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

Hollister offers a trendy, relaxed, California-inspired aesthetic aimed squarely at teenagers, while American Eagle focuses on high-quality denim and versatile casual wear with a strong emphasis on inclusive sizing and sustainability. Hollister is known for its youthful, of-the-moment graphic tees and hoodies, whereas American Eagle is celebrated for its durable jeans that come in a wide range of fits for various body types.

Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right casual wear brand for your style and needs.

Hollister: The Laid-Back California Vibe

Hollister targets teenagers and young adults with a distinct Southern California, beach-inspired style. The brand is built on a foundation of casual comfort, offering relaxed-fit clothing that aligns with current youth fashion trends. It's the go-to spot for those looking for easy-to-wear, trendy pieces like graphic tees, hoodies, and distressed denim designed for a laid-back lifestyle.

• Product mix: Specializes in casual essentials like graphic t-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, joggers, and trendy jeans. Also offers a selection of dresses, swimwear, and accessories that fit its beachy theme.
• Price point: Very approachable, with most items falling in the $20 to $60 range. Frequent and aggressive sales often reduce prices further, especially on seasonal items.
• Style & Aesthetic: Centers on a youthful, relaxed "endless summer" vibe. The look is defined by soft fabrics, faded washes, bold graphics, and a comfortable, slightly oversized fit.
• Quality & Materials: Generally focused on softness and comfort over long-term durability. Fabrics feel good to the touch but may not withstand as many washes as more premium brands. The priority is affordable, on-trend style.
• Fit & Sizing: Sizing is generally true to size for a relaxed fit, though some items can feel inconsistent. The options are less extensive than competitors, catering primarily to a standard young-adult body type without many alternate lengths or plus sizes.

Hollister excels at providing trendy, comfortable, and affordable clothing for shoppers who want to capture a casual, California-cool aesthetic.

Shop Hollister: hollisterco.com

American Eagle: The Denim & Inclusivity Leader

American Eagle has established itself as a denim powerhouse, appealing to young adults who value quality construction, a great fit, and inclusive sizing. While its aesthetic is also casual, it leans more toward timeless American classics mixed with modern trends. The brand is known for its body-positive marketing and a commitment to making comfortable, stylish clothing for everyone.

• Product mix: Famous for its wide variety of jeans, available in many washes, styles, and fits. Also offers a complete range of casual wear, including t-shirts, sweaters, outerwear, and joggers, plus the popular Aerie line of lingerie and loungewear.
• Price point: Similar to Hollister, with most products priced between $15 and $70. Value is a key selling point, especially considering the quality of their denim.
• Style & Aesthetic: Versatile and classic with a modern twist. The look is less overtly trendy than Hollister and focuses more on creating timeless pieces that can be easily styled for everyday wear.
• Quality & Materials: A standout for its denim, which is widely praised for its durability, stretch, and comfort. The brand is also increasing its use of sustainable materials, like recycled polyester and sustainably sourced cotton.
• Fit & Sizing: A major strength. American Eagle offers one of the most inclusive sizing ranges in the market, including short, regular, and tall inseams for jeans, and sizes from XXS to XXL. Jeans fits are known for their comfort and consistency.

With its high-quality denim, inclusive sizing, and versatile style, American Eagle is the ideal choice for shoppers seeking durable and confidence-boosting wardrobe basics.

Shop American Eagle: ae.com

Hollister vs. American Eagle Comparison

Price Comparison

Both Hollister and American Eagle operate in a similar, affordable price bracket. A typical pair of jeans from either brand will usually cost between $40 and $60, and t-shirts are often in the $20-$30 range. However, their sales strategies differ slightly.

Hollister is known for constant promotions and deep seasonal discounts, making it easy to grab trendy items for a very low price. American Eagle also has frequent sales, but its primary value comes from high-quality basics, especially jeans, promotions on denim, and its Real Rewards loyalty program that offers points and coupons.

Quality & Materials

When it comes to quality, particularly for jeans, American Eagle has a clear edge. Their denim is known for its durability, flattering fit, and ability to hold its shape after many wears. The brand has also made a public commitment to using more sustainable materials.

Hollister’s clothing prioritizes comfort and trendiness. Its hoodies and tees are famously soft, but the materials may not be as rugged. While perfect for casual, relaxed wear, they may show signs of wear and tear faster than American Eagle’s more sturdily constructed garments.

