Aeropostale vs. Hollister: Which brand should you buy? [2026]

Aeropostale offers classic, sporty casualwear at budget-friendly prices, making it a go-to for affordable everyday basics. In contrast, Hollister leans into a trend-forward, California surf-inspired aesthetic with slightly higher quality materials and a higher price point to match.

Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right casual brand for your wardrobe and budget.

Aeropostale: The Budget-Friendly Casual Staple

Aeropostale appeals to teenagers and young adults seeking trendy, comfortable clothing at accessible prices. The brand is known for its laid-back and sporty feel, focusing on wardrobe essentials like graphic tees, hoodies, and denim that prioritize comfort and affordability. It remains a popular option for young shoppers who want simple, easy-to-wear pieces without a big price tag.

• Product mix: A straightforward collection of casual apparel, including graphic tees, sweatshirts, classic-fit jeans, shorts, and activewear. The brand’s focus is on comfortable, everyday styles suitable for school and weekends.
• Price point: Very budget-friendly, with most items falling between $15 and $50. Aeropostale is known for its frequent sales, clearance sections, and BOGO deals, making it easy to build a wardrobe for less. Expect basic graphic tees around $15-$25 and jeans often on sale for under $30.
• Quality: The quality is consistent with its low price point. Garments are typically made from standard cotton blends and polyester, designed for casual, everyday wear rather than long-term durability.
• Style aesthetic: A clean, sporty, and preppy vibe. The aesthetic is less about chasing micro-trends and more about offering timeless casual pieces with prominent branding.
• Sizing/Fit: Sizing generally runs true to size. The fit is typically more relaxed and straightforward, prioritizing comfort over a tailored or trendy silhouette.

Aeropostale is the ideal choice for shoppers who need ultra-affordable, comfortable basics and value savings above all else.

Shop Aeropostale: aeropostale.com

Hollister: The Trend-Forward California Look

Hollister sells the quintessential Southern California lifestyle, targeting teens and a young adult audience with its beachy, laid-back, and slightly edgy brand image. As the more youthful offshoot of Abercrombie & Fitch, it focuses on trend-conscious apparel that feels both effortless and cool. Hollister’s collections are built around high-quality denim, soft tees, hoodies, and seasonal swimwear.

• Product mix: A wide range of casual clothing, including everything from jeans in various modern fits to graphic tees, hoodies, dresses, swimwear, and accessories. Hollister also offers its own line of body care and fragrances.
• Price point: Mid-range, with most apparel priced between $20 and $70. A graphic tee might cost $25-$35, while a pair of their popular jeans can range from $50 to $70. Like Aeropostale, they offer frequent promotions and sales events.
• Quality: Often uses higher-quality materials than its direct budget competitors. Hollister is particularly known for its durable and comfortable denim and soft fleece fabrics, offering better construction and longevity.
• Style aesthetic: Rooted in California surf culture. The vibe is relaxed, youthful, and trend-aware, incorporating seasonal prints, contemporary cuts, and streetwear influences.
• Sizing/Fit: Sizing is consistent and generally true to size, but the fits are decidedly more modern and tailored. Jeans and tops often feature slim, athletic, or form-fitting silhouettes to align with current trends.

Hollister delivers superior materials and a more fashion-forward style for shoppers who want a recognizable, aspirational look and don't mind spending a bit more.

Shop Hollister: hollisterco.com

Aeropostale vs. Hollister Comparison

Price Comparison

Aeropostale is the clear winner for shoppers on a tight budget. With frequent sales and lower regular prices, you can almost always find graphic tees for under $20 and jeans for around $30. It's built for stocking up on basics without breaking the bank.

Hollister’s price point is a step up. Full-price jeans are typically in the $50-$70 range, and hoodies are often around $50. While their sales offer good value, the baseline cost is higher, reflecting better materials and more trend-focused designs. If budget is your primary driver, choose Aeropostale. If you're willing to invest a little more for fit and fabric, Hollister is a solid choice.

