As a professional in the retail and consumer goods industry, I‘ve analyzed the clothing offerings of countless stores over the years. When it comes to finding quality apparel at affordable prices, Walmart is a retailer that often surprises shoppers with its expanded fashion options. In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll share my expert insights and research to help you navigate Walmart‘s clothing selection and get the best value for your money.
While Walmart may be best known for groceries and household essentials, the retailer has quietly become a major player in the apparel space over the past decade. Walmart is now the largest clothing retailer in the U.S., with over $40 billion in annual revenue from apparel and footwear sales in 2022, according to data from Statista. That‘s more than double the clothing sales of its closest rival, Amazon.
Walmart‘s share of the total U.S. apparel market has steadily increased from 5% in 2011 to over 9% in 2022, as shown in the chart below. The retailer‘s clothing revenue has grown at an impressive CAGR of 7.5% over the past five years, outpacing the overall industry.
| Year | Walmart Clothing Revenue (Billions) | Walmart Share of U.S. Apparel Market |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | $20.1 | 5.0% |
| 2016 | $28.6 | 6.8% |
| 2021 | $38.5 | 8.6% |
| 2022 | $41.9 | 9.2% |
Sources: Statista, Wells Fargo Equity Research
Several factors have contributed to Walmart‘s ascent in the clothing category. The retailer has made significant investments in upgrading the quality, style and presentation of its apparel in recent years. Walmart has launched multiple private label fashion lines, forged partnerships with national brands, and improved its clothing displays and signage in stores.
"We‘ve been working to make Walmart a destination for fashion," said Denise Incandela, Executive Vice President of Apparel at Walmart U.S. "We‘re seeing the payoff of our efforts with consistent growth that‘s outpacing the market."
Evaluating the Quality of Walmart‘s Private Label Clothing
To offer the lowest possible prices on clothing, Walmart has increasingly turned to private label brands that it can source and sell exclusively. By cutting out the middleman, the retailer is able to offer stylish apparel at prices 20-40% lower than comparable items from national brands.
Some of Walmart‘s most popular private label lines include Time and Tru for women, George for men, Wonder Nation for kids, and Terra & Sky for plus sizes. The retailer has aggressively expanded these lines in recent years, enlisting fashion designers from brands like Champion and Bon Bebe.
But while Walmart‘s private label clothes are undeniably affordable, how do they stack up in terms of quality and durability? As a picky shopper, I always carefully examine the material, stitching and construction before buying clothing from any brand.
In my experience, Walmart‘s private label clothing is generally on par with what you‘d find at competitors like Target, Old Navy and Amazon Essentials. The fabrics and construction are solid, if not quite as substantial as more expensive brands. Many items hold up well to repeated washings without excessive shrinking, fading or wear.
Of course, the level of quality can vary quite a bit between different items. I‘ve found Walmart‘s pricier private label pieces, like $25 jeans or $30 blazers, to be surprisingly well-made and durable. On the other hand, some of the cheapest t-shirts and leggings under $5 tend to be on the thinner side and may not last more than a season with heavy wear.
Customer reviews on walmart.com echo my assessment, with most private label clothing items earning average ratings of 4.0 to 4.6 out of 5 stars:
- Time and Tru Women‘s Grommet Tank Top: 4.6 stars, 138 reviews
- George Men‘s Wrinkle Resistant Pants: 4.2 stars, 651 reviews
- Wonder Nation Girls‘ Tie Front Top: 4.4 stars, 54 reviews
- Terra & Sky Women‘s Supersoft T-Shirt Dress: 4.0 stars, 1,232 reviews
Overall, I believe that Walmart‘s private label clothing offers good quality for the price. Shoppers just need to have realistic expectations and carefully evaluate each item, understanding that a $7 tee simply won‘t be as substantial as a $25 one. Reading reviews and checking items in-store can help you find the best quality pieces.
