The 1990s were the heyday of mall brands. As online shopping hadn’t yet taken hold, and fast fashion wasn't even a twinkle in our collective eye, quarterly catalogs ushered people into brick-and-mortar stores to check out the season's newest arrivals IRL.
It was a different time, and, as tried-and-true thrifters will tell you, the clothes back then were just made better. Natural fibers were the standard. Pick up a department store sweater from the '90s and it’s probably made of wool. Order one offline today, and there’s a good chance you’re looking at an acrylic blend. Unlike many of today's one-click impulse purchases, these pieces were made to last.
That's likely why so many of these brands are seeing renewed fervor on the vintage and secondhand market today. Seeking timeless clothings styles with higher quality standards? The next time you go thrifting, keep your eyes peeled for these specific 1990s mall brands that are especially hot right now.
Pendelton Woolen Mills
Today, Pendleton is mostly known for their plaid shirts and striking wool blankets, but back in the '90s, they were crafting great blazers that were part power suit, part afternoon in the country. These well-made blazers were beautifully structured, and, if you get lucky, you can find them for well under $50. This brown check blazer, for example, would be seriously 90s romcom chic with a pair of jeans and loafers.
'90s J. Crew
There’s no doubt Jenna Lyons ushered in one of the most vibrant eras in J. Crew history when she took over in 2010. But, lately, there’s been an interest in going back to the earlier days, back when J. Crew was the ultimate in preppy style. Khakis, simple cotton and wool sweaters, and basic tees were the look back then. Everything was slightly androgynous, and, yet, both the men and women looked effortlessly chic. It was New England prep school meets weekend casual. There were no sequins. No cocktail dresses. No heels. Everything was easy and comfortable. That’s the look we’re going back to today, and, thanks to their high quality construction, it’s easy to find pieces that are still in great shape. Look for classics like a barn jacket or a roll-neck sweater.
Polo Ralph Lauren
Founded in New York City in 1967 offering a single product (neckties!), Ralph Lauren’s now 59-year-old fashion empire encompasses everything from undergarments to evening gowns. Back in the zeitgeist in a big way as the “old money” and “quiet luxury” aesthetics trend on TikTok, the brand launched a vintage section on its own site. Its knit sweaters—specifically those featuring its signature Polo Bear, introduced in 1991—are in especially high demand.
St. John
For fans of the grandma chic aesthetic, there’s no brand more fitting than St. John. Launched in 1962 in Southern California, the label's tailored yet comfortable cardigans are exactly what you imagine the most elegant of older women wearing while they plan their next European jaunt. That said, they're also a great way to dress up a t-shirt and jeans in 2026. Imagine this navy cardigan tossed effortlessly over a white tee while carrying a straw bag, or this ivory v-neck cardigan as your new cozy weekend wear. These are the elevated versions of your trusty cardigans, and you can’t beat the thrifted price.
Vera Bradley
In need of new weekend luggage? Look to the past. While quilted Vera Bradley bags are certainly still made today, it’s their 1990s prints that had the perfect cottagecore appeal. From Maison Blue to Nantucket Navy, these cotton bags have stood the test of time, yet they’ve also been dumped in many a closet clean-out, making them an easy (and often inexpensive!) item to thrift. The brand's large duffel weekender is always a good bet when you’re thrifting Vera Bradley, while the small duffel bag is perfect as a gym bag. And, of course, finding a garment bag is like unlocking a new level of adulthood.
Sarah Zlotnick contributed to this article.
