ASOS vs The Iconic: Where should you spend your hard-earned $$$?

We compare ASOS and THE ICONIC, two of the biggest online fashion retailers, against each other to find out where you should shop.

ASOS was one of the first and biggest online stores in the high street space. It was lauded as a new standard in shopping offering great prices and a convenient online experience to customers around the world. In 2013, it was reported that almost four jumbo jets of ASOS clothing were making their way to Australia each week. ASOS could do no wrong.

Then, along came THE ICONIC - a new player in the world of online. Launched in 2011, THE ICONIC made a splash into the Australian market offering customers the ability to shop thousands of much-loved brands in the one place.

There are a whole bunch of other big shopping sites available to consumers like Boohoo, for a start) but for Australian customers, two of the best are undoubtedly ASOS and THE ICONIC.

So, which online fashion site should you be spending your hard earned dollar at?

Get the facts about ASOS

  • Launched: June 2000
  • What is it? A UK based online fashion retailer stocking hundreds brands of clothing, footwear and beauty.
  • Who owns it? UK multi-millionaire Nick Robertson
  • How much does it make? Sales for the financial year ending August 31, 2013 were £753.8 million.

Get the facts about The Iconic

  • Launched: November 2011
  • What is it? A Sydney based online fashion retailer stocking dozens of Australian and international designers.
  • Who owns it? German group Rocket Internet
  • How much does it make? Accounts for August 2011 to December 2012 show a revenue of $30.6 million but a loss of $44.7 million.

Is it cheaper to buy clothes from ASOS or THE ICONIC?

Both ASOS and THE ICONIC stock a range of brands, some which are affordable and some which are a little more luxurious.

As THE ICONIC and ASOS are required to adhere to zonal pricing by certain brands. Zonal pricing or geographical pricing often sees the prices of items increase as shipping distances increase or alternatively zonal pricing can see costs decrease to fall in line the prices expected by a certain international market.

This is why occasionally you will see a price difference on the same items. For example, the Finders Keepers dress below has a price of originally $189.95 (now on sale for $132.97) at THE ICONIC and $177.00 at ASOS.

If you want to be sure you are getting the best price, it is worth checking both sites before committing to your purchase. It is also worth looking to see if either ASOS or THE ICONIC are running any sales to increase your chances of getting the best price.

finders keepers begin again dress

finders keepers pencil dress


Which store has the biggest range of items, ASOS or THE ICONIC?

Both online retailers stock mens and women fashion. Both stock clothes, shoes, accessories, jewellery, plus size items, swimwear and gifts with thousands of items from hundred of brands. So where do they differ?

THE ICONIC has a dedicated sport section where you can pick up quality exercise gear including bras, shoes, and accessories. While ASOS also stocks brands such as Adidas or Nike, you have to hunt a little harder for the workout clothes.

As an Australian site, THE ICONIC has a more extensive selection of Australian brands and high-end Australian designers, comparatively ASOS offers more international brands.

ASOS leads the way when it comes to beauty. THE ICONIC does not have a skincare or beauty products section, whereas ASOS stocks a very extensive range of makeup, skincare, haircare and body products.

Another tick for ASOS is the ASOS Marketplace, which offers individual the ability to buy and sell pre-loved and vintage items. There is no section on THE ICONIC to purchase vintage items.

In essence, both stores have an impressive range of products but each store has it's own specialties.


Which one has the fastest delivery time?

For most Australians THE ICONIC will have faster shipping times. THE ICONIC offers free overnight shipping (for orders over $75) to those in Sydney and Melbourne metro areas. A three to five hour shipping service is also available for $15.95.

Orders from ASOS are delivered within five business days for metro areas and seven business days for regional areas. ASOS offers free standard shipping if you spend over $120. Express shipping is also available for $30, but ASOS Premier members can avail of it for free.

For orders under the free shipping threshold, ASOS charges $14.99 and THE ICONIC charges $8.95. You can view both the ASOS shipping policy and THE ICONIC shipping policy


Which one has the best returns policy?

