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

American Eagle offers a youthful, laid-back style defined by its affordable price points and relaxed-fit denim, targeting teens and shoppers in their early twenties. Abercrombie & Fitch has shifted to a more polished, modern aesthetic with a focus on higher-quality materials, tailored fits, and a slightly higher price point that appeals to young adults in their twenties and thirties.

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

American Eagle: The Laid-Back & Trendy Wardrobe Staple

American Eagle is a go-to for casual, comfortable, and on-trend apparel aimed at a younger demographic. The brand's identity is built around inclusivity, body positivity, and affordability, making it a popular choice for high school and college students. It excels at delivering core wardrobe items like jeans, graphic tees, hoodies, and loungewear in styles that are both current and effortlessly casual.

• Product mix: A strong emphasis on denim in a wide range of fits and trendy washes, along with graphic t-shirts, comfortable hoodies, sweaters, and athleisure items from its Aerie line.
• Price point: Very budget-friendly. Most items fall between $20 and $60, and frequent sales and promotions make it easy to find deals.
• Quality: Offers decent quality for the price, prizing soft, comfortable fabrics and stretch materials, especially in their popular jeans. While some trend-focused items may not be built for longevity, their core basics are reliable for everyday wear.
• Style & Aesthetic: Casual, versatile, and youth-focused. The brand embraces current trends like oversized silhouettes, vintage-inspired washes, and a relaxed, all-American vibe.
• Sizing/Fit: Known for inclusive sizing, typically ranging from XXS to XXL with extended sizes available online. Fits are generally true to size with a focus on relaxed and comfortable silhouettes.
• Sales: Deeply sales-driven. You can almost always find a promotion, clearance section, or a "buy one, get one" deal online and in-store.

American Eagle is the ideal choice for trendy, affordable basics where comfort and inclusive sizing are top priorities.

Shop American Eagle: ae.com

Abercrombie & Fitch: The Modern & Polished Casual Brand

Abercrombie & Fitch has successfully rebranded from its preppy, logo-heavy past to become a destination for sophisticated, modern, and high-quality casualwear. Targeting fashion-conscious young adults, Abercrombie delivers elevated basics, well-fitting denim, and chic yet comfortable staples. The brand now emphasizes timeless style, premium fabrics, and a more refined, minimalist aesthetic.

• Product mix: Focuses on elevated essentials like quality denim, cozy sweaters, bodysuits, tailored trousers, and stylish outerwear. Collections feel more curated and cohesive than their competitors.
• Price point: Positioned as a mid-tier, premium casual brand. Prices generally range from $40 to $120, reflecting the higher-quality materials and construction.
• Quality: This is a key differentiator. Abercrombie invests in better-quality materials, such as thicker denim, softer sweater knits, and more durable fabrics, leading to pieces that look and feel more premium and last longer.
• Style & Aesthetic: Modern, minimalist, and effortlessly polished. The vibe is less about chasing fleeting trends and more about investing in versatile pieces that can be dressed up or down.
• Sizing/Fit: Offers a modern, tailored fit that is still comfortable. Sizing is true to size and they provide multiple length options in pants and jeans, along with an inclusive Curve Love line designed for shoppers with curvier hips and thighs.
• Sustainability: Abercrombie places a greater emphasis on sustainability, using responsibly sourced and eco-friendly materials like organic cotton and recycled fabrics, with clear transparency goals listed on its site.

Abercrombie & Fitch is perfect for shoppers willing to invest more for better quality, a tailored fit, and a refined, modern wardrobe.

Shop Abercrombie & Fitch: abercrombie.com

American Eagle vs. Abercrombie & Fitch Comparison

Price Comparison

There's a clear difference here. American Eagle wins on affordability every time. With jeans often under $50 and frequent promotions bringing prices down even further, it's the perfect choice for budget-conscious students or anyone building a wardrobe without a big investment. For AE shoppers, it's easy to grab several trendy items for the price of one or two pieces from Abercrombie.

Abercrombie operates in a higher price bracket, with jeans typically starting around $80-$100 and sweaters in the $70-$90 range. While their prices are higher, they justify it with superior materials and construction. The value proposition for Abercrombie is in longevity and quality - you're paying for pieces that will hold up longer and look more refined.

