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

Hollister is known for its youthful, Southern California-inspired casualwear at a lower price point, targeting teenagers and young adults. In contrast, Abercrombie & Fitch offers a more mature, preppy aesthetic with higher-quality materials and more refined fits, appealing to a slightly older audience seeking timeless basics.

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

Hollister: The SoCal-Inspired Casual Staple

Hollister is an American casualwear brand that captures a laid-back, beachy lifestyle. Targeting teens and young adults, its style is relaxed, trendy, and easy to wear. It's the go-to choice for those seeking comfortable and fashionable everyday clothing like hoodies, graphic tees, and jeans that don't break the bank.

• Product mix: A focus on casual, everyday apparel including jeans, t-shirts, hoodies, shorts, swimwear, and dresses with a distinctly youthful and relaxed feel.
• Price point: Highly affordable. Basic graphic t-shirts typically cost around $20-$25, while their popular jeans are priced between $50 and $60.
• Quality: As a fast-fashion oriented brand, materials are generally lighter and designed for current trends. The clothes are comfortable and stylish for frequent wear but are not intended as long-term investment pieces.
• Sizing/Fit: Garments often feature a relaxed, sometimes oversized fit that aligns with the brand's casual vibe. Most shoppers find Hollister runs true to size, with consistency across its product lines.
• Style/Aesthetic: The entire brand is built around a relaxed, sunny Southern California vibe inspired by surf and skate culture. Expect bright colors, brand logos, and laid-back designs.
• Sales: Known for frequent promotions and significant sales events, especially during back-to-school and holiday seasons, making their affordable prices even more accessible.

Hollister is the ideal destination for budget-conscious shoppers looking for trendy, comfortable, and casual clothing with a distinct West Coast influence.

Shop Hollister: hollisterco.com

Abercrombie & Fitch: The Modern Preppy Classic

Abercrombie & Fitch has evolved into a staple for millennials and young professionals, offering refined and timeless casualwear. The brand combines classic American preppy style with modern trends, focusing on quality fabrics, versatile designs, and sophisticated yet comfortable fits. It's where you find elevated wardrobe building blocks that can transition easily from a casual day out to a smarter evening occasion.

• Product mix: Offers a more polished selection of wardrobe essentials, including premium denim, sweaters, classic polos, high-quality basic tees, dresses, and outerwear.
• Price point: Positioned in the mid-range to slightly premium category. T-shirts often range from $30 to $50, with jeans typically costing between $70 and $100.
• Quality: Emphasizes higher-quality materials like durable denim, soft cotton blends, and cozy knits. A&F pieces are known for their better construction and longevity compared to typical fast-fashion.
• Sizing/Fit: Known for a more tailored, modern fit. While they offer a broad range of sizes, their slim and athletic cuts are particularly popular for creating a more polished silhouette.
• Style/Aesthetic: The look is classic, sophisticated, and clean. Expect more neutral color palettes, minimalist designs, and timeless pieces that feel both current and enduring.
• Sustainability: The company has made public commitments to responsible sourcing, using recycled materials, and reducing its environmental footprint.

Abercrombie delivers elevated, durable casualwear for those who appreciate a more modern and mature style and are willing to invest a bit more for quality and fit.

Shop Abercrombie & Fitch: abercrombie.com

Hollister vs. Abercrombie Comparison

Price Comparison

Hollister is the clear winner for budget-conscious shoppers. With t-shirts starting around $20 and jeans around $50, it offers trendy styles at very accessible prices. The brand's frequent and aggressive sales further increase its appeal for those looking to maximize their wardrobe budget.

Abercrombie & Fitch commands a higher price, with tees often starting at $30 and jeans hovering around the $70 to $100 mark. This price reflects the brand's pivot towards higher-quality materials and a more mature market. While Abercrombie also holds sales, its baseline prices are consistently higher than Hollister's.

Quality & Materials

Abercrombie has a distinct advantage in quality and construction. Its focus on more durable fabrics like premium denim, soft knits, and sturdy cotton means their clothing is built to last longer, wash better, and maintain its shape over time. It's designed for consumers looking to build a lasting wardrobe.

