Abercrombie vs. Levis: Which brand should you buy? [2026]

Abercrombie focuses on trendy, comfortable casualwear with a youthful and modern aesthetic, often at a slightly more accessible price point. In contrast, Levi's is an iconic denim brand known for its timeless style, durable construction, and American heritage, appealing to a broad demographic looking for classic pieces that last.

Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right brand for your wardrobe.

Abercrombie: Comfortable & Trendy Casuals

Abercrombie & Fitch has successfully evolved from its preppy, logo-heavy past into a go-to for modern, accessible fashion. The brand now targets young adults with comfortable, stylish basics that feel current and relaxed. By focusing on inclusive sizing, softer materials, and on-trend fits, Abercrombie has become a favorite for everyday essentials like quality denim, hoodies, and bodysuits.

• Product mix: A wide range of casual apparel including jeans in modern cuts, comfortable hoodies, T-shirts, dresses, and loungewear.
• Price point: Mid-range, with jeans typically priced between $50 and $100 and tops from $30 to $70. The brand runs sales frequently, especially during seasonal changes.
• Style & Aesthetic: Casual, contemporary, and youthful. Their collections feature neutral color palettes, minimalist designs, and relaxed silhouettes that are easy to style.
• Fit & Sizing: Offers a variety of modern fits like skinny, straight, and relaxed. Sizing generally runs true to size, with inclusive options including short, regular, and tall inseams.
• Quality: Known for exceptionally soft and comfortable fabrics. While durable, the emphasis is more on wearability and comfort than rugged longevity.
• Sustainability: The company has increased its use of eco-friendly materials and is transparent about its ethical manufacturing practices.

Abercrombie is the perfect choice for shoppers who prioritize current trends, soft fabrics, and an effortlessly styled look at a reasonable price.

Shop Abercrombie: abercrombie.com

Levi's: Timeless Denim & American Heritage

As the original creator of blue jeans, Levi's has built a global reputation for authenticity, durability, and classic American style. The brand is a symbol of quality denim that transcends trends and generations. From the iconic 501s to a vast array of modern fits, Levi's offers something for everyone, backed by over 150 years of expertise in crafting garments designed to last a lifetime.

• Product mix: Known for its extensive collection of jeans, denim jackets, and shorts. Also offers a full line of casual wear, including T-shirts, western shirts, and outerwear.
• Price point: Prices vary widely, from around $50 for entry-level jeans to over $150 for premium or collaboration lines. Discounts are common during major holiday sales.
• Style & Aesthetic: Classic, timeless, and authentic. The focus is on clean lines and well-constructed denim that serves as a versatile foundation for any wardrobe.
• Fit & Sizing: Features an extensive range of iconic fits (like 501, 511, 505) and is known for its consistent and reliable sizing. Detailed online guides help customers find their perfect fit across different styles.
• Quality: Renowned for high-quality, sturdy denim designed for longevity. Their jeans are known to age beautifully, making them a long-term wardrobe investment.
• Sustainability: A leader in sustainable fashion, with well-established initiatives like Water technology to reduce water consumption and a commitment to using recycled materials.

Levi's remains the top choice for anyone wanting durable, classic denim with a rich history and a strong commitment to sustainable production.

Shop Levi's: levi.com

Abercrombie vs. Levi's Comparison

Price Comparison

Abercrombie typically offers more accessible pricing, especially for non-denim items. Their jeans consistently fall within the $50-$100 range, and frequent promotions can bring those prices down significantly. This makes it easier to build a full wardrobe of trendy pieces without a huge investment.

Levi's has a broader price spectrum. While you can find classic styles starting around $50-$70 during sales, their premium collections like Levi's Vintage Clothing can exceed $200. The higher price often reflects specialized fabrics, heritage construction techniques, and the brand's iconic status. Generally, Abercrombie is the more budget-friendly option for current styles.

Quality & Materials

This is where the brands' philosophies diverge most. Levi's has built its reputation on rugged durability. Their denim is sturdy, built to withstand years of wear, and often gets better with age as it forms to your body. They prioritize high-quality cotton and dependable construction above all else.

Abercrombie prioritizes immediate comfort and a soft hand-feel. Their fabrics, particularly in their jeans and basics, are often blended with stretch for a comfortable, contemporary fit right off the rack. While still well-made, their garments are designed for modern comfort rather than heritage-level durability.