Quality & Materials

When it comes to construction and feel, Hollister has a distinct advantage. Their fabrics, especially the fleece used for hoodies and the denim in their jeans, feel softer, thicker, and more durable. Details like stitching and hardware are also typically better executed.

Aeropostale’s materials are perfectly fine for casual, everyday use, but they are chosen with affordability in mind. The cotton blends are thinner, and items may show wear faster after repeated washing. For essential pieces like a good pair of jeans or a cozy sweatshirt you'll wear for years, Hollister offers better long-term value.

Style & Aesthetic

The two brands target a similar age demographic but with very different styles. Aeropostale champions a classic, almost nostalgic teen style that is sporty and preppy. The designs are simple, comfortable, and heavily logo-driven, relying on basics that don’t shift dramatically with trends.

Hollister’s aesthetic is more aspirational and dialed into what's currently popular. Inspired by California surf and skate culture, its styles feel more effortless and cool. You'll find more variety in jean fits, seasonal color palettes, and prints that reflect current fashion movements. If you want a more modern and intentionally styled look, Hollister is the better option.

Fit & Sizing

Both brands generally run true to size, but the cut of the garments differs significantly. Aeropostale offers a boxier, more relaxed fit across its product lines. Their jeans and t-shirts are designed for comfort and have a classic, straight silhouette.

Hollister, in line with its trend-forward approach, offers more tailored and slim fits. Their jeans are available in a wide array of modern cuts (slim, skinny, athletic, flare) and are designed to be more form-fitting. If you prefer a closer, more stylish fit, Hollister's sizing will likely appeal more to you.

Which One Should You Choose?

The best brand for you depends entirely on your priorities for style, budget, and fit. Both serve their target audience well, but they cater to different needs.

Choose Aeropostale if:

• Your priority is getting the most for your money.
• You need affordable, comfortable essentials for everyday wear.
• You prefer a classic, relaxed fit over a tailored, slim one.
• You like a simple, sporty logo-heavy look.

Choose Hollister if:

• You prefer a more trend-conscious, fashion-forward style.
• You are willing to spend more for higher-quality materials and better construction.
• You want a slim, athletic, or tailored fit in your jeans and tops.
• The Southern California, beachy vibe appeals to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Aeropostale or Hollister cheaper?

Aeropostale is consistently cheaper than Hollister. Its business model is built around offering affordable casual wear, with final prices often driven down by frequent sales and promotions.

Which brand has better quality jeans?

Hollister is widely regarded as having better quality jeans. They use softer, more durable denim with more attention to stretch, fit, and construction, making them a better long-term investment.

Do Aeropostale and Hollister run true to size?

Yes, both brands generally run true to size. However, the key difference is the fit. Aeropostale offers a relaxed, classic fit, while Hollister is known for its slim, fitted, and modern silhouettes.

Which brand is more fashionable or trendy?

Hollister is more fashionable and trend-driven. Its collections are updated seasonally to reflect current streetwear and youth culture trends, while Aeropostale sticks to a more timeless, basic aesthetic.

What is the target age group for Aeropostale and Hollister?

Both brands primarily target teenagers and young adults, typically ranging from ages 14 to 24. Hollister often captures a slightly older end of that spectrum with its more mature style, whereas Aeropostale strongly appeals to younger high school students.

Is Hollister owned by another company?

Yes, Hollister Co. is owned by Abercrombie & Fitch Co. and serves as its more casual, Southern California-inspired brand.

Which brand is better for basic t-shirts and hoodies?

For sheer price, Aeropostale is better for stocking up on basics. If you prioritize softness, durability, and a more stylish fit in your t-shirts and hoodies, Hollister is the superior choice.

Do both brands have sales often?

Yes, both Aeropostale and Hollister run sales very frequently. Aeropostale is known for deep discounts and clearance events, while Hollister's sales are also common, especially around holidays and the change of seasons.