THE ICONIC offers free returns on eligible items. You can even opt to get a full cash refund or a 110% store credit. Not bad.

Good news for ASOS shoppers! The store has just introduced free returns for Australian customers. Eligible items must be returned within 28 days of receiving your order.


Coupon codes and sales for ASOS and THE ICONIC

Here you go! Use them well.

Deal

Up to 77% off Topshop fashion

Verified 4 days ago
Grab up to 77% discount on selected Topshop clothing pieces at ASOS. While stocks last. T&Cs, exclusions apply.
Code

Up to $75 off your first purchase

Enjoy $20 off your first purchase for $100, $50 off $250 or $75 off $350 at THE ICONIC. Valid for a limited time only. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Up to 30% off beauty

Get up to 30% discount on selected beauty products from Giorgio Armani, KVD Beauty, Aveda, CTZN Cosmetics, and more at THE ICONIC. Limited time offer and while stocks last. T&Cs, exclusions apply.
Deal

Up to 58% off luggage and travel accessories

Save up to 58% on selected luggage and travel accessories on sale at THE ICONIC. While stocks last. T&Cs, exclusions apply.
Deal

Up to 58% off select sneakers

Save up to 58% on selected sneakers from Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, Converse, New Balance, Puma, adidas, and more at THE ICONIC. Limited time offer and while stocks last. T&Cs, exclusions apply.
Deal

Up to 70% off dresses

Enjoy up to 70% discount on selected dresses at ASOS. While stocks last. T&Cs, exclusions apply.
Deal

Up to 50% off women's Puma activewear and streetwear

Save up to 50% on selected Puma fashion pieces for women at ASOS. While stocks last. T&Cs, exclusions apply.
Deal

Up to 70% off selected women partywear

Verified 3 days ago
Shop and enjoy a wide range of discounts at ASOS. Valid for a limited time only. Exclusions, T&Cs apply.
Deal

30% off beauty boxes

Expires 26 Dec 2024
Get 30% off beauty boxes at THE ICONIC. Valid for a limited time only. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Up to $100 off Shark Beauty

Expires 26 Dec 2024
Save up to $100 on Shark Beauty hair tools at THE ICONIC. Valid for a limited time only. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Up to 79% off Women's Jewellery and Watches

Hurry while stocks last at ASOS. T&Cs apply.
Deal

40% off Birkenstock Gizeh Big Buckle Regular - Women's

The offer is for a limited time only. T&Cs apply. Old Price: $298 New Price: $178
Deal

30% off Birkenstock Womens Arizona Suede Soft Footbed Narrow Sandals

Limited time offer. T&Cs apply. Old Price: $260 New Price: $182
Deal

30% off Birkenstock Arizona EVA Narrow - Women's

Limited time offer. T&Cs apply. Old Price: $100 New Price: $70
Deal

30% off Birkenstock Arizona SFB Oiled Leather Regular - Unisex

Save 30% on Birkenstock Arizona SFB Oiled Leather Regular - Unisex at THE ICONIC. Limited time offer. T&Cs apply. Old Price: $241 New Price: $168
Deal

SPEND $80 SAVE 20% selected sexual wellness products

Shop and save on sexual wellness products for men and women at THE ICONIC. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Up to 70% off David Lawrence clothing

Shop and get up to 70% off David Lawrence clothing at THE ICONIC while stocks last. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Up to 60% off toys for kids

Shop and save on kids' toys from Lego, LOL Surprise, Mattel, and more at THE ICONIC. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Up to 71% off women's clothing sale

Enjoy huge savings on women's clothing from Lorna Jane, Cotton On, Levi's, Calvin Klein, and more at THE ICONIC. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Up to 50% off men's shoes sale

Shop and save on men's shoes from Dr Martens, Blundstone, Polo Ralph Lauren, Veja, Reebok, Converse, and more at THE ICONIC. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Up to 64% off men's clothing sale

Shop the men's clothing sale today and find the perfect pieces to complete your look with savings of up to 64% off THE ICONIC. T&Cs apply.
Deal

