Universal Standard Sample Sale 2025: Shopping Tips & What to Buy

I know I am not the only one who loves the clothing brand Universal Standard.  Offering elevated wardrobe staples and unique silhouettes in sizes 00-40, Universal Standard is striving to democratize fashion. All this, and the Universal Standard Sample Sale is happening right now with up to 80% off.  This is a final sale that runs through April 17, 2025.

While the sale starts tomorrow, Universal Standard is offering the Wardrobe Oxygen community the opportunity to shop early with their VIP customers! To access it, you must use this link (or any of the links in this article); the passcode is SSVIP.

However, know additional styles will be added throughout the first few days of this sale. If you don't see what you want today, keep looking back at the sample sale page and use the filter to search by “Newest.” Don't wait if you see items you like now though, as items don't get restocked and sell out FAST. It's okay to make multiple purchases; I do myself!

This post was originally published in 2020, but I update it whenever there is a Universal Standard sample sale to ensure the most up-to-date content is on Wardrobe Oxygen!

4 Tips to Shop the Universal Standard Sample Sale

1. Know Your Size

For those not familiar with Universal Standard, know that the brand has a unique sizing system. Originally a brand that only sold sizes 8-32, their sizing was based on 18-20 being the middle size available, AKA size M. Now the company offers every single item in every single color in sizes 00-40 or 4XS-4XL. Each garment has its own unique size chart; know your measurements to get the best fit, and don't assume that because you're one size at other retailers, you will be the same here.

For reference, I am usually a 14 or 14 petite in most brands, occasionally choosing a 16 petite in rigid pieces like suiting trousers and blazers. I wear an XS for most everything except tailored outerwear and blazers when I pick S. For Universal Standard jeans, I am usually a size 12, finding they fit best when I go down a size from what I wear with other brands.

Know that with any brand of denim including Universal Standard, dark and dyed jeans will run smaller and more rigid than faded or distressed washes or light colors like white and cream.

2. Filter Down.

When you visit the landing page for the Universal Standard Sample Sale, you will see all items listed. However, at the top is a menu where you can narrow your search by apparel category. You can also use the sidebar to filter by what size you wear with Universal Standard, what color you desire, and details like sleeve or inseam length, color, and style of garment.

3. Stay on Track

That dress is so pretty and still available in your size and preferred color… but does it fit into your life? If you need jeans, don't spend your budget on sweaters. Read laundry instructions and be sure you live a life where you can properly maintain these garments. I don't care how cheap it is, if it doesn't fit your body or your life it's too expensive to purchase.

4. If It's a Fail, Don't Fret

Even as someone who knows Universal Standard apparel really well, I have bought final sale items from the brand that ended up not working for me. And I have found the clothes have a high resale value and move quickly.

In the past, I have sold Universal Standard pieces I purchased and no longer wanted on Poshmark and eBay. The Wardrobe Oxygen Community has created a Sale and Swap group on Facebook where US pieces are often shared, and there is even a Universal Standard-specific Buy/Sell/Trade group on Facebook. In fact, if you don't see what you're looking for in this sample sale, I recommend you check these sites.

My Picks from the 2025 Universal Standard Sample Sale

Please remember that this is a final sale. There are no exchanges for size or returns for store credit, so no shopping willy-nilly. Because of this, my picks below focus on pieces I think would be useful additions to many wardrobes instead of snazzy flashy choices. Understand I am not linking directly to these items because the links don't work for the VIP presale; you can see all the items at this link.

Kate Denim Jumpsuit

I owned the original Universal Standard Kate jumpsuit for many years, and just got rid of it last year or so because I didn't love the color. When the Kate came out in denim, I really wanted it but couldn't justify it since I already own a different denim jumpsuit (the one from J. Crew seen here).

However, Universal Standard offered to send me a few picks from this sale in exchange for mentioning the sale on Instagram, and I asked for the Kate in denim and I'm super excited for it. It's a more relaxed and artsy silhouette than my J. Crew one, and more… forgiving for a fluctuating body if you catch my drift. This jumpsuit looks super cute with low profile sneakers and sandals; I'll be wearing this with my Birkenstock Arizona sandals.

