Are you looking for the best college clothing brands? Check this post for both affordable and designer options for college girls and boys to find the best college apparel.
Are you a college student looking to revamp your wardrobe?
Are you tired of wearing the same old clothes and want to add some trendy pieces to your collection?
Look no further!
We’ve compiled a list of the 40+ best college clothing brands and stores, featuring both affordable and designer options.
Whether you’re looking for casual wear or something more formal, these brands have got you covered.
From streetwear to athleisure, preppy to boho-chic, there’s something for everyone.
So get ready to upgrade your style game with our comprehensive guide to the top clothing brands and stores for college students.
This post is all about college clothing brands.
Best Affordable Clothing Brands & Clothing Stores
H&M
H&M is a popular clothing brand that offers affordable and trendy options for college students.
They have a wide range of clothing, from casual wear to formal attire, making it ideal for students who need versatile pieces in their wardrobe.
H&M has also made strides in sustainability by introducing eco-friendly collections like Conscious and using organic cotton in their clothes.
Students can purchase stylish pieces from H&M without breaking the bank, allowing them to experiment with different styles while staying within budget.
H&M also frequently releases collaborations with designers like Alexander Wang and Kenzo, offering designer items at more affordable prices.
ASOS
ASOS is a popular online fashion retailer that offers a wide range of stylish and affordable clothing options for college students.
With over 850 brands to choose from, ASOS has something for everyone.
Whether you’re looking for casual everyday wear or more formal attire, ASOS has got you covered.
In addition to clothing, ASOS also offers a wide range of accessories such as bags, hats, jewelry, and shoes.
These accessories can be used to add some flair to any outfit and help you stand out on campus.
With its affordable prices and commitment to sustainability, it’s no wonder why so many college students choose ASOS as their go-to fashion destination.
Brandy Melville
Brandy Melville is a popular clothing brand that has gained immense popularity among college students for its simplistic yet trendy clothing options.
The brand offers a wide range of apparel, including tops, bottoms, dresses, and accessories that are perfect for young women looking to keep up with the latest fashion trends while on a budget.
Brandy Melville’s signature style is bohemian chic with an emphasis on comfort and ease of wear.
Madewell
Madewell is a popular clothing brand that has been gaining popularity among college students.
Known for their effortless and stylish designs, Madewell offers a wide range of apparel that appeals to both men and women.
From denim jeans to cozy sweaters, Madewell has everything that you need to refresh your wardrobe for the new semester.
One of the best things about Madewell is its commitment to sustainability.
The brand uses organic cotton and recycled materials in its clothing, making it an excellent choice for environmentally conscious shoppers.
Additionally, they offer extended sizing options so everyone can find something that fits them perfectly.
Urban Outfitters
Urban Outfitters has become a go-to destination for college students looking to update their wardrobes with trendy and affordable pieces.
The retailer offers a mix of vintage-inspired and contemporary clothing, shoes, and accessories that are perfect for creating a unique style.
One of the most popular sections in Urban Outfitters stores is their selection of graphic tees.
From band t-shirts to statement-making graphics, these shirts are perfect for adding some personality to any outfit.
The retailer also offers a wide range of denim options, including high-waisted mom jeans and distressed skinny jeans.
For those looking for something more unique, they have plenty of one-of-a-kind pieces like patterned jumpsuits and retro-inspired jackets.
Zara
Zara, a Spanish clothing and accessories retailer, is one of the top picks for college students looking for trendy yet affordable clothing.
Known for its fast-fashion approach, Zara offers a wide range of styles to suit any taste or occasion.
From casual basics to dressy formalwear, Zara has it all.
Forever 21
Forever 21 is one of the most popular clothing brands among college students, known for its affordable and trendy options.
The brand offers a wide range of apparel, including dresses, tops, bottoms, and accessories that cater to different styles and preferences.
Forever 21 also has plus-size collections which ensure inclusivity.
PacSun
PacSun is a popular clothing brand that caters to the younger generation.
