In search of stores like J Crew that mirror it’s chic and quality fashion? Look no further! Our guide to the 20 best stores like J Crew will satisfy your style cravings with options for everyone.
There’s something about J Crew that keeps us coming back: their unparalleled blend of timeless elegance and modern style. However, the fashion landscape is rich with variety, offering numerous brands that capture a similar essence. Whether you’re after the perfect pair of jeans, a sustainable sweater, or the next great piece for your outdoor adventures, we’ve rounded up 20 stores like J Crew that promise to delight fashion lovers in search of quality, sustainability, and style. Let’s embark on this sartorial journey and unveil the best places to refresh your wardrobe.
J Crew : An Overview
Born in 1983, J.Crew sailed into the fashion world with classic, preppy apparel, emphasizing quality and timeless style. From humble catalog beginnings, it evolved into a multi-brand, multi-channel powerhouse, reaching over 200 stores and launching brands like Madewell. Renowned for its craftsmanship and loyal following, J. Crew even graced movie screens, solidifying its cultural impact.
However, rough waters emerged in recent years. Competition from fast-fashion and established players like Gap threatened its course. Sales dipped, and J.Crew found itself needing a course correction. The current plan involves refocusing on core strengths like quality, streamlining costs, and expanding its online presence. Partnerships like the one with Amazon aim to chart new customer territories.
High prices remain an anchor, a challenge J.Crew needs to overcome. Yet, its strong brand legacy and willingness to adapt to the evolving retail landscape offer potential life rafts. Successfully implementing the turnaround plan and embracing trends while staying true to its core values might be the key to navigating towards a brighter Future.
Quick Information:
- Founders: Millard “Mickey” Drexler and Saul Rifkin (1983)
- History: Began as a catalog retailer selling women’s sweaters, evolving into a multi-brand, multi-channel powerhouse. Notable moments include launching Madewell (1997) and Crewcuts (2006).
- Headquarters: 770 Broadway, New York, NY 10003, United States
- Business Numbers: Over 200 retail stores, robust online presence, revenue surpassing $2 billion in 2019.
- Competitors: Gap, Banana Republic, Everlane, Anthropologie, online fast-fashion retailers.
- Brand Ambassador: Currently none, previously featured Emma Roberts, Gigi Hadid, & Jenna Lyons.
20 Stores like J Crew: The List
1. Madewell
Perfect for denim lovers, Madewell offers high-quality jeans and casual wear with a focus on sustainability and durability. Their laid-back, chic aesthetic makes them a go-to for everyday essentials.
Key Information:
- Founders: Mickey Drexler, Libby Edelman (1997)
- Headquarters: New York City, New York, USA
- Brand Ambassador: Currently none, previously featured Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid, & New York City street style icons.
- Products: Women’s apparel & accessories (denim, sweaters, dresses, tops, bags, shoes, jewelry). Focused on a casual, comfortable, and trend-driven aesthetic.
- Business Numbers: Over 130 retail stores in the US & Canada, strong online presence. Revenue figures not publicly available, but estimated to be in the hundreds of millions annually.
- Competitors: J.Crew (sister brand), Everlane, Reformation, Anthropologie, Free People, Gap, Uniqlo
Madewell operates as a subsidiary of J.Crew Group, and shares some aspects of its business model with its parent company. However, Madewell aims for a younger target audience and a more fashion-forward approach.
2. Club Monaco
With its sophisticated, urban vibe, Club Monaco is ideal for those seeking modern, versatile pieces that transition effortlessly from day to night.
- Founders: Arthur Cinader (1985), acquired by Ralph Lauren in 1999, sold to Regent LP in 2021.
- Headquarters: New York City, New York, USA
- Brand Ambassador: Currently none, previously featured Alexa Chung, Olivia Palermo, & David Beckham.
- Products: Women’s & Men’s apparel & accessories (dresses, sweaters, shirts, outerwear, bags, shoes, jewelry). Focused on modern takes on classic styles with a premium look and feel.
