Theory

Classic Favorite

Trendiness score

53 of 100

Popularity score

72 of 100

807

Brand fans

103

Product saves

Rhi and 806 others favorited this brand

New York City

https://www.theory.com

Style keywords

Contemporary

Minimal

Sleek

Modern

Stretch

About the brand

Theory was founded in New York City in 1997 by Andrew Rosen on the principle that modern women wanted to feel comfortable and sexy in contemporary clothing. At the time, there were designers creating either sleek, clean silhouettes or comfortable, reasonably priced separates, but no American fashion brands were doing both. Theory filled this gap by defining its customer as the intelligent, active, and fashion-savvy woman who needed clothes that could transition from office to family time, weekends, and evenings out. Placing a premium on fit and fabric quality, Theory revolutionized contemporary fashion by incorporating lycra into other fabrics, creating slimmer, more comfortable shapes. This signature "stretch" technology developed a cult following, with the Theory pant becoming a must-have wardrobe staple. Known for sleek American sportswear, the brand produces minimal designs with luxe fabrics and simple cuts that offer a modern fit. Today, Theory operates 434 retail locations worldwide with global sales approaching $1 billion, maintaining its focus on fit, feel, and appropriateness for the contemporary consumer rather than traditional marketing methods.

New York City

https://www.theory.com

Instagram

494k followersOpen in app

What people are saying

Corporette.com

The pants are stylish and well made, and their recent Good Wool initiative is eco-friendly.

Jul, 2025

Corporette.com

Theory's wool suiting has long been the gold standard for new BigLaw lawyers ready to make an investment — they make great basics in classic cuts.

Feb, 2025

Theory.com

I was skeptical of the cut of this jacket thinking it would look strange but decided to take a chance. I was very surprised at how flattering it was! I ordered my true jacket size in most brands (I usually have to size up one in Theory as their jackets are cut for women with slight arms/shoulders).

Nov, 2024

Honest Brand Reviews

The quality of the suit has made it worth the money, even though it was a little more than I wanted to spend at the time. I love the classic, sophisticated look of Theory clothes.

Aug, 2024

Honest Brand Reviews

I invested in one pair of Theory slacks and a black blazer and could not be more happy with my purchase. I have worn this suit to dozens of interviews and presentations.

Aug, 2024

The Daley Dose

The Theory Clairene Jacket is absolutely worth the high price tag. For all my shorties out there, this petite wool coat needs to be in your wardrobe—I’ve never worn a jacket that fits me so well, without needing any altering or tailoring.

Apr, 2024

The Daley Dose

The feel of the double-face wool-cashmere blend is dreamy. Each of these jackets are made with 90% wool and 10% cashmere, and never feel scratchy or uncomfortable.

Apr, 2024

Theory.com

It is well-known amongst my friends that Theory carries high end clothing at reasonable prices. If you only shopped at Theory, a woman would look appropriate at business meetings, luncheons, celebrations, funerals and everything in between. The styles are contemporary yet classic.

Feb, 2024

US-Reviews

I just bought some organic cotton from your shop. I really liked the quality of the fabric...

Jan, 2024

Corporette.com

The classic, particularly among BigLaw lawyers — but be warned, if you have curves you may have to size up here.

Aug, 2025

I view JOSEPH as the midpoint between Theory and The Row.

Jan, 2024

US-Reviews

I got a $75 holiday gift credit from this company, but when I tried to use it, the code didn't work. I emailed them since their phone number just told me to do that. But I didn't get any response for a whole week, even after I checked in again.

Apr, 2024

Corporette.com

The pants are stylish and well made, and their recent Good Wool initiative is eco-friendly.

Jul, 2025

Corporette.com

Theory's wool suiting has long been the gold standard for new BigLaw lawyers ready to make an investment — they make great basics in classic cuts.

Feb, 2025

Theory.com

I was skeptical of the cut of this jacket thinking it would look strange but decided to take a chance. I was very surprised at how flattering it was! I ordered my true jacket size in most brands (I usually have to size up one in Theory as their jackets are cut for women with slight arms/shoulders).

Nov, 2024

Honest Brand Reviews

The quality of the suit has made it worth the money, even though it was a little more than I wanted to spend at the time. I love the classic, sophisticated look of Theory clothes.

Aug, 2024

Honest Brand Reviews

I invested in one pair of Theory slacks and a black blazer and could not be more happy with my purchase. I have worn this suit to dozens of interviews and presentations.

Aug, 2024

The Daley Dose

The Theory Clairene Jacket is absolutely worth the high price tag. For all my shorties out there, this petite wool coat needs to be in your wardrobe—I’ve never worn a jacket that fits me so well, without needing any altering or tailoring.

Apr, 2024

The Daley Dose

The feel of the double-face wool-cashmere blend is dreamy. Each of these jackets are made with 90% wool and 10% cashmere, and never feel scratchy or uncomfortable.

Apr, 2024

Theory.com

It is well-known amongst my friends that Theory carries high end clothing at reasonable prices. If you only shopped at Theory, a woman would look appropriate at business meetings, luncheons, celebrations, funerals and everything in between. The styles are contemporary yet classic.

Feb, 2024

US-Reviews

I just bought some organic cotton from your shop. I really liked the quality of the fabric...

Jan, 2024

Corporette.com

The classic, particularly among BigLaw lawyers — but be warned, if you have curves you may have to size up here.

Aug, 2025

I view JOSEPH as the midpoint between Theory and The Row.

Jan, 2024

US-Reviews

I got a $75 holiday gift credit from this company, but when I tried to use it, the code didn't work. I emailed them since their phone number just told me to do that. But I didn't get any response for a whole week, even after I checked in again.

Apr, 2024