Fashion editor and mum of three Camilla Ridley-Day on the best clothing brands for teenagers in 2026.
When it comes to what’s actually ‘in’ at school,
Camilla Ridley-Day is the person to ask. With a seasoned fashion editor’s eye and three children of her own, Camilla knows exactly what teens are wearing, rejecting and obsessing over. She is founder of
Teen Edit, a platform where style,
skincare, wellness and all things teen and tween come to life.
Shopping online for teenagers can be an emotional rollercoaster. Their tastes shift with each algorithm and their brand loyalty sometimes lasts about as long as a reel on their socials. Teens dress to fit in, to stand out, or simply to torment their parents and sometimes all at once. This is why it’s a relief to interrogate Camilla, who understands teenage clothing brands and the all-important ‘teen uniform’ better than most.
Here, she breaks down the 2026 teen-style uniform essentials and lists the labels teens want to be seen wearing.
What are the biggest teen clothing trends at the moment?
There is what I’d call a teen uniform. Baggy
jeans aren't going anywhere, for boys or girls, and neither are relaxed trackies and hoodies. For these non-branded basics, Zara, Uniqlo and Abercrombie remain the go-to shops. Sports brands still dominate teen wardrobes, and with golf now being considered a much sexier sport than it used to be, labels like Callaway carry real status – even for teens who’ve never set foot on a course.
For summer, loose linen trousers and shirts are excellent options with good choices for both boys and girls at Otto Linens and for boys, at Babble & Hemp.
Teen girls are obsessed with Italian brand Subdued which sells, among a load of motif hoodies and t-shirts, wide-leg linen trackies with a high waistband.
For winter, it has to be a black puffa jacket from North Face.
Which brands are teens wanting to wear?
For teen girls, Studio Seven Designs gets my vote. The polished, Hamptons-esque aesthetic doesn’t look too tacky. That gets a big tick for me as it's a hard balance to strike.
Bella Christie’s bold, chunky, charm-heavy, stackable jewellery are a current teen favourite.
Mango Teen is excellent at following trends and fitting teens in that awkward in-between stage when they’re too big for kidswear but not ready for adult sizing.
Popular label Minka Dink, loved for its large collar shirts and striped cardigans, has a pop-up coming soon to Soho’s Greek Street.
For teenage boys (and girls),
Toms Trunks is still popular with everyone; thank goodness for logo-free clothes. Granny would approve too.
Birkenstock clogs are another favourite for both teen boys and teen girls.
For smarter boys’ shoes, Samuel Windsor is reliable.
What wardrobe staples should every teen own?
Some classics never fade, and it amuses me to see old favourites from my own teen years come back in favour for today’s teens. Ralph Lauren’s iconic, unisex cable-knit cotton jumper, that I can remember wearing when I was a teen, is very on trend today. I like how this timeless preppy look isn’t overly flashy.
Another blast from the past is Longchamp’s Le Pliage which is suddenly everywhere again. Obsessed teens are ditching school bags for the timeless tote, which has somehow become a subtle symbol of growing up and teen sophistication.
Classic Adidas Sambas are still the teen uniform trainer. They’re hard to get wrong whatever the occasion or colour.
For teen boys, a Nike hoodie is always going to be a very safe wardrobe staple.
How do you handle the ‘I have nothing to wear’ drama?
Teens are hard-wired to want to fit in, which sometimes stops them from thinking straight. There is often a lot of fear tied up in waiting to see what everyone else is wearing. To help the anxiety, I try to buy one or two options before an event, even if they're not entirely sure about them. Having something in your back-pocket, chosen with a bit of calm research, is always better than a last-minute meltdown or panic buy where I end up spending too much on an overpriced outfit worn once.
How can we support teens in what they want to wear to fit in, while encouraging individuality?
There's no denying there is a teen uniform, and that will probably never change. There's nothing wrong with this, but it's great to help teens discover their own style too. Pre-loved shopping is Gen Alpha's trump card. Stats show they have started younger and are more heavily invested in the second-hand platforms than ever before.
Vinted and
Depop remain their go-to as the best way of discovering pieces that will feel more individualized. I believe this is such a key way for teens to shop that I've got a preloved rail at my Teen Edit event of mainly non-labelled pieces to encourage individuality without pressure. Vinted is my personal favourite for both buying and selling teen clothes. It's the easiest way to keep a guilt-free pocket money pot topped up (just don't fall into the bargain chasing vortex).
Where can teens shop for affordable fashion?
Beyond Vinted and Depop,
H&M and
New Look are good high street options for cheaper clothes. I still bemoan how there aren’t enough out teen-specific ranges but recently an Ikat maxi skirt in H&M age 14-15 jumped off the rails.
New Look's 915 range is great for tween girls – especially their pyjamas.
For more expensive clothes, stick to classic colours like navy or white for longevity and better resale value. And never underestimate the power, and fun, of borrowing from friends, especially for events.
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FAQs
What are the most popular teenage clothing brands in 2026?
The biggest fashion brands teens want right now include Subdued, Tom’s Trunks, Studio Seven Designs, Mango Teen, Minka Dink and Callaway. These labels hit the sweet spot of trend-led and wearable.
What is a teenage uniform in 2026?
Core staples include baggy jeans, relaxed hoodies, a black puffa jacket, kikoy shorts, wide-leg linen trousers, sports brands and a cable-knit jumper like Ralph Lauren’s classic. Adidas Sambas and a Nike hoodie remain universal winners for boys and girls.
Where can teens shop for affordable but stylish clothes?
Pre-loved shopping at Vinted and Depop remain the top choice for budget-friendly, individualised fashion. On the high street, H&M, New Look and Mango Teen offer trend-aware pieces at sensible prices.
