Aeropostale is a popular American clothing retailer known for its casual fashions. And it’s geared towards teens and young adults. The brand offers trendy, affordable basics and denim, showcasing a youthful, all-American style. But what alternatives exist if you’re looking for similar accessible, on-trend clothes and styles? Here are 12 of the top clothing stores like Aeropostale to shop for casual wardrobe essentials.
Top 12 Aeropostale Alternatives
Hollister: #1 On Our Listing Of Aeropostale Competitors
The most similar brand on our list is Hollister. It is the sister company under the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. umbrella. It targets the same 14-24 demographic with its relaxed California-cool aesthetic across apparel and swimwear.
This beachy lifestyle retailer dishes out major West Coast vibes. And it does that through its breezy dresses, distressed shorts, and laidback tops. Hollister also shares Aeropostale’s emphasis on denim and basics, crafting trendy pieces. Which are suited for casual weekends and after-school hangs.
Price-wise, both stores retail affordable, fast-fashion apparel usually under $50. In terms of differences, it incorporates more daring styles. And also sexier silhouettes than the sportier Aeropostale. They also lack Aeropostale’s signature graphic tee.
They opt for classic logos and laidback branding instead. But, they provide the most similar mix of wearable. And youthful clothes with Americana flair.
American Eagle: Latest Collection Of American Lifestyle Clothes and Accessories
Another competitor scooping up Gen Z dollars is American Eagle. This lifestyle brand actually predates Aeropostale, founded in 1977. Though its roots stretch back decades. American Eagle keeps its finger firmly on the pulse of youth culture.
Shoppers can pull off-duty model vibes in their distressed jeans, and festival-flirty dresses. It also matches Aeropostale’s playful collegiate styling. Because of their university sweatshirts, varsity jackets, and logo tees.
For all-American essentials at mallrat-approved prices, it delivers (and in extended sizes to boot). Beyond clothing, their personal care, accessories and swimwear shine too.
Charlotte Russe: American Clothing Company For Wearables and Footwears
Charlotte Russe‘s similarities start with its trend-driven, versatile apparel suited for college students. This popular mall brand dishes out major fashion inspiration. With the help of its seasonally updated dresses, jumpsuits, tops and bottoms. However, its differentiation comes from its emphasis on occasion-wear. And that includes club-ready mini dresses and formal ensembles. Charlotte Russe also spotlights dressy footwear alongside its apparel. By contrast, Aeropostale focuses more on athleisure and casual wear. Nevertheless, its on-trend, youthful style parallels Aeropostale at a similar value price point.
Old Navy: American Retailer Company To Shop Clothes For Your Whole Family
Owned by Gap Inc., Old Navy brings a family-focused spin to casual American style. This affordable retailer carries apparel, shoes, accessories and more for men, women, and kids. With its wide range, Old Navy works as a one-stop shop for outfitting the whole clan.
Teens can find pieces with Aeropostale appeal here, from graphic tees to staple denim. They offer grown-up workwear and business casual that graduates beyond most Aeropostale shoppers. Families love them for their budget-friendly which is under $20 for adult & kids’ apparel. So for the Aeropostale fan with siblings in tow, Old Navy has everyone covered.
Forever 21: #5 On The List Of Brands Like Aeropostale Stores
Another fast-fashion of Aeropostale competitors is Forever 21. They focus on what’s hot right now at wallet-friendly prices. Like Aeropostale, it carries casual clothing. And accessories for female tweens, teens and college students. Both labels blew up in the late 90s and early 2000s as über-trendy, affordable mall staples.
It skews slightly older than Aeropostale. Because of their clubwear, gowns and edgier styles in the mix. Forever 21 also plates up major facts with over 600 stores and growing. But its core offering stays inline with Aeropostale.
Pacsun: American Company For California Lifestyle Clothes For young Boys And Gals
Pacific Sunwear of California, or PacSun, mines a similar aesthetic of casual Southern California cool. Its beaches-to-boardwalks vibe comes through across men’s, women’s, and children’s apparel. Its jeans wall rivals Aeropostale’s, fully stocked with trendy washes and cuts. Tees, tanks, hoodies and swimwear also parallel Aeropostale’s casual selection.
The store does differentiate itself through its designer collaborations, especially within menswear. Brands like Vans, Volcom and Adidas give PacSun‘s dudes’ section a streetwear edge.
H&M: Worlds 2nd Largest Clothing Retailer
Owned by Hennes & Mauritz AB, retail giant H&M floods its thousands of stores with the latest fast fashion. The Swedish company converts runway looks and celebrity styles into affordable wears for the masses. They democratize trends that Aeropostale and similar retailers adapt for American markets.
Its huge array includes casual clothes comparable to Aeropostale’s assortment. Shoppers can grab H&M jeans, graphic tees, dresses and more without breaking the bank. H&M also appeals to a wide age bracket beyond just teens, although youthful styles still dominate. For cutting-edge fast fashion direct from Europe. This store like Aeropostale delivers formula on a global scale.
Victoria’s Secret: Best Quality Lingerie and Fragrances
Though not a direct apparel Aeropostale competitor. But it shares similarities as a go-to mall brand for young shoppers. The lingerie giant’s PINK line targets the high school and college crowd. Beyond bras and panties. It offers loungewear, swimsuits, and accessories.
It nails down the cute collegiate look with its joggers, tees, hoodies and sweatpants. These casual pieces mirror Aeropostale’s campus-ready selection. However, Victoria’s Secret’s products skew female, while Aeropostale has categories for both genders. For young women seeking stylish intimates and comfy clothing. Its PINK sub-brand is a winner.
