Did you know? Nike remains the No. 1 brand for all teens in both apparel (34% share) and footwear (59% share). 55% of teens cite Amazon as their favorite e-commerce website according to investment bank Piper Sandler Companies’ 46th semi-annual “Taking Stock With Teens” survey in partnership with DECA.
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In today’s digital age, teens are increasingly turning to online shopping for their clothing needs. But with countless options available, how do you find the best stores that offer style, quality, and affordability?
Shopping Tips for Teen Clothing
1. How to Shop for the Best Deals
Finding the best deals on teen clothing can be both fun and rewarding. Shopping online offers a wider variety and the convenience of comparing prices across different stores. Websites like Teen Vogue Fashion often list the latest sales and discount codes.
Tips for Online Deals and Discount Codes:
- Use apps like Honey or RetailMeNot to automatically find and apply discount codes.
- Apps like Cladwell or Smart Closet let you catalog your clothes and plan outfits.
- Look for influencers who focus on affordable fashion or thrifting.
- Use price comparison tools.
- Check for seasonal sales like Black Friday and back-to-school promotions.
- Follow favorite brands on social media for exclusive sales announcements.
- Sign up for email newsletters to get first dibs on promotions.
2. School and Casual Wear
A. School-Appropriate Teen Clothing
Finding fashionable yet school-appropriate teen clothing can be a challenge. Many schools have dress codes, but teens can still express their style within these guidelines.
- Uniform Hacks: Adding accessories like scarves, belts, and jewelry to personalize a uniform.
- Stylish Backpacks: Choosing trendy yet functional backpacks that comply with school rules.
B. Casual and Weekend Wear for Teens
Weekends are a time for teens to showcase their style without restrictions. Casual wear for weekends often includes comfortable yet trendy pieces.
- Casual Wear Ideas:
- Denim jeans paired with graphic tees.
- Comfortable leggings with oversized sweaters.
3. Accessories to Complement Teen Clothing
Accessories can make or break an outfit. For teen clothing, the right accessories can elevate a look from basic to stylish. Essential accessories include jewelry, bags, and shoes.
- Jewelry: Statement pieces like chunky necklaces or stackable rings.
- Bags: Trendy backpacks, crossbody bags, and tote bags.
- Shoes: Sneakers, boots, and sandals that match various outfits.
The consequences of choosing the wrong online stores can be frustrating:
- Wasted money on poor quality items
- Clothes that don’t fit or look different from the pictures
- Overspending on trendy pieces that quickly go out of style
- Difficulty finding age-appropriate options
- Lack of size inclusivity in many popular brands
Current Teen Clothing Trends
I. Athletic and Athleisure Dominance
Nike remains the undisputed king of teen fashion, holding the top spot for both apparel (34% share) and footwear (59% share). This dominance underscores the ongoing popularity of athletic and athleisure wear among teens.
Other athletic brands making waves include:
- Lululemon: Ranked as the #2 athletic apparel brand among upper-income teens and #1 among female upper-income teens.
- New Balance: Gained the most footwear mindshare year-over-year.
- HOKA: Remained the #3 athletic footwear brand among upper-income teens, increasing mindshare by 280 basis points year-over-year.
- On Running: Held steady as the #5 athletic footwear brand among upper-income teens, increasing mindshare by 120 basis points year-over-year.
The rise of brands like Alo Yoga (now #11 favorite brand) and Vuori (#15 favorite brand) further illustrates the strength of the athleisure trend.
II. Fast Fashion and Online Shopping
While athletic brands dominate, fast fashion remains a significant force in teen clothing. SHEIN ranks as the #4 favorite clothing brand and the #2 favorite shopping website among teens. This highlights the appeal of affordable, trend-driven fashion available online.
Amazon continues to be the powerhouse of e-commerce, with 55% of teens citing it as their favorite online shopping destination.
III. Traditional Teen Retailers Hold Their Ground
Despite the rise of online shopping and athletic wear, traditional teen retailers still have a place in the market:
- American Eagle ranks as the #2 favorite clothing brand with a 6% share.
- Hollister makes the top 5 list at #5 with a 3% share.
These brands continue to resonate with teens looking for classic American casual style.
IV. Accessories and Handbags
In the accessories category, some interesting trends emerge:
- Coach leads as the top handbag brand with a 23% share.
- Louis Vuitton holds the #2 spot with 10%, showing that luxury brands still appeal to some teens.