Style & Aesthetic

Abercrombie's aesthetic is firmly planted in the present. It reflects current trends with its relaxed fits, neutral color schemes, and youthful, minimalist vibe. It’s the brand you choose for an updated, fashionable look that feels effortless and in-the-moment.

Levi's style is timeless. Their core designs, like the 501 jeans and Trucker jacket, have been popular for decades and remain relevant. The look is classic American cool - versatile, authentic, and never out of style. It caters to those who prefer building a wardrobe with enduring pieces rather than chasing seasonal trends.

Fit & Sizing

Both brands offer an impressive range of sizes and fits, including options for different body types and inseam lengths. Abercrombie's fits are generally more trend-driven, featuring popular styles like the 90s straight leg, flare, and skinny jeans. Their sizing is considered quite standard and runs true to size.

Levi's organizes its collection by iconic fit numbers (501, 511, 721), which have a long history of consistency. Their detailed online size guides are extremely helpful for dialing in the perfect fit, whether you're looking for a slim, straight, athletic, or relaxed cut. Levi's consistency makes it easier to repurchase trusted styles.

Sustainability & Ethics

Levi's is a recognized leader in sustainable apparel manufacturing. For years, they've pioneered water-saving technologies, increased their use of TENCEL™ Lyocell (a fiber derived from sustainably sourced wood), and promoted clothing longevity through their "Buy Better, Wear Longer" campaign. Their commitment is well-established and a core part of their brand identity.

Abercrombie has also made serious commitments to sustainability, focusing on responsible sourcing of materials like cotton and viscose, reducing water usage in their denim production, and ensuring ethical factory conditions. While they are making excellent progress, Levi's has a longer and more comprehensive track record in this area.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both brands offer great products, but they cater to different shoppers with different priorities.

Choose Abercrombie if:

• You prioritize immediate comfort and soft-to-the-touch fabrics.
• You want to stay on top of current trends and prefer a modern, youthful aesthetic.
• Your budget is moderate, and you appreciate frequent sales and promotions.
• You're looking for a complete casual wardrobe of jeans, tops, and loungewear that coordinate easily.

Choose Levi's if:

• You view jeans as a long-term investment and prioritize durability and longevity.
• You prefer a timeless, classic style that won't look dated next season.
• Sustainability and brand heritage are important factors in your purchasing decisions.
• You value consistency in fit and want to buy from a brand with proven, iconic cuts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Abercrombie or Levi's cheaper?

On average, Abercrombie is cheaper. Their jeans and other apparel are positioned at a more accessible mid-range price point, and they run promotional sales more frequently than Levi's.

Which brand has better quality jeans?

This depends on your definition of quality. For ruggedness, durability, and fabric intended to last for decades, Levi's is the clear winner. For softness, immediate comfort, and fabrics with more stretch, many shoppers prefer Abercrombie.

What is the main style difference between Abercrombie and Levi's?

Abercrombie's style is modern, trendy, and geared toward a young adult audience looking for comfortable, current fashions. Levi's style is classic, timeless, and rooted in American heritage, appealing to a broad demographic that values authenticity and enduring pieces.

Do Abercrombie jeans run true to size?

Yes, Abercrombie jeans are generally considered to run true to size. They also offer a helpful range of inseam options (short, regular, long) to accommodate different heights.

Which brand is more sustainable?

Both brands have made significant commitments to sustainability, but Levi's has a longer and more established history as a leader in this area with its well-known Water technology and programs promoting garment longevity.

Can you wear Levi's to work?

Yes, especially in a business-casual environment. A pair of well-fitting Levi's in a dark, clean wash (without rips or heavy fading) is very versatile and can easily be dressed up with a button-down shirt or blazer.

Has Abercrombie's quality changed?

Yes, many consumers feel that Abercrombie's quality has improved significantly in recent years as the brand has pivoted to focus on better materials, more sophisticated designs, and long-term customer loyalty over splashy logos.

Is Levi's still considered a cool brand?

Absolutely. Levi's has maintained its status as an iconic and globally recognized brand. Collaborations with modern designers, a strong presence in pop culture, and its timeless appeal keep it relevant for all generations.