Hey there, fashion lover! Are you a fan of Hollister‘s effortlessly cool, California-inspired vibe? I know I am. As someone who‘s spent countless hours browsing the racks at Hollister, I can totally relate to the brand‘s appeal. But sometimes, you just want to switch things up and explore some other options, you know?
That‘s where this ultimate guide comes in. I‘ve rounded up 10 of the best stores like Hollister, so you can expand your fashion horizons while still rocking that laid-back, beachy style. Whether you‘re looking for cozy hoodies, trendy graphic tees, or the perfect pair of distressed jeans, these retailers have got you covered.
Before we dive into the list, let‘s take a quick look at what makes Hollister so popular among young adults and teens. Founded in 2000 as an offshoot of Abercrombie & Fitch, Hollister quickly became known for its SoCal-inspired aesthetic – think vintage-inspired graphics, lived-in denim, and plenty of plaid. The brand‘s target audience is fashion-forward 14-24 year olds who want to look effortlessly cool and casual.
According to a 2019 survey by Piper Sandler, Hollister ranked as the 7th most popular clothing brand among teenagers in the US. The brand‘s popularity can be attributed to its on-trend designs, affordable prices, and strong social media presence (Hollister has over 3.6 million followers on Instagram alone!).
So, without further ado, let‘s get into the 10 best stores like Hollister for laid-back, California-cool style.
1. American Eagle
If you‘re a fan of Hollister, you‘ll definitely want to check out American Eagle. Like Hollister, AE is all about youthful, casual style with a focus on high-quality denim. In fact, according to a 2018 report by Edited, American Eagle was the top seller of jeans in the US, with a 7% market share.
One thing I love about American Eagle is the brand‘s commitment to size inclusivity. AE offers sizes 00-24 in women‘s jeans and XS-XXL in tops, so there‘s something for everyone. They also have a great selection of comfy loungewear and activewear, perfect for laid-back weekends or work-from-home days.
2. Abercrombie & Fitch
As Hollister‘s sister brand, it‘s no surprise that Abercrombie & Fitch shares a similar aesthetic. A&F has the same all-American, slightly preppy vibe as Hollister, but with a more grown-up twist. Think classic button-downs, chino shorts, and vintage-inspired sweatshirts.
One thing to note about Abercrombie is that the prices are slightly higher than Hollister‘s. However, the quality is generally very good, and you can often find great deals during sales. A&F also offers a "Curve Love" denim line for sizes 23-37, so curvier gals can find their perfect fit.
3. PacSun
For a true taste of California style, PacSun is a must-visit. This popular retailer is all about embracing the Golden State‘s laid-back, surfer-cool aesthetic. Like Hollister, PacSun is super popular with teenagers and young adults – according to the brand‘s website, 63% of PacSun‘s customers are under 24.
One thing I love about PacSun is the brand‘s focus on sustainability. Many of their pieces are made with eco-friendly materials like organic cotton and recycled polyester. They also have a great selection of swimwear and beachwear, perfect for summer vacays or pool days.
4. Urban Outfitters
If you‘re into Hollister‘s laid-back vibe but want something a little edgier, head to Urban Outfitters. UO has a similar youthful, trendy aesthetic to Hollister, but with a more eclectic, vintage-inspired twist. You‘ll find a mix of bold graphic tees, retro-style denim, and unique accessories.
One cool thing about Urban Outfitters is that they offer a mix of in-house labels and curated brands, so you can discover some cool new designers while you shop. They also have a great home decor section, perfect for decking out your dorm room or first apartment.
5. Forever 21
Forever 21 is a fast-fashion favorite among budget-savvy young shoppers. Like Hollister, F21 offers a wide range of trendy casual wear at super affordable prices. You can easily put together a cute outfit for under $50 – which is great for experimenting with new styles.
One thing to keep in mind with Forever 21 is that the quality can be hit or miss. Some pieces hold up great over time, while others may fall apart after a few washes. I recommend reading reviews and checking the fabric content before you buy.