- Business Numbers: Over 140 retail stores worldwide, strong online presence. Revenue figures not publicly available, but estimated to be in the hundreds of millions annually.
- Competitors: J.Crew, Banana Republic, Everlane, COS, Theory, Sandro, Maje, & other premium casual and contemporary brands.
Club Monaco originally started in Canada but now has a global presence. It targets a slightly higher price point than J.Crew with a focus on polished and sophisticated looks. They offer both timeless basics and seasonal trends.
3. Banana Republic
Known for its refined and professional attire, Banana Republic offers a wide range of stylish, high-quality clothing, making it perfect for workwear and casual chic looks.
- Founders: Millard “Mickey” Drexler & Gap Inc. (1983)
- Headquarters: San Francisco, California, USA
- Brand Ambassador: Currently none, previously featured Olivia Wilde, Jon Hamm, & Chrissy Teigen.
- Products: Women’s & Men’s apparel & accessories (dresses, pants, sweaters, outerwear, bags, shoes, jewelry). Offers a blend of classic and modern styles with a focus on workwear and travel-ready pieces.
- Business Numbers: Over 500 retail stores worldwide, strong online presence. Revenue figures not publicly available, but estimated to be in the billions annually (part of Gap Inc.’s overall revenue).
- Competitors: J.Crew, Club Monaco, Ann Taylor, Brooks Brothers, Express, Zara, Mango, & other mid-range apparel brands.
Banana Republic is a subsidiary of Gap Inc., which also owns Gap and Old Navy. It targets a slightly older and more professional audience than Gap, offering higher-quality materials and more elevated designs. They also promote sustainability initiatives and ethical sourcing practices.
4. Everlane
Everlane shines with its commitment to transparency and ethical manufacturing. Offering modern basics and essentials, it’s a fantastic choice for the conscious consumer.
- Founders: Michael Preysman & Jesse Farmer (2010)
- Headquarters: San Francisco, California, USA
- Brand Ambassador: Currently none, previously featured Marie Kondo & Emma Chamberlain.
- Products: Women’s & Men’s apparel & accessories (dresses, pants, sweaters, outerwear, bags, shoes, jewelry). Focused on transparency, sustainability, and ethical sourcing, offering classic styles with high-quality materials.
- Business Numbers: Primarily online retailer, several physical “experience shops” in major cities. Revenue figures not publicly available, but estimated to be in the hundreds of millions annually.
- Competitors: Reformation, Patagonia, Veja, Able, Pact, & other sustainable and ethical fashion brands. Also competes with traditional apparel brands offering similar styles, like J.Crew, Banana Republic, and Uniqlo.
Everlane is known for its transparent pricing model, showing the true cost of production for each item. They partner with ethical factories and use recycled and organic materials whenever possible. Their focus on sustainability and quality has attracted a loyal following, but some critics argue their prices remain high despite transparency.
5. COS
COS is all about contemporary, functional design. With its minimalist aesthetic, the brand offers timeless pieces that boast quality and innovation.
- Founders: H&M Group (2007)
- Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
- Brand Ambassador: Currently none, previously featured Alexa Chung & Adwoa Aboah.
- Products: Women’s & Men’s apparel & accessories (dresses, pants, sweaters, outerwear, bags, shoes, jewelry). Offers minimalist and modern essentials with a focus on clean lines, high-quality materials, and timeless design.
- Business Numbers: Over 200 stores worldwide, primarily in major cities. Revenue figures not publicly available, but included in H&M Group’s overall financial reports.
- Competitors: Everlane, Uniqlo, Muji, Arket, & other contemporary brands offering minimalist and affordable essentials. Also competes with more premium brands like COS’s sister company &M Other Stories, Zara, and Mango.
COS is a brand owned by the H&M Group, but operates independently with a distinct brand identity. They target a more fashion-conscious and design-savvy audience than H&M, offering elevated basics and seasonal trend pieces. Although more affordable than luxury brands, their quality and design position them in the mid-range contemporary fashion segment.
6. Anthropologie
For those who love a bohemian flair, Anthropologie provides unique, whimsical fashion and accessories that stand out from the crowd.
