Quick Facts
- Former Hollister shoppers seeking elevated style
- Budget-conscious basics shoppers
- Eco-conscious fashion consumers
- Abercrombie & Fitch has transformed into 'quiet luxury' with 810 global stores by 2025
- Unspun uses 3D weaving technology reducing global warming potential by 53%
- American Apparel now operates online-only with ethical sweatshop-free manufacturing
- Lucky Brand and Aéropostale are both under Catalyst Brands umbrella as of 2025
For those who've outgrown Hollister, Abercrombie & Fitch offers the best style upgrade for casual-to-office wear, while Aéropostale remains ideal for budget basics and Unspun leads for sustainable denim innovation.
Hollister defined the mall experience for a generation. It was the go-to for California cool, dimly lit stores, and that unmistakable scent. But as we approach 2026, your style has likely evolved beyond the seagull logo. You might still crave that West Coast ease, but now you want better fabrics, sustainable sourcing, or simply a silhouette that doesn’t scream “high school.”
We have curated a list of the best alternatives that bridge the gap between nostalgia and modern fashion. These aren’t just copycats; they are upgrades.
The Curator’s Cut: 10 Shops Like Hollister
We’ve moved past the generic recommendations to bring you brands that are actually relevant in late 2025. Whether you want eco-friendly denim or “quiet luxury” for the mall shopper, here is where you should be spending your money.
1. Lucky Brand (The Denim Upgrade)
If Hollister was your introduction to jeans, Lucky Brand is your graduation. Known for the “West Coast” vibe but with significantly higher construction quality, Lucky Brand focuses on heritage denim that lasts longer than a single season.
The Insider Intel: As of January 2025, Lucky Brand is operated by Catalyst Brands (a massive merger between SPARC Group and JCPenney). While the ownership has shifted, the aesthetic remains rooted in Americana. It’s a great pivot if you want clothes that feel vintage right off the rack without the fast fashion guilt.
2. Abercrombie & Fitch (The Rebrand King)
Founded in 1898, Abercrombie is the older sibling to Hollister, but their recent transformation has been nothing short of miraculous. Forget the loud logos of the 2010s; the new A&F is all about “quiet luxury” and premium basics.
By December 2025, the company expanded to approximately 810 stores globally, proving their comeback is real. If you loved Hollister’s fit but need something you can wear to a casual office or a nice dinner, this is your safest bet.
3. Urban Outfitters (The Trend Setter)
Urban Outfitters (URBN) captures the bohemian, retro spirit that Hollister often aims for, but with a grittier edge. It’s not just a clothing store; it’s a lifestyle curator. Interestingly, nearly 70% of their business comes from private labels like BDG and Kimchi Blue, meaning you are buying unique designs you won’t find at other retailers.
If you love the hunt for vintage styles but hate digging through actual bins at flea markets in Germany or the US, UO does the curating for you.
4. American Apparel (The Ethical Basic)
American Apparel offers that same preppy, color block aesthetic as Hollister but with a different ethos. While their 281 physical stores have been closed since 2017, the brand is alive and well online under Gildan Activewear.
Why switch? They have pivoted to a global “Ethically MadeSweatshop Free” model, primarily manufacturing in Honduras and Nicaragua. If you need solid color hoodies, tees, or disco pants that fit perfectly, their online store remains a staple.
5. Aéropostale (The Budget Alternative)
Let’s be real: sometimes you just need basics that don’t break the bank. Aéropostale sits in the same portfolio as Lucky Brand (under Catalyst Brands) but serves the price conscious shopper. With over 500 US locations and 350+ international stores as of late 2025, they are accessible almost everywhere.
If you are looking for cheap clothes shopping sites in Germany or the US, Aéropostale’s frequent sales make it a top contender for stocking up on tees and sweats.
6. Unspun (The Future of Denim)
This is the “hidden gem” of this list. Unspun isn’t just another shop like Hollister; it’s a tech company that sells jeans. They were recognized in 2025 as a top Greentech company for good reason.
Using Vega™ 3D weaving technology, they reduce global warming potential by 53% compared to traditional denim. There is no inventory waste because they don’t make the jeans until you order them. If you want the perfect fit and want to save the planet, skip the mall and scan your body with Unspun.
7. Outerknown (The Authentic Surfer)
Hollister sells the idea of surfing. Outerknown was founded by actual world champion surfer Kelly Slater. This is the real deal.
They have been accredited by the Fair Labor Association (FLA) since 2017 and maintain an ‘Excellent’ rating from Eco Stylist. Their “Blanket Shirt” is legendary. It’s pricier than Hollister, but the quality difference is undeniable.
8. PacSun (The Direct Competitor)
Pacific Sunwear (PacSun) is the closest direct alternative to Hollister. Under the leadership of CEO Brie Olson, they have solidified their spot as the leader in youth culture, managing roughly 350 stores across the US.
PacSun curates external brands (like Essentials via Fear of God) alongside their own gear, making them more fashion forward than the standard mall retailer. Before buying, always check reviews or guides like Is Interconnect Shop Legit to ensure you are buying from verified retailers if you shop via third parties.
9. Miss Selfridge (The Digital Party Brand)
For the feminine, playful side of the Hollister aesthetic, Miss Selfridge is the UK’s answer. Note that as of late 2025, this brand exists exclusively online via ASOS.
They specialize in “going out” tops, petite sizing, and dresses that offer a bit more glam than Hollister’s beach casual look. Since it’s on ASOS, shipping is globally optimized, making it easy to access regardless of where you live.
10. American Eagle (The Comfort Giant)
You can’t talk about shops like Hollister without mentioning its biggest rival. American Eagle Outfitters (AEO) is a juggernaut, reporting $5.3 billion in revenue for the fiscal year ending early 2025.
With nearly 1,500 stores globally (including their wildly popular Aerie brand), they dominate the market for comfortable, stretchy denim. If you find Hollister’s jeans too restrictive, American Eagle’s focus on “Real” fits and body positivity offers a refreshing alternative.
Expanding Your Fashion Horizons
The world of fashion is bigger than the mall. If you are looking to explore unique styles outside of the American mainstream, consider looking into the Best Ukrainian Fashion Brands to Shop Online. Emerging designers from this region are currently producing some of the most interesting streetwear and denim in the worldperfect for someone wanting to stand out from the Hollister crowd.
