If you are a plus size woman, you know how hard it can be to find bras and lingerie that fit well, look good, and feel comfortable. You want to feel confident and sexy in your own skin, but you also don’t want to compromise on quality, style, or price. That’s why you might be interested in two popular brands that cater to plus size women: Third Love and Ashley Stewart. But which one is better for you? How do they compare in terms of size range, style, quality, price, and customer service? In this article, we will compare and contrast Third Love and Ashley Stewart to help you make an informed decision.

What is Third Love?

Third Love is an online lingerie brand that was founded in 2013 by Heidi Zak and David Spector. Their mission is to create bras that fit every woman’s unique shape and size, using data and technology. They offer over 80 sizes of bras, ranging from AA to I cups and 30 to 48 bands, including half-cup sizes. They also have a Fit Finder quiz that helps you find your perfect bra size and style in 60 seconds. Third Love is known for its signature 24/7 collection, which features bras made of memory foam cups, soft microfiber fabric, and gold alloy hardware. They also have other collections, such as lace, cotton, seamless, nursing, and sports bras.

What is Ashley Stewart?

Ashley Stewart is a fashion brand that was founded in 1991 by Joseph Sitt. Their mission is to celebrate the curves and confidence of plus size women, offering trendy and affordable clothing, accessories, and lingerie. They have over 100 stores across the US, as well as an online shop. They offer bras in sizes 38C to 46DDD, as well as panties, shapewear, sleepwear, robes, and hosiery. Ashley Stewart is known for its bold and colorful designs, featuring animal prints, florals, lace, mesh, and rhinestones. They also have collaborations with celebrities and influencers, such as Loni Love, La La Anthony, and Bebe Rexha.

Why compare Third Love and Ashley Stewart?

Third Love and Ashley Stewart are both popular brands that cater to plus size women who want to feel good in their bras and lingerie. However, they have different approaches and offerings that might appeal to different preferences and needs. By comparing them side by side, you can see how they stack up against each other in terms of size range, style, quality, price, and customer service. This way, you can choose the one that suits you best.

Third Love vs Ashley Stewart: The Comparison Criteria

To compare Third Love and Ashley Stewart objectively, we will use five criteria: size range and fit, style and variety, quality and durability, price and value, and customer service and reviews. We will look at the pros and cons of each brand based on these criteria.

Size range and fit

One of the most important factors when choosing a bra or lingerie brand is the size range and fit. You want to find a bra that fits you well, supports your breasts, and feels comfortable. You also want to have options for different styles and occasions.

Third Love

• Pros:
  • Offers over 80 sizes of bras, ranging from AA to I cups and 30 to 48 bands, including half-cup sizes.
  • Has a Fit Finder quiz that helps you find your perfect bra size and style in 60 seconds.
  • Has a Try Before You Buy program that lets you try a bra for free for 30 days before paying for it.
• Cons:
  • Only sells bras online, so you can’t try them on in person or get fitted by a professional.
  • Does not offer plus size panties, shapewear, or sleepwear.

Ashley Stewart

• Pros:
  • Offers bras in sizes 38C to 46DDD, as well as panties, shapewear, sleepwear, robes, and hosiery.
  • Has stores across the US, where you can try on bras and get fitted by a professional.
• Cons:
  • Has a limited size range of bras, especially for smaller cup sizes and larger band sizes.
  • Does not offer half-cup sizes or a fit quiz.

Style and variety

Another important factor when choosing a bra or lingerie brand is the style and variety. You want to find a bra that matches your personal style, mood, and outfit. You also want to have options for different occasions, such as everyday wear, special events, sports, or nursing.

Third Love

• Pros:
  • Has a variety of styles and collections, such as lace, cotton, seamless, nursing, and sports bras.
  • Has a signature 24/7 collection, which features bras made of memory foam cups, soft microfiber fabric, and gold alloy hardware.
• Cons:
  • Has a more classic and minimalist aesthetic, which might not appeal to everyone.
  • Does not have many options for colorful or embellished bras.

Ashley Stewart

• Pros:
  • Has a variety of styles and collections, such as animal prints, florals, lace, mesh, and rhinestones.
  • Has collaborations with celebrities and influencers, such as Loni Love, La La Anthony, and Bebe Rexha.
• Cons:
  • Has a more bold and colorful aesthetic, which might not appeal to everyone.
  • Does not have many options for simple or plain bras.

