Free People alternatives

[electricitymeter]

Before I begin I love Free People designs.
The sizing can be erratic and the quality varies wildly.

I'm looking for some cardigans, FP have some good styles.
From experience I know that, aside from the very expensive pieces, the quality of FP knitwear is not usually high.

It's not that I mind paying the money, I want quality as well as style.

To give examples: LK Bennett have the quality, but their knitwear is not casual.
FatFace and White Stuff are good, but likely to be seen everywhere.
Joe Browns have some good styles, but I have a root through a lot to find anything I want and often, the clothes don't look as good IRL.

Does anyone know good of brands with a stylish twist which maintain the quality?

Knitwear is tricky. For good quality I prefer natural fibres - wool, cotton, cashmere - as they wash and last better. But it’s harder to get those casual chunky boho styles in natural fibres (except alpaca/angora maybe).

Have a look at American Vintage, casual vibe, man made but seems to last ok (never quite as soft after first wash though). Sezane has style but I don’t know how their stuff lasts. French Connection has some nice cotton knitwear.

Mint velvet have some nice knitwear that's a bit different

Anthropologie sell lots of brands with a FP vibe

Free People, Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters are all owned by the same group so while they're similar style you'll probably get similar quality too.

I buy a lot of FP seconds etc from ebay - much cheaper way to buy which mitigates the unpredictable quality a bit.

Agree American Vintage is a good shout, also American Eagle are available in the UK now too and have a relaxed/beachy vibe. Will watch this thread with interest for other ideas because I'm in a similar boat to you!

These are good suggestions, thanks 😊 I'm going to take a look.

@TronaldDump do you know of any good eBay sellers who sell FP seconds?
During lockdown I had quite a few go-tos for brand seconds. Most of them aren't around now.
Please do PM me if you don't want to post them.

Agreed @minipie, I can find good quality knitwear, I can find interesting styles. Not both at the same time though!