Quality & Materials

Abercrombie has a significant edge in quality. Their fabrics feel more substantial - denim is thicker and more structured, while sweaters and knits are often softer and more durable. This focus on higher-grade materials means their clothing generally washes better and maintains its shape over time, making it a better long-term investment.

American Eagle prioritizes comfort and affordability over premium materials. Their jeans are known for having more stretch, which makes them very comfortable but potentially more prone to losing their shape over time compared to Abercrombie's offerings. The quality is solid for the price, but it isn't intended to be luxury or long-lasting investment wear.

Product Selection & Style

American Eagle’s style is distinctly youthful and trend-driven. Their stores are filled with relaxed silhouettes, casual graphic tees, and the latest denim washes and cuts popular on TikTok and Instagram. It's the quintessential brand for a laid-back, All-American student look.

Abercrombie’s aesthetic is more grown-up, polished, and minimalist. They offer timeless pieces like well-constructed trench coats, classic button-down shirts, and trousers that can easily transition from a casual day out to a remote work meeting. Their style is less about what’s trendy for a season and more about creating a sophisticated, cohesive wardrobe.

Fit & Sizing

Both brands have made excellent strides in inclusive sizing, offering a broad range from petite to tall and XXS to XXL. The main difference lies in the cut. American Eagle tends to offer a more relaxed, "easy" fit across the board. Even their skinny jeans are designed with a high degree of comfort and stretch in mind.

Abercrombie offers a more tailored, body-conscious silhouette. Their fits are designed to be flattering and modern. Their "Curve Love" line has become incredibly popular as it provides extra room in the hip and thigh, addressing a common fit issue for many shoppers and proving their commitment to getting the fit just right.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both brands offer great casualwear, but they clearly cater to different moments in a person's life and different wardrobe priorities.

Choose American Eagle if:

• You're a student or shopping on a tight budget.
• Comfort is your number one priority, especially super-stretchy jeans.
• You love staying on top of of-the-moment, youth-focused trends.
• You want a wide variety of relaxed and oversized fit options.

Choose Abercrombie & Fitch if:

• You're ready to invest in higher-quality pieces that will last for years.
• You prefer a more sophisticated, polished, and minimalist aesthetic.
• A tailored fit that feels modern and flattering is important to you.
• You want versatile items that can work for casual weekends and a laid-back office setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Abercrombie or American Eagle more expensive?

Abercrombie & Fitch is significantly more expensive. Its prices reflect a focus on premium materials and more durable construction, positioning it as a casual-luxe brand. American Eagle is a budget-focused brand known for its accessible pricing and frequent sales.

Which brand has better quality jeans?

Abercrombie generally has better quality jeans. They use thicker, more structured denim that holds its shape better over time. American Eagle jeans are extremely popular for their comfort and stretch but may not offer the same longevity as Abercrombie's pairs.

How is the sizing different between American Eagle and Abercrombie?

American Eagle's sizing runs fairly true to size but is designed for a more relaxed, comfortable fit right off the rack. Abercrombie also runs true to size but offers a more tailored, modern silhouette. Abercrombie's "Curve Love" jeans are a standout for those needing more room through the hips and thighs without gaping at the waist.

Which brand is better for a work-from-home wardrobe?

Abercrombie is better suited for a stylish work-from-home wardrobe. Its collection of elevated basics, chic bodysuits, and polished sweaters help create a look that is both comfortable and professional enough for video calls.

Are both brands sustainable?

Both brands are actively working on sustainability initiatives, but Abercrombie is generally more vocal and transparent about its efforts. They actively promote their use of recycled materials, responsible sourcing of fabrics, and water reduction techniques in their manufacturing.

Which brand is older?

Abercrombie & Fitch is the older brand, founded in 1892. American Eagle Outfitters was founded much later in 1977.

Do American Eagle and Abercrombie have good return policies?

Yes, both brands have customer-friendly return policies for unworn merchandise with tags attached, typically within 30 days of purchase. It's always best to check their websites for the most current information before buying.

Which brand is better for someone in their 30s?

Abercrombie is generally preferred by those in their late twenties and thirties due to its more mature, polished aesthetic, higher-quality materials, and timeless styles. While anyone can wear any brand, Abercrombie's modern rebrand is specifically designed to appeal to that demographic.