- More affordable options like Kate Spade (9%) and Michael Kors (9%) remain popular choices.
V. Footwear Beyond Athletics
While Nike dominates, other footwear brands are making their mark:
- Adidas and Converse tie for the #2 spot in footwear with 7% share each.
- Vans rounds out the top 5 with a 3% share, appealing to skate and street style enthusiasts.
10 Best Teen Clothing Stores to Shop Online
Based on the survey data and current trends, here are some of the best online destinations for teen clothing:
1. Nike: Athletic Wear Powerhouse
Best Seller
Nike Air Force 1 ’07
As the top brand for both apparel and footwear, Nike’s website is a must-visit for athletic and athleisure wear.
Why It’s Great:
- Dominates teen fashion with 34% share in apparel and 59% in footwear
- High-quality athletic and athleisure wear
- Trendy designs that resonate with teens
Teen-Friendly Features:
- Nike By You customization options
- SNKRS app for limited edition releases
- Student discount program
Did You Know? Nike’s commitment to sustainability has led to 75% of their shoes and apparel containing recycled materials.
2. Shein: Ultra-Affordable Trendy Pieces
$6.30
Teen Girls Letter & Skull Print Drop Shoulder Tee
For trend-driven fast fashion at affordable prices, SHEIN has become a major player in the teen market.
Why It’s Great:
- Extremely low prices
- Vast selection of styles updated daily
- Ranks as the #2 favorite shopping website among teens with 12% share
Teen-Friendly Features:
- SHEIN Points reward system
- Try-On feature using customer photos
- Collaborations with influencers and celebrities
Note: While Shein offers unbeatable prices, teens should be aware of potential quality and ethical concerns associated with ultra-fast fashion.
3. Lululemon: Premium Athleisure and Workout Gear
Dance Studio Mid-Rise Cropped Pant
For higher-end athleisure and workout gear, Lululemon is a top choice, especially among upper-income teens.
Why It’s Great:
- Remains the No. 2 athletic apparel brand among upper-income teens (No. 1 among female upper-income teens)
- High-quality athleisure and workout gear
- Trendy styles that transition from gym to street
Teen-Friendly Features:
- “We Made Too Much” section for discounted items
- Sweat Collective program for athletes and fitness enthusiasts
- Free hemming services
Did You Know? Lululemon leggings are cited as the number one fashion trend among upper-income female teens, demonstrating a strong rise in preference.
4. Amazon: The One-Stop Shop for Everything
#1 Best Seller
Womens Mens Wide Brim Straw Panama Hat Fedora
With its vast selection and competitive pricing, Amazon remains a go-to for many teen shoppers.
Why It’s Great:
- Vast selection of brands and styles
- Competitive pricing and frequent deals
- Fast shipping with Prime membership
Teen-Friendly Features:
- Amazon Wardrobe for try-before-you-buy
- User reviews and photos for informed decisions
- Easy returns process
Interesting Stat: 55% of teens cite Amazon as their favorite e-commerce website, according to Piper Sandler’s “Taking Stock With Teens” survey.
5. ASOS: The One-Stop Shop for Trendy Teens
ASOS DESIGN crew neck tank mini dress in black
While not specifically mentioned in the survey, ASOS is known for its trendy, affordable clothing and frequent sales.
Why It’s Great:
- Massive selection of over 850 brands
- ASOS Design line offers on-trend pieces at affordable prices
- Size-inclusive options, including petite, tall, and plus sizes
- Free shipping on orders over $49.99
Teen-Friendly Features:
- ASOS Marketplace for vintage and independent designers
- “Try Before You Buy” option
- Easy returns process
Did You Know? ASOS adds up to 5,000 new products to its site every week, ensuring fresh styles for trend-conscious teens.
6. Goat: Authentic Sneakers and Streetwear Marketplace
Loewe Cropped Hooded Jacket ‘Truffle’
Ranking as the #4 favorite shopping website, GOAT is a popular destination for sneakers and streetwear.
Why It’s Great:
- Ranks as the #4 favorite shopping website among teens with 2% share
- Authentic sneakers and streetwear from various brands
- Offers both new and used items
Teen-Friendly Features:
- GOAT Clean program for authenticated used sneakers
- Virtual try-on feature for select sneakers
- Exclusive drops and limited-edition releases
Did You Know? GOAT’s parent company Goat Group, said that it had raised $195 million in a late-stage funding round that more than doubled its valuation to $3.7 billion. Reflecting the growing popularity of sneaker and streetwear resale platforms among young consumers.
