We The Free vs. Free People: What's the difference?
We The Free and Free People both come from the same creative family, but they serve distinct style preferences. We The Free is a more focused label known for its rugged, edgy, and vintage-inspired denim and basics, while Free People is the larger lifestyle brand offering a broader, more romantic and whimsical bohemian aesthetic that includes dresses, tops, and outerwear.
Let's compare the two so you can decide which brand best suits your personal style.
We The Free: The Edgy, Vintage-Inspired Denim Label
We The Free is a curated line under the Free People brand, specializing in an effortlessly cool and slightly rebellious aesthetic. Its identity is built around high-quality, vintage-inspired denim that forms the foundation of a modern, laid-back wardrobe. The target customer is someone who wants versatile, high-quality basics that feel lived-in from the first wear and have a distinct edgy vibe.
- Product mix: Primarily focuses on denim in various cuts and washes, alongside essential casuals like graphic tees, relaxed sweaters, comfortable hoodies, and moto jackets. The collection is designed for easy layering and a cohesive, vintage look.
- Price point: Generally sits in the mid-range specialty bracket, with most items priced between $50 and $200. A pair of their popular distressed jeans may cost around $78-$128.
- Quality: Known for durable, high-quality denim with attention to detail in washes, distressing, and fit. The fabrics are meant to feel both soft and substantial, designed for longevity.
- Sizing/Fit: Tends to offer more standard, true-to-size fits, especially in their denim. While silhouettes are often relaxed or oversized, the core sizing is generally more consistent than its parent brand.
- Sustainability: Incorporates practices like eco-friendly washes and more sustainable material sourcing, particularly within its denim production.
We The Free is ideal for building a foundation of timeless, durable denim and edgy basics with a rebellious, vintage-inspired character.
Shop We The Free: wethefree.com
Free People: The Original Bohemian Lifestyle Brand
Free People is a global lifestyle brand famous for its distinctive bohemian, eclectic, and romantic aesthetic. It caters to a free-spirited customer who expresses herself through fashion, offering everything from whimsical dresses to cozy outerwear. The brand’s essence is creative and artistic, defined by flowy silhouettes, intricate details, and unique patterns that feel both timeless and modern.
- Product mix: An extensive collection that includes flowy maxi dresses, embroidered tops, unique skirts, outerwear, shoes, accessories, and intimates. While they offer denim, the brand is more known for its wide array of feminine statement pieces.
- Price point: Mid to high-range, with items typically costing between $60 and $300. Their signature intricate dresses and jackets often occupy the higher end of this range.
- Quality: Uses a wide range of materials, from delicate lace and soft cotton to detailed embroidery. Quality is generally good but can be more focused on aesthetic details than rugged durability for certain items.
- Sizing/Fit: Famously known for its relaxed, oversized, and billowy fits that often run large. Shoppers frequently size down, and it's always recommended to check specific product reviews and sizing guides.
- Sustainability: Has a broader corporate sustainability program focused on eco-friendly fabrics, fair labor practices, and increasing supply chain transparency.
Free People is the destination for expressive, artistic individuals looking for statement pieces that embody a whimsical and romantic spirit.
Shop Free People: freepeople.com
We The Free vs. Free People Comparison
Style & Aesthetic
This is the biggest differentiator. We The Free is grounded in a rugged, vintage-American West meets grunge aesthetic. Think perfectly worn-in jeans, slouchy tees, leather jackets, and an overall edgy, rebellious feel. It's the cool-girl B-side to Free People's A-side.
Free People embodies a much broader romantic and whimsical bohemian style. Its look is more artistic, eclectic, and feminine, defined by flowing dresses, intricate embroidery, delicate lace, and a free-spirited, artsy vibe. If We The Free is the band, Free People is the music festival.
Product Selection
We The Free is a focused edit. Its hero product is denim, supplemented by the tops, sweaters, and jackets you would wear with it. The collection feels more curated and centered on a specific look.
Free People is a comprehensive lifestyle brand. You can build entire outfits - from intimates and shoes to outerwear and accessories - all within its eclectic aesthetic. The product assortment is vast, catering to many different occasions beyond casual everyday wear.
Fit & Sizing
Both brands favor relaxed silhouettes, but their sizing philosophies differ. We The Free denim typically runs true to size. Even its oversized pieces are graded from a more traditional fit block, making it a bit more predictable for online shopping.
Free People is notorious for generous, oversized fits across almost all categories, especially in dresses, sweaters, and tops. It’s extremely common for customers to size down one, or even two, sizes. For Free People, "oversized" is less of a style and more of a core brand identity, making it essential to consult reviews and size charts.
Price Comparison
While both are in a similar price category, We The Free generally has a slightly more accessible entry point. Since it focuses on denim and tees, the bulk of its collection sits under the $150 mark. Free People's elaborate dresses, detailed blouses, and knitwear often push past $150 and up to $300, reflecting the more complex construction and intricate details.
Shopping Experience
We The Free is sold on the Free People website and in its stores but also has a major presence in department stores like Nordstrom and online retailers like Revolve. Free People has a much larger direct-to-consumer presence with immersive flagship stores, a detailed website featuring lookbooks and style guides, and a more expansive brand ecosystem.
Which One Should You Choose?
The right choice comes down to the core of your personal style.
Choose We The Free if:
- Your wardrobe is built around great denim.
- You prefer an edgier, slightly rebellious style over a romantic one.
- You value durable, everyday basics that feel vintage-inspired.
- You want more predictable, true-to-size fits, especially for pants.
Choose Free People if:
- You love flowy dresses, romantic blouses, and unique statement pieces.
- Your aesthetic is artistic, free-spirited, and whimsical.
- You enjoy an intentionally oversized, billowy silhouette.
- You want a one-stop-shop for a complete bohemian-inspired look, including accessories and shoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is We The Free the same as Free People?
Not exactly. We The Free is a specific label or collection that exists under the main Free People brand. It has its own distinct, denim-focused aesthetic but is part of the same company and sold in the same stores.
Is We The Free or Free People cheaper?
We The Free is generally slightly more affordable. Its focus on denim and basics keeps the average item price lower than Free People's, which offers more elaborate and detailed items like embroidered dresses and jackets at a higher price point.
What is the main style difference?
The simplest distinction is rugged edge versus romantic whimsy. We The Free is centered on a vintage, rebellious look built on sturdy denim and casual tees. Free People is all about a feminine, eclectic, and bohemian style with details like lace, embroidery, and flowing fabrics.
How do We The Free jeans fit?
We The Free jeans primarily run true to size. While they offer many relaxed and wide-leg styles, the waist and hip measurements are generally consistent with standard denim sizing.
Does Free People run large?
Yes, Free People is well-known for running large and featuring intentionally oversized fits. It's a common practice for shoppers to purchase one size smaller than their usual size, especially for dresses, sweaters, and tops.
Where can I buy We The Free clothing?
You can buy We The Free directly from the Free People website and in its retail stores, as well as at many department stores like Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue, and online retailers like Revolve.
Which brand is better for basics?
We The Free is better for foundational basics like denim and slouchy t-shirts. Its pieces are designed to be versatile wardrobe cornerstones with an edgy feel.
Which brand is better for special occasions?
Free People is the better choice for special occasions like parties, vacations, or events, thanks to its extensive collection of unique dresses, statement tops, and beautifully detailed pieces.