With its surf and skate-inspired designs, PacSun has become a go-to destination for college students looking for trendy and affordable clothing options.
The brand offers a wide range of products including graphic tees, shorts, denim jeans, hoodies, jackets, and accessories such as hats and sunglasses.
One of the things that make PacSun stand out is its collaboration with various designers and brands.
The retailer has collaborated with names like Fear of God, Vans, Adidas Originals, Kendall & Kylie Jenner’s fashion line among others to create exclusive collections available only at their stores.
This reflects PacSun’s commitment to offering unique styles while staying true to its roots.
Topshop
Topshop is a well-known clothing brand that offers affordable and trendy college apparel for both men and women.
They have a wide range of options, from casual to formal wear, keeping up with the latest fashion trends.
Their collections include tops, dresses, bottoms, shoes, accessories, and more.
Topshop also collaborates with famous designers to create limited-edition collections.
American Eagle Outfitters
American Eagle Outfitters has become a staple in the college fashion scene, known for its trendy and casual clothing options.
The brand offers a wide range of clothing, from jeans and t-shirts to dresses and accessories, making it a one-stop shop for any college student’s wardrobe needs.
American Eagle Outfitters’ prices are affordable and often have sales or promotions, making it budget-friendly for college students.
One of the reasons why American Eagle Outfitters is so popular among college students is its inclusive sizing range.
The brand offers sizes ranging from XXS to XXL for women’s clothing and 26-44 waist size for men’s clothing.
This inclusivity allows all body types to find fashionable options that fit comfortably.
Uniqlo
Uniqlo is a Japanese clothing brand that has gained popularity among college students due to its affordable and minimalist style.
The brand offers clothing items that are perfect for everyday wear, including t-shirts, jeans, and jackets.
Uniqlo’s clothes are known for their high-quality materials and durability, making them an excellent investment for students on a budget.
SHEIN
SHEIN is a popular online clothing store that caters to young women looking for affordable and trendy outfits.
The brand offers an extensive collection of dresses, tops, bottoms, and accessories that are perfect for college students on a budget.
One of the best things about SHEIN is its wide range of sizes.
The brand offers plus-size options in many of its styles, ensuring that every woman can find something to fit her body type.
Additionally, SHEIN frequently collaborates with influencers and designers to create unique collections that stand out from other fast-fashion brands.
Lulus
Lulus is a well-known online clothing store that offers affordable and stylish options for college students.
Their collection includes everything from casual wear to formal dresses, making it easy to find something for any occasion.
Lulus’ clothing selection is always on-trend, featuring the latest styles and trends in the fashion industry.
They offer a variety of colors, prints, and fabrics so you can easily create an outfit that matches your personal style.
Everlane
Everlane is a sustainable clothing brand that has gained popularity among college students for its affordable and stylish apparel.
Their minimalist designs are perfect for creating a capsule wardrobe, with basic pieces that can be mixed and matched for different outfits.
Everlane’s commitment to transparency in its production process also resonates with the environmentally-conscious mindset of many college students.
One of Everlane’s most popular items is their Day Glove flats, which have been praised for their comfort and versatility.
The brand also offers a range of denim options, including high-waisted jeans in different washes and styles.
For those looking to add some color to their wardrobe, Everlane offers bright sweaters and t-shirts in addition to their classic neutrals.
J.Crew Factory
J.Crew Factory is a popular clothing store offering trendy and affordable apparel options for college students.
The brand offers versatile pieces that can be dressed up or down, making it easy to create multiple outfits with just a few items.
From classic blazers to cozy sweaters, J.Crew Factory has something for everyone.
Their selection of denim is particularly noteworthy, with a variety of cuts and washes available at reasonable prices.
Students can also find stylish accessories like scarves and hats to complete their looks.
With frequent sales and discounts available online, J.Crew Factory makes it easy for college students to stay on trend without breaking the bank.
Cotton On
Cotton On is a versatile Australian brand that has been around since 1991.
