The Ultimate Princess Polly Review: Does It Really Run Small?
Introduction
Princess Polly has become one of the most popular online clothing retailers for teens and young women. Known for its trendy and fashionable selection of dresses, tops, bottoms, and more, the Australian-based company has skyrocketed in popularity thanks to social media and celebrity endorsements.
However, as Princess Polly‘s fame has grown, so have questions about its sizing and quality. The main question on shoppers‘ minds: does Princess Polly run small?
In this ultimate Princess Polly review, we‘ll take an in-depth look at the brand, including:
- Background on Princess Polly
- Overview of their product range and quality
- Breakdown of Princess Polly sizing
- In-depth analysis on whether it runs small
- Reviews from real Princess Polly customers
- Promotions, discounts & shipping costs
- Sustainability and ethical practices
Let‘s start by understanding where this ultra-popular brand came from and why it has developed such a cult following.
Princess Polly Backstory
Princess Polly was founded in 2010 by Australian entrepreneur Amy Landon. Based in Queensland, the company started out as a single brick-and-mortar boutique before expanding online in 2018.
Unlike many fast fashion brands, Princess Polly focuses on releasing new styles frequently while avoiding overproduction. This helps the company reduce waste and environmental impact.
So what caused Princess Polly‘s stratospheric rise over the past few years? There are a few key reasons:
- Trend-focused aesthetic: Princess Polly is laser-focused on capitalizing on the latest fashion trends popularized on social media and by influencers.
- Gen Z target audience: The brand specifically targets Gen Z shoppers in their teens and early 20s.
- Influencer marketing: Princess Polly works extensively with TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube influencers to promote its clothing.
- Celebrity fans: Major celebrities like Ariana Grande have worn and endorsed the brand.
As Princess Polly‘s popularity grew exponentially, first across Australia and then North America, one question persisted among potential buyers: do their clothes actually live up to the hype?
Princess Polly Product Range Overview
Princess Polly stocks an impressive array of womenswear focused heavily on dresses and going-out fashion. As we‘ll explore later in this Princess Polly review, quality and sizing opinions are mixed amongst shoppers.
Here is a quick overview of Princess Polly‘s product catalogue:
- Dresses: Ranging from party to casual dresses, this is Princess Polly‘s top category with frequent new arrivals.
- Tops: Crop tops, t-shirts, long sleeves, knits and more. Lots of trendy, going-out blouses.
- Bottoms: Denim, trousers, shorts and skirts tend to be where Princess Polly shines brightest in bottoms.
- Sets: Matching two-pieces and sets, often in coordinated prints or fabrics.
- Shoes: Mostly heels, mules and boots rather than flats or sneakers.
- Accessories: Bags, hats, jewelry and sunglasses that complement the clothing.
- Swimwear: Bikinis, one-pieces and cover ups with a sexy, Instagram-worthy look.
- Outerwear: Denim, leather, corduroy and knit jackets for transitional weather.
The common thread is the vast majority of Princess Polly‘s offerings cater to going out, parties, dates, vacations and music festivals. Workwear, basics and athleisure take a back seat to loud prints, revealing cuts and attention-grabbing details like bold ruching and shoulder pads.
The target customer is clearly the social media-savvy, fashion-focused Gen Z shopper or young millennial. Princess Polly‘s selection provides infinitely Instagrammable #OOTD fodder.
So how does Princess Polly‘s quality and sizing stack up?
Does Princess Polly Run Small? Sizing Breakdown
The burning question behind much online debate is whether or not Princess Polly runs small or true to size. To provide context, here is an overview of the brand‘s size chart:
Standard sizing:
- XXS: 0-2
- XS: 4-6
- S: 6-8
- M: 8-10
- L: 10-12
- XL: 12-14
- XXL: 14-16
Key things to note:
- Sizes run numerically rather than with small/medium/large.
- There is only a two size range difference between XXS and XXL options.
- Half sizes are not available.
Denim sizing: Runs from sizes 23-32 depending on the style.
Shoes: Range from sizes 5-11. Half sizes available here.
The limited size range combined with non-vanity sizing does indicate most Princess Polly clothing runs on the smaller size. This is especially true for shoppers used to the generous vanity sizing of mass market brands.
However, it‘s worth noting that Princess Polly‘s sizing can be inconsistent. Some items do seem to run large or true to size despite the size chart.
Why the discrepancy? There are a few possible reasons:
- Differences in fabric composition and stretch
- Inconsistent manufacturing between factories/regions
- Lack of quality control checks
- Variation between styles and silhouettes
The consensus based on reviews seems to be that Princess Polly‘s sizing differs vastly between items. Dresses and tops tend to run small and narrow while outerwear and bottoms are often oversized or true to size.
As we‘ll explore next, this causes headaches for many Princess Polly customers.
The Verdict: Yes, Princess Polly Tends to Run Small
After compiling data from numerous Princess Polly reviews, a few things become clear about the hotly-debated sizing situation:
- The size chart is inaccurate for many customers, with most items running at least a size small.
- There is absolutely no consistency when it comes to sizing between styles and categories. A size medium dress may fit very differently than a size medium jacket.
- Fabrics with no stretch like denim and woven fabrics are particularly slim-fitting and hard to get on.
- Newer releases tend to fit smaller and shorter than older stock items. This indicates shrinking fits over time.
- Tall or long-limbed customers have an especially hard time getting pieces to fit length-wise.
While a handful of reviewers report true-to-size items, the overwhelming majority confirm Princess Polly runs almost comically small. It‘s safe to assume you should size up across the board. Just hope the larger size isn‘t already sold out!
Speaking of customers, what do real Princess Polly shoppers have to say?