Quality and durability

Another important factor when choosing a bra or lingerie brand is the quality and durability. You want to find a bra that is made of high-quality materials, has good craftsmanship, and lasts long. You also want to have a bra that is easy to care for and wash.

Third Love

• Pros:
  • Uses high-quality materials, such as memory foam cups, soft microfiber fabric, and gold alloy hardware.
  • Has good craftsmanship, such as smooth seams, tagless labels, and adjustable straps.
• Cons:
  • Can be more expensive than other brands, depending on the style and collection.
  • Requires hand washing and air drying to maintain the shape and quality of the bras.

Ashley Stewart

• Pros:
• Uses high-quality materials, such as lace, mesh, and satin.
• Has good craftsmanship, such as underwire support, molded cups, and hook-and-eye closures.
• Cons:
• Can be more prone to wear and tear than other brands, depending on the style and collection.
• Requires hand washing and air drying to maintain the shape and quality of the bras.

Price and value

Another important factor when choosing a bra or lingerie brand is the price and value. You want to find a bra that is affordable, offers good value for money, and has discounts or promotions. You also want to have a bra that has a good return or exchange policy.

• Offers free shipping and returns on orders over $75 in the US.
• Has a Try Before You Buy program that lets you try a bra for free for 30 days before paying for it.
• Has a referral program that gives you and your friend $15 off when they make their first purchase.
• Cons:
• Can be more expensive than other brands, depending on the style and collection.
• Does not have many discounts or promotions.

Ashley Stewart

• Pros:
• Offers free shipping on orders over $125 in the US.
• Has a loyalty program that gives you points, rewards, and perks when you shop with them.
• Has frequent discounts and promotions, such as buy one get one free, clearance sales, and coupons.
• Cons:
• Charges a $8.95 fee for returns or exchanges by mail in the US.
• Does not have a try before you buy program or a referral program.

Customer service and reviews

Another important factor when choosing a bra or lingerie brand is the customer service and reviews. You want to find a bra that has good customer service, such as friendly and helpful staff, easy and fast communication, and satisfactory resolution of issues. You also want to have a bra that has good reviews from other customers, such as positive feedback, ratings, and testimonials.

Third Love

• Pros:
• Has good customer service, such as live chat, email, phone, and text support.
• Has a team of fit stylists who can help you find your perfect bra size and style.
• Has good reviews from other customers, such as 4.5 stars out of 5 on Trustpilot, and over 100,000 positive testimonials on their website.
• Cons:
• Can have some issues with shipping delays, backorders, or out of stock items.
• Can have some negative reviews from customers who were unhappy with the fit, quality, or style of the bras.

Ashley Stewart

• Pros:
• Has good customer service, such as live chat, email, phone, and social media support.
• Has a team of fashion experts who can help you find your perfect outfit and accessories.
• Has good reviews from other customers, such as 4.4 stars out of 5 on Trustpilot, and over 10,000 positive reviews on their website.
• Cons:
• Can have some issues with sizing inconsistencies, damaged or defective items, or wrong orders.
• Can have some negative reviews from customers who were unhappy with the customer service, return policy, or quality of the products.

Third Love vs Ashley Stewart: The Pros and Cons

Based on the comparison criteria above, we can summarize the pros and cons of Third Love and Ashley Stewart as follows:

The pros of Third Love

• Offers over 80 sizes of bras, including half-cup sizes.
• Has a Fit Finder quiz that helps you find your perfect bra size and style.
• Has a Try Before You Buy program that lets you try a bra for free for 30 days.
• Uses high-quality materials and has good craftsmanship.
• Offers free shipping and returns on orders over $75 in the US.
• Has good customer service and reviews.

The cons of Third Love

• Only sells bras online, so you can’t try them on in person or get fitted by a professional.
• Does not offer plus size panties, shapewear, or sleepwear.
• Has a more classic and minimalist aesthetic, which might not appeal to everyone.
• Can be more expensive than other brands, depending on the style and collection.
• Requires hand washing and air drying to maintain the shape and quality of the bras.
• Can have some issues with shipping delays, backorders, or out of stock items.

