Top 8 Competitors: Why Are They Better Than Woman Within in 2024?

Over the years, the plus-size fashion industry has transformed. Many brands have taken the challenge to offer the latest, size-inclusive, and comfortable clothing. Woman Within has been in the market for a long time and has been a front-runner in offering affordable and comfortable clothing for plus-size women. However, the more people demand fashionable and versatile styles, the more competitors have passed Within in many respects. This article discusses the top eight competitors of  Within in 2024 and explains why they are better alternatives and unique insights into their strengths.

Woman Within: A Staple in Plus-Size Fashion

It has been catering to the plus-size fashion industry for over a century since its creation in 1901. This company sells quality, comfortable, practical, and size-inclusive clothing that suits women of plus size who would value comfort and affordability in the clothes they wear. The business provides a broad range of sizes, ranging up to 6X, to provide perfect, affordable daily wardrobe solutions, from casual tops, bottoms, outerwear and intimates. The brand has always been built on comfort and fit, ensuring that women of all sizes can find something that suits their needs.

Despite the long history of Within in the market, it faces stiff competition due to changes in consumer preferences towards more stylish and fashion-forward clothing options. Compared to many competitors, Within tends to promote functionality over fashion, thereby narrowing its appeal to more fashion-minded shoppers. Many brands in the landscape have emerged that are more trendy and versatile, placing them within a better category for modern plus-size shoppers.

Cons of Women Within

Here is the reasons why Women Within left behind in the race of fashion and style.

1. Limited Trend Appeal

One of the major downsides of Woman Within is that it does not appeal to much in terms of trendy appeal. The brand can provide a wide range of comfortable and practical clothing but fails to keep up with the latest fashion trends. Designs are basic and conservative, focusing more on functionality than modern and stylish options. Another thing that could also be a disappointment for younger fashion-conscious shoppers is that it lacks trend, bold, and statement-making clothes. It might be against some competitors in the market, such as Eloquii and Torrid, with runway-inspired edgy designs.

2. Limited Physical Stores

Unlike other competitors like Lane Bryant and Ashley Stewart, who maintain a physical store, Woman Within is an online-only company. The absence of stores that customers can physically walk into can be a disadvantage when purchasing clothing if an individual wants to try clothes before purchasing them. Most plus-size women are interested in fit as an extremely significant feature, and their failure to try these articles of clothing in a physical setting. Often it is frustrating to have to return or exchange things purchased online, thus worsening the problem.

3. Narrow Range Limits

It goes up to a size 6X and doesn’t carry such a wide range as its competitors, for example, Catherines or Roaman’s, whose reputation is built around being huge on plus-sized fit and tailoring. That restricts the size variety, forcing some women to look elsewhere for the perfect fit, which may promise a more inclusive range in size.

4. Focus on Practicality Over Style

It depends on the person whether to choose comfort and convenience as ideal for some but awful at the same time. It is focused on being comfortable and convenient but has lousy smartness or proper clothes for some needs. Because Woman Within prioritizes workday clothing to be convenient and comfortable, sometimes it lacks smart or proper clothes, which might disappoint women when they need to attend a function or wear appropriate, fashion-forward clothes at work or any special place. Roaman’s, and Eloquii, give more customized sophisticated or elegant alternatives for this specific need of fashion.

5. Poor Quality 

In some ways, Woman Within is so cheap that this leads to a lack of good quality in the products provided. While the material to be used or the stitching varies from product to product, some items can fall short of the durability associated with quality. This tends to be a turn-off for those shoppers who are more than willing to spend extra on clothes that are considered quality and comfortable. Brand Lane Bryant and Torrid have consistently produced clothing that lasts over time.

6. Basic Intimates and Lingerie

One major area in which Woman Within lags is intimate apparel. The plus-size market certainly requires intimate apparel as part of the product category. This company carries a line of bras, panties, and sleepwear, but those products are often too simplistic and practical, with no style or variety compared to other brands like Adore Me Curve or Lane Bryant’s Cacique. A customer who seeks fashion-forward, sexy, or trendy lingerie would do well to look elsewhere because they offer a more body-positive, fashionable, intimate approach to the lingerie market.

7. Infrequent Sales and Offers

Unlike Avenue and Torrid, which continually offer products at sale prices with discounts and offers, Woman Within sells less frequently. The activity deters customers from seeking constant budget deals as other brands attract more customers through constant discount offers, loyalty reward schemes, and special deal offers.

