I Tested the TikTok-Viral Clothing Brand Cider for Quality—Here's the Truth
Because the clock app can't always be trusted...
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Something I've always stood on business about? You will never catch me falling for those internet-famous brands claiming to sell trendy, of-the-moment clothes that are supposedly, well-made and yet somehow wildly affordable. Like, let's be so for real y'all, quality and social media virality seem like a combo too good to be true. I’ve been burned one too many times by brands with itchy fabrics, weak stitching, and pieces that quite literally disintegrate after one wear. That said, after years of ignoring sketchy ads and scrolling past TikToks of girls insisting you need this "game-changing" dress that'll survive multiple washes and suspiciously costs less than your iced coffee, I finally did a double-take. Cider came up on my screen, and it actually seems legit?
I’m not the only one asking this question either! It turns out the online retailer has shown up on several of my coworkers’ feed pages too, prompting us all to wonder if it’s actually worth trying. So here we are, editors who wear petite, straight, and plus sizes, deciding to find out for ourselves. And, ahem, spoiler alert: I do plan on shopping Cider again ASAP. But first…
What is Cider?
Cider is a direct-to-consumer clothing and accessories brand offering on-trend styles—from tops and dresses to shoes, purses, and more—at budget-friendly prices. The brand’s all about making stylish, fashion-forward pieces accessible, no matter your vibe, aesthetic, or occasion—whether it’s laid-back, dressy, or anything in between—without spending hundreds of dollars. You’ll find everything from wedding guest dresses and cute cardigans to utility pants, statement bags, and charm necklaces. Check out some of our faves, below:
Our top picks from Cider in 2025:
There’s plenty more where that came from! Keep scrolling for chic finds like maxi skirts, staple denim, and the gingham prints everyone’s obsessed with right now—plus more pieces personally tested and reviewed by me and my fellow Cosmo editors.
This is the kind of shirt you can quite literally pair with any bottoms—ruffled skirts, trousers, capris, jorts, you name it—and it’ll instantly liven up the look. From the slightly puffed shoulders to the scalloped collar and, of course, the brown gingham pattern, it adds the perfect touch of that cute, coquette vibe.
- Material: Polyester, viscose, elastane
- Sizes: 0-10
- Colors: 2
Editor Review
“Lately, I’ve been obsessed with gingham and baby doll styles, so this shirt instantly caught my eye. The slightly flared, peplum design adds a fun, flattering moment. The length is just right for someone like me with a short torso and long legs—it keeps everything in proportion. I’m glad I sized up; it’s nicely form-fitting without feeling tight or restrictive. Ahem, and I must note that I've never received so many compliments on a top before!” —Meg Uy, Associate Shopping Editor
Sure, you could throw on a plain ol' cardigan to stay cozy on breezy days, but why not go for one with 3D flowers? That little detail adds so much personality to something so simple—and let’s be real, it’s so freaking adorable!
- Material: 100% Polyester
- Sizes: 12/14-26
- Colors: 5
Editor Review
"This is my favorite item from my Cider haul. It is so soft and cozy, and the flowers are just as cute as I had hoped. I love that the flowers are 3D, but not so giant that they get in the way. I love using this cardigan to add a little touch of whimsy to my everyday wear." —Olivia Truffaut-Wong, Editor
Something out of my Posh Spice dreams, this butter yellow number is the definition of chic. It's one of those timeless pieces that can easily transition from day to night. I'm looking at you, office girlies!
- Material: Polyester, elastane
- Sizes: 0-10
- Colors: 2
Editor Review
"This dress is so chic—it seriously looks like it could be a few hundred dollars in person. The quality is really nice and doesn’t wrinkle easily, but for some reason, it looks wrinkly in photos, and the fabric doesn’t photograph as well. The fit is great overall! I love that it comes with a belt to elevate the look, even if it hits at a spot that’s not the most flattering. Another piece I’ve been wearing all summer." —Jasmine Hyman, Assistant Beauty Editor
In my opinion, a solid pair of overalls is a wardrobe staple. They’re that one piece in your closet that you can throw on without thinking and still look cool without trying—whether you're running errands, meeting friends, or just trying to get dressed without overthinking it.
- Material: Cotton, polyester
- Sizes: 0-10
- Colors: 1
Editor Review
"I was genuinely surprised by how much I love these overalls! The subtle barrel-leg silhouette feels current, yet timeless—I know I'll still be reaching for them long after this trend cycle ends. And the denim quality feels great, really substantial and well-made. At 5'3", they're a little long on me, but I prefer rolling them up anyway for that relaxed vibe." —Kim Duong, Deputy Shopping Director
We all know the boho aesthetic is having a major moment in fashion right now, and this maxi skirt embodies it perfectly. The mossy green hue and tiered design truly capture the free-spirited, romantic vibe.
