* Athletic Brands: Nike, Adidas, Puma, Under Armour remain consistently popular, often worn even outside of sports activities. Specific styles and collaborations (e.g., limited edition sneakers) can drive intense trends.
* Fast Fashion Brands: Brands like Hollister, Abercrombie & Fitch (though their popularity has fluctuated), and American Eagle Outfitters are often seen, although their appeal can depend on the specific middle school and social group. Shein and other budget-friendly online retailers also have significant influence, particularly for accessories and trendy pieces.
* Social Media-Driven Brands: Brands that heavily utilize TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube influencers to market to younger audiences tend to see spikes in popularity. This is a constantly shifting landscape, with new brands emerging frequently. Specific examples are hard to name as they change quickly.
* Accessories Brands: Brands known for popular accessories like scrunchies, jewelry, or phone cases will see popularity ebbs and flows.
It's crucial to remember that popularity is highly subjective and varies significantly depending on location, social circles, and individual preferences. What's trendy in one middle school might be completely unknown in another.