Eddie Bauer vs. North Face: Which brand should you buy? [2026]

Eddie Bauer offers a more classic, casual style focused on reliable performance and value, making it ideal for everyday wear and moderate adventures. In contrast, The North Face is known for its high-performance, technical gear with innovative materials built for more extreme conditions, often at a higher price point.

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

Eddie Bauer: The Classic Outdoor Adventurer

Founded in 1920, Eddie Bauer is an American heritage brand that has built a reputation on quality, value, and a classic outdoor aesthetic. It caters to consumers who need versatile and durable apparel that works for daily life as well as weekend trips to the mountains. Their approach balances practical functionality with timeless comfort, appealing to a broad audience that isn't necessarily summiting peaks but still wants reliable gear.

• Product mix: A wide range including jackets, fleeces, activewear, everyday casual clothing, and outdoor equipment. They also offer home goods, positioning themselves as a complete outdoor lifestyle brand.
• Price point: Generally mid-range and accessible. Jackets typically fall between $80 and $200, representing a strong value proposition, especially during their frequent sales.
• Quality: Known for reliable and durable construction suited for a variety of outdoor pursuits. Many jackets feature weather-resistant technologies like StormRepel DWR (durable water repellent) coatings for protection in moderate conditions.
• Sizing/Fit: Tends to run true-to-size with a more relaxed, comfortable fit that caters to a wider range of body types. This makes their clothing great for layering and casual comfort.
• Style: Classic and timeless with an outdoorsy feel. A focus on earthy, subdued colors and versatile designs that transition easily from trail to town.
• Return policy: Flexible and straightforward, typically offering returns within 60 days of purchase.

Eddie Bauer excels at providing well-made, versatile outdoor apparel at an accessible price, making it a strong choice for those who want dependable gear without the technical overkill or premium cost.

Shop Eddie Bauer: eddiebauer.com

The North Face: The Leader in Performance & Innovation

Since 1966, The North Face has been a global leader in the outdoor industry, trusted by professional athletes, mountaineers, and serious explorers. The brand is built on a foundation of pushing technological boundaries and creating gear that can withstand the harshest environments. While they have a strong presence in urban fashion, their core focus remains on high-performance apparel and equipment designed for demanding outdoor activities.

• Product mix: Specializes in high-performance jackets, backpacks, tents, footwear, and technical apparel designed for everything from walking the dog to climbing Everest.
• Price point: Positioned in a higher price bracket, with jackets often ranging from $150 to $350 or more. The cost reflects the investment in research, premium materials, and innovative technology.
• Quality: Considered top-tier, utilizing cutting-edge materials from partners like Gore-Tex, as well as proprietary innovations like DryVent for waterproofing and ThermoBall insulation for lightweight warmth.
• Sizing/Fit: Sizing is consistent but often features a slimmer, more athletic fit compared to Eddie Bauer. This is especially true for their performance lines, which are designed for ease of movement during activity.
• Style: Modern, sleek, and performance-driven. Often features bold color blocking and a technical aesthetic that has made it popular in both outdoor and streetwear circles.
• Return policy: Backed by a strong satisfaction guarantee, with a simple and customer-friendly process for returns and exchanges.

The North Face is the authority in technical outdoor gear, ideal for those who require maximum protection and innovative features for serious outdoor pursuits and are willing to invest in it.

Shop The North Face: thenorthface.com

Eddie Bauer vs. The North Face Comparison

Price Comparison

There is a clear price difference between the two brands. Eddie Bauer is the more budget-friendly option. Their jackets and gear are priced moderately, and frequent promotions and outlet sales make them highly accessible for families and casual users. You get a lot of proven performance for a very reasonable cost.

The North Face operates at a premium price point. You are paying for advanced technology, technical features, and a brand resume built on outfitting extreme expeditions. While they also have sales, their base prices reflect the higher level of innovation and materials used in their products.

Quality & Materials

Both brands deliver exceptional quality, but their focus is different. Eddie Bauer uses proven, durable materials and technologies like their StormRepel DWR coatings, which provide reliable water resistance and warmth for day-to-day use and moderate weather. The construction is solid and designed for longevity in average conditions.

