Everlane vs. Abercrombie Jeans: Which brand should you buy?

Everlane is known for its ethically made, minimalist denim with a focus on sustainable materials and timeless design, often at a higher price point. In contrast, Abercrombie & Fitch focuses on trend-driven, youthful styles and a wider variety of fits at a more accessible, budget-friendly price, with frequent sales and promotions.

Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right pair of jeans for your style and values.

Everlane: The Minimalist & Ethical Staple

Everlane has built its reputation on a foundation of "Radical Transparency," appealing to consumers who want high-quality, ethically produced wardrobe basics. Their jeans are designed for longevity, featuring classic cuts and durable, eco-friendly fabrics that stand the test of time, making them a favorite among environmentally conscious shoppers who prefer an understated look.

• Product mix: A focused collection of timeless denim styles including straight-leg, skinny, relaxed, and high-rise fits. Their designs avoid heavy distressing or trendy details in favor of classic, versatile washes.
• Price point: Jeans typically range from $68 to $118. The price reflects the premium sustainable materials and commitment to paying fair wages in their factories.
• Quality: Known for durable construction using high-quality fabrics like organic cotton and recycled materials. These jeans are designed to last for years, not just a season.
• Fit & Sizing: Sizing is generally consistent and true to size. They offer detailed sizing guides on their website to help find the perfect classic fit.
• Sustainability & Ethics: A core pillar of the brand. Everlane provides detailed information about the factories they partner with, the cost breakdown of their products, and their environmental impact.

Everlane is the go-to for shoppers prioritizing timeless design, durable quality, and ethical production in their denim.

Shop Everlane: everlane.com

Abercrombie & Fitch: The Trendy & Accessible Choice

After a significant rebrand, Abercrombie & Fitch has become a go-to denim destination for teens and young adults seeking fashionable and comfortable styles at an affordable price. Their collection is extensive and constantly updated to reflect current trends, from vintage-inspired flare jeans to modern straight-leg silhouettes, all with an emphasis on a comfortable, flattering fit.

• Product mix: A wide range of denim fits including skinny, straight, relaxed, mom jeans, and flare styles. They offer various washes, distressing levels, and unique details.
• Price point: Most jeans are priced between $49 and $89, with frequent and deep discounts during sales events making them even more budget-friendly.
• Quality: The quality is good for the price point, utilizing stretch denim blends that prioritize comfort and fit. While stylish and comfortable, they may not offer the same long-term durability as premium brands.
• Fit & Sizing: Offers a broad range of sizing options. Sizing is generally true to size, but since they offer so many different fits, it's always smart to consult their size charts or read reviews for specific styles.
• Sales: Known for its frequent and significant sales, allowing shoppers to get on-trend denim for a fraction of the original price.

Abercrombie excels at providing on-trend, comfortable, and affordable denim with a wide selection of modern styles.

Shop Abercrombie & Fitch: abercrombie.com

Everlane vs. Abercrombie Comparison

Price Comparison

There is a clear difference in pricing between the two brands. Abercrombie is the more affordable option, with pairs typically ranging from $49-$89 before promotions. Their frequent sales often bring prices down even further, making them a strong choice for budget-conscious shoppers.

Everlane's jeans are priced higher, generally between $68 and $118. This price difference is justified by their use of premium sustainable materials, ethical manufacturing processes, and a design philosophy centered on durability rather than fast trends. You are paying for a pair of jeans intended to last for many years.

Quality & Materials

Everlane places a heavy emphasis on high-quality, sustainable materials like organic cotton and recycled fabrics. Their jeans feel substantial and sturdy, built to withstand regular wear and washing without losing their shape. The construction is focused on longevity, with clean stitching and robust hardware.

Abercrombie focuses on comfort and trendiness, often using denim blends with elastane and other stretch fabrics. While the quality is reliable for its price point and perfectly suited for daily casual wear, the materials are more aligned with current fashion cycles and may not have the same multi-year durability as Everlane's offerings.

