2000s Clothing Stores Y2K Kids Remember

For those of us who grew up in the late '90s and early '00s, hanging out at the local mall wasn't just considered cool—it was a rite of passage and a regular pastime. It wasn't weird to just wander around with your friends for hours. Our hard-earned allowance or early paychecks went toward clothing and accessories and it was (usually) worth it.

Maybe it's the resurgence of early aughts trends or the fact that we sometimes miss the days of flip phones with no internet access, but recently, we've been getting nostalgic for our favorite 2000s clothing stores. And, if we're being honest, a handful of our core memories are tied to shopping for words-on-the-butt pants and ruched dresses, most of which came from stores that don't even exist anymore.

Keep scrolling for 13 of our favorite 2000s clothing stores.

Limited Too

The flared jeans and graphic T-shirts that featured dogs with soccer balls were irresistible to the pre-teens of this era. It was a good day if you also found a fuzzy scarf or a tattoo choker necklace to add to your purchase. It was also great when you happened to wander in on a "Too Bucks" day, which essentially meant you got coupons to spend on your next visit.

Ruehl No.925

Did we really need a more expensive version of Abercrombie & Fitch? No, not at all. But that small fact didn't stop us from wandering into another one of these dimly lit stores and spending way too much on a logo hoodie.

dELiA*s

Not only were the catalogs iconic (and now seem to be a source of inspiration for Gen Z fashion), but the retail store was always on our list when we took a trip to the mall. Where else could we find denim maxi skirts, zebra halter tops, ponchos, and even graphic tees that made us feel like Lizzie McGuire? These days, the brand lives on through Dolls Kill.

Caché

We have fond memories of searching these racks in a panic, trying to find a sexy yet sophisticated dress for some sort of school dance or sweet 16. If you liked tight and ruched designs, this right here was probably your go-to.

G&G

We're not entirely sure if this one existed beyond the East Coast or tri-state area, but every mall surely had a store where you easily stocked up on words-on-butt pants, babydoll dresses, and $1 thongs. This one had all that and more.

Warner Bros. Studio Store

For a moment, it felt like Disney and Warner Brothers were fierce competitors with similar stores—until the latter went out of business in 2001, reported The Washington Post. And while princess gear can still be purchased in person, we have been forced to say goodbye to random Looney Tunes shirts and a replica of Marvin the Martian's spaceship (le sigh).

Joyce Leslie

Technically, this store opened in 1945—and closed all its retail locations in 2016, as reported by PR Newswire. In our mind, it'll live on as a very specific aughts go-to, where everything was neon or animal print, and the bangle bracelets were smartly placed by the register, making them impossible to resist.

Wet Seal

We'll forever think of this store any time we're shopping for wardrobe essentials. Does your waitressing job or chorus performance require you to wear black trousers? Are you in search of some colorful V-necks or yoga pants that fold at the top? You can probably find 'em at Wet Seal—and, if you were lucky, they'd be on those massive sale racks in the back too.

Deb Shops

To be honest, there may not be a store on this list that didn't sell batwing sweaters or illusion-neckline dresses, but we can't forget to mention Deb. The death of this store was pretty sad too. According to Consumerist, after shuttering all retail locations in 2015, it offered a variety of sizes, including plus, online—until 2018, when the site shut down too.

Gadzooks

If the late '90s, early aughts Gadzooks reopened today, fashion lovers would feel as if they'd hit the jackpot. Between the baggy JNCO jeans, flannel shirts, and platform shoes, there's lots to love at this store.

The Limited

If you're a millennial, chances are you'd walk by this store, take one look at the button-downs and pencil skirts in the window, and vow you'd visit when you were older and had an office job. Thankfully, workwear has become a little less formal—which probably wasn't so great for The Limited's business model. It officially closed its stores in 2017, reported Allure.

Steve & Barry's

If you forgot about this store, we don't blame you—but please, please, try to remember! Aside from selling sweatshirts of your specific college or favorite sports team, Steve & Barry's was home to Sarah Jessica Parker's clothing line, Bitten, as well as Amanda Bynes's DEAR.

Afaze

For the most part, you went to Afaze to get statement costume jewelry. Back then, it was all the rage. This store sold very large geometric necklaces and drop earrings. You'd probably add a $15 pair of flats—which hung on a hanger on a spinning stand—to your purchase.

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7qrrSrbClnV6YvK57kWlnaatdmLmwwMeipaBlo6m8s7HSZmxscWJthHM%3D