Initially, it was just a single store in Victoria, but today it has over 1400 stores worldwide in 18 countries.
Cotton On is known for its affordable prices and trendy fashion items.
They offer a plethora of designs ranging from minimalistic to bold prints that cater to different personalities.
Old Navy
Old Navy is a reliable and affordable clothing brand for college students looking for practical and stylish pieces.
The store offers a wide range of options, including cute dresses, trendy tops, comfortable leggings, and classic denim jeans.
Old Navy also has a great selection of outerwear to keep you warm during those chilly campus days.
PrettyLittleThing
PrettyLittleThing is a popular clothing brand that offers trendy and affordable options for college students.
The brand has gained a lot of popularity over the years, especially among young adults who are looking for stylish, yet budget-friendly outfits.
PrettyLittleThing offers an array of clothing items ranging from dresses to tops, bottoms, and even swimwear.
They also have a wide range of sizes available to ensure inclusivity for all body types.
Additionally, the brand has collaborated with various celebrities such as Kourtney Kardashian to release exclusive collections.
Princess Polly
Princess Polly is a trendy online clothing store that offers affordable and fashionable options for college students.
With their unique collection of dresses, tops, bottoms, accessories, and shoes, Princess Polly has become a favorite among young women looking for chic and stylish outfits.
Whether you are looking for a comfortable outfit for class or dressing up for a night out with friends, Princess Polly has got you covered.
Their versatile styles cater to different tastes and body types making it easy for every student to find something they love.
Boohoo
Boohoo is a popular online clothing store that offers trendy and affordable fashion options for college students.
From stylish tops to party dresses, Boohoo has it all.
With their frequent sales and discounts, you can always find great deals on the latest fashion trends.
One of the best things about Boohoo is its inclusive sizing options.
They offer a wide range of sizes, including plus sizes, so everyone can find something that fits perfectly.
This makes shopping at Boohoo an enjoyable experience for all college students regardless of their body type or size.
In addition to their vast selection of clothing items, Boohoo also offers accessories such as sunglasses, jewelry, bags, and shoes.
You can complete your entire outfit from head to toe with just one shopping trip on their website!
Nasty Gal
Nasty Gal is a popular brand among college students who want to stand out with unique fashion choices.
Since its launch in 2006, Nasty Gal has become known for its bold and edgy clothing options that cater to the young and daring.
The brand boasts an impressive collection of apparel ranging from statement tops to dresses, skirts, and accessories that are perfect for any occasion.
Whether you are looking for everyday casual wear or a show-stopping outfit for your next night out with friends, Nasty Gal has got you covered.
From trendy oversized blazers to sleek leather pants and everything in between – this brand ensures you will always be the most fashionable person in the room!
Abercrombie & Fitch
Abercrombie & Fitch is a popular clothing brand that offers affordable options for college students looking to upgrade their wardrobe.
Known for its preppy style, Abercrombie & Fitch has a wide range of clothing items that are perfect for any occasion, from casual hangouts to formal events.
Their line of comfortable sweatshirts and cozy hoodies is especially popular among college students who want to stay warm during the colder months.
Apart from their basic clothing items, Abercrombie & Fitch also offers options that are perfect for special events like prom or graduation.
Their selection of dresses and suits comes in a variety of styles and colors, so there’s something for everyone.
The brand also has a great collection of accessories like hats, bags, and shoes that can add an extra touch of style to any outfit.
Express
Express is a popular clothing brand that offers trendy and fashionable clothes for both men and women.
The brand has a wide range of options to choose from, including casual wear, party outfits, formal attire, interview outfits, and more.
The collection at Express includes everything from basic t-shirts to statement jackets.
The clothes are versatile enough to be worn on various occasions – whether it’s a casual day out with friends or a formal event.
The brand also offers discounts throughout the year, making it even more accessible for students on a budget.
With its trendy designs and high-quality materials, Express is undoubtedly one of the best choices for college apparel.
