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

Abercrombie & Fitch is known for its trendy, casual, and affordable style targeting teens and young adults, while Polo Ralph Lauren offers timeless, preppy sportswear with a premium price point and a focus on high-quality, classic designs. Abercrombie prioritizes modern fits, inclusive sizing, and comfort, whereas Polo is defined by its heritage, iconic polo pony logo, and sophisticated aesthetic.

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

Abercrombie: Modern & Casual Basics

Abercrombie & Fitch has successfully evolved from its early 2000s logo-heavy image into a modern brand focused on versatile, high-quality casualwear for young adults. It targets customers in their late teens to early 30s who want comfortable, stylish, and accessible clothing. The brand is now celebrated for its comfortable basics, excellent denim fits, and on-trend pieces that don't break the bank.

• Product mix: A wide range of casual apparel including premium denim, graphic tees, hoodies, sweaters, activewear, and outerwear. It’s a go-to for building a complete everyday wardrobe.
• Price point: Mid-range and accessible. T-shirts and tops generally cost between $30 and $80, while their popular jeans are priced from $50 to $120.
• Quality: Abercrombie focuses on incredibly soft and comfortable materials. Their denim and basic garments are known for being durable and holding up well to regular wear.
• Style/Aesthetic: The brand embodies a modern, laid-back style that is both trendy and wearable. The look is stylish but relaxed, perfect for everyday social activities and casual settings.
• Sizing/Fit: Known for inclusive sizing and modern fits. Sizing is generally true to size and offers a variety of cuts, including slim, straight, and relaxed options to accommodate different body types.
• Sales: Holds frequent promotions and seasonal sales, making its already reasonable prices even more attractive.

Abercrombie is the destination for anyone seeking affordable, trendy, and comfortable clothing with an inclusive approach to sizing and modern style.

Shop Abercrombie: abercrombie.com

Polo Ralph Lauren: Classic American Luxury

Polo Ralph Lauren is the embodiment of timeless "preppy" American style. Founded by Ralph Lauren, the brand has built a global reputation on high-quality craftsmanship, sophisticated design, and its iconic polo pony logo. It targets a more mature demographic, typically from 25 to 45, who appreciates investing in classic, versatile pieces that won't go out of style. Its collections expertly bridge the gap between casual and semi-formal wear.

• Product mix: Known for its signature mesh polo shirts, but also offers a wide array of button-down shirts, refined chinos, blazers, sweaters, dresses, and outerwear. The brand extends into home goods, fragrances, and accessories, truly representing a lifestyle.
• Price point: Premium. The iconic polo shirts start around $85, with blazers, sweaters, and outerwear often costing several hundred dollars, reflecting the higher quality of materials.
• Quality: Exceptional craftsmanship and the use of premium materials like Pima cotton, wool, cashmere, and silk are hallmarks of the brand. Garments are built for longevity.
• Style/Aesthetic: Timeless, preppy, and polished. The style is classic and refined, making pieces versatile enough for a weekend brunch, a casual Friday at the office, or a semi-formal event.
• Sizing/Fit: Sizing runs true to size but follows traditional, classic cuts. The fit is more structured and tailored compared to Abercrombie's more relaxed silhouettes.
• Sales: Sales are less frequent than at Abercrombie and typically occur during end-of-season or major holiday events.

Polo Ralph Lauren is for those who value heritage and are willing to invest in sophisticated, high-quality wardrobe essentials with enduring style.

Shop Polo Ralph Lauren: ralphlauren.com

Abercrombie vs. Polo Ralph Lauren Comparison

Price Comparison

There is a clear difference in pricing between the two brands. Abercrombie is significantly more affordable, with most of its core items priced under $100. Frequent sales and promotions make it a very budget-friendly option for shoppers looking for modern styles without a major financial commitment.

Polo Ralph Lauren operates in the premium or accessible luxury category. Its prices are a reflection of its brand heritage, superior materials, and timeless design. A single polo shirt from Ralph Lauren can cost as much as a pair of jeans from Abercrombie. Shopping at Polo is an investment in pieces you intend to keep for years.

Quality & Materials

Both brands offer quality clothing, but they define "quality" differently. Abercrombie's quality is centered on softness, comfort, and durability for daily wear. Its fabrics, especially in its SoftAF line, are designed to feel comfortable against the skin. While durable, the materials are chosen to balance cost and wearability.

