Hollister vs. Aeropostale Jeans: Which brand should you buy?

While both Hollister and Aeropostale cater to a similar teen and young adult audience, their jeans differ significantly in price, style, and quality. Hollister focuses on trendy, California-inspired denim with a slightly higher price point and better materials, while Aeropostale prioritizes affordability with simpler, more classic styles perfect for everyday wear.

Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right pair of jeans for your style and budget.

Hollister: The Trendy, California-Inspired Denim

Hollister is known for its laid-back, Southern California aesthetic, targeting teens and young adults with fashion-forward casualwear. Their jeans are a core part of this identity, often praised for blending trendy styles like distressed details and vintage washes with comfortable, flattering fits.

• Style &, Aesthetic: Focuses heavily on trendy fits such as low-rise, skinny, mom jeans, and slim-straight cuts. Designs often include distressed details, whiskering, and washes that reflect a relaxed, beach-inspired vibe.
• Price point: Mid-range for the teen market, with most jeans priced between $40 and $70. Sales are common, but the starting price is higher than competitors like Aeropostale.
• Quality: The denim is typically a sturdy blend of cotton with stretch fibers like elastane, offering a good balance of durability and comfort. The jeans are known for holding their shape well through wear and washing.
• Sizing/Fit: Hollister generally runs true to size but is famous for its lower-rise and slimmer-fitting styles. The brand offers a wide range of sizes, including petite and plus options, along with various lengths to help you find the perfect fit.
• Shopping Experience: Features a user-friendly website with detailed size guides and a smooth checkout process. In-store, the atmosphere is designed to feel like a relaxed beach shack, enhancing the brand's So-Cal identity.

Hollister is the ideal choice for shoppers seeking stylish, figure-flattering jeans who are willing to spend slightly more for better quality and on-trend designs.

Shop Hollister: hollisterco.com

Aeropostale: The Affordable, Everyday Jean

Aeropostale targets a similar demographic but focuses on providing affordable, casual, and comfortable apparel. Their jeans are designed to be budget-friendly and versatile, making them a go-to for teens looking for simple, everyday denim without a high price tag.

• Style &, Aesthetic: Leans toward a sporty and casual look with classic fits like straight-leg, skinny, and bootcut. While they incorporate trendy washes, their styles are generally more basic and less fashion-forward than Hollister's.
• Price point: Highly affordable, with jean prices typically ranging from $20 to $50. Aeropostale is known for frequent and significant sales, often bringing prices down to under $20.
• Quality: The jeans are made from more lightweight denim blends designed for comfort and affordability. While comfortable, the materials may not be as long-lasting as Hollister's, sometimes losing shape or wearing out faster with heavy use.
• Sizing/Fit: Sizing is generally true to size and offers more relaxed, comfort-focused fits compared to Hollister's slim silhouettes. The brand provides a broad range of sizes, including petite and plus, to cater to various body types.
• Shopping Experience: The online and in-store experiences are straightforward and value-driven. The website is easy to navigate, with sales and discounts prominently displayed.

Aeropostale is built for the budget-conscious shopper who needs comfortable, no-frills denim for daily wear and prioritizes a low price above all else.

Shop Aeropostale: aeropostale.com

Hollister vs. Aeropostale Jeans Comparison

Price Comparison

This is the most significant difference between the two brands. Aeropostale is the clear winner on price, with jeans regularly priced between $20 and $50. During their frequent sales, it's common to find pairs for under $20, making them incredibly accessible for shoppers on a tight budget.

Hollister positions itself a step above, with prices usually in the $40 to $70 range. While they also run sales, their base prices are consistently higher. The extra cost reflects a focus on trendier designs and slightly more durable materials.

Quality & Materials

Hollister jeans generally offer better quality and durability. They use a sturdier denim fabric blended with elastane that provides comfortable stretch while retaining its shape over time. The construction, stitching, and finishing feel more substantial, contributing to a longer lifespan for the garment.

Aeropostale jeans are made from lighter-weight denim blends that prioritize immediate comfort and affordability. While soft and easy to wear, they may not stand up to rigorous, long-term use as well as Hollister's. Some shoppers find they can stretch out or fade more quickly after multiple washes.

