H&M is one of the most popular fast fashion retailers, offering the latest trends at affordable prices. But what other stores like H&M can you shop at to find similar trendy and budget-friendly clothes?
I’ve rounded up the top 15 best H&M competitors for affordable, fashionable finds across categories like basics, dresses, accessories, and more.
15 Best H&M Alternatives Stores for Fashion, Beauty, and more
1. ASOS
ASOS is often compared to H&M due to its vast range of inexpensive, fashion-forward clothing and accessories for men and women. The UK-based online retailer specifically targets a 20-something demographic looking for cutting edge styles at low costs.
Key product categories include dresses, jeans, activewear, tops, shoes and more across multiple in-house brands DESIGN. They cater to a wide array of styles from streetwear to boho. It’s a top spot to browse for fast fashion inspiration and try out new trends risk-free.
Key Benefits:
- Huge variety of clothing for any taste or budget
- Free shipping & returns with easy checkout
- New styles added daily
2. COS
COS offers understated, architectural fashion with an emphasis on quality materials and craftsmanship. The brand is known for timeless, minimalist designs in luxe materials like silk, cashmere and leather.
The affordable prices make the sophisticated styles more accessible.
Thos clothing brand carries womenswear, menswear, shoes, accessories and childrenswear. The in-store experience is just as sleek as the clothing, with artful displays and attentive service.
While the selection is smaller compared to fast fashion giants, the brand drops new styles every week to keep things fresh.
Key Perks:
- High quality fabrics and minimalist aesthetic
- Investment wardrobe essentials at lower costs
3. Zara
Spanish brand Zara has earned global popularity for its on-trend pieces inspired by luxury designer fashions. As a pioneer of fast fashion since the 1970s, they’ve perfected quickly translating catwalk styles into affordable clothing for the masses.
The product range covers clothing, shoes and accessories in an array of styles from dressy to casual. While not the cheapest, it is affordable compared to similar high fashion brands. New styles come in twice a week to keep the selection fresh.
Their massive store footprint across 88 countries makes it one of the most accessible H&M alternatives. Their website also ships to many locations.
Why Shop Here:
- Catwalk-inspired pieces at budget prices
- New arrivals 2x per week
- Widely available at brick-and-mortar stores
4. Urban Outfitters
Urban Outfitters targets hip millennials and Gen Z with its selection of laidback, trendy clothes that mix vintage and bohemian inspirations. Product categories span women’s, men’s, accessories, shoes, beauty, and home goods. Prices are affordable compared to independent boutiques with a similar aesthetic.
This Philadelphia-based retailer operates over 200 stores internationally, primarily in urban locations and near college campuses.
The online store provides additional convenience through quick shipping and free returns. Their frequent sales and student discounts also help make the already budget-friendly prices even more wallet-friendly.
Key Advantages:
- Boho-chic styles on a budget
- Omnichannel shopping experience
- Frequent sales & student discounts
5. Zaful
Zaful provides an endless scroll of fun, youthful clothing and swimwear shoppers won’t find anywhere else. This China-based online fast fashion destination offers daring pieces that are sexy, eye-catching and inexpensive. Think clubwear, festive outfits, and vacation-ready styles.
The website has new arrivals daily, and also ships worldwide. It also runs frequent promotions like buy one get one free deals. While quality doesn’t compare to premium brands, the costs match what you’d expect to pay for clothing that’s very trend-focused.
What Makes It Popular:
- Constant new arrivals for under $30
- Worldwide shipping & easy returns
- BOGO and other big discounts
6. Forever 21
Forever 21 built its reputation on catering to young women looking for fun, disposable fashion. The product lineup covers trendy tops, dresses, leggings, jeans, swimwear, accessories and more — all at rock bottom prices.
While the brand has struggled in recent years, this clothing company remains a go-to for instantly updating your wardrobe on a tight budget. Their website and mobile apps make impulse shopping the latest styles easy. Standard shipping is free on orders over $50, and returns are free as well. For planned fast fashion, it is tough to beat.
Key Perks:
- Inexpensive disposable fashion
- Free standard shipping and free returns
- Constant new styles and sales
7. ChicMe
ChicMe brings an elevated yet affordable shopping experience with its polished selection of women’s clothing. The China-based online retailer carries formal, casual, and clubwear with premium details like sequins, lace, and rhinestones.
Prices sit at fast fashion levels while quality exceeds expectations. It offers worldwide express shipping. Their mobile site and apps also make browsing new arrivals convenient. For party dresses, jumpsuits, shoes, and more. Without looking cheap — it is an excellent alternative to H&M.
Why Shop Here:
- Affordable prices for detailed, formal styles
- Express worldwide shipping & easy returns
- Elevated materials and construction
8. American Eagle
American Eagle delivers laidback American style clothing for guys and girls at wallet-friendly costs. Their target demographic is 15 to 25-year-olds. So the product mix caters to high school and college students with jeans, graphic tees, hoodies, dresses, swimwear and more.
Prices are low, and it runs almost constant discounts — especially for loyalty members. Between sales and clearance racks, it’s easy to keep your casual wardrobe updated without overspending. The overall vibe is fun, comfortable, and affordable alternative to stores like H&M.
Key Perks:
- Casual American style clothing
- Low prices and frequent sales
- Free returns for online & in-store
9. Mango
This Barcelona-based brand offers chic, contemporary fashion for modern women and men at prices markedly lower than comparable boutique labels. Expect tailored silhouettes and luxe finishes in natural fibers for workwear, dresses, denim, shoes, and accessories.
It provides an elevated shopping experience whether in-store across 110 countries or online. New styles arrive multiple times per week. Standard shipping is free, and returns are accepted for 30 days. For high-quality, fashionable wardrobe additions without the typical premium costs, it is an excellent alternative to H&M.