For reference, with most brands, I would pick a 16 petite, XL, or maybe 14 regular for a jumpsuit. In the Kate jumpsuit, I chose size XS.

Next-to-Naked Bodysuit (select colors)

If you saw my recent post sharing how to style the Universal Standard Next-to-Naked bodysuit, you know I am a fan. And I'm psyched to see this bodysuit in the Universal Standard Sample Sale!

The colors Black Cherry and Deep Sea are included in the sale, and both colors are pretty fantastic. They both look great with denim, black, olive, navy, ivory, and pops of colors like pink, yellow, and turquoise.

For reference, I usually pick Large on bottom and XL on top for activewear and for something like this I'd pick XL and petite if available. I have this bodysuit in XS in two colors and the fit IMO is perfect.

Foundation Short Sleeve Crew

I bought my first Foundation short-sleeved crewneck several years ago, and it turned me into a Foundation fan. Super duper stretchy, but not clingy. Lightweight, but not transparent. And it holds up beautifully. For example, every Thanksgiving I wear the same outfit and the top is my black Foundation short sleeve crew!

This is a great base layer, and also looks refined enough under blazers and soft jackets for business casual workplaces. I also think it's a great travel addition as it weighs so little, has longer sleeves than a lot of short-sleeved tops, and can go from activewear to a pantsuit to a chiffon skirt with ease.

Stephanie Wide Leg Stripe Ponte Pants 30 Inch and Camden Ponte Bomber Jacket (select colors)

I have this set, and I love it. It's like an elevated track suit, but the pieces also work separately. I loved this set for plane travel as I was comfortable, had plenty of pockets, but didn't look schlubby. The jacket also coordinates with other ponte pieces and also looks nice with jeans or athleisure. The pants are a personal favorite; I own 4 pairs.

Elbe Stretch Poplin Shirt Classic Fit (select colors)

When the Elbe first came out, I didn't like it. It felt too stiff and square and masculine for my petite soft curvy frame. But our bodies keep changing, even if our weight does not, and I tried the Elbe again and love it.

I recently got the new (non-sale) lavender stripe version in XS (you can see it on me in this video). I usually am an XL or 16 petite in shirts like this. I love the hidden snaps between buttons to prevent gaping, and how it stays crisp while still stretching and moving with you. If button-front shirts usually gape or make you look like a box, you may want to try the Elbe.

Cooling Stretch Cupro Artist Shirt

I have this shirt in a black and green floral offered Summer 2024 and love how it looks polished and professional tucked in, but can also be a great bathing suit coveerup, or thrown on untucked with linen shorts. It's silky, but breathable, making it great year-round.

I have this shirt in XS; I machine wash cold on the gentle cycle, line dry, and then steam out any wrinkles to make it look like new.

Geneva Dress

Universal Standard is known for jeans and its iconing Geneva dress. Make of a refined t-shirt knit, this dress has an interesting asymmetrical hem that creates a cool silhouette that provides shape while also disguising the midsection.

Dress it up, wear it with flip flops; this is a great travel dress as it is versatile, comfortable, and takes up little space. If in doubt, size up. If you're 5'3″ or shorter you may find the regular too long and prefer a petite version.

Kanda Puffer, Highlands Duffle, and Other Universal Standard Outerwear

Universal Standard outerwear is fantastic. I own several, and I often find myself twinning with friends IRL as they too have found Universal Standard coats to be awesome.

I am not sure what outerwear is part of the Universal Standard sample sale at the time of writing this, beyond the Kanda Puffer and the Highlands Duffle. I had the Kanda, it's a cool looking coat that with a good scarf or muffler can keep you cozy during mild to moderate winters. I only got rid of it because I was paring down my coat collection. The Highlands Duffle is such a classic coat made from 80% wool. I have a friend in Boston who said it kept her comfy all winter long.

If in doubt, go up one size with Universal Standard outerwear to make room for heavyweight knits. Most of my US outerwear is size S and it looks nice over a t-shirt as well as a heavy fleece or cableknit sweater.

Is this all that is good in the Universal Standard Sample Sale? Heck, no! Amazing dresses, classic tees and tanks, sweaters, and more are in the sale. But these are some items I stand behind. But I'd like to hear from you! What are your favorite items in the sale? Any tips for fit and color? What are you getting from the sale?