Express vs. Abercrombie: Which brand should you buy?

Express focuses on affordable, trendy clothing suited for younger professionals and social settings, offering sleek, modern styles for work and nights out. In contrast, Abercrombie & Fitch has shifted its focus to high-quality, comfortable, and timeless casual basics, such as jeans and hoodies, at a slightly higher price point with better materials.

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

Express: For Trendy Workwear & a Night Out

Express is an American fashion retailer aimed at young adults looking for trendy, versatile, and affordable clothing. The brand is known for its fast-fashion approach, frequently updating its collections with modern, stylish designs for everything from the office to a weekend outing. The overall feel is polished and energetic, with an emphasis on fitted silhouettes and statement pieces.

• Product mix: A wide range of men's and women's apparel including suits, dresses, bodycon styles, denim, and trendy tops. Express is particularly strong in workwear and "going out" clothes.
• Price point: Generally mid-range and accessible, with most pieces falling between $30 and $100. Frequent sales and promotions make it even more budget-friendly.
• Quality: As a fast-fashion retailer, Express focuses on getting trends to market quickly. Materials are often polyester blends designed for affordability, quality is good for the price but not intended as long-term investment pieces.
• Style &, Aesthetic: The style is modern, sleek, and sometimes edgy. Caters to a trend-driven audience with bold colors and body-conscious fits that are popular with shoppers in their 20s and early 30s.
• Fit &, Sizing: Sizing generally runs true to size, but its silhouettes often favor slim, skinny, and tailored fits. Some shoppers find certain pieces, particularly bodycon styles, to run small.
• Return policy: Express offers a 60-day return policy for unwashed and unworn merchandise, making it easy to try on items at home.

Express is ideal for shoppers who want to stay on top of the latest styles with an accessible, contemporary wardrobe perfect for office life and social events.

Shop Express: express.com

Abercrombie &, Fitch: For Elevated Casual Basics

Abercrombie & Fitch has evolved from its preppy origins to become a destination for effortless, modern, and high-quality casualwear. The brand targets young adults who seek comfortable yet fashionable everyday clothing with a more timeless appeal. The focus is on quality materials, soft fabrics, and flattering fits, creating a vibe that is relaxed and refined.

• Product mix: Strong focus on high-quality casual staples like denim, t-shirts, hoodies, sweaters, and loungewear. Also offers a selection of dresses, outerwear, and accessories with a minimalist aesthetic.
• Price point: Slightly more premium than Express, with most items ranging from $40 to $150. The higher price reflects a commitment to better quality fabrics and construction.
• Quality: Abercrombie prioritizes quality and comfort. They use premium materials like soft-brushed cotton and durable fleece, making their clothing feel comfortable and built to last longer than typical fast-fashion items.
• Style &, Aesthetic: Abercrombie’s style is classic, relaxed, and versatile. The aesthetic leans toward neutral and earthy tones and minimalist designs that are easy to mix and match.
• Fit &, Sizing: Known for having consistent and inclusive sizing, including extended sizes and multiple length options in pants. Fits tend to prize comfort and ease, with most items running true to size.
• Return policy: Abercrombie has a 30-day return window, but A&F Club members get an extended 60-day period.

Abercrombie stands out for its high-quality casual foundations that offer exceptional comfort and longevity, perfect for building a wardrobe of reliable everyday staples.

Shop Abercrombie & Fitch: abercrombie.com

Express vs. Abercrombie Comparison

Price Comparison

Express is the more budget-friendly option. With items typically priced between $30 and $100, and constant promotions and sales, it allows shoppers to embrace current trends without a major financial commitment. It's a great choice for building out a varied wardrobe quickly and affordably.

Abercrombie & Fitch positions itself at a higher price point, with casual basics ranging from $40 to $150. While they also run sales, their regular prices reflect a greater investment in materials and construction. Shoppers here are paying a premium for durability and a more elevated feel in their everyday wear.

Quality & Materials

The difference in quality is one of the most significant distinctions between the two brands. Abercrombie emphasizes premium, comfortable fabrics like soft cottons, fleece, and sustainable materials designed for longevity. Their clothing is known for feeling substantial and holding up well over time.

