Universal Thread at Target Review + What People Are Saying

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February 13, 2018

Universal Thread at Target review, like Madewell for less

About two weeks ago Target launched Universal Thread, a casual denim-focused collection that also offers shoes, accessories and jewelry. It's priced mostly under $30. Every time Target launches a new fashion line, I love to get your feedback! So I posted this question on my Instagram and got a lot of comments (50 and counting). Some good, some not so good.

Here's what people are saying:

The Good: "I like a lot of it. The western style denim shirt is great. I go back and forth in between straight and plus sizing, it was nice to see a denim shirt for plus that isn't a long, unfitted mess. I bought the striped engineer type jacket. Love it too, and also a denim dress that I'll wear under sweaters as a tunic. Overall i am pretty pleased with it." - @thesem

The Not So Good: "Denim was decent, all of the tops were short, boxy, and felt cheap, to me. No different than any other Target tee. I was so disappointed." - @nialdm

My two cents: A lot of people are comparing it to Madewell, and I definitely agree with that assessment.

I can't speak to sizing because I didn't get to try anything on...35 weeks pregnant over here!

I feel like nothing really jumps out at you on the racks, but when I think about what I will actually wear and live in this spring and summer, it's going to be distressed denim and loose, neutral tops with faux leather accessories and super casual ankle boots or flat sandals. So, I really have nothing to complain about!

Some of the tops look cheap and thin on the hangers (as my photos will show). The denim looks good especially for the price. Shoes, jewelry and bags are all good-looking, not-so-basic basics.

What do you think? What have you bought so far? Scroll down to see my in-store photos, and head to Target.com to shop the complete collection.

Universal Thread at Target review, like Madewell for less

Universal Thread at Target review with in-store photos. Like Madewell for less!

Comments (16)

Posted in: Off the Rack, Target, Universal Thread

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Comments

Love the bags and shoes. The cognac colored convertible backpack is an instant staple. Denim is OK. Shirts are meh.

#1 Teresa on 2018-02-13 12:40 (Reply)

Terribly unfashionable line. Does target really think we need to look like a bunch of farmers. Shirts are boxy and short colors are blah. Come on Target so disappointing

#2 Valerie on 2018-02-13 21:05 (Reply)

I agree. Overall, very basic and boring.

#2.1 lisa on 2018-02-14 20:58 (Reply)

Agreed, could find better things at f21 for half the price

#2.2 Hope on 2018-03-28 15:56 (Reply)

Those big, shapeless T-shirts… I can't think they would appeal to anyone except a few depressed hipsters

#3 Chacha on 2018-02-14 11:12 (Reply)

I really like their shoe selection and am looking forward to trying the new jeans. However, I feel like no matter what target brand it is, everything they carry pretty much looks the same. And although I love the trends, I often feel like their clothing section is purely filled with what is trending and nothing else - which can be kind of overkill for me. Haven't tried anything yet but look forward to doing so!

#4 Amy on 2018-02-15 14:39 (Reply)

I didn't love it all but I did pick up a couple of cute things and LOVED the accessories! Hope you're feeling good mama:)

Heidi || Wishes & Reality

#5 Heidi on 2018-02-15 15:10 (Reply)

Thanks! I'm feeling ok just having lots of Braxton Hicks and baby feels low already. Gah!

#5.1 The Budget Babe on 2018-02-19 11:04 (Reply)

While I love the fact that some of the jeans come in 33 different sizes, I'm bummed that several styles are already almost sold out online! The ones I really want - the high waist wide leg ones (which I need in a short inseam length) - are only left in like 0 short and 8 long! I also agree about some of the tops being thin - some so much so that they're almost see-thru.

#6 Target-Addict on 2018-02-16 10:40 (Reply)

That is disappointing, makes you wonder if they really have the products in all the sizes they claim to carry. Might just take a little time to restock. And with tops, I won't bother if it's see-thru or wrinkled on the rack either.

#6.1 The Budget Babe on 2018-02-19 07:18 (Reply)

I really want to try their jeans and just ordered a couple pairs online. What frustrates me, though, is that out of 38 styles available at my local store, only 1 was a full length jean that wasn't a skinny jean and it was made to look beat up. I don't do skinny jeans and I want a decent looking pair of jeans. It looks like most of the few pairs of non-skinny jean styles they have aren't sold in stores at all, so I had to go to the store to try on jeans just to figure out what size I wear in the brand and then order the style I want online and hope I like how it looks on me. I complained to Target about it on their Facebook page and was told they'd pass it on to the local store, but it seems to be a corporate thing. I think it's also disappointing that they sell adaptive jeans, but those also seem to be online only.

#7 Elizabeth on 2018-02-23 13:42 (Reply)

I like the jeans, but it would really be nice if I can have a choice between relaxed in the hip and thighs and curvy in the hip and thighs. I myself prefer curvy in the hip and thighs.

#8 Minerva on 2018-04-05 19:39 (Reply)

I like the accessories and shoes but the clothes are awful. They don't carry my size ever, they got rid of the low waist skinny jeans which were my favorite and the only jean that actually fit me. The colors of the shirts are bland as well as the textures and fabrics. I've never been so disappointed in a Target clothing line.

#9 Cara on 2018-05-07 12:34 (Reply)

Save your money. I have 3 jeans from them. Distressed slim bootcut,dark denim skinny jeans and black skinny jean/jegging. Both a 24 and the latter in a 22. These jeans DO NOT stay up!!! I couldn't believe as I was walking my jeans was literally walking off my waist about to fall off my behind!!!! Every second I had to stop and hitch them up. I thought "Okay, maybe it's just this pair" NO!! Same thing is happening with all 3. And don't let me bend over!!! I never had this problem with the Ava and Viv jeans. It seems like Target no longer sells them. I'm bummed out!!

#10 Allison on 2018-05-24 14:54 (Reply)

I love universal thread! I have a romper that I got back in the spring of this year. I usually wear a large in almost everything at target and a size 14 jean. I bought the romper in a large and it fits slightly too big but I don’t mind since it leaves room for a big lunch

I also recently tried on their jeans while shopping for fall clothes and I actually think the 12 fits better than 14 in some jeans. There is a bit of weird gapping in the back but nothing a tucked in shirt and a belt can’t fix!

#11 Haley on 2018-08-16 13:33 (Reply)

Thanks for sharing this, Haley! I need to do a follow up post. This line has grown on me and I have a lot on my fall wishlist too.

#11.1 The Budget Babe on 2018-08-16 20:38 (Reply)

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