House of CB has carved a significant niche in the UK fashion market, renowned for its distinctive “glam” aesthetic, body con silhouettes, and luxury adjacent positioning, often featuring corsetry, satin, and embellished designs. This report provides a comprehensive analysis of House of CB’s top 10 competitors and alternatives in the United Kingdom, ranked according to a proprietary methodology focused on popularity, aesthetic alignment, and consumer sentiment. The objective is to offer a data driven perspective on the brands best positioned to challenge House of CB’s market share and appeal to its core demographic.
Our Ranking Criteria
To create a holistic and consumer centric ranking, a weighted scoring system was developed. The methodology combines quantitative market data with qualitative brand analysis, reflecting brand reach, aesthetic synergy, and consumer perception.
- Popularity (30%): This metric is derived from social media reach and estimated UK search volume for each brand. It reflects a brand’s overall visibility and general awareness within the target market.
- Aesthetic Alignment (40%): This qualitative metric assesses how closely a brand’s design philosophy, product range (e.g., corsetry, body con, premium fabrics, partywear), and overall visual identity align with House of CB’s signature style. Higher scores indicate a more direct aesthetic competition.
- Consumer Sentiment (20%): Sourced primarily from Trustpilot UK reviews and qualitative analysis of fashion forums. This score reflects real world customer experiences, capturing satisfaction with product quality, customer service, and overall brand perception.
- Market Synergy (10%): This qualitative metric assesses a brand’s positioning as a direct alternative or competitor to House of CB within the consumer’s mind, considering factors like price point, target audience, and occasion wear focus.
Top 10 House of CB Competitors & Alternatives
The following table presents the final ranking based on the total weighted score.
| Rank | Brand | Total Score | Popularity Score (30%) | Aesthetic Score (40%) | Sentiment Score (20%) | Market Synergy Score (10%) |
| 1 | Oh Polly | 95.5 | 28.5 | 40.0 | 18.0 | 9.0 |
| 2 | Club L London | 93.8 | 27.0 | 40.0 | 16.8 | 10.0 |
| 3 | Meshki | 78.5 | 25.5 | 36.0 | 8.0 | 9.0 |
| 4 | Mistress Rocks | 75.2 | 18.0 | 40.0 | 7.2 | 10.0 |
| 5 | Revolve | 73.7 | 22.5 | 32.0 | 11.2 | 8.0 |
| 6 | Pretty Little Thing | 73.0 | 30.0 | 24.0 | 14.0 | 5.0 |
| 7 | Lavish Alice | 71.0 | 21.0 | 28.0 | 14.0 | 8.0 |
| 8 | NBD (Revolve Brand) | 70.5 | 13.5 | 36.0 | 12.0 | 9.0 |
| 9 | Nadine Merabi | 70.0 | 15.0 | 32.0 | 16.0 | 7.0 |
| 10 | Self Portrait | 68.7 | 19.5 | 28.0 | 15.2 | 6.0 |
In Depth Competitor Profiles
1. Oh Polly
Oh Polly stands as House of CB’s most direct and formidable competitor, scoring highest due to its immense popularity and near perfect aesthetic alignment. The brand excels in body con, satin, and corset styles, catering to the same glamorous occasion wear market. Its high consumer sentiment, particularly regarding consistent sizing and quality for the price point, gives it a significant edge.
2. Club L London
Club L London is another strong contender, sharing a very similar product range with House of CB, including corsets, feathers, and satin pieces, often at a slightly more accessible price point. Its high popularity and strong customer service reviews contribute to its high ranking, making it a popular choice for consumers seeking the House of CB aesthetic.
3. Meshki
Meshki offers a “clean girl” glam and minimalist body con aesthetic that closely mirrors House of CB. While it boasts high popularity and strong influencer presence, its lower consumer sentiment, primarily due to issues with return fees and customer service, presents a potential vulnerability.
4. Mistress Rocks
As a sister brand under the same ownership as House of CB, Mistress Rocks offers a younger, edgier take on the signature aesthetic. This direct synergy in design and target market makes it a natural alternative, though its popularity is slightly lower, and consumer sentiment regarding quality relative to price can be mixed.
5. Revolve
Revolve functions as a luxury online marketplace that curates a selection of brands offering styles similar to House of CB (e.g., NBD, Bronx, and Banco). Its broad reach and ability to offer diverse options make it a significant competitor, although UK consumers sometimes report friction with shipping and returns.
6. PrettyLittleThing
While a mass fast fashion retailer, PrettyLittleThing has expanded its offerings to include “Premium” ranges that directly target the glam and partywear market. Its immense popularity and accessibility make it a competitor for consumers seeking the House of CB aesthetic at a significantly lower price point, despite generally lower quality and mixed sentiment.
7. Lavish Alice
Lavish Alice specializes in structured, tailored glam, often seen at UK races and weddings. Its focus on sophisticated occasion wear with unique details positions it as a strong alternative for consumers seeking a refined yet glamorous look, aligning with a segment of House of CB’s clientele.
8. NBD (Revolve Brand)
NBD, a brand primarily sold through Revolve, offers a distinct partywear aesthetic with body con dresses, cut outs, and embellished designs. Its strong aesthetic alignment and presence within a popular luxury marketplace make it a relevant competitor for House of CB’s target audience.
9. Nadine Merabi
Nadine Merabi operates at a higher price point but captures the “special occasion” market with its distinctive feather, sequin, and embellished designs. The brand offers a luxurious experience and high quality garments, appealing to consumers looking for statement pieces for significant events, similar to House of CB’s premium offerings.
10. Self Portrait
Self-Portrait offers a designer contemporary aesthetic characterized by feminine designs, intricate lace, and structured silhouettes. While generally at a higher price point, it appeals to a similar clientele seeking elegant and distinctive dresses for weddings, events, and special occasions, providing an alternative to House of CB’s more overtly glam styles.
Conclusion
The UK market for glam and occasion wear is highly competitive, with House of CB facing strong competition from brands that either directly replicate its aesthetic at varying price points or offer complementary styles for similar events. Brands like Oh Polly and Club L London stand out due to their high popularity and strong aesthetic alignment, while others like Nadine Merabi and Self-Portrait cater to a more premium segment with similar design sensibilities. Understanding these competitors strengths and weaknesses, particularly in terms of consumer sentiment and market positioning, is crucial for House of CB to maintain its unique appeal and market leadership.