Style & Aesthetic

The brands' styles represent two different takes on American casual wear. Hollister is the epitome of the carefree, sun-kissed California teenager. Its aesthetic is heavy on logos, floral prints, faded tie-dye, and distressed details that feel perpetually ready for summer vacation.

American Eagle, in contrast, offers a more versatile and slightly more mature style. It’s rooted in classic Americana - think well-fitting jeans, flannel shirts, and simple sweaters - but updated with modern fits and colors. Its clothing can easily be integrated into a wide variety of personal styles, making it suitable for a broader audience.

Fit & Sizing

American Eagle is an industry leader in inclusive sizing. They offer a vast range of sizes, including online exclusives for extended sizes, and multiple jean lengths (x-short to x-long) that cater to a wide spectrum of body types. This commitment to fit makes it a reliable choice for shoppers who struggle to find jeans that fit well.

Hollister’s sizing is more standard and its range is narrower. While most items fit true to size for a relaxed feel, there are fewer options for different body shapes and heights. Shoppers on the taller, shorter, or curvier end of the spectrum may find a more consistent fit at American Eagle.

Shopping Experience

Both brands provide excellent online shopping experiences with user-friendly websites and easy navigation. In-store, Hollister leans into its branding with dimly lit stores, loud music, and a signature fragrance meant to evoke a Southern California vibe. American Eagle stores are bright, organized, and focused on showcasing their extensive denim collection.

Return policies are fairly standard and similar for both, usually allowing returns within 30-60 days with a receipt. American Eagle's Real Rewards loyalty program is considered one of the better ones in retail, offering tangible benefits that encourage repeat purchases.

Sustainability & Ethics

American Eagle has made sustainability a core part of its mission through its "Real Good" collection, which features items made from sustainably sourced materials. The company is transparent about its water-saving manufacturing processes for jeans and its goals for reducing its carbon footprint.

Hollister has also begun incorporating more eco-friendly materials and practices but is generally considered to be behind American Eagle in the scale and transparency of its sustainability efforts. For environmentally conscious shoppers, AE holds the advantage.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice comes down to your personal priorities in style, fit, and values.

Choose Hollister if:

• You're a teenager or young adult who loves a trendy, beachy, and unapologetically casual style.
• You prioritize comfort and super-soft fabrics for your hoodies, tees, and joggers.
• You want the latest youth fashion trends without a huge price tag.
• You primarily shop during sales and love finding deep discounts on fashionable items.

Choose American Eagle if:

• Finding a high-quality, durable pair of jeans with the perfect fit is your top priority.
• You need inclusive sizing options, such as different lengths or extended sizes.
• You prefer timeless, versatile pieces that can be dressed up or down.
• Sustainability and corporate responsibility are important factors in your purchasing decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hollister or American Eagle cheaper?

Their initial price points are comparable, but Hollister tends to have more frequent and steeper markdowns, especially for seasonal, trendy pieces. American Eagle often offers better long-term value due to the higher quality and durability of its core products, like jeans.

Which brand has better quality jeans?

American Eagle is widely recognized for having higher-quality, more durable, and better-fitting jeans across a wider range of sizes and styles.

Does American Eagle or Hollister have better sizing?

American Eagle is superior in this category. Its commitment to inclusive sizing with options for short, tall, and plus sizes makes it accessible to a much broader range of body types.

What is the style difference between Hollister and AE?

Hollister's style is trendy, youthful, and inspired by Southern California surf culture. American Eagle's style is more classic, versatile, and rooted in functional, everyday American fashion, with a focus on denim.

Which brand is better for teens?

Both are extremely popular with teenagers. However, Hollister’s branding and aesthetic are more specifically targeted toward the teenage demographic, while American Eagle appeals to older teens and young adults.

What are the return policies for Hollister and American Eagle?

Both brands generally offer returns for unused merchandise with a receipt within 30 days for a full refund. Policies can change, so it's always best to check their websites directly.

Is one brand more sustainable than the other?

Yes, American Eagle has a more established and transparent sustainability program. Its "Real Good" line and goals for water conservation and responsible sourcing place it ahead of Hollister's current efforts.

Which brand has a better rewards program?

American Eagle’s Real Rewards program is generally considered more robust, offering points on every purchase that can be redeemed for cash-like discounts. Hollister's program, Club Cali, also offers rewards but is often more focused on promotional offers.