Style & Aesthetic

The style difference is a major deciding factor. Everlane’s aesthetic is minimalist and timeless. Think classic straight-leg jeans in a clean indigo wash or a perfectly cut black skinny jean. Their styles are wardrobe basics designed to be versatile and independent of fleeting trends.

Abercrombie embraces trends. They offer a much wider variety of washes, including bold colors and distressed finishes, along with a vast array of fits like '90s straight, relaxed flare, and high-rise mom jeans. If you're looking for a specific style you’ve seen on social media, Abercrombie is more likely to have it.

Fit & Sizing

Both brands offer a good range of sizes, but they cater to different body types and style preferences. Everlane’s sizing is very consistent across their classic fits, making it reliable for online shoppers who know their measurements. Their fits are straightforward and classic.

Abercrombie provides a greater diversity of fits to align with trends. They are known for a great fit that caters to a youthful demographic, though consistency can sometimes vary between different styles. It’s always a good idea to check reviews on specific pairs for guidance on whether to size up or down.

Sustainability & Ethics

This is Everlane's strongest category by far. The brand was built on transparency, publishing details about its factories, cost breakdowns, and sustainability initiatives. For shoppers who prioritize ethical sourcing and environmental impact, Everlane is one of the clear leaders in the accessible fashion space.

While Abercrombie has taken steps to improve its sustainability practices, including responsible sourcing and using more eco-friendly materials, it is not the central part of their brand story. Their business model is more closely aligned with delivering trendy products at scale, with sustainability being an important but secondary consideration.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both brands offer great jeans, but your final choice depends entirely on your personal priorities for style, budget, and ethics.

Choose Everlane if:

• You prioritize ethical production and sustainable materials above all else.
• You prefer minimalist, timeless styles that you can wear for years to come.
• You're willing to invest more in a durable pair of jeans that will last.
• You value brand transparency and want to know how and where your clothes are made.

Choose Abercrombie if:

• You're on a budget and love getting a great deal during sales.
• You want to keep up with the latest denim trends without a major investment.
• Comfort and a stretchy fit are your top deciding factors.
• You prefer having a wide variety of modern styles, washes, and fits to choose from.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Everlane jeans more expensive than Abercrombie?

Yes, Everlane jeans are more expensive. Their prices range from approximately $68-$118, while Abercrombie's are typically $49-$89. The price difference reflects Everlane's focus on premium, sustainable materials and ethical production versus Abercrombie's focus on affordability and trend cycles.

Which brand has better quality jeans?

Everlane generally offers higher quality in terms of durability and premium materials. Their jeans are made from robust, often organic fabrics designed for longevity. Abercrombie's quality is excellent for the price, focusing on comfortable stretch denim that looks great, but it is not intended to last as many years as a pair from Everlane.

Is Everlane or Abercrombie more sustainable?

Everlane is significantly more focused on sustainability and ethical manufacturing. This transparency is a core part of its brand identity. Abercrombie has sustainability initiatives, but it is not their primary mission.

How do Everlane jeans fit?

Everlane jeans are known for having a consistent, true-to-size fit focused on classic and minimalist silhouettes like straight and skinny cuts. Their product pages offer helpful, detailed guidance on sizing.

How do Abercrombie jeans fit?

Abercrombie offers a very wide variety of modern fits designed to follow current trends. While they are generally true to size, the fit can vary slightly between different styles (e.g., Mom Jean vs. '90s Straight), so it's a good idea to read a few customer reviews for the specific pair you're considering.

Which brand is better for timeless styles?

Everlane is the clear winner for timeless, classic styles. Their entire denim collection is built around versatile basics that will remain fashionable for years.

Which brand is better for trendy jeans?

Abercrombie is the better choice for trendy jeans. They quickly adapt to the latest styles, offering a huge selection of the cuts, washes, and distressing levels that are popular right now.

Do Everlane and Abercrombie have sales on jeans?

Yes, but their strategies differ. Abercrombie is well-known for its frequent sales, seasonal promotions, and clearance events where you can find deep discounts. Everlane has sales much less frequently, usually just a couple of times a year, in line with their philosophy of fair, everyday pricing.