Why Shop Here:
- Elevated materials, construction & aesthetic
- New arrivals multiple times per week
- Free shipping & 30 day returns
10. Charlotte Russe
Charlotte Russe appeals to teen girls and young women seeking cute dresses, shoes, jeans and more at the lowest possible cost. Recently emerged from bankruptcy, this San Francisco-based fast fashion chain lives on with an online-only model.
The selection provides endless outfit inspiration with tons of choices under $20. New styles arrive daily, and this clothing company runs frequent promotions. So you can freely experiment with new looks. While quality is mediocre, the prices match expectations.
Key Advantages:
- Extremely inexpensive, trendy clothing
- New arrivals daily & frequent sales
11. Dynamite
For on-trend clothes at cheap prices across Canada, Dynamite is a top destination. This Montreal-based women’s retailer sells affordable, youthful styles focused primarily on the under 30 demographic.
The product range includes party dresses, jeans, jumpsuits, shoes, and more — all for well under $100. New arrivals pop up weekly to keep things fresh. It also runs regular promotions and discounts for loyalty members.
Although mainly based in Canada, their website ships internationally and includes free return shipping. The quality matches low costs, making it ideal for fast experimentation with new styles.
Key Perks:
- Constant new arrivals under $100
- Canada-based with worldwide shipping
- Frequent sales & promos
12. Uniqlo
This Japanese retailer built its reputation on quality basics priced modestly compared to competitors. Product categories span men’s, women’s, kids and babies. Top sellers include cashmere sweaters, flannel shirts, blocktech parkas and jeans.
While UNIQLO isn’t dirt cheap, the products deliver superb value. Fabrics and construction exceed typical fast fashion quality. The minimalist styles feature thoughtful design rather than fleeting trends. Online, it provides free shipping over $75 and returns within 90 days. For long-lasting everyday essentials, it’s a stellar H&M competitor.
Why Shop Here:
- Superb quality fabrics and construction
- Understated, enduring styles
13. Nasty Gal
Nasty Gal captures youthful, rebellious spirit with edgy styles for the daring dresser. The e-tailer offers head-turning womenswear with a cool, glamorous edge.
Their fashion-forward clothing embraces eye-catching details like cutouts, thigh-high slits, bold prints and more. The vibe is both rock n’ roll and feminine. And prices stay affordable, so you can stock up on attention-grabbing pieces.
Beyond womenswear, it also carries shoes and accessories to complete your look. Expect lots of vegan leather, edgy graphics, and shades of black and red.
Key Advantages:
- Daring, fashion-forward styles for young women
- Affordable costs for unique pieces
- Free shipping and returns
14. Missguided
This UK-based online retailer brings a bold, no-boundaries approach to fast fashion. Missguided offers sexy, experimental women’s clothing priced affordably for the young, party-ready crowd.
The selection leans trendy, ranging from basics to showstopper pieces. Prices rarely exceed $50. New looks arrive multiple times per week, and discounts run constantly. It provides free shipping on almost all orders. Overall, it’s a top affordable option for daring fashionistas.
Key Benefits:
- Trend-focused women’s clothing under $50
- New styles constantly added
- Free shipping and returns
15. Revolve
Revolve began as an online store catering specifically to young women in LA. While no longer local, this digital retailer still provides coveted brands at discounted prices. The product range covers trendy yet sophisticated clothing, shoes, denim, and accessories.
New inventory debuts daily, curated by in-house stylists to capture the latest fashion. It also operates a members-only sale site. Their free shipping, returns and customer service help justify the premium-feeling experience.
Why Shop Here:
- Deep discounts on coveted brands
- New arrivals styled by fashion experts
- Free shipping, returns & great service
Conclusion
H&M makes fast fashion affordable and accessible for the masses. But many H&M competitors exist that provide chic styles at similarly low costs. These brands like H&M covered offer a diversity of aesthetics, product categories and shopping experiences to suit different tastes.
A few key aspects to compare include product quality, selection, brand values and shopping convenience. Price alone does not dictate value. Finding an affordable fashion brand that aligns with your style and ethics makes fast fashion more satisfying.
With a little research, you can discover cheap clothing stores like H&M that meet your needs better. Use this list as a starting point to explore new fast fashion territory on a budget.
FAQs about H&M alternatives
What countries have H&M stores?
H&M has over 1000 stores across 74 countries worldwide, with a huge presence across Europe, North America, Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Australia. Some of their biggest markets include the United States, Germany, the UK and China.
What makes H&M affordable?
H&M keeps costs low through fast production, buying fabric in bulk, owning factories and operating with lower profit margins. Their global network of suppliers and in-house designers help them translate trends quickly.
Does H&M have sales often?
Yes, H&M runs sales throughout the year. Keep an eye out for their biannual sales offering up to 60% off or more. Seasonal sales like summer clearance are also common. Sign up for emails and check online for the latest deals.
What is H&M’s return policy?
H&M accepts returns and exchanges within 30 days of purchase with a receipt. Refunds are issued in the original form of payment. Unworn items with tags can be returned to any H&M store. Lightly used items must be sent by mail.
Does H&M offer student discounts?
Unfortunately H&M does not offer an official student discount at this time. Your best bet is to look for site-wide sales and coupon codes which frequently offer the lowest prices sitewide. Sign up for emails to get notified of deals.
Is H&M fast fashion?
Yes, H&M is one of the biggest and most well-known fast fashion retailers. Their business model relies on rapidly translating catwalk trends into affordable clothes to keep up with consumer demand. New inventory arrives in stores multiple times per week.
Is H&M good quality?
H&M provides decent quality clothing and accessories for the low prices. Certain pieces like basic tees may last for years, while more delicate fabrics or intricate items won’t have premium quality. Focus on timeless over trendy finds.
