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Ever since I can remember, my parents have always kept me fly (read: looking very stylish). A huge part of that has to do with the fact that my dad works in the sportswear and streetwear scene. Fashion has always been at my disposal everywhere I looked and went, allowing me to form my own unique sense of style. I’ve had the privilege of seeing designer collections early, owning sample pieces, and giving insight into what kids my age enjoy wearing. That early exposure combined with growing up in one of the most fashionably iconic cities in the world — that’d be New York — created the fashion sensibilities that help define me today as an 18-year-old college freshman.
As the days have gotten shorter and a little cooler, I’ve started to plan my fall wardrobe — and check in on the trends my friends want, too. What brands, styles, and specific pieces will be the rage for teen boys this season? Well, for teen boys, Fall 2024 fashion is all about three key factors: comfort, quality, and style. So let’s break it down…
Nike is the brand that seems to stay on trend no matter what for teen boys. It sits on a pedestal above all others, as it’s the number one brand among all teens in both apparel (with a 34 percent share) and footwear (with a 59 percent share), according to Piper Sandler’s most recent Semi-Annual Taking Stock With Teens Survey. A clean and loose-fitting pair of sweats, like the Swoosh Straight-Leg sweatpants, are a core piece of the fall uniform. With Nike being the number one brand for teen boys in apparel, of course a pair of Nike sweats are on trend.
On the footwear side, the popularity of the Air Force One has now faded a bit and made room for the new kid in town: the Vomero 5. The Vomero is super light, airy, and comfortable with a multitude of unique colorways. The shoes can be used for both exercise and everyday style.
When it comes to pants for teen boys, the skinny fit is out and baggy is here to stay. The baggy fit has taken over with Levi’s 569 loose-fit jeans. In terms of jeans for fall, Levi’s are just ‘the’ jeans, and teen boys are aware of that. Levi’s continues to act as the timeless standard, always on trend and perfect for any time of year, but especially for slightly cooler seasons like fall.
From a slightly cheaper perspective, teens are also shopping at H&M and Zara for fall trends from more baggy denim options to quality sweatpants — both essential for fall weather.
As the workwear trend continues, Carhartt is a fall favorite among teens, producing high-quality, affordable clothing that lasts for more than one season. Carhartt apparel is reliable, with great durability and, in my opinion, looks even better aged. Carhartt also has the ability to blend both streetwear and casual fall fashion. Honestly, it’s the time for all Carhartt apparel to shine. One of my Carhartt favorites for the fall season is the double-knee pants because they are a perfect weight while maintaining comfort for fall weather. Additional trending fall pieces include hoodies, loose-fit T-shirts, carpenter pants, and vests.
Jerry Lorenzo’s Fear Of God Essentials is the step down from luxury, and the more affordable and attainable version of Fear Of God has become the new uniform for teens during the fall season, especially in NYC. The Essentials collection embodies simplistic high-quality through all of its pieces from t-shirts to sweatpants and hoodies. Typically I’m more of a hoodie guy, but sweatpants are my personal favorite just because of how insanely comfortable they are. Essentials look great in all forms, whether you put the whole sweatsuit together or want to mix and match the hoodie and some different pants in your collection. Lastly, the Essentials colorways pair admirably well with the “it” colors of fall with shades of green, brown, black, and gray.
Thrifting needs its own category when discussing fall trends among teen boys because it’s a trend that has now become the norm. Thrifting is now used as a more affordable tool for style exclusivity, and we’ve taken the opportunity with open arms. Thrifting allows teens to be their own person, mold their style, and find pieces that speak to them.
As fall approaches, the hunt for vintage-style workwear is at its peak. Thrift shops are the birthplace of the aged workwear look. Many more teens are actively thrifting right now, looking to upgrade their closets for the new school year. While going around the city interviewing teen boys about their sense of style and what was being considered while back-to-school shopping, an interviewee said, “I’ve been trying to go thrifting and find stuff that no one has.”
These brands and pieces — combined with thrifted finds — are the epitome of fall fashion for teen boys, because it’s all about the trio of comfort, quality, and style.
Before you go, check out our slideshow below: