Tween brand Justice makes a comeback for back-to-school

If you were around during Abercrombie’s Golden Era, you also probably remember Justice.

Back in the day the “Just For Girls” stores were landmines for all things tween, filled with tie-dye sets, rainbow leggings, sequin-studded bags, plaid skirts, stationary, bedding, skateboards, and stuffed animals galore.

Popular Justice styles were borrowed from early 2000s icons — think, a more age-appropriate Brittany Spears, Hannah Montana while she was still on Disney Channel, with a touch of the Mean Girls’ “On Wednesday We Wear Pink” aesthetic.

At its peak, the Justice store was probably one of the coolest places to shop — if you were in Middle School. But, it wasn’t always all that.

The leading tween girl apparel brand was originally known as Limited Too, operating as a mishmash chain for young women that sold apparel and accessories to compete with bigger mega-mall stores like Hollister Co. and American Eagle Outfitters.

In 2004, the chain decided to realign its merchandise to appeal more to younger, preteen shoppers — folding and reopening as Justice: Just for Girls. By 2010, the brand expanded with a boy’s clothing line, dubbed “Brothers.”

But, just as quickly as Justice jumped to the top of the retail chain, the store also seemed to fall off the shelf.

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Justice filed for bankruptcy and closed all of its stores. The brand continued offering products through its website, and eventually, it was acquired by Bluestar Alliance LLC, a New York-based private equity firm.

A year later, Justice pivoted, launching exclusively at Walmart stores across the country and online at Walmart.com.

The digital storefront is still heavily reminiscent of the store’s early 2000s identity, stocked with graphic tees, mini mom jeans, denim rompers, plus a more expansive athleisure section.

Justice shows no signs of slowing at Walmart. Over the last few years, the brand has boasted exciting collaborations with Minecraft, Jelly Belly, Dr. Seuss, Carebears, and even a collection inspired by Justin Bieber’s 16-year-old sister, Jazmyn.

Earlier this month, Justice launched a playful limited-edition drop with PEANUTS & Snoopy. The fresh designs are part of a larger back-to-school collection meant to take kids from school to their extra-curricular activities, and back to the bedroom for late-night study sessions.

“This collaboration is truly special, blending the timeless charm of Peanuts with Justice’s commitment to empowering young girls through fashion and fun,” shared Kat DePizzo, President of Justice Design Lab in a July press release.

Justice at Walmart styles range between $3 and $98, and the latest drops include brand-new first-day-of-school fashion, backpacks, pencil cases, crafts, tech, and more school-year essentials.

The EDF leggings have always been a best-seller at Justice, but this pair has been given a brand-new look. The comfortable crossover waistband sets them apart from traditional leggings and adds a fun touch to the design.

Savvy shoppers know the best way to save is to bundle — and Justice has no shortage of options in that department. This popular six-piece cami and short set is perfect for school, casual outings, or lounging at home. 

It’s no surprise that the Mini Mom Jeans continue to rank as one of Justice’s hottest styles. The ample pocket space is perfect for storing essentials, and the frayed hems and distressed patches add a bit of edginess for an iconic back-to-school look.

Set them up to succeed with sparkles, sparkles, and more sparkles. This glittery rainbow backpack set comes with a matching lunch tote, pom pop tangle, and a 20-ounce water bottle. Plys, the 17-inch backpack has plenty of room and pockets to fit books, a laptop, pens, keys, and more.

Buckle boots have been on-trend for the past few Falls, and we don’t expect them to go anywhere this season. This Justice rendition includes an allover glitter upper and functional rhinestone flower-shaped buckles for an adjustable fit.

A pull-on plaid skirt is perfect for school but easily dressed up or down for any occasion. This one is available in two trendy colors — black and pale violet. Sewn-in undershorts provide comfort and modesty.

Fresh from the Justice and Snoopy collaboration, this denim backpack features the iconic dog of Charlie Brown, and Snoopy’s pal Woodstock. The lightweight build, leather straps, and metal charm chain add plenty of character to make this comic backpack cool for school.

In recent years, Justice has expanded its activewear section, and the 90s style unitards have made a major comeback. The back and shoulder mesh paneling on the Twist Back Biketard is built for dancers and gymnasts, and easily fashionable enough for competitions or recitals.

This camo backpack is another Justice best-seller — adorned with padded straps, an all-over print, fun, graphic motifs, and a spacious interior to carry all the necessities from class to class.

With the school season ahead, now is the time to replenish the essentials. The super-soft fabric used in the “Shades Collection” is designed to stay in place with a snug but comfortable waistband and a mid-rise fit.

Floral, slightly mocked, and flowy, this delightful Peasant Top and Skirt set exudes elegance for endless styling opportunities. Wear it together or mix and match to transition from dressy to casual.

Aspiring artists and crafty types will love Justice’s Studio Art supplies, which include everything from glitter gel pens to clip-on phone stands, a spiral sketchpad, puffy stickers, and more.

With school starting back up, it might be time for a room refresh. Consider this soft teddy sherpa to spruce up the bedroom and make a cozy space to curl up, lounge, or study. The Sherpa fabrication is extra comfortable and safe for snacking — it wipes clean with a damp cloth!

Smartwatches are all the rage among pre-teens, and this straightforward tie-dye band has all the features to help them develop healthy habits, from screen wakeups to hydration reminders, and sports modes for running, skipping, biking, and more. It even offers messaging pushes and call reminders.

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