18 Brands Like Paul Frank for Playful, Quirky Fashion

Discover brands like Paul Frank for playful, quirky fashion - featuring colorful, cartoon-inspired apparel and accessories to brighten your style.
Written by: 
Ash Read
Last updated: 

If you're a fan of whimsical characters and playful fashion, chances are you’ve got a special place in your heart for Paul Frank. With the iconic Julius the Monkey leading the way, the brand has been a go-to for colorful, cartoon-inspired apparel and accessories that add a dose of fun to any look.

Paul Frank’s lighthearted aesthetic proves that fashion doesn’t always have to be so serious. For those who love that blend of quirky graphics, bright colors, and feel-good designs, here are 18 similar brands that will bring a smile to your face.

1. Lazy Oaf

Based in London, Lazy Oaf is the cool, rebellious older sibling to Paul Frank. This brand is known for its bold, cartoonish graphics and offbeat humor, splashed across streetwear-inspired pieces like oversized tees, colorful cardigans, and quirky accessories. The vibe is decidedly edgy and irreverent without losing any of the playful charm.

While Paul Frank feels nostalgic and sweet, Lazy Oaf brings a bit more attitude. If you want your quirky fashion to have a bit of a rebellious streak, mixed with statement-making prints and a sense of sarcasm, this is your brand.

Shop now at lazyoaf.com

2. SmileyWorld

SmileyWorld is all about spreading good vibes. Built around the iconic smiley face logo, this brand creates apparel, accessories, and lifestyle items that radiate pure positivity and cheer. Their collections are packed with vibrant colors and fun graphics that celebrate happiness and self-expression, much like Paul Frank's lighthearted feel.

Think of SmileyWorld as the modern, pop-culture-infused version of playful fashion. If your favorite part about Paul Frank is its ability to make you smile, SmileyWorld takes that concept and runs with it.

Shop now at smileyworld.com

3. Tokidoki

With its Japanese-inspired, manga-style characters, Tokidoki is a universe of cute creativity. The brand offers super adorable apparel, accessories, vinyl toys, and bags covered in intricate worlds and whimsical characters like unicorns, cacti friends, and mochi cats. It shares Paul Frank’s love for character-driven design but turns up the fantasy and detail.

Compared to Paul Frank's simpler, classic cartoon appeal, Tokidoki's artwork is more complex and layered, appealing to fans of kawaii culture and detailed illustrations. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a more artistic and fantastical take on playful fashion.

Shop now at tokidoki.it

4. Irregular Choice

If you want quirky from head to toe - especially the toes - Irregular Choice has you covered. The brand is famous for its completely eccentric and whimsical shoes and accessories. We're talking character heels shaped like unicorns, glittery boots covered in sequins, and bags with fantastical, over-the-top applications.

While Paul Frank puts characters on its products, Irregular Choice often makes the product the character. It's a brand for anyone who believes their shoes and accessories should be the main event and a total conversation starter.

Shop now at irregularchoice.com

5. Mumuso

For playful bits and bobs to brighten your day, Mumuso is a treasure trove of cute and affordable finds. Inspired by kawaii culture, Mumuso offers adorable stationery, plushies, small accessories, and lifestyle items loaded with personality. You’ll find everything from cute cartoon animal notebooks to quirky household gadgets.

While Paul Frank focuses more on apparel, Mumuso brings that same whimsical spirit to the smaller things in life. It's a great stop for finding fun accessories, gifts, or desk decor that channels a playful aesthetic without a big price tag.

Shop now at mumuso.com

6. Bobo Choses

Primarily a kids' brand, Bobo Choses creates clothing with imaginative, artistic prints that adults will covet. Their collections are known for playful colors, storybook charm, and comfortable silhouettes. The vibe is art-teacher-cool, with a whimsical, hand-drawn look that feels both fun and thoughtfully designed.

Similar to Paul Frank, this brand uses characters and motifs to tell a story. However, Bobo Choses has a more sophisticated and artistic feel, often leaning into eco-conscious materials that eco-conscious parents will love.

Shop now at bobochoses.com

7. Tokidoki x Hello Kitty

Talk about a dream team. The Tokidoki x Hello Kitty collaboration combines the cuteness of Sanrio's iconic character with Tokidoki's vibrant, manga-inspired universe. The resulting collections of apparel, bags, and accessories are a kawaii explosion, perfect for fans of both beloved brands.

This collaboration takes the character-centric appeal of Paul Frank to the next level by merging two fan-favorite worlds into one. If you love iconic characters leading the design, this collection is pop-culture perfection.

Shop now at tokidoki.it

8. Kawaii Factory

The name says it all. Kawaii Factory is dedicated to celebrating all things cute and cartoon-inspired, specializing in vibrant stationery, accessories, backpacks, and small fashion items. Their designs are full of adorable animal characters, pastel color palettes, and playful accents that bring joy to everyday items.

Much like Paul Frank, this brand is focused on adding fun to the functional. It's an excellent choice for anyone who loves injecting a bit of whimsical personality into their school supplies, tech accessories, or travel gear.

Shop now at kawaiifactory.com

9. Chuu

Hailing from Korea, Chuu delivers cute and playful fashion with a trendy, youthful K-fashion twist. Their clothing often incorporates cartoonish motifs, bright pastel colors, and sweet, fun details. You can expect to find graphic tees with quirky prints, charming mini dresses, and cozy pastel knits.

Chuu shares Paul Frank’s fun-loving spirit but combines it with the feminine, streetwear-inspired silhouettes popular in Korean fashion. It’s perfect for those who want their quirky designs to feel current and on-trend.

Shop now at en.chuu.co.kr

10. Yummy Tokyo

Inspired by Japanese pop culture and all things kawaii, Yummy Tokyo serves up a feast of colorful, food-themed, and character-driven accessories and apparel. Their designs are playful and exaggerated, featuring everything from smiling clouds to adorable animal motifs on tees, bags, and phone cases.

If you're drawn to Paul Frank for its cheeky and imaginative cartoons, Yummy Tokyo offers a similar vibe with a distinct Harajuku streetwear influence. It's fun, unapologetically cute, and perfect for making a playful statement.

Shop now at yummytokyo.com

11. Moomin by Moominvalley

Featuring the beloved Finnish trolls from Tove Jansson's storybooks, Moomin apparel and accessories have a gentle, nostalgic charm. The designs bring the whimsical world of Moominvalley to life on everything from socks and shirts to mugs and bags. The aesthetic is soft, artistic, and cozy.

While Paul Frank’s vibe is more bright and energetic cartoon-pop, Moomin offers a softer, more classic storybook feel. It’s ideal for fans who love character-led fashion but prefer a slightly more understated and artful approach.

Shop now at moomin.com

12. Rilla

Rilla is all about infusing streetwear with bold, cartoon-inspired attitude. The brand creates eye-catching graphic tees, hoodies, and accessories that are playful, cool, and perfect for self-expression. Think daring colors, edgy character designs, and an overall fun-loving, confident vibe.

Like Paul Frank, Rilla puts illustration at the forefront. However, Rilla's style leans more into modern streetwear trends, appealing to someone who wants their playful graphics to have a bit of weight and street cred behind them.

Shop now at rillaboo.com

13. Doodle by The Doodle Factory

The Doodle Factory specializes in unique products featuring quirky, hand-drawn illustrations that feel playful and personal. Across apparel, stationery, and home goods, their designs have a charming, slightly imperfect quality that stands out from more polished cartoons. It’s full of personality and artistic spirit.

If you love the handcrafted, imaginative feel of Paul Frank’s earliest designs, you'll appreciate the raw creativity here. This brand champions the pure fun of doodling and is great for anyone who values originality and artistry in their designs.

Shop now at thedoodlefactory.com

14. Mini Rodini

Another brand primarily for kids but too cute to ignore, Mini Rodini is a Swedish label known for its imaginative prints and commitment to sustainability. Their collections are filled with fun, colorful, and often quirky animal illustrations on high-quality organic cotton basics. The founder, an illustrator, ensures every piece is visually delightful.

Similar to Paul Frank, Mini Rodini builds its brand around standout graphics and characters. However, it sets itself apart with a strong focus on eco-friendly materials, making it a favorite among stylish, environmentally conscious families.

Shop now at minirodini.com

15. Joyrich

Joyrich is a vibrant mix of retro streetwear and playful pop culture. The brand is known for its bold prints, neon accents, and collaborations with classic cartoons like The Simpsons and Betty Boop. Their aesthetic is youthful, energetic, and a little bit luxe, blending edgy streetwear with high-fashion sensibilities.

If you're looking for the Paul Frank vibe with a more high-energy, vintage twist, Joyrich is a great fit. It's fashion-forward but never loses its sense of humor and fun, perfect for those who want their clothes to be undeniably playful.

Shop now at joyrich.com

16. Kip & Co

This Australian lifestyle brand lives by the motto "more is more," specializing in bold, colorful, and quirky prints across homewares, bedding, and a playful range of apparel. Their designs are loud, cheerful, and maximalist - think velvet pants in wild floral prints or PJs covered in vibrant, abstract art.

Kip & Co shares Paul Frank’s passion for eye-catching color and personality-driven design, but applies it with an artistic and bohemian flair. If you want to take your love for vibrant patterns from your wardrobe to your entire living space, this is the brand for you.

Shop now at kipandco.com

17. Mochi Things

Mochi Things is your one-stop shop for everything cute, pastel, and organized. The brand specializes in kawaii-inspired stationery, planners, bags, and travel accessories featuring adorable character motifs and soft, dreamy color palettes. Their products are designed to make everyday tasks more enjoyable and whimsical.

Like Paul Frank, Mochi Things brings a cartoonish charm to functional items. It's the perfect brand for anyone who loves meticulously cute organization and wants their accessories to match their cheerful, lighthearted style.

Shop now at mochithings.com

18. Juicy Couture

Famous for its iconic velour tracksuits and glamorous Y2K aesthetic, Juicy Couture embodies a fun, playful approach to fashion. While its vibe is more glam and logo-focused than Paul Frank, the brand's unapologetic use of bright pinks, statement bling, and whimsical branding creates a similarly fun-loving energy.

It's a great option for those who grew up with Paul Frank and want a more grown-up, but still boldly playful, approach to statement style. It proves that you can still have fun with fashion at any age.

Shop now at juicycouture.com

At Apart Style, we're obsessed with curating the best in fashion, beauty, and jewelry to help you discover new brands we think you'll love. Every brand we feature is independently selected by our editorial team based on quality, style, and uniqueness. When you make a purchase through our links, Apart Style may earn a commission - which helps support our small team, and allows us to continue bringing you the best in online style brands.

Looking for more inspiration? Explore our full brand directory or check out our curated brand guides to find your new favorite thing.