Nordstrom Rack
Nordstrom Rack is a great option for college students looking for designer clothing at affordable prices.
This outlet store offers up to 70% off original prices on popular brands like Nike, Adidas, and Levi’s.
You can find everything from casual wear to formal attire, making it easy to build a versatile wardrobe.
In addition to clothing and shoes, Nordstrom Rack also carries accessories like handbags, sunglasses, and jewelry.
Whether you need a new backpack for class or some statement earrings for a night out with friends, this store has plenty of options to choose from.
Torrid
Torrid is a plus-size fashion brand that offers trendy apparel and accessories for women sizes 10 to 30.
Their mission is to empower and inspire every woman to feel confident in her own skin.
Torrid’s clothing options include casual wear, workwear, swimwear, intimates, shoes, and accessories.
The brand also collaborates with popular franchises such as Disney and Harry Potter to create exclusive collections for their customers.
For college students who struggle with finding trendy clothes in larger sizes, Torrid is a great option for affordable yet fashionable clothing choices.
Their collections offer versatile pieces suitable for both campus life and social events outside of school.
Windsor
Windsor is a women’s clothing store that offers a wide range of trendy and stylish apparel.
This brand specializes in formal and semi-formal attire, making it the perfect choice for college students who need prom dresses, graduation dresses, or other outfits for special occasions.
I also love their workwear section, which features pretty work outfits for those who are looking for stylish office wear for their interns or new jobs.
Reformation
Reformation is a sustainable clothing brand that has gained immense popularity in recent years.
The brand is known for its stylish and trendy clothing pieces made using eco-friendly materials.
Reformation’s mission is to reduce fashion’s impact on the environment by creating clothes that are made from sustainable fabrics, such as recycled polyester, and organic cotton.
The brand offers a wide range of clothing options, including dresses, tops, bottoms, and accessories.
Their collection features versatile pieces that can be worn both casually and formally.
Amazon
Amazon is a well-known online marketplace that offers everything from electronics to clothing.
As a college student, you can find a wide range of options for your college apparel on Amazon.
The platform has an extensive collection of affordable and designer clothing brands that cater to every style and budget.
Apart from offering affordable options, Amazon also features high-end designer brands such as Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger.
You can find trendy pieces from these brands at competitive prices compared to other retailers.
With its user-friendly interface and convenient delivery options like Prime Student, Amazon is undoubtedly one of the best places to shop for college clothing.
Etsy
Etsy is a popular online marketplace for handmade, vintage, and unique items.
It’s a great place to find one-of-a-kind college clothing that reflects your personal style.
With thousands of independent sellers on the platform, you can browse through a vast collection of designs and clothing options that cater to different tastes and preferences.
From graphic tees with witty slogans and custom-made sweatshirts to quirky accessories like hats and backpacks, Etsy is an excellent destination for those looking for unique college apparel pieces.
Many Etsy sellers specialize in customizing their products or creating personalized designs, which makes it easy to add a personal touch to your college wardrobe.
Nike
Nike is one of the most popular and recognizable brands in the world, known for its high-quality athletic wear and footwear.
The brand has a wide range of products that cater to athletes of all levels, from amateurs to professionals.
Nike’s clothing line includes t-shirts, hoodies, shorts, leggings, and more.
One of the unique things about Nike is that it designs clothes that are both stylish and functional.
For college students looking for comfortable and trendy athletic wear to wear on campus or while working out at the gym, Nike is an excellent choice.
With a variety of colors and styles available for both men and women, there’s something for everyone.
Adidas
Adidas is a global sportswear brand that has become a household name.
The company offers a wide range of clothing, footwear, and accessories that cater to the needs of athletes and sports enthusiasts.
College students looking for affordable yet stylish apparel can check out Adidas’s collection.
Adidas has a vast range of products perfect for casual wear or athletic activities.
They offer comfortable joggers, stylish t-shirts, hoodies, and jackets with their iconic three-stripe design.
Their footwear collection includes sneakers and slides in various colors and designs suitable for any outfit.
