Wilfred vs. Aritzia: Which brand should you buy? [2026]

While often talked about together, Wilfred offers a curated collection of sophisticated, timeless pieces made from high-quality materials, whereas Aritzia is the larger parent retailer offering a broad range of trend-focused styles across multiple in-house brands at more accessible prices. Aritzia owns Wilfred, positioning it as one of its more premium lines, meaning the core difference lies in Wilfred's focus on classic investment dressing versus Aritzia's wide variety and trend-driven approach.

Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right brand for your wardrobe and budget.

Aritzia: The Trend-Forward Fashion Destination

Aritzia is a popular Canadian fashion retailer that has become a go-to for stylish, contemporary apparel for young women. It operates as a design house and boutique, housing a portfolio of exclusive brands like Babaton, TNA, as well as a more premium label, Wilfred. Its target customer is looking for on-trend, versatile pieces that work for everything from weekend outings to the office, without a luxury price tag.

• Product mix: Aritzia offers a huge variety of clothing under its various in-house brands, covering everything from professional workwear and elegant dresses to casual loungewear and trendy outerwear.
• Price point: The pricing is accessible and mid-range, typically starting at $30 for basic tops and going up to $200+ for coats or more intricate pieces.
• Style &, Aesthetic: Modern, youthful, and highly versatile. Aritzia is known for quickly adopting new trends while also offering a solid selection of minimalist basics, catering to a wide range of personal styles.
• Quality: The quality is generally good for the price point. While some items may use synthetic fabrics to keep costs down, higher-end lines within the Aritzia ecosystem often feature better construction and materials like merino wool and vegan leather.
• Sizing/Fit: Sizing is generally true to size but can vary slightly between its different in-house labels. Aritzia offers a good range of sizes, including petite and tall options on many popular items.
• Sales: Holds several major sales throughout the year, including seasonal sales and its highly anticipated Archive Sale, where you can find great deals on past-season styles.
• Return policy: Aritzia offers a straightforward return policy, typically allowing returns for a refund on regular-priced items within a specified window and offering store credit for sale items.

Aritzia is the perfect spot for trend-savvy shoppers who want a wide selection of stylish, affordable options for building a versatile modern wardrobe.

Shop Aritzia: aritzia.com

Wilfred: The Epitome of Effortless Sophistication

Wilfred exists as one of Aritzia's most beloved premium brands, known for its elegant, minimalist aesthetic that blends romance with refined tailoring. It targets a woman who values high-quality fabrics, impeccable fit, and timeless designs over fast-passing trends. Wilfred is for those looking to invest in pieces like silk blouses, perfectly tailored trousers, and luxurious knitwear that will remain staples for years.

• Product mix: The collection is focused on sophisticated apparel, including chic dresses, tailored tops and blouses, luxe sweaters, and versatile separates designed for a polished, day-to-night look.
• Price point: As a premium line, Wilfred sits at a higher price point than many other Aritzia brands. Prices typically range from $80 for basic tops up to $300 or more for statement pieces like coats and dresses.
• Style &, Aesthetic: Characterized by clean lines, neutral color palettes, and understated luxury. The style is feminine and classic with a modern edge, appealing to those who prefer an effortlessly refined vibe.
• Quality: Quality is a major focus for Wilfred. The brand emphasizes premium materials like silk, cashmere, fine wool, and linen blends, with careful attention paid to tailoring and a high-quality finish.
• Sizing/Fit: Wilfred offers consistent sizing that generally runs true to size. However, due to its structured and tailored silhouettes, some shoppers find pieces fit slightly smaller than Aritzia's more casual brands.
• Return policy: As a product sold by Aritzia, Wilfred follows Aritzia's standard return policy.

Wilfred excels at creating long-lasting, beautifully constructed garments that form the backbone of a sophisticated wardrobe.

Shop Wilfred: wilfredjones.com

Aritzia vs. Wilfred Comparison

Price Comparison

There's a clear distinction in price between the two. Aritzia offers a broad mid-tier price range. You can easily find casual tops for $30-$60 and dresses for under $150. This makes it more suitable for those on a stricter budget or those who want to experiment with trends without a huge financial commitment.

Wilfred is positioned as a bridge between accessible and luxury fashion. Its pieces are an investment, with blouses starting around $80 and dresses often falling in the $150-$300 range. The pricing reflects the use of premium fabrics and more complex construction, intended to provide greater longevity and value over time.

