sexy. The PLT look is defined by curve-hugging silhouettes, bold colors, and styles designed for making an impression on a night out.
• Return policy: PLT also offers a standard return policy, allowing customers to return items within a specific window (usually around 28 days) for a refund.
• Sustainability: While PLT has faced criticism for its environmental impact, it has announced new commitments to use more sustainable materials and reduce waste in its operations.

Pretty Little Thing excels at providing the boldest, of-the-moment trends at unbeatable prices, making it ideal for those who love to experiment with their style without a big financial commitment.

Shop Pretty Little Thing: prettylittlething.com

Princess Polly vs. Pretty Little Thing Comparison

Price Comparison

Both brands cater to budget-conscious shoppers, but PLT is typically the cheaper option. Pretty Little Thing built its name on rock-bottom prices and near-constant sales, with discounts of 50% or more being very common. Finding a full outfit for under $50 is entirely possible.

Princess Polly is still affordable, but its average price point is slightly higher. This small increase often translates to better materials and construction. While they also run sales, the discounts are generally not as steep or frequent as PLT’s.

Quality & Materials

Princess Polly has a clear edge in quality. Their items tend to be made from thicker, more substantial fabrics with more attention to detail in the stitching and finishing. This often means their clothing holds up better to wear and washing, giving you more use out of each piece.

Pretty Little Thing prioritizes speed-to-market and low prices. As a result, materials are often thinner, and the construction can feel less durable. PLT's clothes are perfect for a trendy look for a specific event but may not become long-term parts of your wardrobe.

Style & Aesthetic

The style difference is the most significant deciding factor. Princess Polly offers a look that is trendy, feminine, and chic. Its styles are inspired by what's popular on social media but are often versatile enough for brunch, vacation, or a casual day out. The aesthetic is polished and modern.

Pretty Little Thing's aesthetic is unapologetically bold, sexy, and glamorous. It's the place you shop for a birthday dress, a festival outfit, or a look for your next big night out. The silhouettes are often figure-hugging, featuring cut-outs, plunging necklines, and eye-catching prints.

Fit & Sizing

Princess Polly typically delivers a more reliable fit, with most shoppers finding their sizing to be true-to-size. Their product pages often include detailed measurements and helpful customer reviews focusing on fit, which minimizes guesswork.

Pretty Little Thing’s sizing can be more of a gamble. Because their styles are often very form-fitting, some may find items run small, particularly in the bust and hip areas. It is highly recommended to read reviews for specific products before purchasing to get a better sense of how an item will fit.

Sustainability & Ethics

Neither brand can be considered a leader in sustainable fashion, as both operate on a fast-fashion model. However, Princess Polly is more vocal about its sustainability efforts, with clear goals for reducing its environmental impact and using more eco-friendly materials.

Pretty Little Thing has begun to address sustainability concerns, launching recycled collections and making public commitments. However, its business model fundamentally relies on high-volume production of low-cost, trend-driven items, which presents significant environmental challenges.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both brands serve the fashion-forward consumer well, but your final choice depends entirely on your personal style and shopping priorities.

Choose Princess Polly if:

• You prefer a trendy style that is also versatile and wearable for everyday occasions.
• You value slightly higher quality and are willing to pay a little more for it.
• You want a more consistent and predictable fit when shopping online.
• Your aesthetic is feminine, chic, and polished.

Choose Pretty Little Thing if:

• You are looking for a show-stopping, statement outfit for a party or special event.
• Your top priority is trendiness at the absolute lowest price.
• You love a bold, sexy, and daring aesthetic with figure-hugging silhouettes.
• You enjoy the thrill of constant new arrivals and frequent sitewide sales.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Princess Polly or Pretty Little Thing cheaper?

Pretty Little Thing is almost always cheaper. Their business model relies on highly competitive pricing and frequent, aggressive sales, where you can often find items for 50-70% off.

Which has better quality clothes?

Princess Polly generally offers better quality. Their clothing is often made from more substantial fabrics with more reliable construction and attention to detail, leading to greater durability.

What is the style difference between Princess Polly and PLT?

Princess Polly's style is trendy, chic, and versatile - think stylish outfits you can wear to brunch or on vacation. Pretty Little Thing's style is bold, sexy, and statement-driven, focusing on party wear and clubbing outfits designed to get noticed.

How is the sizing for Princess Polly?

Princess Polly's sizing is considered reliably true-to-size. Most shoppers find their standard size fits well, and the brand provides detailed fit guides.

Is Pretty Little Thing true to size?

Sizing at Pretty Little Thing can be inconsistent. Many shoppers suggest that form-fitting and bodycon styles can run small, and it's wise to read customer reviews on specific product pages before buying.

Which brand ships faster?

Both brands offer standard and express shipping options. Shipping times largely depend on your location and the service you choose at checkout, making their delivery speeds comparable.

Are Princess Polly and Pretty Little Thing sustainable?

Both are fast-fashion brands and face challenges with sustainability. However, Princess Polly is generally more transparent about its sustainability goals and has integrated more eco-conscious materials and practices into its operations.

Which is better for party dresses?

This depends on your style. Choose Pretty Little Thing for bold, sexy, and eye-catching dresses with features like cut-outs and shimmering fabrics. Choose Princess Polly for party dresses that are more chic, polished, and contemporary.