The pros of Ashley Stewart

• Offers bras in sizes 38C to 46DDD, as well as panties, shapewear, sleepwear, robes, and hosiery.
• Has stores across the US, where you can try on bras and get fitted by a professional.
• Has a variety of styles and collections, such as animal prints, florals, lace, mesh, and rhinestones.
• Has collaborations with celebrities and influencers, such as Loni Love, La La Anthony, and Bebe Rexha.
• Uses high-quality materials and has good craftsmanship.
• Has a loyalty program that gives you points, rewards, and perks when you shop with them.
• Has frequent discounts and promotions, such as buy one get one free, clearance sales, and coupons.
• Has good customer service and reviews.

The cons of Ashley Stewart

• Has a limited size range of bras, especially for smaller cup sizes and larger band sizes.
• Does not offer half-cup sizes or a fit quiz.
• Has a more bold and colorful aesthetic, which might not appeal to everyone.
• Charges a $8.95 fee for returns or exchanges by mail in the US.
• Requires hand washing and air drying to maintain the shape and quality of the bras.
• Can have some issues with sizing inconsistencies, damaged or defective items, or wrong orders.

Conclusion

Third Love and Ashley Stewart are both popular brands that cater to plus size women who want to feel good in their bras and lingerie. However, they have different approaches and offerings that might appeal to different preferences and needs. Third Love is more focused on finding the perfect fit and quality for every woman’s unique shape and size, while Ashley Stewart is more focused on offering trendy and affordable styles and collections for every occasion. Both brands have their pros and cons, so the best way to choose between them is to consider your own priorities, budget, and taste.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about Third Love and Ashley Stewart:

Q: How do I know which bra size to order from Third Love or Ashley Stewart?

A: The best way to know your bra size is to measure yourself using a soft tape measure or a bra size calculator. You can also take the Fit Finder quiz from Third Love or visit a store from Ashley Stewart to get fitted by a professional. Alternatively, you can use your current bra size as a reference point and adjust accordingly based on the fit guide from each brand.

Q: How do I return or exchange a bra from Third Love or Ashley Stewart?

A: If you are not satisfied with your bra from Third Love or Ashley Stewart, you can return or exchange it within 60 days of purchase. For Third Love, you can initiate a return or exchange online and print a prepaid shipping label. You can also donate your gently worn bra to their partner charities. For Ashley Stewart, you can return or exchange your bra in store or by mail. However, you will have to pay a $8.95 fee for returns by mail.

Q: How do I care for my bra from Third Love or Ashley Stewart?

A: To extend the life and quality of your bra from Third Love or Ashley Stewart, you should follow these tips:

• Hand wash your bra in cold water with mild detergent and gently squeeze out the excess water.
• Air dry your bra on a flat surface or hang it by the center gore and avoid direct sunlight or heat sources.
• Do not bleach, iron, tumble dry, or dry clean your bra.
• Rotate your bras every few days and avoid wearing the same bra two days in a row.
• Store your bras in a drawer or a box and avoid folding or crushing them.

Q: What are some other brands that offer plus size bras and lingerie?

A: Some other brands that offer plus size bras and lingerie are:

• Cacique: A brand that offers bras in sizes 32A to 50K, as well as panties, shapewear, sleepwear, swimwear, and activewear. They have over 700 stores across the US and an online shop.
• Torrid: A brand that offers bras in sizes 36B to 50DDD, as well as panties, shapewear, sleepwear, swimwear, and clothing. They have over 600 stores across the US and an online shop.
• Savage X Fenty: A brand that offers bras in sizes 32A to 46H, as well as panties, shapewear, sleepwear, loungewear, and accessories. They have an online shop and a subscription service that gives you discounts and perks.

Q: What are some tips to feel confident and sexy in your bra and lingerie?

A: Some tips to feel confident and sexy in your bra and lingerie are:

• Choose a bra and lingerie that fit you well, support your breasts, and feel comfortable.
• Choose a bra and lingerie that match your personal style, mood, and outfit.
• Choose a bra and lingerie that make you feel good, whether it’s simple or fancy, plain or colorful, smooth or lacy.
• Experiment with different styles and collections, such as animal prints, florals, lace, mesh, and rhinestones.
• Accessorize your bra and lingerie with jewelry, shoes, or a robe.
• Compliment yourself on how you look and feel in your bra and lingerie.