Quality & Materials

Wilfred is the clear winner when it comes to materials and craftsmanship. It prioritizes high-quality natural fibers like silk, crepe, cashmere blends, and fine wool. The tailoring feels more precise, and the finishes are more refined, leading to pieces that hold their shape and look chic for years.

Aritzia, as a whole, provides good quality relative to its price. However, to maintain its accessibility, its collections often feature a mix of natural fibers and quality synthetics like viscose and certain vegan leathers. While great for everyday wear, some pieces might not offer the same long-term durability as a garment from Wilfred.

Product Selection & Style

Aritzia's strength lies in its incredible breadth of selection. Through its family of brands, it caters to multiple aesthetics simultaneously - from the minimalist corporate style of Babaton to the sporty streetwear of TNA. If you want variety and one-stop shopping for every part of your lifestyle, Aritzia is unmatched.

Wilfred has a very distinct and focused aesthetic. It's romantic, sophisticated, and timeless. It doesn’t follow fleeting fads, instead offering refined pieces that can be styled in multiple ways. Shoppers go to Wilfred specifically for that polished, effortless look, not for a wide range of different styles.

Fit & Sizing

Both brands generally run true to size, but the intended fit is different. Aritzia has a huge range of fits, from oversized sweatshirts to body-hugging dresses, catering to many different preferences and body types across their brands. You can find petite and tall sizing in many of Aritzia's best-selling items.

Wilfred’s sizing is consistent but its fits are more tailored and structured. Because of this, pieces can feel slightly less forgiving than items from Aritzia's more relaxed brands. If you are between sizes, particularly in structured items like blazers or fitted dresses, you might consider sizing up with Wilfred.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both destinations are excellent for building a stylish wardrobe, but they cater to different priorities and styles.

Choose Aritzia if:

• You enjoy staying current with the latest fashion trends.
• You want a one-stop-shop with a wide variety of styles, from casual to workwear.
• Your budget is more moderate, and you appreciate frequent sales and good value.
• You are looking to fill out your wardrobe with versatile and fashionable everyday pieces.

Choose Wilfred if:

• You prefer timeless, classic pieces over fast-fashion trends.
• You are looking to invest in high-quality garments made from premium materials that will last for years.
• Your personal style is minimalist, sophisticated, and polished.
• You prioritize fit and tailoring and are willing to pay more for exceptional construction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Wilfred an Aritzia brand?

Yes, Wilfred is one of Aritzia's exclusive, in-house brands. It's positioned as one of their more premium and sophisticated labels for women's apparel.

Which is more expensive, Aritzia or Wilfred?

Wilfred is consistently more expensive than the average item found at Aritzia. Wilfred's prices reflect its focus on premium fabrics like silk, merino wool, and cashmere, along with more refined tailoring and craftsmanship.

Does Wilfred or Aritzia have better quality?

Wilfred generally offers better quality in terms of materials and construction. It is designed to be an investment-level brand within Aritzia's portfolio, prioritizing long-lasting fabrics and timeless construction. While Aritzia offers good quality for its price, Wilfred is a step above.

Is Wilfred true to size?

Wilfred typically fits true to size, but its silhouettes are often more tailored and structured. Some shoppers find that fitted or non-stretch items can run slightly small, so it's always wise to check the size guide and reviews for a specific garment.

What is the return policy for Wilfred and Aritzia?

Since Wilfred is sold through Aritzia, it shares the same return policy. Generally, regular-priced merchandise can be returned for a full refund within 14 days, while items bought on sale are often final or eligible for store credit only. It's best to check their website for the most current policy.

Which brand is better for professional workwear?

Both are great options, but they serve different needs. Wilfred is ideal for high-quality, classic investment pieces like silk blouses and tailored trousers. For a wider range of modern workwear, including blazers and dresses at more accessible prices, Aritzia's Babaton brand is an exceptional choice.

Is Wilfred considered fast fashion?

Wilfred is not typically classified as fast fashion. Its focus on timeless designs, premium materials, and higher price points encourages mindful consumption and long-term wear, distancing it from the high-turnover model of fast fashion.

Can you shop both brands in the same store?

Yes, you can find Wilfred collections within most Aritzia retail stores and on the official Aritzia website, making it easy to compare and shop both at the same time.