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From Nike to Crocs: College Students’ 15 Favorite Fashion Brands

According to YPulse’s Brand Tracker, these are college students’ top 15 fashion brands from the hundreds of brands we track…

Written and Edited by the YPulse Editorial Team

Apr 28 2025
North America

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Athletic brands like Nike and Adidas are some college students’ favorite fashion brands, blending style and comfort with their favorite sports and athletes
Big box stores like Walmart and Target remain top fashion favorites for college students because they’re affordable and accessible
College students favor fashion brands like SHEIN, Zara, and Amazon because they offer quick and constant new styles at low prices

College students are at a stage where they have more control over what they buy than in their early teen years, and the brands they choose now can stick with them well into adulthood. The brands they consider favorites show up where it matters most, deliver real value, and also hit the mark on what young consumers care about: quality, price, and authenticity. YPulse’s Favorite Brands report explores the brands that truly get these young gens—whether it’s through matching their interests or helping them stay connected. But it’s not easy to be a favorite, and that kind of early loyalty...