11 Best Things to Buy at Free People | The Strategist - New York Magazine

11 items in this article

Photo-Illustration: The Strategist; Photos: Retailers

Anyone who has shopped at a retailer with few physical storefronts knows it can be hard to figure out where to begin. There are lots of options that all seem as worthy as the next, but the reality is that products from any given brand are not all created equal. When you shop as regularly as we do, you learn that many brands just do some things better than they do other things. With a vast collection of flowy silhouettes and vintage-inspired staples, Free People is one of those brands.

When it comes to browsing at the boho retailer (that's owned by the same parent company as Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie), the main challenge is that many styles from We the Free, the retailer's in-house label, are quick to sell out, and some are often only available for a single season. To help you find the best (in-stock) clothing, activewear, accessories, and more, we've rounded up every Free People item from our archive — including our favorite bikini-cut underwear for women, a classic tennis dress designed for professional athletes (and non-players), and the adjustable sling bag one writer owns multiples of.

Before a trip to France, Strategist editor Maxine Builder says she fell deep into #europeansummer TikTok, which led her to these oversize-but-tailored chinos. Builder says these were the only pants she wore for the entire five-day vacation, thanks to the breathable material that "still looked nice enough for drinks at a café with my husband's friend from high school." The slouchy, wide legs were also so comfortable that Builder says she chose to wear them on a two-hour train ride and the six-hour flight home.

Strategist contributor Monica Heisey says she struggled to find jeans that fit her "XXL-bottom-half lifestyle" until she tried this pair from Free People's CRVY collection. Heisey says this straight-leg cut fit perfectly right out of the box due to the contoured waistband and a 12-inch difference between the waist and hips, compared to the industry-standard ten. The ultra-sturdy denim gives the pants a high-quality vintage feel, but they're also stretchy for comfort, Heisey says. While they may not solve everyone's denim-buying problems, if, like Heisey, "you've been languishing in the midsize-fashion desert or struggling to find a pair of 'loose fit,' straight-size denim," this might be your lucky day, she says.

As seen in our roundup of the best corduroy pants for women, these Free People flares are recommended by fashion blogger Janie Medley, who raves about the pull-on style's stretchy fabric and comfortable fit. Medley says they've stood the test of time: She's worn them for a few years now and continues to get compliments on them. "I'm in heaven," she says. "They are perfect paired with a blazer and turtleneck or with a statement leather jacket."

With the rise of "tenniscore," former Strategist writer Chloe Anello uncovered the best stylish tennis dresses that can be worn for baselining and brunching alike. Anello says Free People recently signed professional player Sloane Stephens to its Movement line and quickly launched tennis dresses like this one, which has built-in shorts and a flouncy skirt that moves well during high-intensity workouts. Virginia Thornton, founder of Black Girls Tennis Club, also notes the retailer's solid selection of designs and says many have "cute and surprising cutouts in the back — you know, business in the front, party in the back."

Photo: Retailer

When we polled experts about the best workout leggings, Vanessa Chu, the co-founder of Stretch'd, recommended these seamless leggings for yoga or Pilates. Chu, who is a certified yoga instructor, says the spandex and nylon material is not too thick or thin, which means these offer temperature regulation and proper coverage. A perforated panel on the back of the legs provides added breathability, while the UV-protective fabric shields against sun exposure. They're also available in more than 15 colors, from hot pink to basic black.

Last fall, Builder purchased this onesie, which is inspired by the Good Karma leggings above, according to the product description. Builder says the fabric is fairly thin and surprisingly soft — but pretty supportive, given the crisscross, open-back silhouette. The jumpsuit also has a perforated design around the hips and down the legs, which means it's better for summer or sweaty activities like hot yoga, Builder says. She owns the Washed Black colorway and says it doesn't show sweat.

Photo: retailer

Another outerwear option is the Pippa Packable Puffer, which was a top gift idea recommended by trend experts in 2022. Dubbed Free People's "first-ever performance puffer," it's designed to fold into its own pocket and doubles as a travel pillow, Strategist writer Ambar Pardilla says. Strategist junior writer Brenley Goertzen owns this jacket and says it's the ideal lightweight layer for quick errands or walks around her neighborhood in wet or cold conditions. Goertzen says she likes that it's loose-fitting while still feeling very insulating. This puffer comes in 24 colors, including several bright hues like Neon Coral and Poppy Red.

When searching for the best women's underwear, we dubbed this lace-trimmed option from Free People's in-house intimates line the best bikini style. Pardilla, who tested a pair, says "the modal is light and feels great against the skin." The low-rise, dipped waistband also keeps the hemline from sitting too high and peeking out, Pardilla says. And despite the seams along the bottom, she says there's no visible panty line. (Free People offers a three-for-$30 deal if you want to buy in bulk.)

Emily Hyland, the co-founder of the Pizza Loves Emily and Emmy Squared restaurants, told us she lives in this pull-on, low-back bralette. "It has a really thick band below it, which I think is really flattering for defined waistlines," Hyland says. Hyland calls it the most comfortable bra and says she wears the ultra-stretchy style under everything. It comes in 13 colors.

Goertzen owns two shades of this sling bag and says its functionality is similar to that of Lululemon's Everywhere Belt Bag but with a dressier feel because of the suede and metal hardware. She says it's ideal for travel or commuting to work because it's roomy enough to hold all her essential belongings — including her wallet, keys, phone, charger, and sunglasses — while securely strapping across her chest. She also says she likes the tiny outer pocket for holding small items like lip balm and the side clip for easy-on, easy-off adjustments.

The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.