1. Eloquii: The Fashion Powerhouse

Established in: 2011

It targets plus-size women seeking bold, modern, and sophisticated styles. Unlike Within, Eloquii focuses on younger fashion enthusiasts. Its collections include trendy workwear, evening wear, and casual clothes. The brand collaborates with top designers and influencers, keeping its offerings fresh. Sizes range from 14 to 28, emphasizing fit and tailoring. Eloquii is the top choice for plus-size women wanting quality, innovative designs. It has both online and physical stores. Hence, it ranks #1 for its cutting-edge styles.

Why It Is Better

Eloquii has carved a niche with high-fashion, runway-inspired designs for plus-size women. The company is famous for its trendy and sophisticated collections. Eloquii caters to a woman who wants bold statements without compromising on fit. Workwear, evening wear, and casual attire from the brand have a modern edge.

Strengths

• Cutting-edge, fashion-forward designs
• Collaboration with renowned designers
• Use of high-quality fabrics with excellent tailoring
• Large collection of trend-driven collections

Analysis: Eloquii is preferable to Woman Within since it reaches out to the fashion-forward Woman who wants to be aligned with the trend. However, Woman With stresses the comfort aspect that perfectly caters to the needs of the old and less fashion-conscious Woman.

2. Lane Bryant: The Ultimate Versatility Hub

Established in: 1904

It covers all plus-size needs in one place. The brand stands out with its variety. It includes everything from lingerie to chic outerwear. Lane Bryant’s physical stores allow for trying on clothes, a big plus over Woman Within. The brand promotes body positivity and inclusivity, offering sizes up to 28. Its sales and loyalty programs attract many. Lane Bryant ranks #2 for its focus on fit and quality.

Why It’s Better

Lane Bryant is among the most versatile plus-size brands that cater to various clothing categories, from casual wear to formal attires and lingerie. In terms of online and in-store experience, Lane Bryant does provide in-store experience, which is absent in Woman Within. This is a significant benefit for plus-size customers since fit matters.

Strengths

• Shopping in stores
• A wide array of clothing categories
• Includes Cacique lingerie
• Body positivity and inclusivity
• Quality of fabrics and the fit

Analysis: compared to Woman Within, which is strictly an e-commerce brand, Lane Bryant offers a much more wholesome shopping experience. Having several physical stores gives Lane Bryant an edge, allowing customers to get a closer feel for what they like and how well it would fit.

3. Torrid: Edgy, Youthful, and Trendy

Established in: 2001

It stands out with its trendy pieces, unlike the practical Within. Torrid appeals to young, fashion-forward customers with its Disney and Marvel lines. The brand offers sizes 10-30 and promotes body positivity. It has a strong loyalty program and frequent sales. Torrid’s edgy style makes it a favorite for those wanting to express individuality. It ranks #3 for a reason.

Why It Is Better

Torrid is known for its fashion-forward, edgy designs that attract younger crowds. Its more vibrant prints and cuts and pop culture brand partnerships distinguish it from the more traditional, conservative designs found in Woman Within. But with Torrid’s stance on body positivity and diversity, it’s even more attractive to younger crowds.

Strengths

• Cool, young designs
• Involvement with pop-culture brands like Disney and Marvel
• Inclusive measurements and frequent sales
• The custodial loyalty program is quite strong

Analysis: Torrid provides fashion-forward styles for customers who want more than just ordinary daily wear. Since Woman Within is practical, Torrid’s designs provide a sense of flair and modernity, which makes it a preferred choice for younger plus-size women.

4. Ashley Stewart: Bold, Urban, and Empowering

Established in: 1991

It offers wear for both everyday and special occasions. The brand actively promotes body positivity and inclusivity. It engages with its community through events and campaigns. Offering sizes 10 to 36, Ashley Stewart ensures all women feel confident. It ranks #4, perfect for those seeking vibrant, expressive clothing.

Why It Is Better

Ashley Stewart specializes in bolder, more vibrant clothing with an urban twist. Statement-making pieces are known, and Ashley Stewart celebrates individuality and body confidence through its designs. It has an eye for inclusivity and diversity, appealing to the needs of women who want to embrace their curves and stand out.

Strengths

• Bold, colorful, and urban-inspired styles
• Clothing for everyday wear and special occasions
• Commitment to body positivity and community empowerment
• Strong online and social media presence

Analysis: Though Woman Within designs may be more comfortable, Ashley Stewart goes to the next level since it provides creative, statement-making pieces that help women express self-confidence and personality. For this reason, Ashley Stewart is much better for women who would love bold and colorful designs.

5. Catherines: The Comfort Champion with Extended Sizes

Established in: 1960

It offers sizes 16W to 44W, focusing on easy-to-wear clothing. Popular among older women, its styles are timeless. The brand’s website offers helpful size guidelines. Catherine ranks #5 for its commitment to comfort and practicality.

Why It Is Better

Catherines works for curvy women who like comfort and need longer lengths. The line goes up to size 6X, providing practical, easy-to-wear clothes for older customers. Catherine fits closer on a wider range of sizes compared to Woman With.

Strengths

• Available in a wide size range of 16W-44W
• Comfortable, relaxed fit styles
• Size charts and Fit Guides are easy to read
• Practical, easy-wear design

Analysis: Woman Within and Catherines are similar, yet Catherines is much better than Woman in as it has longer sizes while concentrating on fit for a curvy woman. The shop is more suitable for a plus-size woman who demands loose-fitting and comfort with comfort over fashion.

6. Adore Me Curve: The Lingerie Specialist

Established in: 2010

It focuses on beauty and confidence. Unlike Woman Within, it emphasizes stylish, sexy options. The brand’s size range goes up to 4X. Its marketing campaigns feature diverse models. Adore Me provides more than just lingerie, including sleepwear and activewear. It ranks #6, leading in the lingerie market.

Why It Is Better

Adore Me has been able to make its place as the biggest lingerie brand for full-size girls. On the other hand, although Woman Within is into delivering its customers with simple and shy lingerie, fashionable lingerie, which is sexy, has been the core of the brand Adore Me. It follows a subscription model with new fashion updates on an ongoing basis.

Strengths

• Contemporary, trendy, fashionable lingerie
• Subscribes with affordability
• Inclusive sizes. Pitches the idea of the body positively. Keeps upgrading with new trends

Analysis: Regarding sexy lingerie, Adore Me is in a different class. The store’s fashionable designs and size expansion are much more favorable than the simple, intimate garment that Woman Within has. Any woman would love its sensual style.

7. Avenue: Everyday Wear

Established in: 1983

It offers casual, work, and intimate wear. Avenue often has sales, making it budget-friendly. The brand focuses on fit and comfort, offering sizes up to 32. It ranks #7 for its trendy, affordable line.

Why It Is Better

Avenue is known for casual, affordable fashions suitable to wear daily. Woman Within is very similar, but Avenue has more on-trend and fashion-forward pieces most of the time at great value.

Strengths

• Price-conscious with constant promotions and sales
• Huge selections of daily wear clothes
• Very user-friendly and easy website, as well as good online retail stores
• Several promotions and sales

Analysis: Avenue is cheaper than Woman Within. Avenue sells casual, comfortable clothing but at very low prices. Avenue becomes the first choice of customers in search of bargains. In addition, Avenue’s frequent sales and promotions are another edge over Woman in.

8. Roman’s: Classic Styles and Extended Sizes

Established in: 1901

It appeals to mature shoppers preferring timeless styles. The brand offers a wide range of sizes. It focuses on outerwear and formal wear. Roaman’s is dedicated to quality and fit. It ranks #8 and is known for its elegant designs.

Why It Is Better

Roaman’s boasts classic designs for older women, naturally, plus sizes. So, here, the shop’s interest is not necessarily in fashion but in fit and comfort. In terms of size, the plus choices include petite and tall variations that will likely prove very useful to consumers in determining their best fit.

Strengths

• Extends range, particularly with petites and tall
• Classic, classy style
• Good-quality fabric, meaning a more comfortable garment
• Specializes in outerwear and formal wear

Analysis: Roaman’s offers more refined classic, timeless fashion selections than Woman Within has through her more basic designs. It focuses more on fit, comfort, and extended sizes, making this one among the best for a female search for elegant, quality-garment clothing.

Conclusion

Woman Within is still a good choice in 2024 for affordable yet pretty comfortable clothes that can also be made available for plus-size women. Eloquii, Lane Bryant, and Torrid have taken it further than it has in style, inclusiveness and versatility. Instead, one could easily shift to something as casual as Catherines or Avenue if more concerned about comfort or savings. Whether it may be high fashion, popular looks, extended sizes, and more, these competitions offer better deals that best fill the modern needs of a plus-size woman.