Hey there, fashion lover! If you‘re a fan of PacSun‘s laidback, California-cool style, you‘re in luck. There are so many amazing stores out there that offer a similar aesthetic and shopping experience. In this ultimate guide, I‘ll introduce you to the top 10 stores like PacSun that need to be on your radar.
What Makes a Store "Like PacSun"?
First, let‘s talk about what ties all these retailers together. PacSun has made a name for itself with its trendy yet affordable clothing and accessories that capture a youthful, carefree vibe. Think plenty of denim, graphic tees, cozy knits, rompers, dresses, and laid-back footwear.
Stores like PacSun occupy a similar fashion niche, catering to teen and young adult shoppers who want to look effortlessly cool without breaking the bank. They prioritize casual, comfortable styles that work for everyday wear and lean into that Cali skate/surf culture.
According to a report by Piper Sandler, PacSun ranks as the 7th most popular clothing brand among teenagers as of fall 2022. This showcases the enduring appeal of the retailer‘s aesthetic and target demographic. Stores with a similar vibe are well-positioned to capture some of this market share.
Top 10 Stores Similar to PacSun
Now that you know what to expect from a PacSun alternative, let‘s dive into my top picks. As a passionate fashion fan, I‘ve personally shopped at all of these stores. I can attest to their on-trend offerings, budget-friendly prices, and overall cool factor.
1. Tilly‘s
Tilly‘s is probably the closest direct comparison to PacSun. In fact, the two retailers often set up shop right next to each other in malls. Like PacSun, Tilly‘s caters to a teenage and 20-something demographic with its trendy yet affordable clothing, shoes, and accessories.
One thing I love about Tilly‘s is its extensive selection of brands. You can find popular names like Vans, Adidas, Billabong, and Santa Cruz alongside lesser-known labels. This makes it easy to mix and match pieces to create your own unique looks.
Tilly‘s price points are very similar to PacSun, with most items falling between $20-$100. The store frequently runs sales and promotions, so you can often score even better deals. I always check the clearance section first to see what kind of steals I can find.
2. Zumiez
If your style leans heavily into skate culture, Zumiez is a must-visit. The retailer is a go-to source for all the top skateboarding brands, including Vans, Adidas, Converse, and Santa Cruz. You‘ll also find laid-back apparel, accessories, and footwear from various surf, motocross, and snowboarding labels.
One thing that sets Zumiez apart is its focus on men‘s fashion. While the store certainly has offerings for women, the selection is especially strong on the guys‘ side. If you‘re shopping for a stylish dude in your life, Zumiez should definitely be on your list.
I appreciate that Zumiez‘s website allows you to shop by specific brands. This makes it easy to track down exactly what you‘re looking for or discover new labels that fit your aesthetic.
3. Urban Outfitters
For a slightly more elevated take on PacSun‘s laidback vibe, head to Urban Outfitters. The store strikes a perfect balance between trendy and vintage-inspired styles, with a curated selection that feels very "now".
Urban Outfitters is my personal go-to for things like sundresses, rompers, and jumpsuits. I‘m always impressed by the quality of the materials and construction, especially compared to other fast fashion retailers. While the prices are a bit higher than what you‘d find at PacSun, the cost per wear is definitely justified.
One major perk of shopping at Urban Outfitters is the ability to complete an entire look in one place. In addition to clothing and accessories, the store has a fantastic home décor section and an expanding beauty department. I love that I can grab a cute new top, update my apartment, and restock my skincare routine all in one trip.
4. Abercrombie & Fitch
Before you write off Abercrombie & Fitch as a relic of the early 2000s, hear me out. The brand has gone through a major renaissance in recent years, evolving its image and offerings to align with modern sensibilities.
These days, Abercrombie is all about elevated basics with a cool, effortless feel. The brand excels at wardrobe staples like perfectly worn-in jeans, soft tees, cozy sweaters, and versatile dresses. If your style is a cross between casual and preppy, it‘s definitely worth checking out.
Abercrombie‘s prices are higher than PacSun‘s, but the quality is also notably better. Many of the pieces in my wardrobe from the brand have held up for years and still look fantastic. Plus, the store frequently runs sales that bring prices down to a more affordable range.
5. American Eagle
For reliable basics at wallet-friendly prices, American Eagle is a no-brainer. Like PacSun, the store caters to a teenage and young adult audience with its selection of laid-back, campus-ready styles.
I‘m especially impressed by American Eagle‘s denim offerings. The brand has a wide range of fits and washes to choose from, and the quality is excellent for the price. I always stock up on a few pairs during sales or BOGO events.
American Eagle has also made a concerted effort in recent years to expand its size range. Most styles are now available up to XXL or a 24 in women‘s and XXL in men‘s. As someone who loves fashion but doesn‘t always fit into "straight sizes", I really appreciate this inclusive approach.
6. Aeropostale
If you‘re looking for fashion on a serious budget, Aeropostale is the way to go. The store offers a mix of basics and trend-forward pieces at prices that almost seem too good to be true.
Aeropostale is one of my favorite places to shop for seasonal essentials. I load up on things like tank tops, shorts, and sundresses for the summer, then head back in the fall for cozy pullovers and lounge pants. The clearance section always has amazing deals, with many items marked down to under $10.
It‘s worth noting that Aeropostale‘s target demographic skews a bit younger than the other stores on this list. As such, some of the pieces may feel a bit too "junior" for shoppers in their 20s and beyond. That said, it‘s still a great resource for affordable basics and easy online shopping.
7. Hollister
With its quintessential Cali-cool aesthetic, Hollister is a dream destination for fans of PacSun. The brand really leans into a beachy, carefree vibe with its offerings. Think flirty tops, curve-hugging denim, breezy dresses, and laid-back graphic tees.
