Rue 21 vs. Forever 21: What's the difference?

Rue 21's style is focused on casual streetwear and pop culture-inspired fashion for teens, while Forever 21 offers a much broader, more eclectic range of constantly changing trends inspired by runway looks. Forever 21 has a larger inventory and more frequent sales, whereas Rue 21 provides a more curated selection of everyday graphic tees, jeans, and hoodies.

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

Rue 21: The Streetwear & Pop Culture Hub

Rue 21 is a fast-fashion retailer that zeroes in on teenagers and young adults with its trendy and affordable apparel. It's the go-to spot for those seeking current, casual fashion without a high price tag, focusing heavily on graphic tees, relaxed-fit denim, and comfy essentials that reflect current online and streetwear culture.

• Product mix: A focused selection of women's and men's apparel, accessories, jewelry, and footwear designed for a youthful audience.
• Price point: Very affordable, with most items falling between $10 and $50. The brand is known for frequent promotions and a large sales section.
• Style/Aesthetic: The vibe is casual, youthful, and heavily influenced by streetwear. Think graphic tees, hoodies, laid-back denim, and easy-to-wear dresses.
• Sizing/Fit: Sizing generally runs true to size for juniors and young adults (XS-XL), though the fit can sometimes be relaxed to match the streetwear aesthetic.
• Sales: Constant sales and discounts are a core part of their strategy, making it easy to grab trendy pieces at a low cost.
• Return policy: Standard 30-day return policy for unworn items with tags attached, typical for most fast-fashion retailers.

Rue 21 is ideal for shoppers who want an easy, affordable way to tap into casual streetwear and pop culture trends for their everyday wardrobe.

Shop Rue 21: rue21.com

Forever 21: The Fast-Fashion Megastore

Forever 21 is a global fast-fashion giant famous for its massive and rapidly changing inventory. The brand targets fashion-forward teens and young adults with an enormous variety of styles that mimic everything from high-fashion runways to viral social media trends, all at extremely low prices.

• Product mix: A vast inventory spanning women's, men's, and plus-size apparel, along with accessories, shoes, activewear, intimates, and even beauty products.
• Price point: Extremely low, with many items priced between $5 and $40. Their expansive sale section offers some of the deepest discounts in fast fashion.
• Style/Aesthetic: Highly eclectic and trend-driven. Styles change weekly, covering everything from edgy statement pieces and party dresses to basic tees and professional wear.
• Sizing/Fit: Offers a wide range from XS to 3X in its dedicated plus-size collection. While generally true to size, the fit can be inconsistent across different items due to the sheer volume of styles produced.
• Sales: Nearly constant promotions, BOGO deals, and a large "Sale" section are staples of the Forever 21 shopping experience.
• Return policy: Typically offers a 30-day window for returns or exchanges on items that are unworn and have the original tags.

Forever 21 is the destination for shoppers who want maximum variety, the very latest trends at bargain prices, and enjoy the thrill of discovering new styles on every visit.

Shop Forever 21: forever21.com

Rue 21 vs. Forever 21 Comparison

Price Comparison

Both brands are pillars of affordable fashion, but Forever 21 often wins on the lowest price point. You can frequently find dresses, tops, and accessories for under $20 at Forever 21, and their sale section is notorious for its deep cuts. A complete outfit can easily be assembled for under $50.

Rue 21 is also very budget-friendly, with most items like graphic tees and jeans sitting in the $15 to $40 range. While its prices are low, Forever 21's massive global scale gives it a slight edge in offering a larger volume of ultra-cheap, trend-of-the-moment pieces.

Quality & Materials

As fast-fashion brands, neither Rue 21 nor Forever 21 is known for high-quality, long-lasting materials. The business model prioritizes speed and affordability over durability. You can expect synthetic fabrics like polyester, rayon, and thin cotton blends from both.

Anecdotally, quality can be hit-or-miss at either store. Forever 21's quality can feel especially inconsistent due to its enormous and constantly rotating stock. A dress might last for years, while a top may only survive a few washes. Shoppers should manage expectations, these clothes are designed to be trendy and temporary, not investment pieces.

