• The Gen Z TikTokers have spoken: Here are the back-to-school items that are in right now.
  • Looking cool for school has a steep price tag, with nine popular items totaling over $1,000.
  • Brands like Lululemon have retained their popularity, but smaller brands are gaining traction, too.

Back-to-school season is upon us, and Gen Z TikTokers have decided which items to buy this year to look cool for school.

Nine of the most popular items will collectively set you back about $1,000.

Some of the most popular brands on the Gen Z's buying list include Lululemon, Adidas, Apple, Owala, and Garage.

"Viral trends have played a major role in defining the specific brands, styles, and aesthetics that students are excited about," said Brittany Steiger, a retail and e-commerce analyst from Mintel, a market research company.

"While brands like Lululemon, Nike, and Stanley have long been popular with Gen Z, competing brands such as Gold Hinge, Hoka, and Owala are also gaining traction," Steiger said.

Here are some of Gen Z's top picks for back to school this year.

Lululemon New Crew Backpack: $98

It's no surprise that Lululemon is one of the most popular brands on the list, as athleisure continues to dominate.

The one item that keeps popping up in the back-to-school hauls is the Lululemon New Crew Backpack, which retails for $98.

Although it comes in five colors, the black variation appears most popular among Gen Z on TikTok.

Lululemon Hotty Hot Shorts: $68

Another Lululemon fan favorite is the Hotty Hot Shorts.

The breathable shorts, which come in different lengths and rises, retail for $68 a pop and are all over the back-to-school hauls.

Aerie Crossover Flowy Short: $54.95

Another popular item this back-to-school season is the OFFLINE By Aerie Real Me Crossover Flowy Short.

The flowy shorts with a v-shaped waistband retail for $54.95 and are touted as a closet essential for school.

Adidas Gazelles: $120

A model in Germany wearing Adidas Gazelle sneakers. Foto: Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images

Adidas Sambas have stolen the show lately, but the Gazelles are not far behind. Gen Z has brought back the two retro-style sneakers.

Breaking away from the white-sneaker uniform of millennials and older Gen Zs, younger TikTokers are opting for bolder colors like pink and red.

The Gazelle sneakers retail for $120. The price varies according to the color and pattern.

Airpods Max: $549

A model in Germany carrying a pair of Airpods Max. Foto: Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images

Here's where the list starts getting really expensive. According to some Gen Z TikTokers, Airpods Max are now a school essential.

The sleek over-the-ear headphones cost $549. A BI review found them to be heavy and not sweat-resistant, but their noise-cancellation quality was excellent.

@sarahjacqueline_

s/o for Dylan at @Best Buy for telling me i need to treat myself for this upcoming school year. you’re right, Dylan. you’re SO right. #airpod #airpodmax #apple #bestbuy #backtoschoolcheck #treatyourself @apple

♬ Im In Love Im Obsessed Rihanna x Casa Di Remix - CasaDi

Owala FreeSip Water Bottle: $37.99

The Owala FreeSip water bottle. Foto: Amazon

Stanley Cups have given way to the Owala FreeSip, the new "it" water bottle.

The Owala FreeSip bottle is available in various color combinations and sizes. Its 40-ounce variation retails for $37.99.

Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm: $24

The main makeup item that kept popping up on back-to-school hauls was the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm, a tinted lip balm retailing for $24.

The balm has a glossy and slightly pigmented finish, ideal for an understated makeup look for class.

Garage Sweatpants: $59.95

A woman wearing a pair of grey sweatpants. Foto: Justin Paget/Getty Images

Sweatpants have been a longtime school must-have, and sweatpants from Garage are a Gen Z closet staple.

The Fleece Cargo Sweatpant from Garage retails for $59.95.

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