Style & Aesthetic

Hollister is more fashion-forward, directly channeling a trendy, California-inspired look. They are quick to adopt new trends like aggressive distressing, specific vintage washes, and silhouettes like mom jeans or '90s straight-leg cuts. Their signature low-rise and skinny jeans appeal to a shopper who wants to make a style statement.

Aeropostale’s jeans are more classic and utilitarian. Their collection focuses on timeless fits like skinny, bootcut, and straight that can easily be paired with anything. While they offer different washes, their overall aesthetic is less about a specific trend and more about providing simple, affordable basics.

Fit & Sizing

Both brands generally run true to size, but their fit profiles are different. Hollister is known for its slim, figure-hugging, and often low-rise cuts. Their focus is on creating a flattering silhouette that can feel more tailored and structured.

Aeropostale’s fits tend to be more relaxed and comfort-oriented. Even their skinny jeans often allow for a bit more room and a softer feel. This makes them a great option for those who prioritize comfort over a tightly contoured fit.

Sustainability & Ethics

As fast-fashion retailers, neither brand leads the industry in sustainability. However, Hollister has made some public commitments to using more sustainable materials and reducing waste in its supply chain. Information on their progress is available on their corporate site.

Aeropostale provides very limited information about its environmental or ethical manufacturing practices. The brand's focus remains squarely on delivering low prices to consumers, which often means sustainability initiatives are not a primary focus.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice comes down to your personal priorities: style, budget, or durability.

Choose Hollister if:

• You're interested in on-trend styles such as distressed mom jeans or classic low-rise denim.
• You are looking for sturdy, durable, long-lasting jeans and don’t mind paying around $50-$60 for them.
• You're looking for different silhouettes and washes for creating fun outfits for concerts, parties, and hanging out with friends - jeans that are fun and memorable.
• Petite or plus sizing options are a must for finding the best body-hugging & flattering fits.

Choose Aeropostale if:

• Price is your single most important consideration - you’re a college student or teenager looking for something cheap but reliable.
• You just need a classic, everyday pair of jeans that is trendy and modern without looking overly fashionable.
• You're only going to wear these jeans every now and then for a comfortable but stylish everyday casual look - work from home, running errands, or meeting up with friends.
• Sales events & steep coupons are one of your favorite ways to grab cute clothes for cheap.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Hollister or Aeropostale jeans cheaper?

Aeropostale is significantly cheaper than Hollister. Their regular prices range from $20-$50, and their frequent sales often drop prices below $20, while Hollister's jeans typically start at $40.

Which brand has better quality jeans?

Hollister generally has better quality jeans. They are made from more durable denim blends that hold their shape better and last longer than Aeropostale's more lightweight, budget-focused materials.

Do Hollister jeans run small?

Hollister jeans typically run true to size, but they are known for their slim, body-hugging fits. If you are between sizes or prefer a looser feel, you might consider sizing up, especially in their skinny or super-skinny styles.

How does Aeropostale sizing run?

Aeropostale's sizing is also generally true to size but often features a more relaxed and comfortable fit compared to Hollister. Their jeans are a good option for those who don't like an overly tight silhouette.

Which brand is more fashionable or trendy?

Hollister is decidedly more fashion-forward. The brand actively follows and sets trends popular with young adults, offering a wider variety of styles, washes, and distressed details inspired by California street style.

Which brand is better for comfortable, everyday jeans?

For comfortable, everyday wear at a low price, Aeropostale is an excellent choice. Their focus on relaxed fits and softer, lightweight denim makes their jeans easy to wear all day long.

Can I find plus sizes at both Hollister and Aeropostale?

Yes, both Hollister and Aeropostale offer extended sizing, including plus sizes. They provide comprehensive size charts online to help you find the best fit.

Which brand has better sales?

Aeropostale is known for offering more frequent and deeper discounts. While both brands have sales, Aeropostale's business model is heavily centered on promotional pricing, making it easier to find a great deal year-round.