One thing I love about Hollister is how frequently the brand releases new merchandise. Every time I visit the store or browse online, I discover a bunch of new arrivals that perfectly capture the latest trends. This constant stream of fresh inventory means you can always find something to refresh your wardrobe.
Hollister‘s prices are very similar to PacSun‘s, with most pieces ranging from $25-$100. Keep an eye out for the brand‘s frequent sales, which often offer steep discounts on seasonal must-haves and wardrobe staples.
8. Forever 21
Hear me out on this one. I know Forever 21 can be hit or miss, but if you‘re willing to do some digging, you can uncover some real gems. The store is known for its uber-trendy pieces at bottom-barrel prices, making it a go-to for fashion fans on a tight budget.
While Forever 21 offers a little bit of everything, I tend to have the best luck with the store‘s selection of basics. Look for things like simple camis, t-shirt dresses, leggings, and denim jackets that can be mixed and matched with other pieces in your wardrobe.
One major advantage of Forever 21 is its inclusive sizing. The brand‘s plus size section, Forever 21 Plus, offers on-trend styles up to a size 3X. Forever 21 also has a dedicated men‘s line with a solid selection of casual pieces.
9. H&M
For affordable fashion with a stylish edge, head to H&M. The Swedish retailer is known for its trendy yet accessible offerings, which run the gamut from basic tees to office-ready blazers to sparkly party dresses.
H&M‘s prices are very budget-friendly, with most pieces coming in under $50. The quality can be hit or miss, but I‘ve found that items from the brand‘s more sustainable lines (like H&M Conscious) tend to hold up better over time.
One thing I really appreciate about H&M is how easy the brand makes it to shop online. The website is well-organized and easy to navigate, with detailed product descriptions and customer reviews. You can also usually find promo codes for free shipping or a percentage off your purchase.
10. Vans
While Vans is primarily known as a shoe brand, it also offers a fantastic selection of clothing and accessories. If you‘re a fan of PacSun‘s skate-inspired aesthetic, you‘ll definitely want to check out the brand‘s apparel line.
Vans‘ clothing offerings tend to be pretty laid-back and graphic-heavy. You‘ll find lots of logo tees, hoodies, and jackets that incorporate the brand‘s signature checkerboard print. I‘m also a big fan of the selection of casual dresses and skirts, which often feature fun patterns and bold colors.
Of course, Vans is also a go-to destination for footwear. In addition to the brand‘s classic sneakers and slip-ons, you‘ll find a range of sandals, boots, and other shoe styles. Vans releases frequent collaborations with artists and other brands, so there‘s always something new and exciting to discover.
Benefits of Shopping at Stores Like PacSun
So why bother seeking out stores like PacSun in the first place? There are a number of compelling reasons to add these retailers to your shopping rotation:
-
Variety: Each store has its own unique mix of brands and products, which means you can find pieces that perfectly suit your personal style. Shopping at multiple retailers also helps you avoid that awkward "twinning" moment with someone else wearing the exact same outfit.
-
Affordability: Stores like PacSun specialize in trendy yet budget-friendly fashion. You can update your wardrobe with the latest styles without totally blowing your budget. Many of these retailers also offer frequent sales and promotions, which can help you save even more.
-
Convenience: With so many stores to choose from, you‘re sure to have at least a few options close to home. Most of these retailers also have robust online presences, so you can shop from the comfort of your own couch.
-
Quality: While stores like PacSun are known for their affordable prices, many also offer surprisingly high-quality pieces. By shopping strategically and reading reviews, you can find items that will hold up wash after wash and season after season.
Shop Smart: Tips for Saving Money at these Retailers
Ready to start shopping? These pointers will help you get the best bang for your buck at stores like PacSun:
- Always check the sale and clearance sections first for deeply discounted gems.
- Sign up for email newsletters to stay informed about upcoming promotions and to receive exclusive coupons.
- Follow your favorite brands on social media for access to special offers and early sale access.
- Take advantage of loyalty and rewards programs to earn points or discounts on future purchases.
- Use deal apps and browser extensions to make sure you‘re getting the lowest possible price.
- Consider buying second-hand or from resale sites for gently used items at a fraction of the retail cost.
Stores Like PacSun FAQ
Before we wrap up this guide, I wanted to address a few common questions about shopping at stores like PacSun:
Q: Are these stores just for teenagers?
A: While the target demographic for these retailers is typically teenagers and young adults, people of any age can find pieces that work for their wardrobe. Many of these stores offer basics and staples that are versatile enough to integrate into anyone‘s personal style.
Q: What if I don‘t live near any of these stores?
A: All of the retailers featured in this guide have online storefronts where you can browse and make purchases from anywhere. Just be sure to take advantage of free shipping offers and promo codes whenever possible.
Q: How do I know what size to order online?
A: Always consult the size chart for the specific retailer you‘re shopping with, as sizing can vary from brand to brand. It‘s also a good idea to read customer reviews to see if a particular item runs true to size. When in doubt, don‘t be afraid to order a couple of different sizes and return what doesn‘t work.
Q: Can I return items I buy from these stores?
A: Yes, all of these retailers offer some kind of return policy. Specifics vary, but most allow you to return items either by mail or in-store within a certain timeframe. Some may charge a small restocking fee for opened or used items, so be sure to read the fine print before making a purchase.
Find Your New Favorite Store
And there you have it, my comprehensive guide to the best stores like PacSun. I hope this information has inspired you to branch out and discover some new go-to shopping destinations.
Remember, expanding your fashion horizons is all about experimentation and staying true to your unique sense of style. Don‘t be afraid to mix and match pieces from different stores to create looks that are 100% you. Happy shopping!
