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15 Best Apparel Stocks to Buy in 2026

In this article, we will discuss: 15 Best Apparel Stocks to Buy in 2026.

On March 26, 2026, CNBC reported that retail firms had warned that a prolonged Middle East conflict could increase costs and lead to price spikes. British retailer Next identified £15 million in fuel and air freight expenses, assuming three months of disruption, and stated that these costs would be passed on to customers through higher prices after three months. According to the company, the region accounts for approximately 6% of turnover. Disruptions caused by the Iran war and shipping limits in the Strait of Hormuz have driven up oil and gas prices, increasing inflation concerns and putting pressure on supply chains.

The retailer H&M stated that “current geopolitical instability in the Middle East could, if extended, result in slightly higher cost pressure,” while CEO Daniel Ervér warned that prolonged conflict could affect consumer behavior. Philip Lane, Chief Economist of the European Central Bank, said that officials will monitor price expectations. Jefferies analysts said discretionary retailers are at greater risk as inflation weighs on demand.

With that said, here are the 15 Best Apparel Stocks to Buy in 2026.

Photo by Ian Deng Quddu on Unsplash

Our Methodology

We used screeners to identify Best Apparel Stocks and limited our final selection to companies that have recently reported noteworthy developments likely to impact investor sentiment. These stocks are also popular among analysts and elite hedge funds.

Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 498.7% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 303 percentage points (see more details here).

15. Kontoor Brands, Inc. (NYSE:KTB

On April 8, 2026, Kontoor Brands, Inc. (NYSE:KTB) announced that Joseph Alkire would assume global responsibility for the Helly Hansen brand in addition to his roles as CFO and Global Head of Operations.

Kontoor Brands, Inc. (NYSE:KTB) reported fourth-quarter 2025 revenue of $1.02 billion, a 46% increase, with adjusted operating income jumping 48% to $150 million and adjusted EPS growing 26% to $1.73. The corporation achieved a gross margin of 46.2% and reduced inventory by $198 million, bringing it to $567 million. The firm also completed a $200 million voluntary term loan payment and repurchased $25 million in stock. In 2026, the firm estimates revenue of $3.40 billion to $3.45 billion, showing a 9% spike, and adjusted operating income of $506 million to $512 million. The company estimates adjusted EPS of $6.40 to $6.50, $425 million in operating cash flow, and $225 million in further debt reduction.

Kontoor Brands, Inc. (NYSE:KTB) designs, manufactures, sources, markets, and distributes a portfolio of brands. It operates under the Wrangler and Lee brands.

14. G-III Apparel Group, Ltd. (NASDAQ:GIII)

On March 17, 2026, UBS analyst Mauricio Serna reduced the price objective for G-III Apparel Group, Ltd. (NASDAQ:GIII) to $26 from $30 while maintaining a Neutral rating. The analyst noted pressure from PVH brand phaseouts and increased SG&A associated with owned labels, with concerns continuing beyond FY27.

G-III Apparel Group, Ltd. (NASDAQ:GIII) reported fiscal 2026 results, with net sales of $2.96 billion, a 7% decrease, including a $254 million impact resulting from lost PVH brand revenue. The firm announced EPS of $1.51 and non-GAAP EPS of $2.61, which included a $0.30 charge for Saks Global-related bad debt. Fourth-quarter net sales fell 8.1% to $771.5 million, resulting in a net loss of $31.9 million, including $45 million in impairment charges. Chairman Morris Goldfarb stated that the company advanced its plan while dealing with a tough climate. The firm completed the year with around $407 million in cash and returned more than $50 million to shareholders. The corporation anticipates fiscal 2027 net sales of around $2.71 billion and EPS of $2.00 to $2.10.

G-III Apparel Group, Ltd. (NASDAQ:GIII) specializes in designing, sourcing, and marketing women’s apparel. It works in two segments: wholesale operations and retail.

13. FIGS, Inc. (NYSE:FIGS)

On April 13, 2026, Morgan Stanley boosted FIGS, Inc. (NYSE:FIGS)’s price objective to $15 from $8 while retaining an Equal Weight rating. The firm noted improved fundamentals led by sharper execution. It also pointed out that the company has already exhibited continuous double-digit growth and margin expansion after growing 108% over six months.

FIGS, Inc. (NYSE:FIGS) released fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results, with Q4 net revenue of $201.9 million, up 33%. The company generated $18.5 million in net income with a 9.2% margin, as well as an adjusted EBITDA margin of 13.2%. The corporation’s revenue increased by 28.7% in the United States and 55.1% globally.

FIGS, Inc. (NYSE:FIGS) earned net revenue of $631.1 million in fiscal 2025, up 13.6%, while generating net income of $34.3 million and adjusted EBITDA of $74.5 million. CEO Trina Spear stated that operational momentum fueled growth, with the company forecasting 10% to 12% sales growth and an adjusted EBITDA margin of 12.7% to 12.9% in 2026.

FIGS, Inc. (NYSE:FIGS) produces and manages healthcare apparel and lifestyle brands. The company provides lab coats, underscrubs, outerwear, loungewear, compression socks, footwear, masks, and face shields that are specifically tailored to the demands and preferences of the medical community.

12. NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE)

On April 13, 2026, HSBC analyst Erwan Rambourg reduced NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE) to Hold from Buy, lowering the price objective to $48 from $90, citing limited visibility and ongoing difficulties in Converse, China, EMEA, and sportswear.

On April 10, 2026, the Wall Street Journal reported that NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE)’s chief innovation officer, Tony Bignell, will resign after less than a year, making this the third innovation leadership turnover in under three years.

NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE) announced its fiscal third-quarter 2026 results on March 31, 2026. The company reported sales of $11.3 billion, flat on a reported basis while declining 3% on a currency-neutral basis, and generating wholesale revenue of $6.5 billion, up 5%. NIKE Direct revenue fell 4% to $4.5 billion. The firm reported a gross margin of 40.2% and diluted EPS of $0.35. CEO Elliott Hill noted steps to boost business quality and execution discipline.

NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE) designs, develops, markets, and sells athletic footwear, apparel, accessories, equipment, and services. It operates in the following regions: North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, Greater China, Asia Pacific, and Latin America, Global Brand Divisions, Converse, and Corporate.

11. Carter’s, Inc. (NYSE:CRI)

On April 9, 2026, Goldman Sachs raised Carter’s, Inc. (NYSE:CRI) rating to Neutral from Sell, increasing the price objective to $38 from $29. The analyst said that the company could boost sales by gaining market share among households earning $50,000 to $200,000 while also improving digital marketing effectiveness to target younger and higher-income customers.

Carter’s, Inc. (NYSE:CRI) released fourth-quarter and fiscal 2025 results with Q4 net sales of $925 million, up 8%, diluted EPS of $1.76, and adjusted EPS of $1.90. The corporation achieved an operating margin of 9.2% and an adjusted margin of 9.7%. The company’s net sales grew by 2% in fiscal 2025, to $2.898 billion, with diluted EPS of $2.53, adjusted EPS of $3.47, and operating cash flow of $122 million. CEO Douglas Palladini noted that product and demand initiatives drove traffic and client acquisition. In fiscal 2026, the firm expects a low- to mid-single-digit increase in sales and operating income.

Carter’s, Inc. (NYSE:CRI) is in the business of brand marketing for young children’s apparel. Its brands include Carter’s, OshKosh B’Gosh, Little Planet, and Skip Hop. It operates in the following segments: United States retail, wholesale, and international.

10. The Buckle, Inc. (NYSE:BKE)

On April 9, 2026, TheFly reported that Buckle, Inc. (NYSE:BKE) posted comparable store net sales growth of 7.0% for the five weeks ending April 4, 2026, while total net sales increased 8.2% to $118.0 million from $109.1 million the previous year.

The Buckle, Inc. (NYSE:BKE) announced fourth-quarter and full-year fiscal 2025 results, with quarterly net sales up 5.3% to $399.1 million, comparable store sales growing 3.9%, and online sales rising 6.4% to $74.2 million. The firm reported a quarterly net income of $80.8 million, or $1.60 per share.

For fiscal 2025, the corporation generated net revenue of $1.298 billion, a 6.6% increase. The firm achieved comparable sales growth of 5.6% and online sales growth of 9.8% to $217.1 million, resulting in net income of $209.7 million, or $4.17 per share, up from $195.5 million, or $3.92 per share, the previous year.

The Buckle, Inc. (NYSE:BKE) sells casual apparel, shoes, and accessories to young men, women, and children. It also provides consumer services such as free hemming, free gift packaging, easy layaway, a private label credit card, and a guest loyalty program.

9. American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (NYSE:AEO)

On March 6, 2026, Citi boosted American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (NYSE:AEO)’s price objective from $23 to $24 while keeping its rating Neutral.

American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (NYSE:AEO) announced fourth-quarter fiscal 2025 revenue of $1.8 billion, up 10%, with comparable sales rising 8%. The company achieved $651 million in gross profit and $180 million in adjusted operating income, a 27% increase. The firm posted adjusted earnings per share of $0.84. Aerie reported comparable sales improvement of 23%, while the American Eagle brand saw 2% growth.