Polo Ralph Lauren's quality is rooted in luxury craftsmanship and premium materials. The use of long-staple Pima cotton in its polo shirts, fine wool in its sweaters, and precise stitching are all signs of a garment designed to last a decade, not just a few seasons. The feel is often more substantial and refined.

Style & Aesthetic

The core difference lies here. Abercrombie's aesthetic is youthful, modern, and trend-aware. It captures a contemporary casual look that's perfect for weekends, vacations, and relaxed social settings. While it offers basics, its styles feel current and aligned with today's youth culture trends.

Polo's style is preppy, polished, and timeless. It's the go-to for a classic New England or Ivy League look that exudes quiet confidence and sophistication. Its pieces, like the iconic polo or a navy blazer, are style mainstays that transcend fleeting trends. It's a more traditional and grown-up look suitable for a wider range of smart-casual and even semi-formal occasions.

Fit & Sizing

Abercrombie has embraced inclusivity in its sizing, offering a wider range of sizes and fits to cater to different body types. Its cuts are modern, with popular options like relaxed-fit jeans and oversized tops. If you are looking for contemporary silhouettes, Abercrombie provides more variety.

Polo Ralph Lauren stays true to classic, traditional fits. Its sizing is very consistent, but the overall cut is more tailored and structured. It offers some variations like Classic Fit, Custom Slim Fit, and Slim Fit, but the range of silhouettes is not as expansive as Abercrombie's.

Shopping Experience

Abercrombie’s online and in-store experiences are designed to be user-friendly, inviting, and reflective of a modern, youthful audience. The website often features promotions prominently, and stores have a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

Shopping at Polo Ralph Lauren, whether online or in one of their flagship stores, is a more premium experience. The stores are elegantly merchandised, and the website is clean and sophisticated. The focus is on the brand's heritage and the elevated quality of the products rather than on sales.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice really depends on your personal style, budget, and what you're looking for in your wardrobe.

Choose Abercrombie if:

• You are in your late teens, 20s, or early 30s and want clothes that feel current.
• Your style is casual, relaxed, and laid-back.
• You value budget-friendly prices and love taking advantage of frequent sales.
• You prioritize soft, comfortable fabrics and modern, inclusive fits.

Choose Polo Ralph Lauren if:

• You're building a timeless wardrobe with pieces you can wear for years to come.
• You have a preppy, polished style and appreciate a classic, sophisticated aesthetic.
• You are willing to invest more in premium materials and superior craftsmanship.
• You need versatile clothing that works for both casual weekends and smart-casual settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Abercrombie or Polo Ralph Lauren more expensive?

Polo Ralph Lauren is significantly more expensive. Its products are positioned as premium-tier goods, with higher prices reflecting heritage, craftsmanship, and more luxurious materials. Abercrombie is a mid-range retailer offering more accessible prices and frequent discounts.

Which brand has better quality?

Polo Ralph Lauren generally has better quality in terms of materials and construction. It uses premium fabrics like Pima cotton and wool designed for longevity. However, Abercrombie offers excellent quality for its price point, focusing on soft, durable fabrics ideal for comfortable everyday wear.

How do the sizes compare?

Abercrombie offers more inclusive and modern sizing, often featuring relaxed and oversized fits. It generally runs true to size. Polo Ralph Lauren leans toward a more traditional, tailored fit with classic cuts that are consistent but less forgiving for some body types.

Is Abercrombie still preppy?

No. While Abercrombie had roots in a preppy, logo-centric style in the past, it has completely rebranded. Today, its aesthetic is more modern casual, minimalist, and trend-focused, moving away from its old heavily branded look.

Is Polo Ralph Lauren a luxury brand?

Polo Ralph Lauren is considered an accessible luxury or premium brand. While not in the same tier as high-fashion houses like Gucci or Prada, it holds a prestigious position due to its heritage, quality, and iconic status in American fashion.

Which brand is better for business casual wear?

Polo Ralph Lauren is the clear winner for business casual or smart-casual occasions. Its classic button-down shirts, chinos, blazers, and knitwear are perfectly suited for a polished, professional look.

Which brand is more popular?

Popularity depends on the demographic. Abercrombie is extremely popular among Gen Z and younger millennials due to its trendy styles and presence on social media. Polo Ralph Lauren maintains enduring popularity with a slightly older, more affluent demographic that values classic style.

Do both brands have sales often?

Abercrombie is known for its frequent sales, promotions, and a robust clearance section. Polo Ralph Lauren has sales less often, typically during major retail holidays and at the end of a season. Waiting for a Polo sale often means significant savings on high-ticket items.