- Material: 100% Polyester
- Sizes: 0-10
- Colors: 2
Editor Review
“I was pleasantly surprised that this skirt was a good length on me, even though it’s not a petite size (I’m 4'11"). The earthy green color makes it easy to style—even with the pattern—and the tiers add nice dimension. I was especially thankful for the drawstring waist, which let me adjust it for the best fit. The one thing I wasn’t a fan of was the paperbag-style waistband. It made it a bit tricky to figure out what kind of top to pair with it.” —MU
This floral mini is great for everything from brunch and baby showers to date night. Dress it up with heels or keep it casual with sneakers—just depends on the vibe and your comfort level. And peep the corset back that adds the perfect flirty touch.
- Material: 100% Polyester
- Sizes: 12/14-24
- Colors: 1
Editor Review
"I rarely take a chance on mini dresses, but this one with the purple flowers was just too cute to pass up. I loved the length (it stopped just above my knee), the cowl neck, and the corset back, which allows you to customize the fit. That said, the cowl neckline gaped, even with the corset back, and the fabric probably wouldn't be comfortable for long-time wear." —OTW
Cider Cotton Peter Pan Collar Gingham Puff Sleeve Button Mini Dress
I like to call this gem an elevated T-shirt dress. With its dainty collar, gingham pattern, and frilled shoulders, it effortlessly transforms into a truly stylish ensemble. It's relaxed, airy silhouette also makes it incredibly lightweight and breathable—perfect for warm weather.
- Material: 100% Cotton
- Sizes: 0-10
- Colors: 1
Editor Review
"This is hands-down my favorite piece from the entire haul. I'm obsessed with the frilly collar, and the fit is effortless yet super flattering—literally no notes. The quality is top-tier, with a white lining that keeps it from being see-through. While the buttons were a bit stiff, everything else was perfect. It’s loose in all the right ways, easy to slip on, and the sleeves and shape are just right. The length makes it versatile enough for any summer occasion, even the office." —JH
My fellow petites: This one’s for you. Cider’s petite section features staple denim that goes with just about everything. The low-rise fit pairs effortlessly with a variety of tops, while the subtle flare cut falls perfectly over all kinds of shoes.
- Material: Cotton, polyester
- Sizes: 0-10
- Colors: 1
Editor Review
“I’m 4'11" with a super short torso and very long legs. On me, these jeans fit more like a mid-rise than a low-rise, and they were way too long—which honestly surprised me, since they’re supposed to be a petite length. Even with shoes that have about a 3/4-inch platform, I still had to hold them up while walking to keep them from dragging on the floor. I loved the style—the flare drapes nicely over shoes—but I wouldn’t recommend them if you’re under 5 feet.” —MU
Cider Denim Mid Rise Bowknot Wide Leg Jeans Curve & Plus
The bow detail on these wide-leg jeans takes them to another level. It’s such a small touch, but it brings new life to a classic staple.
- Material: Cotton, viscose, polyester
- Sizes: 12/14-24
- Colors; 1
Editor Review
"Shopping for jeans is always horrible, and I fully guessed on the sizing, so I was shocked when these jeans fit like a glove. As a woman with an apron belly, it can be hard to find jeans that accommodate my hips without drowning my legs in unnecessary fabric, but these wide-legged jeans did the trick. I love that they're thin enough to wear in the summer, and the cute bow detail is the cherry on top. " —OTW
A dress like this is a closet must-have—one of those tried-and-true pieces that always comes through, whether you're keeping it casual or dressing it up. I'm obsessed with the pleated skirt!
- Material: Polyester, cotton
- Sizes: 0-10
- Colors: 2
Editor Review
"I had high hopes for this dress, and it delivered. I love the cute collar and plaid. I've been wearing it everywhere this summer (office, beach, dinner, etc.). My only issue was the chest fit—one button kept popping open (I'm a C cup), so if you're bustier, keep that in mind. The quality is great for the price, especially the buttons and collar. I just wish it had an underskirt. It’s not see-through, but I didn’t feel super comfortable when the wind picked up." —JH
Megan Uy is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, where she searches for the best products in all things fashion, home, beauty, sex, gifts, and more, so you don’t have to. When she’s not writing for the site, she’s whipping up some cool and trendy content for the fashion section of the print magazine. She’s been with the brand since 2019 (when she was an itty-bitty editorial fellow), and she's also written for Delish, House Beautiful, and People. Follow her on Instagram to get some BTS of the editor life and chaotic NYC content. Also, feel free to hit her up if you ever wanna discuss the madness that is TikTok.
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