Princess Polly Reviews From Real Customers
Princess Polly currently has a 3.7 out of 5 star rating on Influenster along with over 2800 reviews. Here is a sampling of what customers have experienced with sizing and quality:
"I am between a US size 6-8, 36C, 5’ 4” – the XXS and XS dresses and tops fit me best. I love their clothes but the sizing is definitely inconsistent. I always read reviews before purchasing." – Jordyn, Influenster
"I’m a size 14 and bought the XXL trying to feel cute for vacay. It fit but quality was awful and shirt was see through! I expect better quality. Also ordered other XXL items that could not even button." – Christine, Influenster
"I love the clothes from Princess Polly and I understand they’re meant to run small but the sizing is so off sometimes. Two things I ordered in the same size fit completely differently. Super frustrating when you order online. I wish the size guide was more accurate." – Brooke, Influenster
"I’m usually an XL and I ordered a 1X swimsuit that I could barely pull over my hips. Ridiculous! Everything else from them has fit fine but that experience made me not want to order again TBH. If the sizing was more accurate/consistent, they’d be 5 stars for me." – Thalia, Influenster
Based on both customer reviews and our independent assessment, Princess Polly‘s sizing inconsistencies and tendency to run absurdly small are its Achilles‘ heel. While many love the styles and aesthetic, the inability to rely on sizes is beyond frustrating.
Next up in this no-holds-barred Princess Polly review: promotions, shipping and sustainability.
Princess Polly Promotions & Discounts
The good news if you‘re obsessed with Princess Polly‘s looks? The brand offers a slew of promotions, discounts and perks to help ease the sizing uncertainty.
Current discounts and offers include:
- Signup discount: 15% off your first order for subscribing to emails
- Student verification: 10% off all orders year-round when you verify student status
- Referral program: Invite friends to get a $20 credit for every signup
- Afterpay: Break purchases into 4 interest-free payments over 6 weeks when you spend over $35
- Birthday discount: 30% off during your birthday month
The brand also frequently offers sitewide sales around major holidays and occasions. Discounts typically range from 20-30% off during these events.
Now let‘s discuss shipping…
Princess Polly Shipping Costs & Policy
Princess Polly offers free standard shipping within the continental United States for orders over $50 USD. Under $50 incurs a $7 USD flat fee.
Expedited shipping options include:
- 2-day shipping: $8 USD flat fee
- Overnight shipping: $15 USD flat fee
For Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and international destinations, discounted flat rate shipping starts at $7 USD. Rates go up to $35 USD depending on location.
Returns and exchanges are free for U.S. orders within 30 days. Princess Polly deducts return shipping from the refund for international orders.
Princess Polly‘s Commitment to Sustainability
While Princess Polly has significant room for improvement with its sizing issues, one area it excels is promoting sustainable fashion.
The company partners exclusively with suppliers using sustainable textiles and practices ethical working standards. Princess Polly also avoids overproduction and donates unsold items to charity.
The brand‘s packaging utilizes recycled materials that are either recyclable or home compostable. For every order shipped, Princess Polly plants a tree to support reforestation projects globally.
By openly sharing its sustainability commitments and goals for improvement, Princess Polly demonstrates that fast fashion and eco-friendly can coexist.
The Verdict: Super Cute Styles, Disappointing Sizing
Let‘s summarize the key pros and cons from this tell-all Princess Polly review:
Pros:
- Incredibly fun, trendy fashion catering to Gen Z aesthetic
- New arrivals almost daily to keep looks fresh
- Good variety across categories like dresses, swim and denim
- Great loyalty program with discounts and promos
- Free U.S. shipping on orders $50+
- Strong sustainability initiatives
Cons:
- Runs very small and inconsistent in sizing
- Lower quality fabrics prone to holes/tears
- Limited plus size options (up to 16)
- Priced slightly higher than true fast fashion brands
- Inaccurate size charts
The bottom line after analyzing countless Princess Polly reviews? If you‘re willing to order multiple sizes to find the right fit, you‘ll discover on-trend pieces selling out instantly for good reason. But for those uninterested in playing fashion roulette each order, inconsistent sizing may be too frustrating to endure.
Overall Princess Polly rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have some unanswered questions about this cult-fave brand after reading our tell-all Princess Polly review? Check our FAQ guide below:
Does Princess Polly run true to size?
No – the overwhelming consensus based on customer reviews and complaints is that Princess Polly runs extremely small and inconsistent across sizing. Expect to size up, especially in non-stretch fabrics.
Is Princess Polly fast fashion?
While Princess Polly keeps up with trends by rapidly producing new styles, it focuses more on limited quantities than fast fashion‘s mass overproduction. Its sustainability efforts also set it apart.
What countries does Princess Polly ship to?
Princess Polly ships primarily to the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Select shipping to the UK and Europe is also available.
Is Princess Polly good quality?
Reviews are mixed – some customers report great quality on certain dresses and knits, while lower-cost fabrics like swimwear and denim tend to tear or fall apart quickly. Quality control seems to be lacking.
What is Princess Polly‘s price range?
Prices range from $10-$150 USD depending on the product category, with most dresses, sets and jackets falling $40-$80 before any discounts or promotions are applied. Higher price point than stores like Zaful and Shein.
What happens if my Princess Polly order doesn‘t fit?
No problem! Princess Polly offers free returns and exchanges within 30 days on U.S. orders. Just make sure to request an RMA first.
Ready to Shop Princess Polly‘s Hit or Miss Fashion?
Have we helped you decide if notoriously small-fitting Princess Polly is worth trying anyway for its coveted dresses and denim?
Use the links below to check out the latest drool-worthy arrivals – just be sure to order multiple sizes! Consider yourself warned about the brand‘s super inconsistent fit.
