When it comes to fashion, teens in the United States love expressing themselves through clothing—especially jackets! But how much are teens really spending on jackets these days? Whether you’re a parent budgeting for back-to-school shopping or a teen trying to save up for your next favorite jacket, this guide will break everything down in a super easy way. We’ll look at average spending, what affects the price, how to save money, and where to shop smart. Let’s dive in!
Why Do Teens Spend Money on Jackets?
Jackets aren’t just for keeping warm anymore—they’re a huge part of teen fashion. For many teenagers, a jacket is more than a piece of outerwear; it’s a statement piece. Jackets can show off their style, favorite brands, sports teams, or even pop culture interests. Teens wear jackets to school, hangouts, social events, and even in online photos, which makes them feel confident and stylish.
Besides fashion, there’s also the practical side. In many parts of the U.S., weather conditions change a lot throughout the year. Teens need winter coats, light jackets, raincoats, and sometimes trendy jackets for everyday wear. All these needs make jackets one of the most commonly bought clothing items by teenagers. Whether they’re buying from a store or getting it as a gift, jackets are a must-have in almost every teen’s closet.
Average Money Teens Spend on Jackets in the US
So, how much money do teens actually spend on jackets in the United States? On average, American teens spend between $50 and $120 per jacket, depending on the brand, quality, and style. Some spend even more, especially when buying from high-end fashion labels or trendy streetwear brands like Nike, Adidas, North Face, or Hollister.
According to surveys and spending data from top tools like SEMrush and Ahrefs, keywords like “teen fashion spending”, “average cost of teen jackets”, and “how much do teenagers spend on clothes” show that teens typically spend around $300 to $500 annually on clothing, with jackets making up a big portion of that.
In places with colder climates like New York, Chicago, or Boston, teens may invest in thicker and more expensive winter coats, while teens in warmer states like California or Florida might spend a little less by choosing lighter jackets or hoodies. The cost also depends on whether the jacket is a necessity or a fashion pick.
Factors That Change Jacket Prices for Teens
There are many things that can change the cost of a jacket for a teenager. Not all jackets are created equal, and understanding these factors can help teens and parents make smart shopping decisions. Let’s explore the biggest ones.
Brand Names Matter
This is probably the most important factor. Teens often prefer big-name brands because they’re popular among friends or influencers. Brands like Nike, Adidas, The North Face, Patagonia, Hollister, and Columbia are super common among teenagers. These brands usually cost more—sometimes over $100 or even $200 for a single jacket. That’s because you’re not just paying for the quality, but also for the logo, brand reputation, and current trends. On the other hand, less-known brands or store labels like Target’s Goodfellow, Walmart’s George, or Amazon Essentials offer jackets that are often just as functional at half the price.
Jacket Type (Winter vs. Light Jackets)
Another thing that affects jacket prices is the type of jacket. A thick, waterproof, insulated winter jacket usually costs a lot more than a light windbreaker or denim jacket. Winter coats may have layers, down filling, or special materials that raise the price. Light jackets, hoodies, and bomber jackets might only cost around $25 to $60, while a proper snow jacket could easily go beyond $150. Teens who live in colder regions often need both types, which means more spending overall.
Where They Shop
Where a teen buys a jacket can make a huge difference. Shopping at big-brand retail stores like Macy’s, Urban Outfitters, or Dick’s Sporting Goods can cost more than buying from discount stores or online marketplaces. Local thrift shops or second-hand stores like Plato’s Closet or Goodwill often have name-brand jackets at much lower prices. Many teens now also shop online on websites like Amazon, eBay, Shein, or Depop, where prices vary widely. Sales, shipping costs, and even tax rules can affect the final amount paid.
Where Do Teens Usually Buy Jackets?
Teens shop for jackets in a mix of places. Online shopping has grown big in the last few years, especially after 2020. Sites like Amazon, ASOS, Forever 21, and even Instagram shops are popular for finding trendy jackets. Many teens also use apps like Depop or Poshmark to buy used or vintage jackets at a lower price.
At the same time, physical stores are still a go-to for many teens. Trying on a jacket before buying it is important for sizing and style. Popular in-person stores include Target, H&M, American Eagle, Zumiez, and sporting goods stores. Some teens prefer mall shopping because it’s also a social activity with friends. Shopping habits vary a lot based on age, budget, and fashion interest, but in general, teens love deals and style at the same time.
Best Times to Buy Jackets for Cheap
If you want to save money, timing is everything. The best times to buy jackets are:
- End of winter (January to March): Most stores start clearing out winter stock, offering big discounts on jackets.
- Back-to-school sales (July to September): Retailers offer sales as students shop for new school-year clothes.
- Black Friday and Cyber Monday: Many major fashion and outdoor brands have huge sales that include jackets.
- Off-season sales: For example, buying a winter jacket in summer or a light jacket in winter often means lower prices.
Buying during these times can easily cut the price of a jacket by 30–70%. Watching out for these seasonal sales is a smart way for teens and parents to stick to a budget.
Tips to Save Money on Teen Jackets
There are lots of ways to get cool, quality jackets without spending too much. Here are some of the best money-saving tips.
Use Coupons and Apps
Always look for coupons before buying. Websites like RetailMeNot, Honey, or Rakuten offer discounts, cashback, or coupon codes for popular stores. Many teens also download store apps that send exclusive deals. Signing up for email lists can also get you 10–20% off your first order.
Buy Last Season’s Styles
Jacket styles don’t change too much from year to year. Buying last year’s collection means you still get a stylish, high-quality jacket—but for a much lower price. Stores like Nordstrom Rack, TJ Maxx, or Marshalls sell last-season jackets for up to 60% off. These jackets are usually brand new, just not the latest release.
Shop Off-Season
One of the smartest ways to save is shopping off-season. That means buying winter jackets in the spring or summer, and buying light jackets in the fall or winter. Retailers drop prices because fewer people are buying those items at that time. It might feel strange buying a coat in July, but your future self will thank you when winter comes and you’re already ready!
What Kind of Jackets Do Teens Like?
Teen jacket preferences are changing all the time, but some styles are always trending. Right now, teens love puffer jackets, cropped jackets, denim jackets, oversized hoodies, and varsity jackets. Sporty looks, streetwear styles, and anything seen on TikTok or Instagram can quickly become popular. Color-wise, neutrals like black, gray, beige, or army green are always in, but some teens like bold colors like red or bright blue to stand out.
Brand also plays a big role. Teens tend to favor jackets from Nike, North Face, Adidas, Columbia, or even luxury brands if they’re into fashion. For casual jackets, brands like Champion, Levi’s, and H&M are super popular too. What matters most to teens is that the jacket fits their vibe—whether that’s sporty, vintage, artsy, or chill.
The Bottom Line
So, how much money do teens typically spend on jackets? The answer depends on a lot of things, but on average, most U.S. teens spend $50 to $120 per jacket, with higher-end styles going beyond that. They usually buy 1 to 3 jackets a year depending on need and trend. Whether it’s about staying warm, fitting in with a fashion trend, or just wanting a cool new look, jackets are one of the top items teens care about.
But the good news is—you don’t have to spend a lot to look good. By shopping smart, using coupons, and buying at the right time, teens and parents can find great deals without giving up on style. Whether you’re shopping for winter warmth or fashion fun, this guide helps make jacket shopping easier and smarter for every family.
