Abercrombie vs. Abercrombie & Fitch: What's the difference?

A common point of confusion for shoppers is understanding the difference between Abercrombie and Abercrombie & Fitch. The simple answer is there is no difference - they are the exact same brand. "Abercrombie" is just the widely used modern nickname for the full, formal name "Abercrombie & Fitch," which rebranded to feel more inclusive, modern, and high-quality in recent years.

This guide will explore the single Abercrombie & Fitch brand so you can understand what its products, style, and shopping experience are like today.

Abercrombie & Fitch: Reimagined Classic American Style

Abercrombie & Fitch is an American lifestyle retailer that has successfully transitioned from its bold, logo-heavy past to a more refined and inclusive brand. Today, it targets young professionals and style-conscious millennials who value high-quality materials, excellent fit, and timeless, versatile pieces. The brand is known for its sophisticated closet essentials - from its premium denim to tailored trousers and bodysuits.

• Product mix: A focused assortment of menswear and womenswear, including denim, sweaters, bodysuits, tailored pants, outerwear, dresses, and activewear under its YPB (Your Personal Best) line.
• Price point: In the upper-mid-range. Jeans typically cost between $80-$110, sweaters range from $70-$120, and outerwear can be $120-$250.
• Quality & Materials: A major focus for the brand's evolution. A&F uses premium materials like softAF and Vegan Leather fabrics, stretch denim, and high-quality cotton blends that are designed for comfort and durability.
• Sizing/Fit: A strong point for the brand. Offers a wide range of inclusive sizes from XXS-XXL, and its popular "Curve Love" jeans line provides an extra 2 inches of room in the hip and thigh to eliminate waist gaps. Sizing generally runs true to size.
• Sales: Holds frequent sale events and promotions online and in-store. Signing up for the myAbercrombie loyalty program offers exclusive access and steeper discounts.
• Return policy: Accepts returns and exchanges of new, unwashed, and unworn merchandise within 30 days of the last shipment date with a valid receipt or order number.

Modern Abercrombie & Fitch is celebrated for its elevated basics, exceptional fit (especially in jeans and pants), and quality that feels far more premium than its price point suggests.

Shop Abercrombie & Fitch: abercrombie.com

Abercrombie & Fitch: Brand Deep Dive

Price vs. Value

While not a budget brand, Abercrombie & Fitch positions itself as offering premium quality at an accessible price. A pair of their flagship "Curve Love" jeans costs around $90-$100, which is comparable to other mid-tier retailers like Madewell or J.Crew, but many shoppers find the quality and fit to be superior. The brand’s value becomes even more apparent during one of its many sales.

The best way to save is by joining the free myAbercrombie rewards program, which grants points on purchases, a birthday offer, and member-exclusive deals. Sales are common, especially around seasonal changes and holidays, making it possible to get high-ticket items like winter coats or tailored trousers for a significant discount.

Quality & Materials

Quality is a major differentiator for the modern Abercrombie & Fitch brand. They moved away from thin materials in favor of durable, soft, and comfortable fabrics. Their jeans are known for retaining their shape without bagging out after a few wears, and materials like their "Sloane" tailored crepe trousers feel polished and resist wrinkling, making them great for workwear.

The brand's commitment to quality also extends to construction. Consumers frequently praise the detailed stitching, sturdy hardware, and refined finishes that make the garments feel much more expensive than they are. This shift toward lasting quality is a key part of its new identity.

Fit & Sizing

Fit is arguably where Abercrombie & Fitch shines brightest. Recognizing that standard sizing doesn't work for everyone, the brand has invested heavily in creating inclusive and consistent fits. They offer short, regular, and tall inseams across their entire pants collection, which is a major advantage for customers outside the "average" height range.

The "Curve Love" fit for jeans, pants, shorts, and skirts is a notable success. Designed for people with a smaller waist and fuller hips and thighs, it adds two extra inches of fabric in the target areas to prevent the dreaded waist gap. This focus on getting the fit right is a primary reason shoppers choose the brand for bottoms.