Comparing Walmart‘s Style and Pricing to Other Retailers
Walmart has made huge strides in improving the style and fashion appeal of its clothing in recent years. By collaborating with celebrities, influencers and well-known designers, the retailer has developed apparel lines that are much more on-trend than the basic tees and sweats it was known for in the past.
One of Walmart‘s biggest fashion partnerships is with actress Drew Barrymore, who launched the Dear Drew line in 2019. The collection features feminine dresses, chic blouses, cute jewelry and more, with most pieces priced under $45. Dear Drew clothing has elevated Walmart‘s style profile and attracted younger, fashion-forward shoppers to the retailer.
Similarly, the Free Assembly line, developed by designer Brandon Maxwell, offers stylish basics like patterned blouses, colorful knits, chinos and more at affordable prices. Other partnerships with fashion names like Sofia Jeans by Sofia Vergara and Reebok x Pyer Moss have brought celebrity cachet to Walmart‘s clothing aisles.
Compared to other value-oriented competitors, Walmart now rivals Target, Old Navy, Kohl‘s and Amazon in terms of apparel style and on-trend offerings. The retailer still lags slightly behind Target‘s sleek, modern aesthetic, as Target‘s private label lines tend to be most fashion-forward. However, Walmart typically offers a wider range of sizes, including more plus, petite and tall options.
When it comes to pricing, Walmart consistently ranks as one of the most affordable retailers for clothing. A 2021 study by Profitero found that clothing basics like t-shirts, jeans and underwear are on average 20% cheaper at Walmart compared to Amazon. Similar analyses have shown Walmart‘s clothing prices to be 10-30% lower on average than Target, Macy‘s, Kohl‘s, Old Navy and other mainstream retailers.
For example, a basic white cotton crewneck t-shirt costs just $3.88 at Walmart, compared to $5 at Amazon Essentials, $6 at Old Navy, and $8 at Target. Levi‘s 505 Regular Fit Jeans for men are also priced lower at Walmart ($46.99) than at Amazon ($49.99), Kohl‘s ($59.50), and Macy‘s ($69.50).
While style is inherently subjective, I believe Walmart offers the best balance of fashion and affordability among leading value retailers. You may find slightly trendier pieces at Target or Old Navy, but expect to pay a premium of 20% or more. For shoppers most focused on getting name-brand and private label clothing at the lowest possible prices, Walmart usually can‘t be beat.
Making the Most of Walmart‘s Clothing Selection
Despite Walmart‘s affordable prices, it‘s still important to shop strategically to avoid ending up with a closet full of low-quality clothing that doesn‘t meet your needs. Here are my tips for getting the most value out of Walmart‘s clothing:
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Try clothing on in-store when possible. Walmart allows online returns, but it‘s best to evaluate clothing quality and fit firsthand.
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Read online reviews before purchasing, especially for private label brands. Other customers often give helpful feedback about sizing, material, durability and more.
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Look for natural fibers. While most clothing at Walmart is made from synthetics, 100% cotton pieces are ideal for breathability and softness. Check labels and online descriptions carefully.
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Check the weight and feel, not just the price tag. A heavier, more substantial material is likely to last longer than a super thin, clingy one.
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Invest in pricier pieces for your wardrobe essentials. It‘s worth spending a bit more on things you wear regularly, like jeans, slacks or outerwear.
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Create whole outfits using Walmart clothes and affordable accessories. Filter clothing searches or use the "Complete your look" feature online to find complementary pieces.
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Sign up for Walmart+ for free shipping and other exclusive perks on clothing purchases. The annual fee can quickly pay for itself if you regularly buy clothes online.
By keeping these expert tips in mind, budget-conscious shoppers can build quality, fashionable wardrobes for the entire family without overspending at Walmart. The retailer‘s combination of constantly improving style, inclusive sizing, easy online and in-store shopping, and unbeatable prices make it a compelling destination for savvy clothing shoppers.