In fiscal 2025, American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (NYSE:AEO) generated $5.5 billion in revenue, up 3%, while achieving adjusted operating income of $328 million and adjusted EPS of $1.50. CEO Jay Schottenstein said that exceptional execution generated growth across brands and channels. In 2025, the firm returned $341 million to shareholders and provided fiscal 2026 operating income expectations ranging from $390 million to $410 million.

American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (NYSE:AEO) is a multi-brand specialty retailer that sells a wide range of apparel and accessories for men and women under the American Eagle Outfitters brand, as well as intimates, apparel, and personal care goods under the Aerie brand.

8. Victoria’s Secret & Co. (NYSE:VSCO)

On March 6, 2026, BofA analyst Lorraine Hutchinson boosted Victoria’s Secret & Co. (NYSE:VSCO)’s price target to $58 from $52 while maintaining a Neutral rating. The firm noted improved sales momentum but cautioned that growth spending could squeeze near-term profits. The analyst raised FY26 and FY27 EPS projections to $3.39 and $3.61, respectively, citing a higher revenue and gross margin outlook.

Victoria’s Secret & Co. (NYSE:VSCO) released its fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results, with Q4 net sales of $2.27 billion, an 8% increase, with comparable sales also up by 8%. The firm reported Q4 operating income of $229 million and net income of $184 million, or $2.14 per share, with adjusted EPS of $2.77.

For fiscal 2025, the corporation reported net sales of $6.553 billion, a 5% increase, with adjusted operating income of $403 million and adjusted EPS of $3.00. CEO Hillary Super stated that broad-based growth drove earnings, while CFO Scott Sekella noted rigorous execution and margin success amid tariff impact.

Victoria’s Secret & Co. (NYSE:VSCO) is a lingerie, apparel, and beauty retailer. It sells bras, panties, lingerie, pajamas, sleepwear, sports and swimwear, and beauty items.

7. Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (NYSE:ANF)

On April 9, 2026, Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (NYSE:ANF) reported that it had teamed up with Sperry, renewing a connection that had started in the 1930s. The corporation said the capsule includes garments and footwear, which will be available online and in select stores. According to Chief Product Officer Corey Robinson, the collaboration broadens footwear products while responding to customers’ needs for complete wardrobes. ALDO Product Services President Jonathan Frankel stated that the partnership unites two heritage names while presenting Sperry in a modern way.

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (NYSE:ANF) announced fourth-quarter and full-year fiscal 2025 results with record net revenue of $1.7 billion for the quarter and $5.3 billion for the year, up 5% and 6%, respectively. The corporation reported a full-year operating margin of 13.3% and diluted EPS of $10.46. CEO Fran Horowitz stated that the firm accomplished its thirteenth consecutive quarter of growth, backed by $619 million in operating cash flow and $450 million in share repurchases.

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (NYSE:ANF) retails apparel, personal care goods, and accessories. The company operates in the following geographic regions: the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and Asia-Pacific.

6. Boot Barn Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:BOOT)

On April 6, 2026, Jefferies raised Boot Barn Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:BOOT) to Buy from Hold, noting a valuation reset, resilient sales, continuing store growth, and steady fundamentals. The price target remains $195. According to the analyst, shares have re-rated despite persistent demand patterns, which improves the risk/reward profile.

Boot Barn Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:BOOT) posted third-quarter fiscal 2026 results, with net sales up 16.0% to $705.6 million and same-store sales up 5.7%, including 3.7% retail and 19.6% e-commerce gains. The corporation reported net income of $85.8 million, or $2.79 per diluted share, up from $75.1 million, or $2.43 per share, the previous year. CEO John Hazen stated that demand remained broad-based across categories, channels, and geographies, driving holiday sales. The firm grew its footprint by building 25 stores, bringing the total to 514 by the end of the quarter, while profiting from merchandise margin expansion and strict expense control.

Boot Barn Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:BOOT) operates retail locations that sell western and work-related footwear, clothes, and accessories. The company’s offerings include boots, jeans, accessories, hats, gifts, home goods, and workwear. The company’s brands include Ariat, Wrangler, Lucchese Boots, Idyllwind, and Cinch.

While we acknowledge the potential of BOOT to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than BOOT and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.

Click to continue reading and see the 5 Best Apparel Stocks to Buy in 2026.

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Dr. Ian Dogan

Co-Founder and Research Director at Insider Monkey

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