Style & Aesthetic

This is the most significant point of difference. Rue 21 has a clear aesthetic: youthful, casual, and drenched in streetwear sensibilities. If you're looking for the latest pop culture graphic tee, baggy jeans, a casual hoodie, or a simple sundress, Rue 21 has you covered. The selection is fun but more limited in scope.

Forever 21's aesthetic is best described as "everything, all at once." Its goal is to capture every possible micro-trend. On any given day you can find festival wear, office-appropriate blouses, alternative/goth-inspired pieces, and basics. It's a one-stop-shop for someone building a diverse wardrobe or looking for a specific item to complete a very particular look.

Product Selection

Forever 21 has a much larger and more diverse product range. Its offerings include a robust plus-size collection, menswear, shoes, activewear, extensive accessories, and even a beauty section. Their stores are often much larger, reflecting the depth of their inventory.

Rue 21’s selection is more focused on its core demographic, offering men’s and women’s clothing, shoes, and accessories that align with its streetwear vibe. They do not have a dedicated plus-size or beauty line.

Fit & Sizing

Both retailers cater to a juniors/young adult fit, which can be slimmer than standard women's sizing. It's always wise to consult their sizing charts before purchasing online.

The key differentiator here is Forever 21's longstanding commitment to extended sizing. Their plus-size section is substantial and offers many of the same trendy styles found in the straight-size collection, making it a more inclusive option for a wider range of body types.

Sustainability & Ethics

Both companies operate on a fast-fashion model, which is inherently challenging from a sustainability perspective. This model encourages rapid production cycles and consumption, leading to environmental and labor concerns. Neither brand is considered a leader in sustainable or ethical practices.

Forever 21 has faced more public scrutiny due to its larger global presence and has made some statements about improving its practices. However, shoppers who prioritize sustainability and ethical manufacturing would be better served looking at brands outside of the fast-fashion space.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice comes down to your personal style and what you're looking for in a shopping experience.

Choose Rue 21 if:

• Your personal style leans heavily into casual streetwear and pop-culture graphics.
• You want trendy jeans, joggers, hoodies, and comfortable everyday basics.
• You prefer a more focused selection of items and can feel overwhelmed by massive stores.
• You're shopping for fun, of-the-moment pieces inspired by youth culture.

Choose Forever 21 if:

• You love having a massive variety of styles, from party dresses to workwear.
• You are specifically looking for plus-size trendy clothing.
• You enjoy hunting for bargains in a huge sale section.
• You want to experiment with different fast-moving micro-trends without spending a lot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Rue 21 or Forever 21 cheaper?

Overall, Forever 21 tends to be slightly cheaper, with a larger volume of items under $20 and more aggressive sales. However, both are extremely affordable fast-fashion retailers.

Which has better quality?

The quality is comparable and what you would expect from fast fashion - designed for trendiness, not longevity. Neither brand is known for high-quality craftsmanship, and durability can be inconsistent at both stores.

What style is Rue 21?

Rue 21's style is primarily casual, youthful streetwear. It focuses on graphic tees, relaxed denim, hoodies, and other comfortable pieces inspired by current pop culture.

Does Forever 21 have plus sizes?

Yes, Forever 21 has a well-established and extensive plus-size collection that offers many of the same trendy styles found in its main line.

Which is better for back-to-school shopping?

This depends on individual style. For everyday casual staples like jeans, basic tops, and hoodies, Rue 21 is a solid choice. For a larger variety of outfits, including dresses, skirts, and trendy blouses, Forever 21 offers more options.

What is the return policy for each store?

Both retailers typically offer a 30-day return window for unworn items with the tags still attached. Store credit may be issued instead of a refund for sale items. Always check their websites for the most current policy details before purchasing.

Are Rue 21 and Forever 21 sustainable brands?

As fast-fashion retailers, neither is a leader in sustainability. Their business model relies on rapid, high-volume production, which has a significant environmental and social footprint. Shoppers who prioritize sustainability should research brands with more transparent and eco-friendly practices.