The North Face excels in its use of innovative, high-performance materials. Their partnerships with brands like Gore-Tex and development of proprietary technologies like Futurelight set a high standard for waterproofing, breathability, and durability. Their products are engineered and tested to perform in extreme weather, offering a superior level of protection when conditions become severe.

Product Selection & Style

Eddie Bauer’s style is classic Americana. Its aesthetic is versatile, subdued, and less trend-focused, meaning a jacket you buy today will still look good in ten years. The brand's range extends into everyday pants, flannel shirts, and home goods, making it a comprehensive lifestyle choice.

The North Face has a more modern, sporty, and technical look. While their gear is built for performance, iconic pieces like the Nuptse puffer jacket have become mainstays in a street style context. The look is often more athletic and features bolder color palettes.

Fit & Sizing

For fit, Eddie Bauer generally offers a more generous, relaxed silhouette. It’s a classic American fit that provides ample room for layering and is comfortable for a wide array of body types. Their sizing is consistent and reliable across the board.

The North Face tends to have a slightly trimmer, more athletic cut, particularly in its performance-oriented collections. Lines like their Summit Series are designed to be streamlined for active use. While still generally true-to-size, it can feel less roomy than Eddie Bauer gear.

Sustainability & Ethics

Both companies are actively engaged in improving their environmental impact. Eddie Bauer is committed to responsible sourcing, including meeting the Responsible Down Standard (RDS), and increasing the use of sustainable materials. They have a clear set of goals for reducing their carbon footprint.

The North Face is an industry leader in this area. Through their Renewed recycling programs, use of recycled fabrics across their lines, and work with organizations like the Fair Trade Certified program, they are very transparent and progressive in their sustainability efforts.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both brands offer excellent products, but they are built for different customers and priorities.

Choose Eddie Bauer if:

• You're on a budget and want the best possible value for your money.
• You need versatile and comfortable gear for daily wear, weekend camping, and light hiking.
• You prefer a classic, timeless style and a more relaxed fit.
• You appreciate a brand with a long American heritage and frequent sales events.

Choose The North Face if:

• You are a serious hiker, skier, or climber who needs gear that performs in harsh conditions.
• You prioritize technical features, cutting-edge materials, and innovative design.
• You're willing to invest more for pinnacle durability and weather protection.
• You prefer a modern, athletic aesthetic that is popular in both the city and the mountains.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Eddie Bauer or The North Face cheaper?

Eddie Bauer is significantly cheaper. Its business model caters to a mid-range price point with frequent sales, making it the more affordable and wallet-friendly choice for most consumers.

Which brand has better quality?

The concept of "better" depends entirely on your needs. For technical performance in extreme weather, The North Face has objectively superior quality due to its use of advanced, expedition-grade materials. For everyday durability and comfort in moderate conditions, Eddie Bauer offers excellent quality that is more than sufficient for most users.

Does Eddie Bauer run true to size?

Yes, Eddie Bauer is known for running true to size with a fairly consistent and classic fit. It typically offers a bit more room than more athletically cut brands, which many customers find comfortable.

What is The North Face famous for?

The North Face is most famous for its high-performance outerwear like the Denali fleece jacket and the Nuptse puffer jacket. It has a long history of creating expedition-proven gear for professional athletes and explorers around the world.

How are their return policies?

Eddie Bauer generally allows for returns within 60 days of purchase with a receipt. The North Face stands firmly behind its products with a robust warranty and a satisfaction guarantee, providing easy returns for items that don't meet expectations.

Which brand is better for casual wear?

With its relaxed fit, classic styling, and versatile product range that includes everything from fleeces to chinos, Eddie Bauer is arguably the better brand for everyday casual wear that merges comfort with outdoor capability.

Do both brands have good sustainability practices?

Yes, both brands have made strong commitments to sustainability, including sourcing responsible down and using recycled materials. The North Face is often viewed as a leader in this space due to its large-scale recycling TNF Renewed program and strong partnerships with other environmentally focused organizations.

Where can I buy both brands?

You can find both brands on their official websites, in their own dedicated retail stores, and at large outdoor retailers such as REI and Dick's Sporting Goods, as well as select department stores.