H&M's Most Popular Items of 2021 |Best Knockoff Luxury Clothing

last updated 17 January 2022

If you weren’t already an avid H&M shopper before 2021, chances are high that you probably are by now. Despite an increasingly difficult market to succeed in, the high-street mega-brand has only gone from strength to strength, continually wooing us all with affordable basics, statement sellouts, conscious collections and, of course, all those collaborations.

The design team seems to have a knack for nailing exactly what we want to be wearing, and so, unsurprisingly, the brand is consistently one of the most popular on Who What Wear UK. Of course, some items are more in-demand than others, and given we're always nosy about what other people are buying, we thought you might also like a sneak peek into what H&M’s actual best sellers were in 2021.

hm-best-selling-items-2021-296004-1642444794392-image

As it turns out, you’re all as mad about expensive-looking basics as we are. Most of the list consists of perfect capsule wardrobe items like wide-leg trousers, a classic white shirt, simple blazers and the piece that outdid them all: the perfect ribbed vest top, with a whopping 1400 sold through our articles in 2021. They're best-sellers for a reason, remember.

You might have bagged them all, or likely at least one item on this list. But if not, you’re in luck. Most of the original pieces are so classic they’re actually still in stock. Keep scrolling to see how many of H&M’s best sellers you added to your wardrobe last year, and shop any pieces you missed out on...

1. RIBBED VEST TOP

H&M

Ribbed Vest Top

Simple but effective. Summer 2021 was all about the vest top, and H&M's version was the one we kept getting recommended by friends. It's made from a thick cotton (so good for going bra-less if that's your thing) and comes in hundreds of colours (okay, seven). At just £10 it's a smart investment for next summer, and perfect for layering under knits now.

H&M

Ribbed Vest Top

H&M

Ribbed Vest Top

2. WIDE TROUSERS

H&M

Wide Trousers

2021 was the year everyone realised how useful wide-leg trousers can be. Comfy, chic and smart, they tick so many fashion boxes. It's easy to see why H&M's affordable, stretch-waist version were so popular. The brand does this style very well, so we've added some equally good alternatives below, too.

H&M

Wide Trousers

H&M

Wide Trousers

3. RIB-KNIT CARDIGAN

H&M

Rib-Knit Cardigan

Cardigans are a fully-fledged wardrobe classic now. Especially neutral versions like H&M's ribbed version. It's the perfect relaxed, cosy number.

H&M

Rib-Knit Cardigan

H&M

Rib-Knit Cardigan

4. OVERSIZED COTTON SHIRT

H&M

Oversized Cotton Shirt

Everyone needs at least one cotton shirt in their wardrobe, ideally a few in a range of colours. It's long been one of the most versatile wardrobe staples, and in 2021, it came fashion girl approved, too. H&M's oversized version is spot-on.

H&M

Oversized Cotton Shirt

H&M

Oversized Cotton Shirt

5. RIB-KNIT DRESS

H&M

Rib-Knit Dress

Who doesn't love a stretchy, ribbed-knit dress? A basic that you'll wear again and again, day and night. H&M's strappy version is perfect for spring, but we've added long-sleeve options below for right now.

H&M

Rib-Knit Dress

H&M

Rib-Knit Dress

6. FLOUNCE-DETAIL DRESS

H&M

Flounce-Detail Dress

We don't know a fashion girl, or any girl for that matter, who didn't have or want this flounce-detail dress in their wardrobe in summer. Undoubtedly popular thanks to its comfortable throw-on shape and affordable price tag. Most of the colours sold out instantly but there's a few that have since been restocked. Your summer self will thank you for this one.

H&M

Flounce-Detail Dress

H&M

Flounce-Detail Dress

7. WIDE HIGH JEANS

H&M

Wide High Jeans

It's no secret H&M denim is one of our high-street go-tos. These wide-leg jeans are typical of 2021's favourite looser '90s shape that shows no sign of slowing down in 2022.

H&M

Wide High Jeans

H&M

Wide High Jeans

8. OVERSIZED JACKET

H&M

Oversized Jacket

The perfect blazer. Need we say more? An expensive-looking wardrobe staple you'll wear for years to come.

H&M

Oversized Jacket

H&M

Oversized Jacket

9. VINTAGE HIGH JEANS

H&M+

Vintage Straight High Jeans

Straight-leg jeans will always be a classic that work seriously hard in your wardrobe. H&M's 'vintage' styles are worth trying if you're still searching for the perfect high street pair.

H&M

Vintage Slim High Ankle Jeans

H&M

Vintage Slim High Ankle Jeans

Up Next: If You Thought These 24 H&M Items Were Designer, I Wouldn't Blame You

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Emily Dawes is the very definition of a fashion multi hyphenate. An editor, stylist and writer with over eleven years’ worth of experience in the industry, Emily is known for her impeccable taste, elegant outfit choices and being able to spot the next big thing in fashion from a mile off. Our readers loyally trust her advice and shopping suggestions; so much so she began her own column documenting the most expensive-looking pieces on the high street, which has become a top-performing piece of content for theBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing brand.

Emily has worked forBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK since 2020 in a myriad as roles, spanning from contributing editor and branded content editor. Now, she holds the position of affiliate editor and is responsible for the brand’s overall affiliate strategy, ideation and content execution. Working closely withBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK’s affiliate manager, Emily has been instrumental in securing and nourishing brand partnerships, surpassing her goals as standard. Leading the team in tentpole shopping moments including Black Friday and Peak Trading, with Emily’s guidance and leadership, teamBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing is in a stronger affiliate position than ever before.

Prior to joining theBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing team, Emily served as YOU Magazine’s acting fashion editor where she managed the fashion team and oversaw all fashion content output for the fast-paced weekly title. Emily is a stylist in her own right, having worked with a slew of VIP clients including writer and television personality, Elizabeth Day, as well as styling and art directing several celebrity cover shoots for glossy print publication, Grazia. Her adept fashion knowledge means brands regularly sought out to work with her as a consultant: previously she has developed marketing and content plans for brands for Cocoon and Edge of Ember. Before entering the industry, Emily obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English and American Studies with International Study from Nottingham University. Fun fact: Emily spent a year studying in America which saw her join a sorority during her time there.

When she’s not working or tracking down the chicest, new-in items to share with our audience, you’ll find Emily bestowing her East London home with her stylish flair, reading everything from the classics to cowboy romance novels and escaping to the country with husband, baby boy and dog, Roo, whenever she can.

Emily is currently on maternity leave.