Express, aligning with its fast-fashion model, often uses polyester blends and other synthetic materials to keep prices low and turnover high. While stylish and perfectly fine for their purpose, the fabrics generally don't offer the same durability or luxe feel as Abercrombie's offerings.

Style & Aesthetic

The two brands target completely different occasions and vibes. Express is all about a polished, urban, and modern look. Think sleek blouses and trousers for work, bodycon dresses for a night out, and trendy statement pieces. Its aesthetic is more "dressed up," bold, and tied to current fashion moments.

Abercrombie champions a relaxed, timeless, and effortlessly stylish aesthetic. Its focus is on perfected versions of casual staples - the ideal pair of jeans, a comfortable hoodie, a versatile sweater. The color palette is more neutral and the designs prioritize comfort and easy layering for a more laid-back lifestyle.

Fit & Sizing

Express often features tailored, slim, and skinny fits designed to create a sharp, body-conscious silhouette. While sizing is generally accurate, this preference for tighter cuts means some styles can feel smaller or more restrictive, so paying attention to the specific item's description is key.

Abercrombie is renowned for its consistent, comfortable, and inclusive sizing. With options that include different lengths and extended sizes in its popular Curve Love fit for jeans, the brand focuses on ensuring a flattering and comfortable fit across a variety of body types. Their items are generally designed to be comfortable and rarely run small.

Sustainability & Ethics

Abercrombie has made more substantial and transparent efforts in sustainability and ethical sourcing. The company has public goals for using more responsible materials, reducing its environmental footprint, and ensuring ethical factory conditions. This commitment is a key part of their modern brand identity.

While Express has taken steps to improve its practices, such as launching environmentally conscious collections, it doesn't currently foreground sustainability to the same degree as Abercrombie. For shoppers who prioritize environmental and ethical considerations, Abercrombie is the stronger choice.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both brands offer great clothing, but they are built for different consumer needs and priorities.

Choose Express if:

• You need stylish and modern outfits for work or social events.
• You are budget-conscious and love shopping frequent sales and promotions.
• Your personal style is trendy, sleek, and polished with fitted silhouettes.
• You want to experiment with current trends without making a big investment.

Choose Abercrombie & Fitch if:

• You prefer high-quality, comfortable basics that will last for years.
• Your wardrobe is built around relaxed, timeless, and versatile casualwear.
• Finding a consistent and flattering fit, especially in denim, is a top priority.
• You prefer to shop from brands with a stated commitment to sustainability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Express or Abercrombie cheaper?

Express is generally cheaper than Abercrombie & Fitch. With a lower regular price point and more frequent, high-percentage sales, Express is the more affordable, budget-friendly option for trendy pieces.

Which brand has better quality clothing?

Abercrombie & Fitch is widely considered to have better quality clothing. The brand invests in higher-quality materials like premium cottons and fleece, resulting in more durable and comfortable garments designed to last.

What is the style difference between Express and Abercrombie?

Express offers trendy, sleek, and modern clothing suitable for professional and nightlife settings, with bolder colors and fitted silhouettes. Abercrombie focuses on timeless, relaxed, and casual basics like jeans and sweaters, with a more neutral color palette and emphasis on comfort.

Do Express and Abercrombie sizes run true?

Abercrombie is known for running very true to size with consistent, inclusive sizing. Express sizing is generally true to size as well, but because many of their styles are designed to be slim or body-conscious, some shoppers find certain items run small or tight.

Which brand is better for work clothes?

Express is typically the better choice for work clothes. Their collections consistently include stylish blouses, trousers, blazers, and dresses that are appropriate for a modern office environment.

Does Abercrombie or Express have better sales?

This depends on what you're looking for. Express runs sales much more frequently, often with steep discounts and special promotions, making it easy to find a deal anytime. Abercrombie offers significant sales seasonally, where you can get their higher-quality pieces at a great price.

Which brand is more sustainable?

Abercrombie & Fitch currently has more robust and transparent sustainability initiatives. The company has made public commitments to responsible material sourcing, reducing environmental waste, and ethical manufacturing practices.

What's the return policy for each brand?

Express offers a 60-day window to return unworn and unwashed merchandise. Abercrombie provides a 30-day return window, which is extended to 60 days for members of its free A&F Club loyalty program.