FREE shipping on orders over $50 on Frank Green

Enjoy FREE shipping when you spend $50 or more on Frank Green products at THE ICONIC. T&Cs apply.
Deal

$20 voucher when you sign up

Stay in touch and sign up to THE ICONIC news for your $20 discount on your next order over $99. Plus, be the first to know about sales, new arrivals and more. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Up to 72% off girls' clothing and accessories

Shop now on a huge selection of girls' clothes and accessories on sale for up to 72% off at THE ICONIC. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Up to 69% off Kids' End of Season Sale

Save up to 69% off kids' sale from Puma, Ellesse, adidas Sportswear, Cotton On Kids, and more. Valid for a limited time only. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Up to 66% off Birkenstock

Get up to 66% off Birkenstock slides, sandals, shoes, and more at THE ICONIC. While stocks last. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Sale dresses from $10

Shop and save on sale dresses at THE ICONIC with prices starting from just $10. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Up to 58% off homeware sale

Shop now and save big on everything on home décor, bedding, kitchenware, and more with discounts of up to 58%, there's something for everyone and every budget. T&Cs apply.
Deal

30% off Wet Look Full Length Leggings

Get 30% off Lorna Jane Wet Look full-length leggings at THE ICONIC. While stocks last. T&Cs apply.
Deal

44% off Lorna Jane Iconic Track Pants

Get 44% off Lorna Jane Iconic Track Pants at THE ICONIC. While stocks last. T&Cs apply.
Code

Up to 25% off selected men's shoes and sneakers

Shop and save up to 25% off selected men's shoes and sneakers at ASOS. Hurry before stocks run out. Apply code for discounts. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Up to 83% off Country Road women's clothing & accessories

Shop up to 83% off Country Road women's clothing & accessories at THE ICONIC. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Up to 58% off Lorna Jane activewear

Get up to 58% off Lorna Jane activewear including leggings, sports bras, bike shorts, track pants, accessories, and more at THE ICONIC. While stocks last. T&Cs apply.
Deal

40% off Birkenstock Womens Madrid Birko-Flor Narrow Slides

The offer is for a limited time only. T&Cs apply. Old Price: $146 New Price: $87
Deal

60% off Shona Joy Imani plunged midi dress

Buy it now for only $136 (was $340) at THE ICONIC. T&CS apply.
Deal

45% off Herschel Heritage Duffle Bag 36.7L

Get the Herschel Heritage Duffle Bag 36.7L now for only $82.50 (was $150) at THE ICONIC. T&Cs apply.
Deal

40% off American Tourister Curio 2 Spinner 80cm luggage

Get it now for only $239.40, down from $399. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Gifts under $30

Shop gifts for just under $30 at THE ICONIC from brands including Versace, The Ordinary. MAC, Endota, and more. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Up to 55% off women's sports tech accessories

Enjoy huge savings on women's tech accessories including smartwatches, earbuds, headphones, and more. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Up to 50% off women's shoes sale

Enjoy huge savings on women's shoes from Dr Martens, Nike, Converse, Adidas, Veja, New Balance, and more at THE ICONIC> T&Cs apply.

Popular ASOS coupon codes

Last checked Code description Code
2 Dec 2024 Up to $75 off your first purchase HEY****
26 Nov 2024 Up to 25% off selected men's shoes and sneakers TAK****
26 Sep 2024 15% off selected styles NEW****
10 May 2024 15% off everything for new customers NEW****
13 Feb 2024 30% off everything mens and women's fashion GON****
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Publisher

Clare Cribbin is the global shopping deals publisher at Finder. She started in the Australian team hunting down the best shopping deals on the market, producing health and wellbeing articles and creating helpful gift guides. Clare has since taken her Australian shopping knowledge and is now applying it globally. You may be surprised to know that she has a degree in Zoology and a Master of Animal Welfare Science, Ethics and Law. When Clare isn’t busy looking for deals, you’ll find her eating avo on toast, drinking a protein shake or trying out the latest fitness craze. See full bio

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