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

Aritzia is known for its minimalist, chic aesthetic, offering office-appropriate and elevated essentials at a higher price point. In contrast, Abercrombie & Fitch has successfully pivoted to offer trendy, casual, and more affordable basics appealing to a youthful audience looking for comfortable, everyday style.

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

Aritzia: The Modern & Minimalist Wardrobe

Aritzia is a Canadian fashion house focused on "Everyday Luxury," catering to women who seek high-quality, on-trend pieces that blend seamlessly into a modern wardrobe. The brand's aesthetic is clean and sophisticated, targeting young professionals and style-conscious individuals who are willing to invest in versatile, well-made clothing.

• Product mix: Known for its expertly tailored trousers (like the famous Effortless Pant), silk blouses, structured blazers, quality knitwear, and stylish outerwear. Aritzia offers a curated selection of in-house brands such as Wilfred, Babaton, and Tna.
• Price point: Sits in the mid-to-premium range. Expect to pay $30-$60 for basic tanks and t-shirts, $100-$150 for pants and blouses, and $200+ for coats and outerwear.
• Quality: Aritzia places a strong emphasis on premium fabrics, including high-quality wool, organic cotton, and recycled materials. The construction and attention to detail give the clothes a lasting, high-end feel.
• Sizing/Fit: Sizing is generally consistent and runs true to size with a tailored, modern silhouette. Aritzia offers sizes from XXS to XL and some styles up to 2XL, focusing on fits that are flattering and structured.
• Sustainability: The company has made public commitments to using more sustainable materials, responsible sourcing, and reducing its environmental footprint throughout its supply chain.
• Shopping Experience: Boutiques have a minimalist, high-end feel with attentive stylists. The website is sleek and easy to navigate, creating a premium shopping experience both online and in-store.

Aritzia is the go-to for building a sophisticated, versatile wardrobe with timeless pieces that can be worn for years.

Shop Aritzia: aritzia.com

Abercrombie & Fitch: The Casual & Youthful Mainstay

Abercrombie & Fitch has evolved from its preppy, logo-heavy past into a modern and inclusive brand for teens and young adults. It now focuses on comfortable, trend-right casualwear, especially known for its denim, bodysuits, and cozy loungewear. Its target customer is a highly social Millennial or Gen Z shopper looking for stylish, easy-to-wear pieces for everyday life.

• Product mix: Offers a wide range of everyday essentials, including high-quality denim in various fits (like the '90s Straight and Curve Love lines), soft bodysuits, hoodies, sweaters, and relaxed dresses.
• Price point: More accessible than Aritzia, with frequent sales and promotions. T-shirts range from $20-$35, jeans are typically $80-$100 (often on sale), and outerwear falls between $70-$150.
• Quality: Abercrombie provides solid quality for its price point, with a focus on soft, comfortable fabrics and durable construction, particularly in their denim collections which come with a lifetime warranty.
• Sizing/Fit: Has a strong focus on inclusive sizing, offering sizes from XXS to XXL as well as short, regular, and long inseams. Their "Curve Love" fit, designed with extra room in the hip and thigh, is extremely popular.
• Sustainability: Abercrombie outlines sustainability goals related to using responsible materials, reducing water usage, and ensuring ethical supply chain practices across its brands.
• Shopping Experience: The brand fosters an inclusive online and in-store environment. The website is user-friendly, and stores are bright and welcoming, moving far away from the dark, heavily scented stores of the past.

Abercrombie excels at providing on-trend, comfortable, and size-inclusive casual basics at a more approachable price point.

Shop Abercrombie & Fitch: abercrombie.com

Aritzia vs. Abercrombie Comparison

Style & Aesthetic

The primary difference lies in their aesthetic. Aritzia embodies a minimalist, urban sophistication. Its pieces are designed to build a polished capsule wardrobe with clean lines, neutral color palettes, and structured fits that easily transition from the office to after-work drinks. Think tailored trousers, cashmere sweaters, and classic wool coats.

Abercrombie offers a more relaxed, casual, and youthful style. The vibe is effortless and trendy, geared towards weekend wear, social outings, and comfortable daily life. Its collection is centered on denim, soft knit basics, graphic tees, and laid-back dresses that align with current Gen Z and Millennial trends.