Hollister operates more within a fast-fashion model. While comfortable and stylish, its materials are typically lighter and less durable, intended to keep up with quickly changing trends rather than last for multiple seasons. This isn't a negative if your priority is accessing current styles affordably.

Style & Aesthetic

The style difference is one of the most significant factors. Hollister embodies a carefree, youthful, Southern California aesthetic. The vibe is laid-back, summery, and deeply rooted in beach and surf culture, featuring prominent logos, graphic designs, and vibrant colors.

Abercrombie offers a more polished, East Coast-inspired prep look that feels modern and grown-up. Its aesthetic is cleaner, with more neutral colors, classic silhouettes, and an emphasis on versatility. A&F clothing can easily be dressed up or down, making it suitable for a wider range of activities, from casual weekends to smart-casual work environments.

Fit & Sizing

Hollister leans into a relaxed, comfortable fit. Shoppers can expect slightly looser silhouettes in hoodies, t-shirts, and even some styles of jeans, which is consistent with its laid-back branding. The sizing is generally consistent and true-to-size for those seeking a casual cut.

Abercrombie is known for its modern, tailored fits. It excels in offering slim, athletic, and other complimentary cuts that create a more put-together look. While inclusive in its size range, the overall goal is a cleaner, more fitted silhouette compared to Hollister's looser styles.

Sustainability & Ethics

Both brands fall under the same parent company and have made efforts towards sustainability. However, Abercrombie has been more public and focused in its marketing on responsible sourcing, using recycled materials, and implementing eco-friendly practices throughout its supply chain. For consumers who prioritize sustainability, Abercrombie currently projects a stronger commitment.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice really depends on your personal style, age, and what you prioritize in your wardrobe.

Choose Hollister if:

• You're a teenager or young adult on a tighter budget.
• You love a relaxed, beachy, and casual aesthetic.
• You want trendy pieces to refresh your wardrobe frequently.
• You prefer looser, more comfortable fits for everyday wear.

Choose Abercrombie & Fitch if:

• You're a young professional or millennial looking for refined basics.
• You're willing to invest more in quality pieces that will last for years.
• You prefer a classic, polished, and preppy style.
• You like modern, tailored fits that look sharp and put-together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hollister or Abercrombie cheaper?

Hollister is significantly cheaper than Abercrombie. Its prices are aimed at a younger demographic with less disposable income, and the brand is known for its constant promotions and sales that make it even more affordable.

Which brand has better quality clothing?

Abercrombie & Fitch generally offers higher-quality clothing made from more durable and premium materials. Their products are designed to have a longer lifespan, justifying the higher price point.

Is Hollister owned by Abercrombie?

Yes, Hollister Co. is owned by Abercrombie & Fitch. Hollister was created by A&F in 2000 as a separate brand to target a younger, teen-focused market, while Abercrombie appeals to a slightly older audience.

Which brand is better for teenagers?

Hollister's pricing, trendy styles, and casual, youth-oriented branding make it the more popular and suitable choice for most teenagers.

How does the sizing compare?

Hollister tends to offer a more relaxed, and sometimes oversized, fit that is aligned with its casual style. Abercrombie provides a more tailored and structured fit designed to create a polished silhouette.

Are the styles really that different?

Yes. Hollister is consistently casual, beachy, and trendy. Abercrombie is classic, preppy, and more versatile, offering pieces that can easily be worn in both casual and slightly more formal settings.

Do both brands have sales often?

Both brands have frequent sales, especially around major holidays. However, Hollister runs promotions and a clearance section almost year-round, while Abercrombie's biggest sales are typically seasonal.

Is Abercrombie more sustainable than Hollister?

Abercrombie publicly emphasizes its sustainability efforts more than Hollister, with specific initiatives related to sourcing recycled materials and reducing its environmental impact. Shoppers focused on sustainability may find Abercrombie's messaging more aligned with their values.