- Founders: Régis Schultz & John Vogelstein (1992)
- Headquarters: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Brand Ambassador: Currently none, previously featured Jenna Lyons (former head of design & creative director).
- Products: Women’s apparel & accessories, home décor, furniture, beauty products, & gifts. Offers a unique and eclectic mix of styles, incorporating global influences, bohemian flair, and vintage touches.
- Business Numbers: Over 200 stores in the US, Canada, & Europe. Revenue figures not publicly available but estimated to be in the billions annually (part of Urban Outfitters, Inc.’s revenue).
- Competitors: Free People, Reformation, Urban Outfitters, & other bohemian and lifestyle brands. Also competes with home décor stores like West Elm, Pottery Barn, & Crate and Barrel.
Anthropologie caters to a female audience who appreciates statement pieces, bold colors, and unique textures. They emphasize personal expression and encourage individuality through their product curation. While part of Urban Outfitters, Inc., Anthropologie maintains a distinct brand identity with a more sophisticated and elevated price point.
7. Free People
Similar to Anthropologie (and under the same parent company), Free People caters to the free-spirited, offering flowy, boho-chic clothing that’s perfect for the adventurous soul.
- Founders: Richard Hayne & Scott Mallory (1984)
- Headquarters: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Brand Ambassador: Currently none, previously featured Gigi Hadid, Taylor Swift, & Alessandra Ambrosio.
- Products: Women’s apparel & accessories (dresses, tops, jeans, sweaters, lingerie, swimwear, bags, shoes, jewelry). Offers a bohemian and free-spirited aesthetic with a focus on flowy silhouettes, vintage-inspired designs, and comfortable fabrics.
- Business Numbers: Over 170 stores in the US & Canada, strong online presence. Revenue figures not publicly available, but estimated to be in the hundreds of millions annually (part of Urban Outfitters, Inc.’s revenue).
- Competitors: Anthropologie, Reformation, Urban Outfitters, & other bohemian and lifestyle brands. Also competes with mainstream retailers like Gap and J.Crew for certain product categories.
Free People targets a younger audience than Anthropologie, offering a more relaxed and casual take on bohemian style. They emphasize self-expression, individuality, and a carefree spirit through their marketing and product offerings. While part of Urban Outfitters, Inc., Free People maintains a distinct brand identity with a slightly lower price point than Anthropologie.
8. Reformation
Sustainability meets style at Reformation, where eco-friendly fabrics and practices go hand in hand with on-trend designs and flattering fits.
- Founders: Yael Aflalo (2009)
- Headquarters: Los Angeles, California, USA
- Brand Ambassador: Various influencers and sustainable fashion advocates featured in campaigns.
- Products: Women’s apparel & accessories (dresses, tops, jeans, sweaters, outerwear, bags, shoes, jewelry). Offers sustainable and ethically-made clothing with a focus on vintage-inspired design, modern trends, and flattering silhouettes.
- Business Numbers: Over 20 stores in the US & Canada, strong online presence. Revenue figures not publicly available, but estimated to be in the hundreds of millions annually.
- Competitors: Everlane, Eileen Fisher, Sézane, Veja, & other sustainable and ethical fashion brands. Also competes with mainstream brands like J.Crew, Anthropologie, and Free People for similar styles.
Reformation is known for its commitment to sustainability, using recycled and vintage materials, minimizing waste, and promoting transparency in its supply chain. They offer ethically-made clothing produced in safe and fair working conditions. The brand targets a fashion-conscious audience who value both style and sustainability, attracting criticism for occasional higher price points.
9. Sézane
This Parisian brand brings French elegance and sustainability to the forefront. Sézane offers beautifully crafted pieces that add a touch of sophistication to any wardrobe.
- Founders: Morgane Sézalory (2013)
- Headquarters: Paris, France
- Brand Ambassador: Currently none, emphasizes community and customer stories.