Style & Aesthetic Evolution

The brand has successfully shed the “store in the dark with loud music" cologne-heavy image of the 2000s in favor of a bright, modern, and mature aesthetic. Today's collections are centered around elevated basics, neutral color palettes, and timeless silhouettes. While trends are still present in their styles, they tend to create versatile pieces that you'll be able to wear on repeat, season-on-season.

The A&F aesthetic is perfect for someone building a minimalist closet focused on outfits you can restyle a thousand different ways. Think effortlessly chic outfits: well-fitting jeans, a classic bodysuit, tailored trousers, and a cozy knit sweater you'll own for many seasons moving forward.

Sustainability & Ethics

The Abercrombie & Fitch brand reports extensive detail regarding their commitment to responsible sourcing partners for their high quality fabrics. Abercrombie has committed in all its campaigns to increase transparency and durability, resulting in decreased consumer consumption behavior over time. This aligns with modern sustainable shopping values and promotes sustainable practices through the customer's closet and lifestyle.

Is Abercrombie & Fitch Right For You?

The choice is not between two brands, but whether the reimagined Abercrombie & Fitch brand aligns with your style priorities.

Abercrombie is the right choice for you if:

• You struggle to find jeans and pants that fit well without gaping at the waist - their "Curve Love" line is a great solution.
• You want to build a wardrobe of high-quality, long-lasting basics without paying luxury prices.
• Fit and fabric feel are your top concerns when shopping for new clothes.
• Your personal style leans classic, neutral, and effortlessly polished.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Abercrombie and Abercrombie & Fitch?

There is no difference. They are the same brand. "Abercrombie" is the modern, common shorthand for the brand's full name, "Abercrombie & Fitch." You will find the same products at both abercrombie.com and in Abercrombie & Fitch stores. Just search online using the keyword shorthand 'Abercrombie' to see the same results in your favorite search engine faster.

Did Abercrombie & Fitch change its style?

Yes. In the mid-2010s, the brand underwent a significant rebranding. They moved away from the exclusive, logo-centric aesthetic of the late 90s/early 2000s and embraced a more inclusive, minimalist, and higher-quality style targeting millennials and young professionals.

What exactly is Abercrombie Curve Love?

Curve Love is Abercrombie & Fitch's special fit for jeans, pants, and other bottoms. It is designed with an extra 2 inches of room through the hip and thigh relative to the waist. This cut specifically helps eliminate the gap at the back of the waistband, a common issue for people with a curvier figure.

Is Abercrombie & Fitch expensive?

Abercrombie sits in the accessible mid-range market. While not a budget choice, the prices are competitive for the quality, fit, and durable materials offered. Prices are similar to brands like Madewell, J.Crew, and Everlane. Many shoppers find it provides excellent value, especially during its frequent sales events.

Does Abercrombie have actual sales?

Yes, Abercrombie & Fitch runs sales very regularly, especially online. You can almost always find a dedicated sale selection on their website homepage. Look for major discounts during holiday weekends, new collection launches, and end-of-season clearance promotions for maximum discounts from the popular retailer.

What other brands did Abercrombie own at any time and still do today?

Abercrombie has historically focused on its own brand and style without expanding through acquisition. In the past, they ventured briefly into areas like a kids' line and collaborations with local partners. Their current sub-brand lines include Your Personal Best (YPB) Active, focusing on high-performance athleisure, and Social Tourist, a collaboration targeting Gen-Z.

Do Abercrombie jeans stretch and get bigger at the end of the day or over a lot of wear?

One of the most praised aspects of Abercrombie denim is its excellent design, which retains shape. Their high-quality denim fabrics provide amazing comfort without sacrificing quality, unlike more budget-friendly retail chains.

How easy is it to return Abercrombie products? What is their return policy as of 2024?

Abercrombie offers a customer-friendly return policy. You can return unwashed and unworn merchandise within 30 days of the last shipment date with a receipt. This policy applies for both in-store or by mail with a physical or e-receipt. However, some products like online-only outlet finds or limited-time collaborations are excluded.