Levi’s
Levi’s is a classic American denim brand that has been around for over 150 years.
They are known for their high-quality jeans, jackets, and other casual wear.
Levi’s is an excellent choice for college students who want to look stylish and comfortable on campus without breaking the bank.
One of the great things about Levi’s is that they offer a wide range of sizes and styles, so there is something for everyone.
Whether you prefer skinny jeans or bootcut, light wash or dark wash, Levi’s has it all.
Plus, their clothes are durable and long-lasting, so you won’t have to replace them anytime soon.
Lululemon
Lululemon is a popular athletic apparel brand that has gained a lot of popularity among college students.
The company offers high-quality activewear that is designed to provide comfort and support during workouts.
Lululemon’s products are known for their durability, flexibility, and moisture-wicking properties which make them ideal for gym sessions or other physical activities.
Alo Yoga
Alo Yoga is a trendy and popular clothing brand that offers comfortable and stylish yoga wear.
They have a wide range of products like leggings, sports bras, tanks, and jackets.
Their clothes are made from high-quality materials that are designed to provide maximum comfort and flexibility during workouts or yoga sessions.
Goodwill
Goodwill is a popular thrift store chain that offers affordable clothing options for college students on a budget.
With a wide variety of styles and sizes, Goodwill can help students find unique pieces to express their personal style.
Additionally, shopping at Goodwill supports the local community by generating revenue for job training and employment services.
One of the great benefits of shopping at Goodwill is the opportunity to find designer clothing at a fraction of the cost.
Many individuals donate gently used high-end items, making it possible for students to score a deal on brands such as Calvin Klein, J.Crew, and Tommy Hilfiger.
This is especially helpful for those who prioritize sustainable fashion choices but cannot afford to buy brand new.
In addition to clothing, Goodwill also offers accessories and home goods that can add personality and comfort to any dorm room or apartment.
By shopping at this thrift store chain, college students have access to affordable fashion while supporting their local community in meaningful ways.
Buffalo Exchange
Buffalo Exchange is a popular clothing store that has gained quite a following among college students.
Known for its vintage and one-of-a-kind finds, Buffalo Exchange offers a unique shopping experience that is perfect for those looking to stand out from the crowd.
Their carefully curated selection includes both designer and affordable options, making it easy for college students on any budget to find something they love.
One of the standout features of Buffalo Exchange is its buy-sell-trade model.
Customers can bring in gently used clothing and accessories to sell or trade in exchange for store credit or cash.
This not only allows shoppers to score some great deals but also promotes sustainability by giving pre-loved items a second life.
Best Luxury Clothing Brands For College Students
Ralph Lauren
This iconic fashion brand offers a range of clothing options that are perfect for college students who want to make a statement while staying on budget.
Their classic polo shirts, sweaters, and jackets are all versatile pieces that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
Calvin Klein
Known for their simple yet stylish designs, Calvin Klein is one of the best clothing brands for college students who want to look effortlessly chic.
Their range of t-shirts, sweatshirts, knitwear, and jeans are all comfortable and practical items that can be worn every day.
Tommy Hilfiger
Another classic American brand that has remained popular with college students over the years is Tommy Hilfiger.
With an emphasis on preppy style, this brand offers a range of clothing options including blazers, chinos, and button-up shirts that are perfect for wearing to class or out with friends.
Gucci
While it may seem like an unlikely choice for college students on a budget, Gucci actually offers some affordable luxury items that are worth checking out.
From their iconic logo t-shirts to their trendy sneakers and accessories, there’s something for everyone in this designer collection.
Off-White
For those looking for high-end streetwear, Off-White is the way to go.
Founded by Virgil Abloh, this brand combines luxury fashion with urban streetwear vibes.
Alexander Wang
Alexander Wang is a luxury fashion brand founded by the American designer, Alexander Wang.
The brand offers a range of clothing and accessories for men and women, with a focus on minimalist yet edgy designs.
