Abercrombie Skinny vs. Super Skinny Jeans: What's the difference?

Choosing between skinny jeans from Abercrombie & Fitch and Levi's comes down to a clear preference: modern trend and comfort versus timeless heritage and durability. Abercrombie jeans are known for their soft, super-stretchy fabrics and youthful, fashion-forward silhouettes, while Levi's offers classic, sturdy denim with an iconic reputation for quality and longevity.

Here's everything you need to know to decide which brand's skinny jeans belong in your closet.

About Abercrombie Skinny Jeans

Abercrombie skinny jeans are designed for the modern shopper who prioritizes comfort and trendiness. Leaning heavily on soft fabrics with significant stretch, these jeans provide a snug, body-hugging fit that's easy to wear all day. Their aesthetic is youthful and contemporary, often featuring popular washes and subtle detailing without feeling overly distressed.

• What it is: On-trend skinny jeans known for their exceptional softness and elasticity.
• Key features: High-stretch fabrics for a flexible fit, modern washes, a variety of rises, and a reputation for comfort.
• Price: Typically $60 - $100, but frequently available for less during sales.
• Materials/Construction: Utilizes blends with elastane or spandex to enhance comfort and stretch, resulting in a less rigid feel than traditional denim.
• Sizing/Fit: Tend to run true to size with a very snug, sculpting fit due to the stretch. The fit is designed to hug the body closely from waist to ankle.
• Pros: Incredibly comfortable from the first wear, require no break-in period, on-trend styles and washes, and generally more affordable.
• Cons: High elasticity can mean they may lose shape over time compared to more rigid denim. The style focus is more on current trends than timeless design.

These jeans are for the person who values a soft, comfortable fit and a modern silhouette over old-school denim ruggedness.

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

About Levi's Skinny Jeans

As a denim pioneer, Levi's offers skinny jeans built on a foundation of heritage, durability, and classic style. Made from sturdier denim, their jeans are constructed to last, featuring the brand’s iconic hardware and stitching. Levi’s styling is timeless and versatile, available in a vast range of washes from raw indigo to artfully distressed, appealing to a wide demographic.

• What it is: A classic, durable skinny jean from an iconic American denim brand.
• Key features: Emphasis on durable denim, reinforced stitching, iconic five-pocket design, and a wide variety of rises, washes, and inseam lengths.
• Price: Generally $50 - $130, with most classic styles falling in the $70-$100 range.
• Materials/Construction: Utilizes high-quality, often heavyweight denim known for its longevity. Construction is robust, with copper rivets and sturdy hardware.
• Sizing/Fit: Known for reliable and consistent sizing. Many styles are available in specific waist and inseam measurements for a more customized fit. They offer a classic skinny silhouette that is fitted but structured.
• Pros: Excellent durability and long-term value, timeless style that resists passing trends, broader range of sizes and inseams, strong brand reputation.
• Cons: Can feel stiff at first and may require a break-in period. Premium collections can be more expensive.

This brand is ideal for those investing in a durable, versatile, and classic pair of skinny jeans that will stand the test of time.

Shop this brand: levi.com/clothing/women/jeans/skinny

Abercrombie vs. Levi's Skinny Jeans Comparison

Price & Value

Abercrombie typically positions its jeans between $60 and $100, making them a relatively affordable option, especially with the brand's frequent promotions. For the price, you get an on-trend, comfortable pair of jeans perfect for everyday casual wear.

Levi's jeans have a slightly broader price range of $50 to $130. While some styles are pricier, the value comes from their longevity. A pair of Levi's is often seen as a long-term wardrobe investment, as their durable construction means they can last for years, or even decades, with proper care.

Quality & Materials

The primary material difference lies in their philosophy. Abercrombie champions comfort, using soft denim with a high percentage of stretch fibers. This creates a flexible, easy-to-wear jean from day one.

Levi's, on the other hand, prioritizes classic denim craftsmanship. Their jeans are often heavier and more rigid, designed for durability. While many modern Levi's styles incorporate stretch for comfort, they generally retain a more structured feel than their Abercrombie counterparts.

Style & Aesthetic

Abercrombie is all about the now - their styles are youthful, modern, and reflect current fashion trends. You'll find popular washes, contemporary rises, and a sleek silhouette designed for a young, fashion-conscious customer.

Levi's style is rooted in timeless Americana. Their skinny jeans project an authentic, effortless vibe that is highly versatile. Levi's caters to a broader audience, with styles ranging from clean and classic to edgy and vintage-inspired.

Fit & Sizing

Both brands generally run true to size, but the feeling of the fit is distinct. An Abercrombie skinny jean will have a snug, almost "jeggings"-like feel due to its high elasticity, molding closely to your legs.

A Levi's skinny jean offers a more structured fit. It's designed to be slim from waist to ankle, but the lower stretch content provides more shape and support. Levi’s often provides more precise sizing with separate waist and inseam measurements, allowing for a better-tailored fit straight off the rack.

Sustainability & Ethics

Both brands have made moves toward more sustainable practices. However, Levi's has a longer and more established history of sustainability initiatives, including their Water<,Less® Technology, use of recycled materials, and B Corp certification, which signifies a high level of social and environmental performance.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both brands offer excellent skinny jeans, but they excel in different areas for different people.

Choose Abercrombie Skinny Jeans if:

• You prioritize immediate, out-of-the-box comfort and softness.
• You prefer a very stretchy, body-hugging fit that moves with you.
• You enjoy keeping up with modern trends and want a youthful, stylish look.
• You're looking for an affordable pair of jeans and appreciate frequent sales.

Choose Levi's Skinny Jeans if:

• You want exceptionally durable jeans that are a smart long-term investment.
• You love classic, timeless styles that won't feel dated next year.
• You value brand heritage and authentic denim craftsmanship.
• You want a wide variety of sizes, including specific inseam lengths, for a precise fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the main difference between Abercrombie and Levi’s jeans?

The main difference is their core focus. Abercrombie focuses on soft, stretchy materials for a comfortable, trendy fit. Levi's prioritizes durable, classic denim construction for a timeless style and lasting quality.

Which brand is more expensive?

Their prices overlap significantly, but Levi's premium collections can be more expensive. However, Abercrombie's frequent sales can often make their jeans the more affordable option at any given time.

Do Abercrombie jeans stretch out?

Because Abercrombie jeans have a lot of stretch built in for comfort, they can relax or stretch out more noticeably with wear compared to rigid denim. Washing them can help them return to their original shape.

Are Levi’s skinny jeans comfortable?

Yes, modern Levi's skinny jeans are designed to be comfortable, and many styles incorporate stretch. However, they generally have a more structured and robust feel than Abercrombie jeans and may require a few wears to fully soften and mold to your body.

How is the sizing for Abercrombie vs. Levi’s?

Both brands generally fit true to size. Abercrombie offers standard sizing (e.g., 26, 27, 28), while Levi's often provides specific waist and inseam measurements (e.g., 27W x 30L), allowing for a more customized and accurate fit, especially for taller or shorter individuals.

Are Abercrombie jeans good quality?

Abercrombie jeans are good quality for their price point, especially regarding comfort and modern styling. Their longevity may not match that of a heavyweight pair of Levi's, but they are well-made for everyday fashion wear.

Which brand is more sustainable?

Levi's has more established and publicly transparent sustainability programs, including water-saving production methods and a history of eco-friendly initiatives. While Abercrombie is improving its practices, Levi's is generally seen as a leader in this area.

Do Levi's jeans run true to size?

Yes, Levi's are known for their consistent and reliable sizing. They provide detailed size charts to help you find the perfect fit based on your measurements, which is one of the brand's strengths.