- Products: Women’s apparel & accessories (dresses, tops, jeans, sweaters, outerwear, bags, shoes, jewelry). Offers a chic and effortless Parisian aesthetic with a focus on high-quality materials, timeless design, and feminine silhouettes.
- Business Numbers: Primarily an online retailer, several “apartments” (physical stores) in major cities globally. Revenue figures not publicly available, but estimated to be in the hundreds of millions annually.
- Competitors: Reformation, Eileen Fisher, Anthropologie, Free People, & other brands offering feminine and timeless styles. Also competes with French fashion brands like Maje, Sandro, and Ba&sh.
Sézane is a French brand known for its curated selection of clothing and accessories. They offer unique pieces with a Parisian touch, emphasizing quality and sustainable production practices. Instead of traditional brand ambassadors, Sézane focuses on customer stories and community engagement. They target a stylish and independent woman who appreciates understated elegance and high-quality clothing. Despite initial popularity, some criticism suggests their price point might be considered high for certain items.
10. Eileen Fisher
Eileen Fisher is synonymous with ethical fashion, offering organic and sustainable clothing that doesn’t compromise on style or quality.
- Founders: Eileen Fisher (1984)
- Headquarters: Irvington, New York, USA
- Brand Ambassador: Currently none, emphasizes inclusivity and sustainability initiatives.
- Products: Women’s apparel & accessories (dresses, tops, pants, sweaters, outerwear, bags, shoes, jewelry). Offers classic and comfortable clothing with a focus on natural fabrics, flattering silhouettes, and ethical production practices.
- Business Numbers: Over 80 retail stores in the US & Canada, strong online presence. Revenue figures not publicly available, but estimated to be in the hundreds of millions annually.
- Competitors: Everlane, Reformation, Sézane, Anthropologie, & other brands offering sustainable and ethically-made clothing with a focus on comfort and classic design.
Eileen Fisher is known for its commitment to sustainability, using organic and recycled materials whenever possible, and advocating for fair labor practices. They offer timeless and comfortable clothing designed for real women of all shapes and sizes. Instead of traditional brand ambassadors, Eileen Fisher emphasizes ethical sourcing, inclusivity, and community engagement. They target a conscious consumer who values quality, comfort, and sustainability, but some critiques might suggest their price point is higher than similar brands.
11. Gap
A household name, Gap provides versatile, casual clothing for the whole family. With its focus on comfort and quality, Gap continues to be a staple for everyday wear.
- Founders: Donald & Doris Fisher (1969)
- Headquarters: San Francisco, California, USA
- Brand Ambassador: Various celebrities and everyday people featured in campaigns.
- Products: Women’s, Men’s & Children’s apparel & accessories (jeans, sweatpants, t-shirts, dresses, sweaters, outerwear, bags, shoes, jewelry). Offers casual and classic styles with a focus on denim, basics, and affordable prices.
- Business Numbers: Over 1,000 stores worldwide, strong online presence. Revenue figures not publicly available, but estimated to be in the billions annually (part of Gap Inc.’s revenue).
- Competitors: Old Navy (sister brand), Banana Republic (sister brand), H&M, Uniqlo, Target, Zara, Forever 21, & other mainstream retailers offering casual clothing at various price points.
Gap is a well-known American brand with a long history. They offer a wide range of clothing for the whole family at affordable prices. While they initially focused on denim and casual basics, they’ve expanded to include more trend-driven pieces. Gap Inc. also owns Old Navy and Banana Republic, targeting different price points and demographics. However, Gap has faced challenges in recent years due to competition and changing consumer preferences.
12. Old Navy
For budget-friendly fashion that echoes J Crew’s casual vibe, Old Navy offers a wide range of clothing and accessories that cater to all ages.
- Founders: Mickey Drexler (1994)
- Headquarters: San Francisco, California, USA
- Brand Ambassador: Currently none, previously featured Sarah Jessica Parker & Olivia Munn.
- Products: Women’s, Men’s & Children’s apparel & accessories (jeans, sweatpants, t-shirts, dresses, sweaters, outerwear, bags, shoes, jewelry). Offers trendy and affordable everyday clothing with a focus on comfort, practicality, and value.