While the brand may not necessarily be considered affordable for college students on a budget, it can certainly be seen as an investment in quality pieces that will last beyond your college years.
Acne Studios
Acne Studios is a Swedish luxury fashion brand that has become popular among college students for its edgy and contemporary designs.
The brand offers a wide range of clothing items, including denim, outerwear, shoes, and accessories.
Acne Studios is known for its minimalist approach to design, with a focus on high-quality materials and attention to detail.
What Are The Best Sustainable Clothing Brands For College Students？
Sustainable fashion is becoming increasingly popular, particularly among college students who are more aware of the impact that fast fashion has on the environment.
Luckily, there are a number of sustainable clothing brands that cater to college students.
One such brand is Everlane, known for its minimalist designs and ethical production process.
Everlane’s clothes are made from environmentally-friendly fabrics such as organic cotton and recycled polyester, and they offer affordable prices for high-quality pieces.
For those looking for something more trendy, Reformation is a great option.
The brand uses sustainable materials such as TENCEL™ lyocell and linen in its stylish clothing line.
Where To Buy The Best Tees, Sweatshirts And Hoodies For College Students
When it comes to college fashion, tees, sweatshirts, and hoodies are a must-have for every student.
Not only do they provide comfort during long study sessions, but they also make for an effortless yet stylish look.
But where can you find the best sweatshirts and hoodies for college students?
One popular option is Nike.
Their classic logo sweatshirts have been a favorite among college students for years and they offer a variety of colors to choose from.
Another great brand is Urban Outfitters, known for its cute tees and sweatshirts in trendy retro patterns.
If you’re on a budget, SHEIN, H&M, and Forever 21 are also great options that won’t break the bank while still offering trendy styles.
Where To Buy The Best Denim Pieces For College Students?
Denim pieces are a must-have in every college student’s wardrobe.
They are versatile and can be dressed up or down, making them perfect for any occasion.
If you’re on the lookout for some new denim pieces to add to your collection, there are plenty of options available.
One great place to start is with popular retailers like H&M and Forever 21.
These stores offer trendy and affordable denim pieces that are perfect for college students on a budget.
Another option is to check out online retailers like ASOS and Nordstrom Rack, which offer a wide variety of styles from different brands.
If you’re looking for higher-end options, brands like Levi’s and Madewell offer high-quality denim pieces that will last you throughout your college years and beyond.
And don’t forget about thrift stores!
You never know what hidden gems you might find at your local thrift store at an unbeatable price point.
Conclusion: Top Brands For College Students
In conclusion, the college years are a time for self-discovery and exploration, and your style should reflect that.
Fortunately, with so many affordable and designer options available, you can easily find clothing that matches your personality and budget.
Whether you prefer trendy streetwear or classic preppy styles, there is something for everyone on this list of the 40+ best college clothing brands and stores.
So don’t be afraid to experiment with different looks and express yourself through fashion during these transformative years.
Start building your wardrobe today and make the most of your college experience!
This post was all about college clothing brands.
About The Author
Tracy is an experienced personal stylist, shopping expert, and fashion & lifestyle blogger. She has been featured on Time Magazine, Bustle, Best Life, Glam, The Zoe Report, Mic, and GOBankingRates, for her insights on fashion, beauty, home decor, and lifestyle. Read More
Follow our Pinterest for daily fashion and lifestyle inspiration.
Related Posts:
- 50 Best College Outfits From SHEIN That Are Worth Buying
- 90+ Cute Casual College Outfit Ideas You Will Love
- College Outfits For Girls: 65+ Cute And Easy To Copy Ideas
- 39 Best Cute Backpacks For College Students
- 35 Best Going Out Outfit Ideas & Where To Buy Them
- 47+ Best Graduation Dresses For College To Wear
- 40+ Best Minimalist Clothing Brands: Affordable & Designer Options For Minimalist Fashion Lovers
- 70+ Stunning Dark Academia Outfits Female To Embrace The Dark Academia Aesthetic