Nautica: Inspirational Large Collection Of Clothes For Men, Women, and Kids
Nautica’s preppy nautical styles offer a fresh alternative for Aeropostale shoppers. This brand accents classic American pieces with eye-catching aquatic details. Its polos, knits, outerwear and tees come adorned with anchors, stripes and the brand’s iconic sail logo.
These creative embellishments add flair to clean-cut casual wear. While not surf-centric like PacSun, Nautica does incorporate coastal inspiration from sailing culture. Yet the Versatile clothing still transitions seamlessly from beach to street. With categories for men, women and children. Nautica brands families through its timeless maritime looks.
Buckle: #10 On List Of Clothing Sites Like Aeropostale
Buckle mixes casual American styles with a bold Western edge. This retailer blends rugged Americana staples like denim with trendy dresses, and accessories. Buckle also makes customization a highlight through free hemming, embroidery, distressing and more. Teens can take Buckle’s pieces and tailor them into unique looks.
Compared to Aeropostale, it skews slightly older demographic with more disposable income. The enhanced services and higher price points cater beyond just high schoolers. Yet, it still channels a youthful All-American vibe with its denim and casualwear. So for western wear with a side of personalization, mosey on over to Buckle.
PrettyLittleThing
PrettyLittleThing brings ultra fast-fashion direct from the UK. The company was founded in 2012 by Umar Kamani and his brother Adam Kamani. This retailer churns out lightning-quick copies of today’s hottest celeb and influencer styles.
Their dizzying pace allows near-constant new arrivals across women’s apparel, lingerie and accessories. PrettyLittleThing‘s affordable on-trend wares appeal to fashionable high school and college students. Teens can rock looks from the red carpet, runway or Instagram feeds mere days after their debut. Compared to Aeropostale, it moves even faster and cheaper. Yet, the casual clothing focus aligns tightly with youthful American styles.
Urban Outfitters: Cool Clothing Companies Like Aeropostale’s For Trendy Rebels
Urban Outfitters offers hip casualwear with some edge. This funky retailer stocks apparel for both female and male free spirits and rebels. It’s on-trend dresses, jeans, tops and intimates come splashed with art, music and pop culture themes. Their unique selection sits slightly left of mainstream brands similar to Aeropostale. Besides to its retail locations.
Urban Outfitters also houses Anthropologie and Free People under its corporate umbrella. So beyond the core brand. The subsidiary shoppers can browse boho-chic and festival looks curated for creative tastes. It’s vibrant vibes complement Aeropostale. Because of its casual selection for stylish tweens, teens and young adults.
Guidelines for Shopping at Clothing Brands Like Aeropostale
When evaluating alternatives to shop for casual wear, keep these guidelines in mind:
Price – Seek stores with affordable pieces under $50 like fast-fashion venues. Or look for frequent discounts at more premium retailers.
Selection – Shop spots stocking versatile casuals like jeans, tees, hoodies, dresses and swimwear. Make sure the variety is trendy and youthful.
Branding – Stores should have some iconic branding. Whether via logos, signatures styles or aesthetics. But avoid over-branding that seems too showy or gimmicky.
Trends – Clothing companies like Aeropostale quickly adapt to shifting fads. Ensure spots carry both evergreen classics and mix in seasonal trend-driven finds.
Demographic – Shop retailers catering to a high school and college crowd. Most alternatives will market to teens and young adults predominantly.
Tones – Look for casual Americana style with comfortable laidback, sporty or beachy vibes. Pieces should be wearable for school, weekends and hanging out.
Quality – Alternative retailers should offer decent quality basics at affordable prices. Focus on credible brands over shoddy knockoffs.
Conclusion
If you’re into casual American style without breaking the bank, Aeropostale has got you covered. But if you prefer more options that offer similar trendy fashion at affordable prices. The alternative stores listed above brings the heat too.
Teens and young adults can explore a range of fun and affordable styles beyond just Aeropostale. When hunting for new go-to spots, make sure to consider the right mix of selection, price, quality, branding and trends. Stores that capture Aeropostale’s essence will definitely spice up your shopping routine. So wave goodbye to dull basics and embrace the finest in casual fashion.
FAQs about Stores Similar To Aeropostale
What age group shops at Aeropostale?
Aeropostale mainly targets younger shoppers ranging from kids. Especially in elementary school all the way up to young adults so roughly between the ages of 8 and 22.
Is Aeropostale going out of business?
No, after filing for bankruptcy in 2016 and closing many stores. Aeropostale remains in business with over 200 locations and a renewed focus on its core demographics and casual basics.
Is American Eagle owned by Aeropostale?
No, American Eagle and Aeropostale are separate competing brands. Although they both target a similar demographic of teenagers, they are independently owned entities.
Is Aeropostale expensive?
No, Aeropostale is classified as affordable fast fashion. Most of their items are priced under $50, including graphic tees for $10-$25 and jeans for $25-$50. In addition, they frequently offer discounts and sales.
Is Hollister the same as Aeropostale?
Hollister and Aeropostale both offer casual American styles for teens and young adults. Though Hollister leans more West Coast preppy. While Aeropostale has more of an East Coast vibe.
What should I not buy from Aeropostale?
Avoid paying full price at Aeropostale since sales are frequent. Also skip trendy pieces that won’t stay in style for long. Focus on versatile basics like tees, jeans, sweatshirts.
Does Aeropostale have clothes for adults?
Yes, while Aeropostale focuses on younger demographics. They sell adult apparel up to XXL or 16. Some “mature basics” appeal more to older teens or those in their early 20s.