- Business Numbers: Over 1,100 stores in the US, Canada, & Mexico, strong online presence. Revenue figures not publicly available, but estimated to be in the billions annually (part of Gap Inc.’s revenue).
- Competitors: Gap (sister brand), H&M, Uniqlo, Target, Walmart, Forever 21, & other budget-friendly brands offering casual clothing.
Old Navy is a subsidiary of Gap Inc. targeting a budget-conscious audience with trendy and affordable styles. They offer a wider variety of trendy pieces compared to Gap, featuring bold colors, graphic prints, and seasonal themes. Their focus on value and comfort attracts families and younger demographics. However, Old Navy has also faced challenges in recent years due to competition and changing consumer preferences.
13. Target
Target’s clothing lines, like Who What Wear and Universal Thread, offer trendy and affordable fashion, making high style accessible to everyone.
- Founders: John Dayton & George Draper Dayton (1902)
- Headquarters: Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Brand Ambassador: Currently none, previously featured Olivia Munn, Chrissy Teigen, & Gwen Stefani.
- Products: Wide range of home goods, groceries, apparel & accessories for women, men & children (furniture, appliances, electronics, toys, beauty products, clothing, shoes, jewelry). Offers a mix of national brand names and exclusive “only at Target” brands.
- Business Numbers: Over 1,900 stores in the US, strong online presence. Revenue exceeded $109 billion in 2022.
- Competitors: Walmart, Amazon, Costco, grocery chains like Kroger & Safeway, department stores like Macy’s & Kohl’s, online retailers like Asos & Shein.
Target is a major American discount retailer known for its well-curated mix of national brands and its exclusive, often trendy, “only at Target” collaborations. They offer competitive prices, convenient locations, and a focus on creating a positive shopping experience. Target has built a reputation for stylish yet affordable apparel and home goods, attracting a broad customer base. However, they face competition from various players depending on the specific product category.
14. H&M
H&M stands out for its fast-fashion approach, offering the latest trends at budget-friendly prices. It’s a great spot for seasonal updates to your wardrobe.
- Founders: Erling Persson (1947)
- Headquarters: Stockholm, Sweden
- Brand Ambassador: Various celebrities and everyday people featured in campaigns.
- Products: Women’s, Men’s & Children’s apparel & accessories (dresses, pants, sweaters, outerwear, bags, shoes, beauty products), Homeware (furniture, textiles, décor). Offers trendy and affordable clothing with a focus on fast fashion and quick response to trends.
- Business Numbers: Over 4,000 stores worldwide, strong online presence. Revenue surpassed $24 billion in 2022.
- Competitors: Zara, Uniqlo, Gap, Old Navy, Mango, Forever 21, ASOS, Shein, and other mainstream and fast-fashion retailers.
H&M is a globally recognized fast-fashion brand known for its trend-driven clothing and accessories at low prices. They offer frequent new collections and respond quickly to changing trends. While affordability is a key attraction, H&M has faced criticism regarding production practices and sustainability efforts.
15. Uniqlo
For minimalist, innovative clothing, Uniqlo offers quality basics and functional attire that blend Japanese simplicity with modern design.
- Founders: Tadashi Yanai (1947)
- Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
- Brand Ambassador: No current brand ambassadors, previously featured Ines de la Fressange and Roger Federer.
- Products: Women’s, Men’s & Children’s apparel & accessories (t-shirts, jeans, knitwear, outerwear, undergarments, bags, socks). Offers basic and essential clothing with a focus on comfort, quality, and innovation.
- Business Numbers: Over 3,500 stores worldwide, strong online presence. Revenue exceeded $21 billion in 2022.
- Competitors: Gap, Banana Republic, H&M, Zara, COS, Everlane, Muji, and other casual and affordable apparel brands.
Uniqlo is a Japanese clothing retailer known for its high-quality basics and its LifeWear philosophy, aiming to create comfortable and functional clothing for everyday life. They emphasize innovation and collaboration with renowned designers, offering unique fabrics and technologies like Heattech and AIRism. While primarily focusing on basics, they also include some seasonal trend pieces.