6. Aeropostale
Aeropostale is another mall brand that gives off major Hollister vibes. Like Hollister, Aero is known for its comfortable, easy-to-wear styles like graphic tees, hoodies, and joggers. They also have a great selection of jeans at really reasonable prices.
One advantage of shopping at Aeropostale is that they often have sales and promotions going on. It‘s not uncommon to find BOGO 50% off deals or $10 tees. They also offer free shipping on orders over $50, which is great if you‘re stocking up on basics.
7. Old Navy
Old Navy may not be the first store that comes to mind when you think of trendy teen fashion, but hear me out. In recent years, ON has really stepped up its game in terms of offering stylish, affordable basics that give Hollister a run for its money.
One area where Old Navy really shines is activewear. Their workout leggings and sports bras are just as good as more expensive brands, but at a fraction of the price. They also have a great selection of denim, including some really cute mom jeans and straight leg styles.
8. ASOS
For my online shopping addicts out there, ASOS is a goldmine of Hollister-esque fashion. This UK-based retailer offers a massive selection of clothing, shoes, and accessories from both in-house labels and curated brands. And the best part? Free shipping and returns on all orders!
One thing I love about ASOS is the brand‘s commitment to inclusivity. They offer a wide range of sizes, including plus, petite, and tall options. They also feature a lot of diverse models on their website, so you can get a sense of how the clothes might look on different body types.
9. Nasty Gal
If you love Hollister‘s laid-back vibe but want something a little edgier and more fashion-forward, definitely check out Nasty Gal. This online retailer is all about serving up bold, unconventional pieces that make a serious statement.
One thing to note about Nasty Gal is that the prices are a bit higher than some of the other stores on this list. However, the quality is generally very good, and you can often find great deals during sales. I‘ve scored some amazing pieces for 50-70% off!
10. Tilly‘s
Last but not least, we have Tilly‘s. This California-based retailer has a similar surf-and-skate vibe to Hollister, with a focus on laid-back, beach-ready styles. Think graphic tees, board shorts, and slip-on sneakers.
One cool thing about Tilly‘s is that they carry a lot of unique, hard-to-find brands like Vans, Volcom, and Hurley. They also have a great selection of trendy accessories like backpacks, hats, and sunglasses. And with prices that are similar to Hollister‘s, you can definitely afford to stock up.
How to Choose the Right Hollister Alternative for You
So now that you know about all these amazing stores like Hollister, you might be wondering: how do I choose the right one for me? Here are a few tips:
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Consider your budget. Some of these stores (like Forever 21 and Aeropostale) are super budget-friendly, while others (like Abercrombie and Nasty Gal) are a bit pricier. Figure out how much you‘re willing to spend before you start shopping.
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Think about your personal style. Do you lean more preppy like Abercrombie, or edgy like Nasty Gal? Do you prefer a surf-inspired look like PacSun, or a more eclectic vibe like Urban Outfitters? Choose the store that best aligns with your aesthetic.
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Read reviews. Before you place an online order, do some research on the brand‘s quality, sizing, and customer service. Read reviews from other shoppers to get a sense of what to expect.
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Check the return policy. Make sure you can return or exchange items if they don‘t fit or aren‘t what you expected. Many of these stores offer free returns, but it‘s always good to double-check before you buy.
The Final Verdict
Whew, that was a lot of info! I hope this guide has given you some great ideas for where to shop for Hollister-inspired fashion. Whether you‘re a die-hard Hollister fan looking to branch out, or just love that laid-back California vibe, these 10 stores are sure to become your new go-tos.
At the end of the day, fashion is all about expressing yourself and having fun. Don‘t be afraid to mix and match pieces from different stores to create a look that‘s totally YOU. And remember, confidence is the ultimate accessory – so wear what makes you feel amazing, and rock it with pride!
I hope you found this guide helpful, fashion lovers. Now if you‘ll excuse me, I have some serious online shopping to do…
