It doesn’t take a genius to understand why you might want to find some other stores like Hot Topic for alternative fashion, clothes and accessories.
On the one hand, Hot Topic is a staple of malls across North America, and has long been a go-to for those of us who love pop culture.
On the other hand, while indulging in band merch and all things alternative can be fun as hell, eventually it starts to feel a little juvenile, at which point it’s nice to have a few more mature options.
(Plus, Hot Topic’s pricing isn’t exactly a bargain, so sometimes it’s also just nice to know where to find some cool stores like Hot Topic but cheaper.)
That’s why we’ve rounded up all the best sites, stores and shops like Hot Topic, where you can turn for band merch, alternative fashion, pop culture paraphernalia and/or cool clothes that feel a little more grown up.
Other Online Stores Like Hot Topic
Breaking Down the Best Brands Like Hot Topic
Spencer’s
Arguably one of the closest Hot Topic competitors, Spencer’s carries everything from band merch and pop culture tees to body jewelry and sex toys.
Their selection of home products isn’t quite as wide as Hot Topic’s, but they do carry drinkware and party supplies, in addition to all the alternative fashion and clothing.
Urban Outfitters
Urban Outfitters is a great Hot Topic alternative if you’re looking for stuff that’s cool, but not necessarily infused with pop culture.
They carry everything from clothes and accessories to home decor, all in modern styles geared toward a young, hip demographic.
ASOS
Based in the UK, Asos is an online store like Hot Topic that specializes in trendy clothes and accessories.
It’s a great place to turn when you’re ready to graduate from Hot Topic’s graphic tees, but still want to look fresh, cool and on-point.
Uniqlo
The pieces at Japanese retailer Uniqlo span the gamut.
They carry everything from suiting and business casual pieces to pop culture-infused graphic tees similar to the stuff you’ll find at Hot Topic.
(They even have a licensing deal with Marvel.)
Forever 21
As with stores like Hot Topic and Spencers, Forever 21 is a staple in malls and retail parks across North America.
They specialize in fashion for a young demographic, so it’s another good place to turn if you’re ready to graduate from Hot Topic and looking for some cool casual styles.
H&M
H&M is one of those stores like Hot Topic but cheaper.
They have a more fashion-forward aesthetic than Forever 21, and carry everything from casual staples like tees, sweaters and skinny jeans up to business clothes like suits and dress shirts.
Blue Banana
UK-based Blue Banana has been a leader in body jewlery, band merch and all things alternative for decades now.
What’s cool about Blue Banana is that they put an emphasis not just on emo clothing but also on ethics – they source their products from places that practice ethical standards and treat their workers well.
MerchNOW
Whereas a lot of other stores like Hot Topic and Spencers offer a wide range of products, MerchNOW really specializes in just one: band merch.
They carry both clothes and other merch, including posters, CDs, cassettes and vinyl from a big selection of bands across pretty much all genres.
Grindstore
Another good Hot Topic alternative, Grindstore specializes in alternative clothes but also carries a wide variety of products.
They have everything from band merch and superhero paraphernalia to video games, anime and a wide selection of gifts and other merch.
Rock Rebel
Rock Rebel is one of the most alternative stores on this list, focusing on horror-inspired pop culture merchandise.
They’re a great option for anyone who likes the stuff they sell at Hot Topic but is just looking for a wider (and more horror-focused) selection of products.
Zulily
Zulily is different from other online stores like Hot Topic or Amazon, in that their available merchandise changes every day.
You have to sign up to become a “member,” then each day the site pulls a selection of its merchandise and makes it available for huge discounts, including up to 70% off.
Rockabilia
As its name implies, Rockabilia’s roots are in rock and roll, and they offer a wide selection of band merch from across the rock spectrum.
In addition to the standard tees and hats, they also carry a pretty wide selection of accessories and (somewhat surprisingly) even home decor.
Zumiez
Rooted in skate culture, Zumiez specializes in shoes, clothes and accessories that are true to skating’s alternative roots.
They carry brands like Vans, Huf, Broken Promises and Thrasher in addition to more mainstream stuff from Nike, Adidas, Champion and more.
Amazon
As the world’s biggest retailer, Amazon carries pretty much everything, and that includes band merch and alternative clothes.
In addition to the wide selection, the advantage of shopping at Amazon is that they offer free shipping when you sign up for Amazon Prime, which also gives you access to their streaming platform and comprehensive media library.
RebelsMarket
Rebels Market carries a wide range of alternative and urbancore clothing and styles for both men and women.
While they tend to put fashion first, they’re not limited to clothes. Similar to stores like Hot Topic and Spencers, they also carry jewelry, accessories and home decor.
Zaful
Zaful is a little trendier than some of the other places like Hot Topic on this list.
But in addition to carrying clothes that are slightly more mainstream, they also sell a selection of cool Marvel gear and a pretty wide variety of accessories.
Romwe
Romwe is another store that leans more mainstream, offering a wide variety of clothes, shoes and accessories.
Like Hot Topic, they also carry home accent pieces, which in this case includes a pretty good selection of products for pets.
Shein
Shein carries a wide range of trendy and alternative clothes for both women and men.
Their designs are more mainstream than much of what you’ll find on sites like Hot Topic, but they carry such a wide variety that you can still find plenty of cool, unique styles.
Yandy
Yandy is a good Hot Topic alternative for women who like to shop Hot Topic’s selection of swimwear and loungewear.
Yandy specializes in intimates and lingerie, but also carries clothing, swimwear and (most relevant for Hot Topic fans) a wide selection of costumes.
You Know The Best Stores Like Hot Topic
Now Learn How to Look Your Best
Armed with this list of the best sites and shops like Hot Topic, you now know exactly where to find clothes that are a little more grown up (or at least a little different) than Hot Topic’s stuff.
But knowing where to find cool clothes is one thing; knowing how to put your best face forward is another.
If you really want to look handsome and stand out from the other guys, you need to know how to nail all the small details that most guys miss, which add up to make big impact on your look.
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