I’ve been a size 20 for about seven years now. In that time, I’ve probably spent over $2,000 at Torrid and another $1,500 at Universal Standard. I’m not a casual shopper — I wear test this stuff. Jeans get washed weekly. Tees get worn under bags. Leggings get worn on the couch and the treadmill. If a fabric pills after three washes, I notice.
Here’s what I’ve learned about these two giants of plus-size basics. I’m not neutral — I have clear winners for specific categories. You should too.
Fit Philosophy: Torrid’s Stretch vs. Universal Standard’s Structure
This is the biggest difference between the two brands. It changes everything about how clothes wear over time.
Torrid runs generous — sometimes too generous
Torrid uses a proprietary sizing system (00-06) that roughly maps to standard sizes 10-30. In my experience, a Torrid 3 (size 20-22) fits me with room to spare in the waist. Their jeans and leggings rely heavily on spandex — the Bombshell Skinny Jean (around $70 full price) has 2% elastane, which gives you that forgiving, almost compressive feel. The downside? After about six months of weekly wear, the knees bag out. The waistband rolls. The stretch fibers fatigue.
If you want immediate comfort with no break-in period, Torrid wins. But you’ll replace items faster.
Universal Standard runs true to size — with less give
Universal Standard sizes XXS-4X, and their fit is far more tailored. Their Seine High-Rise Straight Jean ($98) uses 98% cotton, 2% elastane. That means the denim holds its shape all day. No saggy knees by 3 PM. But it also means you need to nail your size. Ordering wrong? The return process is free, but you’ll wait 5-7 business days for the exchange. I’ve done it three times.
Universal Standard is for people who want clothes that fit like they were made for them — not just stretched over them.
| Feature | Torrid | Universal Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Stretch content (jeans) | 2-4% elastane | 1-2% elastane |
| Fit after 8 hours | Bags at knees | Holds shape |
| Sizing consistency | Varies by style | Highly consistent |
| Best for | Immediate comfort | Long-term wear |
My verdict: if you’re between sizes, go with Universal Standard and use their fit guide. Torrid’s stretch hides fit issues temporarily, but you pay for it later.
The T-Shirt Test: Which Brand’s Cotton Actually Lasts?
I bought a Torrid Essential V-Neck Tee ($25) and a Universal Standard Cotton Modal Tee ($40) on the same day. Both black. Both size 3/1X. Here’s what happened after ten washes.
The Torrid tee lost its shape. The neckline stretched into a boatneck. The hem curled. The fabric developed a sheen from friction against my seatbelt. It’s still wearable, but I wouldn’t wear it to dinner.
The Universal Standard tee looks almost new. The color is slightly faded — that’s normal for any black cotton. But the neckline is crisp. The hem is straight. The fabric is a modal-cotton blend (50/50), which drapes better and resists pilling. I’ve had it for 14 months now.
Universal Standard wins this category handily. The extra $15 is worth it if you plan to keep the shirt for more than one season. If you’re on a tight budget and need a tee for a single event, Torrid’s $25 price is fine. But don’t expect it to last.
Here’s a tip: wash all plus-size basics in cold water and hang dry. Machine drying is the #1 killer of stretch fabrics. I ruined a $90 pair of Torrid jeggings in one dryer cycle. Learned that the hard way.
Jeans and Denim: A Clear Winner for Daily Wear
I’ve owned four pairs of Torrid jeans and three pairs of Universal Standard jeans over the past two years. I’m not exaggerating when I say the difference in construction is night and day.
Torrid Bombshell Skinny vs. Universal Standard Seine Straight
The Torrid Bombshell ($70) is comfortable right out of the box. The fabric is soft, the stretch is generous, and the price is reasonable. But here’s what happens: after three months of wearing them twice a week, the inner thighs start to fade. After six months, the fabric thins to the point where I’m worried about a blowout. I’ve had two pairs develop holes in the thigh area within eight months.
The Universal Standard Seine High-Rise Straight ($98) uses a heavier weight denim — 12 oz vs. Torrid’s roughly 10 oz. The stitching is double-needled on the inseams. The waistband has a thicker elastic inside. After a year of wear, mine have no thinning, no holes, and the color is still rich. I paid $98. That’s $8 per month of wear so far, and dropping.
Universal Standard is the better buy for jeans if you wear them weekly. Torrid is fine for occasional wear or if you change styles every season. But if you want a pair that lasts two years? Universal Standard.
Leggings and Activewear: Where Torrid Holds Its Ground
This is the one category where I’ll defend Torrid.
Their Torrid Active High-Waisted Capri Legging ($45) is genuinely good. The fabric is thick — 88% polyester, 12% spandex — with a matte finish that doesn’t shine under gym lights. The waistband is 4 inches wide and stays put during squats. I’ve had mine for 18 months, and they haven’t pilled or lost compression.
Universal Standard’s Seine High-Rise Legging ($78) is also excellent. The fabric is a cotton-nylon-spandex blend that feels more like a soft ponte than traditional athletic material. They’re better for lounging or low-impact activity. But for actual exercise? The Torrid Active line outperforms it. The Universal Standard leggings show sweat marks more easily and don’t have the same compression.
If you’re buying leggings for the gym, get Torrid Active. If you want leggings for travel, work from home, or casual wear, Universal Standard’s are more polished and durable.
One mistake I see people make: buying leggings that are too small because they want compression. Don’t. If the fabric is stretched to its limit, it will fail faster. Size up if you’re between sizes for either brand.
When NOT to Buy From Either Brand (And What to Get Instead)
I’m not here to say these are the only two options. There are specific situations where neither brand makes sense.
Don’t buy Torrid basics if you need professional workwear. Their blazers and trousers are cut too casually. The fabric is often stretchy poly-blend that looks cheap under office lighting. Instead, look at Eloquii for structured blazers ($130-180) or Lane Bryant’s suiting line for trousers with real wool content.
Don’t buy Universal Standard if you need trendy, fast-fashion pieces. Their collection is deliberately minimalist — solid colors, classic cuts, very few prints. If you want animal print leggings or a neon hoodie, Torrid has those. Or go to Shein Curve (yes, I said it) for disposable trend pieces under $30. Just know they’ll last one season.
Don’t buy either brand if you’re between size 14 and 16 and want the widest selection. That size range is well-served by Madewell (their plus line) and American Eagle. Both offer better denim options than Torrid at a similar price point, with more color and wash variety.
Here’s the compressed verdict: For basics you wear weekly — tees, jeans, leggings — Universal Standard is the quality winner. The construction, fabric weight, and fit consistency justify the higher price. For affordable comfort and trend-driven pieces, Torrid is the value winner, especially in activewear. Pick based on how long you need the clothes to last.