16. Patagonia
Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate Patagonia’s commitment to sustainability and high-quality, durable outdoor clothing and gear.
- Founders: Yvon Chouinard (1973)
- Headquarters: Ventura, California, USA
- Brand Ambassador: N/A, though they collaborate with athletes and activists who embody their values.
- Products: Outdoor apparel and gear for men, women, and kids (jackets, pants, shirts, backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, climbing equipment). Known for their durable, high-quality products designed for harsh environments and outdoor activities.
- Business Numbers: Privately held company, estimated annual revenue around $1 billion.
- Competitors: The North Face, Arc’teryx, REI, Cotopaxi, Outdoor Research, Marmot, Keen, Black Diamond, and other outdoor apparel and gear brands.
Patagonia is known for its commitment to environmental activism and social responsibility. They donate 1% of their sales to grassroots environmental groups, advocate for environmental protection, and use recycled materials and sustainable manufacturing practices whenever possible.
17. The North Face
Another haven for outdoor gear, The North Face provides stylish, performance-driven apparel for adventure lovers.
- Founders: Doug Tompkins & Susie Tompkins Buell (1966)
- Headquarters: Alameda, California, USA
- Brand Ambassador: Eliud Kipchoge, Mira Rai, Tommy Caldwell, among others.
- Products: Outdoor apparel, footwear, and equipment for men, women, and kids (jackets, pants, shirts, backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, climbing gear). Offers performance-oriented products designed for various outdoor activities and weather conditions.
- Business Numbers: Owned by VF Corporation, estimated annual revenue around $3 billion.
- Competitors: Patagonia, Arc’teryx, REI, Cotopaxi, Outdoor Research, Marmot, Keen, Black Diamond, and other outdoor apparel and gear brands.
The North Face is a leading brand in the outdoor industry, known for its high-quality, innovative products designed for serious outdoor enthusiasts and casual adventurers alike. They offer a wide range of technical apparel, footwear, and equipment for various activities like hiking, climbing, skiing, snowboarding, and trail running.
18. Veja
Footwear gets a sustainable twist with Veja, offering eco-friendly sneakers that don’t skimp on style or comfort.
- Founders: François-Ghislain Morillion & Sébastien Kopp (2004)
- Headquarters: Paris, France
- Brand Ambassador: Currently none, previously featured Emma Watson & Jamie Foxx
- Products: Sneakers, casual shoes, boots, slip-on shoes, dress shoes (primarily for Men & Women)
- Business Numbers: Privately held company, estimated annual revenue in the tens of millions.
- Competitors: Other sustainable and ethical footwear brands like Everlane, Patagonia, Toms, Allbirds, Ethletic, and mainstream sneaker brands like Converse, Adidas, and Nike (depending on specific product category).
19. Bonobos
For men who appreciate J Crew’s tailored look, Bonobos delivers with a wide range of custom-fit clothing, from suits to casual wear.
- Founders: Andy Dunn & Brian Spaly (2007)
- Headquarters: New York City, New York, USA
- Brand Ambassador: Currently none, previously featured various celebrities
- Products: Men’s apparel & accessories (suits, trousers, denim, shirts, shorts, swimwear, outerwear)
- Business Numbers: Acquired by Walmart in 2023 for $75 million. Previous revenue was estimated in hundreds of millions annually.
- Competitors: J.Crew, Banana Republic, Brooks Brothers, Everlane, Ministry of Supply
20. Flint and Tinder
Exclusive to Huckberry, Flint and Tinder offers American-made men’s wear that emphasizes quality, comfort, and durability, perfect for the modern man’s wardrobe.
- Founders: Huckberry (online retailer)
- Headquarters: San Francisco, California, USA
- Brand Ambassador: No official brand ambassadors, but often features outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers in their marketing campaigns.
- Competitors: Other outdoor apparel brands like Patagonia, The North Face, Arc’teryx, Cotopaxi, Filson, and Fjällräven.