Price Comparison

Aritzia is consistently more expensive than Abercrombie. A basic t-shirt at Aritzia can cost $40, while a similar style at Abercrombie might be $25. The popular Effortless Pant from Aritzia is about $150, whereas a pair of bestselling pants at Abercrombie, like their Sloane Tailored Pant, retails for around $90 and is frequently discounted.

Abercrombie also runs sales and promotions far more often, making their already lower prices even more attractive. Aritzia's main sale events are seasonal, making it more of an investment brand, whereas Abercrombie offers continuous opportunities for a good deal.

Quality & Materials

Both brands offer good quality, but they prioritize different things. Aritzia justifies its higher prices with premium materials like merino wool, 100% silk, vegan leather, and sustainable fabrics. The craftsmanship focuses on durability and a high-end feel suitable for professional and formal settings.

Abercrombie's quality shines in its emphasis on comfort and wearability. Their SoftAF fabric line is famously soft, and their denim is sturdy and well-constructed, designed to withstand frequent use. While not as luxurious as Aritzia's materials, Abercrombie's fabrics are made for everyday comfort and longevity.

Fit & Sizing

This is a key differentiator. Aritzia is praised for its consistent, tailored fit. Its sizing is very specific, often including numerical suit sizes, to achieve a sharp, polished silhouette. While offering some extended sizes, its core range is more traditional.

Abercrombie, on the other hand, is a leader in inclusive sizing. The brand offers XXS to XXL, extensive length options (extra short to extra long), and the groundbreaking "Curve Love" line. This focus ensures customers of various body types can find a comfortable and flattering fit, especially in tricky items like jeans and trousers.

Which One Should You Choose?

Your choice depends entirely on your personal style, wardrobe needs, and budget. Both brands deliver excellent products for their target audiences.

CHOOSE ARITZIA IF:

• You're building a capsule wardrobe with high-quality, long-lasting investment pieces.
• Your style is minimalist, sophisticated, and polished.
• You need versatile clothing that is appropriate for work, events, and elevated casual wear.
• You prioritize premium fabrics like wool, silk, and sustainable blends and are willing to pay more for them.

CHOOSE ABERCROMBIE IF:

• You're looking for comfortable, on-trend basics for everyday life, weekends, and casual outings.
• Fit is a top priority, and you need inclusive sizing options like Curve Love or different inseam lengths.
• You are budget-conscious and appreciate frequent sales and promotions.
• Denim, soft bodysuits, and cozy sweaters are the core of your wardrobe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Aritzia or Abercrombie more expensive?

Aritzia is significantly more expensive than Abercrombie. For example, a quality wool coat at Aritzia can cost over $300, while a similar winter coat at Abercrombie is typically in the $150-$200 range and often goes on sale.

Which brand has better quality?

Aritzia generally has higher-quality materials and a more premium feel, justifying its price. However, Abercrombie offers excellent quality for its price, particularly its durable denim and soft fabrics which hold up well to regular wear and washing.

What is the style difference between Aritzia and Abercrombie?

Aritzia's style is minimalist, sophisticated, and professional. Abercrombie's is casual, youthful, and trendy with a focus on relaxed comfort.

How does Aritzia sizing run?

Aritzia typically runs true to size with a modern, tailored fit. If you are between sizes, consulting their detailed size charts or trying items on in-store is recommended, as fits vary between their in-house labels.

How does Abercrombie sizing run?

Abercrombie is known for being true to size but often leans towards a relaxed fit. Their launch of the "Curve Love" fit, which adds 2 inches through the hip and thigh, has been a major success for curvy customers who previously had to size up.

Which brand is better for work clothes?

Aritzia is the clear winner for professional office environments. Their collection of blazers, tailored trousers like the Effortless Pant, and chic blouses are designed for a business casual or smart casual dress code.

Does Abercrombie or Aritzia have more sales?

Abercrombie has frequent sales, online promotions, and a loyalty program that offers regular discounts. Aritzia has very few sales per year, with their main event being the "Aritzia Archive Sale," which happens seasonally.

Between Aritzia and Abercrombie, which is better for jeans?

Abercrombie specializes in denim and is the better choice for most shoppers. Their wide range of styles, washes, rises, and inclusive fits (including Curve Love and multiple inseam options) makes it easier to find a perfect-fitting pair of jeans at a great price.