These Are the Clothing Brands That Teens Actually Think Are Cool

Sold at: Free People, Nordstrom, Revolve | Sizes available: XXS–XL; denim 24—33 | Price point: $$–$$$

Hollister’s designs lean younger than its sister brand Abercrombie’s, which makes it a solid pick for teens and tweens looking for clothes that don’t feel too grown-up. The brand is known for its affordable denim and layerable basics like baby tees in playful prints and colors—things kids can wear to school or casually. Its picks are generally all under $25 and $50.

Sold at: Hollister | Sizes available: XXS–XXL; denim 000—20 | Price point: $

Another big activewear brand for teens is Adidas, especially for those on sports teams—though plenty of nonathletes wear it, too, since the track-star aesthetic is very much in. The brand is loved for its signature striped track pants, classic sneakers like the Adidas Samba, and serious sportswear across running, soccer, basketball, and even golf.

Sold at: Adidas, Amazon, Nordstrom | Sizes available: 2XS—3XL | Price point: $—$$$

Chances are high the teen in your life already lives in their warm, shearling-lined Uggs, wants them, or has another style in their shopping cart. Platform minis, Mini boots, and slip-on Tasmans are among the pairs teens wear on repeat from home to Starbucks to school.

Sold at: Ugg, Amazon, Nordstrom | Sizes available: Women’s 5–15; men’s 3–18 | Price point: $$—$$$

If you’re at a loss as to what teens today want to wear, just turn the clock back by 20 to 30 years, and bam. Y2K and ’90s styles are dominating fashion right now, and Urban Outfitters is unabashedly all in on the aesthetic. Here, you’ll find the trendiest tube tops, low-rise cargo pants, miniskirts, faux-fur bucket hats, baguette bags, and playful graphic tees.

Sold at: Urban Outfitters | Sizes available: XS–XL | Price point: $$

Nordstrom’s appeal comes down to its tight curation—unlike Amazon’s free-for-all, the brands here skew consistently desirable. Standout labels include Skims (Kim Kardashian’s viral loungewear brand), Birkenstock (teen boys and girls alike covet the Boston clogs), Princess Polly (for TikTok-trending dresses), Mango Teen (for a range of basics for younger teens), Vuori (for sweatpants), Ralph Lauren (for preppy vibes), and New Balance (for ’90s-esque sneakers). It’s also an excellent place to find gifts for teens, since sizing is clear, returns are easy, and the assortment is edited.