7. Coach: Accessible Luxury for Trend-Savvy Teens
Tabby Shoulder Bag 26 With Quilting
As the top handbag brand among teens, Coach’s website offers a perfect blend of classic style and contemporary trends in the accessible luxury market.
Why It’s Great:
- Ranks as the #1 favorite handbag brand among teens with a 23% share
- Offers a mix of classic and trendy designs
- Known for quality leather goods and accessories
Teen-Friendly Features:
- Coach Insider program for rewards and exclusive offers
- Customization options for select items
- Collaborations with popular artists and franchises
Did You Know? Coach’s popularity among teens highlights a growing interest in accessible luxury brands.
8. Converse: Timeless Cool in Sneaker Form
Chuck Taylor All Star Platform Canvas
Tying for second place in teen footwear preferences, Converse’s website is the go-to destination for iconic sneakers that never go out of style.
Why It’s Great:
- Ties with Adidas as the #2 favorite footwear brand among teens with 7% share
- Classic, timeless designs that never go out of style
- Affordable price points for quality sneakers
Teen-Friendly Features:
- Converse By You customization options
- Collaborations with artists and brands
- Diverse range of styles from classic to trendy
Did You Know? Converse’s Chuck Taylor All Star, first introduced in 1917, remains one of the best-selling sneakers of all time. One pair of Chucks is sold approximately every 43 seconds.
9. H&M: Affordable Fashion with a Conscience
Button-detail Top
While not in the top rankings, H&M’s website remains a popular choice for budget-conscious teens looking for trendy styles with a growing focus on sustainability.
Why It’s Great:
- Budget-friendly prices without sacrificing style
- Frequent sales and discounts
- Sustainable clothing options through their Conscious Collection
Teen-Friendly Features:
- Collaborations with popular brands and designers
- Divided line specifically designed for younger shoppers
- H&M Club rewards program for extra savings
Fun Fact: H&M’s Conscious Collection uses recycled polyester made from plastic bottles, helping reduce environmental impact.
10. Urban Outfitters: For the Edgy and Eclectic Teen
Kimchi Blue Albie Puff Sleeve Cropped Hoodie Sweatshirt
Urban Outfitters’ website is a haven for teens seeking unique, vintage-inspired styles and lifestyle products that stand out from the mainstream.
Why It’s Great:
- Unique, vintage-inspired styles
- Mix of well-known brands and UO’s in-house labels
- Home decor and lifestyle products in addition to clothing
Teen-Friendly Features:
- UO Rewards program for exclusive perks
- Curated music selection and vinyl records
- Collaborations with up-and-coming artists and designers
Interesting Stat: Urban Outfitters saw a huge increase in online sales among teen shoppers, highlighting its growing popularity in the demographic.
Smart Shopping Strategies for Teens and Parents
- Mix High and Low: Combine pieces from budget-friendly stores with a few higher-quality items for a balanced wardrobe.
- Leverage Sales and Discounts Take advantage of seasonal sales, student discounts, and loyalty programs to save on popular brands.
- Explore Secondhand Options Consider thrift stores, consignment shops, or online resale platforms for unique finds and budget-friendly alternatives.
- Focus on Versatility Invest in pieces that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits, maximizing the value of each purchase.
- DIY and Upcycling Encourage creativity by customizing or updating existing clothing items to align with current trends.
- Set a Budget Help teens learn financial responsibility by setting a clothing budget and involving them in purchasing decisions.
- Quality Over Quantity Invest in well-made basics that will last longer, rather than constantly replacing low-quality fast fashion items.
- Follow Brands on Social Media Many brands offer exclusive discounts and early access to sales for their social media followers.
- Consider Rental Services For special occasions or rapidly changing trends, clothing rental services can provide access to designer items at a fraction of the cost.
- Shop Off-Season Buy winter coats in spring or swimsuits in fall to take advantage of end-of-season clearance sales.
- Know Your Measurements: Don’t rely on general sizing. Take accurate measurements and consult size charts for each store.
- Read Reviews: Check what other shoppers say about fit, quality, and shipping experiences.
- Use Virtual Try-On Tools: Many stores now offer AR features to see how clothes might look on you.
- Check Return Policies: Make sure you can easily return items if they don’t work out.
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