Abercrombie 90s Straight vs. Ankle Straight: What's the difference?

The Abercrombie 90s Straight and Ankle Straight jeans are both popular straight-leg styles, but they offer distinct silhouettes. The 90s Straight provides a relaxed, full-length fit with a wider leg for a vintage-inspired look, while the Ankle Straight has a slightly slimmer straight leg that is cropped to hit just above the ankle for a more modern, polished appearance.

Here's everything you need to know to choose the right Abercrombie jean fit for you.

Abercrombie 90s Straight Jeans

The 90s Straight jean is Abercrombie's take on the classic, relaxed denim of the 1990s. This style is designed with a high-rise waist and a straight leg that maintains a consistent, comfortable width from the thigh all the way down to a full-length hem. It delivers a laid-back, vintage aesthetic that prioritizes comfort and an effortless vibe.

• What it is: A high-rise, full-length jean with a relaxed, vintage-inspired straight leg.
• Key features: Relaxed fit through the hip, thigh, and leg without being baggy. Sits high on the waist. Full-length inseam designed to hit at the ankle or slightly stack on your shoes.
• Price: Typically $70-$100, depending on the wash and details.
• Materials/Construction: Often made from their Vintage Stretch Denim, which offers the structure of rigid denim with a small amount of stretch for comfort and ease of movement.
• Sizing/Fit: Runs true to size for a relaxed fit. The leg is intentionally looser than a traditional straight jean, so there's no need to size up for that effect.
• Pros: Extremely comfortable for all-day wear. On-trend retro style. Versatile for casual styling with sneakers or boots. Creates a classic, effortless silhouette.
• Cons: A full-length hem might require hemming for petite individuals. The relaxed fit may feel too loose for those who prefer a more tailored look. Can feel less "dressy" than a slimmer cut.

This is the perfect jean for anyone who loves a timeless, relaxed silhouette and prioritizes a comfortable, laid-back style reminiscent of classic '90s fashion.

Shop this product: abercrombie.com/shop/us/womens-jeans

Abercrombie Ankle Straight Jeans

The Ankle Straight jean is Abercrombie's answer to a modern, versatile straight-leg silhouette. It features a high-rise waist and a straight leg that is slightly slimmer than the 90s version, finishing with a cropped inseam designed to hit perfectly above the ankle bone. This cut is perfect for showcasing your footwear and creating a clean, streamlined look.

• What it is: A contemporary, high-rise straight-leg jean with a cropped inseam that ends above the ankle.
• Key features: Straight from the hip through the thigh with a classic straight leg opening. Cropped length highlights footwear. Sits high on the waist for a flattering fit.
• Price: Usually priced between $70 and $100.
• Materials/Construction: Available in a variety of fabrics, including styles with more stretch for a closer fit or more rigid compositions for a structured look.
• Sizing/Fit: Fits true to size with a close, but not tight, fit through the leg. It offers a cleaner line compared to the more relaxed 90s style.
• Pros: Cropped length is perfect for showing off ankle boots, loafers, sandals, or sneakers. Modern and polished look. Highly versatile and can easily be dressed up or down.
• Cons: The cropped length can be tricky for shoppers who are very tall or very short. The fit is less relaxed, which may not appeal to those looking for a looser style.

This style is ideal for those who want a polished, contemporary straight-leg jean that is versatile enough for both casual outings and more put-together looks.

Shop this product: abercrombie.com/shop/us/womens-jeans

90s Straight vs. Ankle Straight Comparison

Cut & Silhouette

The most significant difference lies in the overall cut and silhouette. The 90s Straight offers a genuine throwback feel with its relaxed fit and roomy leg all the way down to a full-length inseam. It's meant to look and feel effortless and slightly casual. This style creates a longer leg line but with a looser, more traditional straight shape.

In contrast, the Ankle Straight provides a cleaner, more tailored silhouette. Its leg is still straight but fits closer to the body than the 90s cut. The defining feature is the cropped length, which breaks up the leg line intentionally to draw attention to your shoes and create a modern, chic profile. It often feels a bit more refined and structured.

Style & Versatility

The 90s Straight excels at creating laid-back, casual, and vintage-inspired outfits. It pairs perfectly with graphic tees, chunky sweaters, oversized sweatshirts, and casual footwear like retro sneakers or combat boots. While you can dress it up, its inherent style leans towards everyday cool and comfort.

The Ankle Straight is often considered more versatile because its crisp, cropped cut transitions seamlessly from day to night. It looks just as good with a t-shirt and sneakers as it does with a silk blouse and heeled boots or loafers for work. This versatility makes it a go-to choice for those who want one pair of jeans to do it all, adapting easily to different occasions.

Price & Quality

There is no meaningful price difference between these two styles. Both the 90s Straight and Ankle Straight jeans from Abercrombie are part of their core denim collection and are typically priced between $70 and $100. They are made from comparable high-quality fabrics, and both are durable and well-constructed. The decision should not be based on price or quality, but purely on your personal style and fit preference.

Which One Should You Choose?

While both are excellent choices for modern denim, they cater to distinctly different style needs.

Choose the 90s Straight if:

• You prioritize comfort and a relaxed, looser fit in your jeans.
• You love a vintage, throwback aesthetic from the 1990s.
• You prefer full-length jeans that cover the ankle and fall onto your shoe.
• Your typical style is casual, revolving around sneakers, boots, and cozy tops.

Choose the Ankle Straight if:

• You prefer a more tailored, clean, and modern silhouette.
• You love showing off your footwear, like ankle boots, loafers, or statement sneakers.
• You want a highly versatile jean that can easily be dressed up for work or evenings out.
• You prefer a cropped inseam for a fresh, contemporary look.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between Abercrombie 90s Straight and Ankle Straight jeans?

The primary difference is in the fit and length. The 90s Straight is a full-length jean with a relaxed, looser fit through the leg for a vintage vibe. The Ankle Straight has a slightly slimmer straight leg and is cropped to hit intentionally above the ankle for a modern look.

Which style is more flattering?

"Flattering" is subjective and depends on your body type and what you want to highlight. The 90s Straight Jean can create the illusion of longer legs due to its full length, while the Ankle Straight's cropped style draws attention to the slimmest part of your leg - the ankle - and showcases your shoes.

Do Abercrombie jeans run true to size?

Yes, both of these styles generally run true to size. For the 90s Straight, get your normal size for the intended relaxed fit. If you prefer a closer fit, some people choose to size down. The Ankle Straight is designed to be slightly more fitted, so sticking to your usual size is recommended.

How does the 90s Straight jean fit?

It's a high-rise style that is relaxed through the hips and thighs and continues with a straight, roomy cut all the way to the floor. It is not baggy, but it is comfortably loose and offers plenty of room for movement.

How do I style the Ankle Straight jeans?

Their strength is versatility. For a casual look, pair them with a basic t-shirt and white sneakers. To dress them up, try a blazer, a fitted top, and heeled mules or classic loafers. They are specifically designed to look great with ankle boots.

Are these jeans good for petite frames?

Abercrombie offers Short inseams, which is great for petite frames (typically 5'4" and under). The Ankle Straight in a Short inseam is often a perfect out-of-the-box fit. The 90s Straight in a Short inseam will provide a full-length look without needing to be hemmed.

Which of these styles is looser?

The 90s Straight jean is definitively the looser of the two styles. It is designed for a more relaxed, comfortable fit throughout the entire leg.

Can I dress up the 90s Straight jeans?

Absolutely. While their natural vibe is casual, you can dress up a darker wash 90s Straight jean with a fitted bodysuit or a sleek knit top and pointed-toe heels or boots to create a chic, model-off-duty look.