Hollister vs. Abercrombie Hoodie: Which one should you buy?

While often found in the same mall, the Hollister hoodie and the Abercrombie & Fitch hoodie offer two different experiences. A Hollister hoodie brings a trendy, laid-back California style at an affordable price, often with bold graphics and logos. The Abercrombie hoodie, in contrast, opts for a more refined, minimalist look with higher-quality materials and a more premium price point, focusing on durability and timeless style.

Here’s a clear look at both so you can decide which brand's iconic hoodie belongs in your closet.

Hollister Hoodie

The Hollister hoodie is a casualwear staple, known for its youthful, beach-inspired aesthetic and accessible price. It embodies a laid-back and trendy vibe, making it popular among teens and young adults who want comfortable, everyday clothing with distinct branding or graphic prints.

• What it is: A casual, comfortable hoodie with a relaxed fit, targeting a younger demographic with trendy, California-inspired designs.
• Key features: Often features bold logos, graphic designs, and vibrant colors. Available in classic pullover and zip-up styles.
• Price: $40 - $70, with frequent sales and promotions that offer significant discounts.
• Materials/Construction: Generally made from standard cotton or soft cotton-blend fabrics, designed for comfort and everyday wear.
• Sizing/Fit: Tends to run true-to-size with a slightly relaxed or oversized fit, consistent with the brand's laid-back style.
• Pros: Highly affordable, especially during sales. Fashion-forward designs with lots of color and graphic options. Consistently comfortable for casual use. Relaxed and forgiving fit.
• Cons: Quality and durability are not as high as premium brands. Fabric can be thinner and may show wear faster. Bold Gilly Hicks branding may not appeal to everyone.

This hoodie is perfect for budget-conscious shoppers looking for the latest casual trends without a big investment.

Shop this product: hollisterco.com/shop/us/mens-hoodies-sweatshirts

Abercrombie & Fitch Hoodie

The Abercrombie & Fitch hoodie has evolved into a symbol of casual luxury, known for its premium materials, refined fit, and minimalist aesthetic. It targets a slightly older, style-conscious customer who values quality construction and a more versatile, polished look over loud branding.

• What it is: A premium casual hoodie offering a more sophisticated, modern look with an emphasis on high-quality fabrics and a tailored fit.
• Key features: Made from heavyweight, soft-touch fabrics. Features subtle branding, neutral color palettes, and a clean design.
• Price: $50 - $100, reflecting its positioning as an elevated casualwear staple.
• Materials/Construction: Uses premium heavyweight cotton and fleece blends with reinforced stitching for a softer feel and enhanced durability.
• Sizing/Fit: Offers a more modern, tailored fit that isn't overly baggy. Sizing is known for being consistent and accurate to size charts.
• Pros: Excellent fabric quality feels softer and more substantial. Built to last with durable construction. Versatile, minimalist style pairs easily with other clothes. Higher focus on sustainable materials and practices.
• Cons: Higher price point. Less variety in terms of bright colors and graphic designs. The tailored fit may be too slim for those who prefer very relaxed hoodies.

This hoodie is a great choice for those willing to invest in a higher-quality, long-lasting piece with a timeless, understated style.

Shop this product: abercrombie.com/shop/us/mens-hoodies-and-sweatshirts

Hollister vs. Abercrombie Hoodie Comparison

Price & Value

Hollister is the clear winner on upfront cost. With hoodies generally priced between $40 and $70 and constant sales, it’s an accessible option for almost any budget. Hollister provides great value for those looking for a trendy, seasonal piece.

Abercrombie hoodies cost more, typically from $50 to $100, but they offer greater long-term value. The enhanced quality and durability mean they hold up better to washing and wearing, making the higher investment pay off over time for someone seeking a closet staple piece.

Quality & Materials

Hands down, Abercrombie comes out on top in quality. Their hoodies use heavier, softer fleece and cotton blends that feel more substantial and luxurious. Details like reinforced stitching contribute to a longer lifespan. The difference is noticeable right away - they just feel like more premium garments.

Hollister uses standard-quality cotton blends that are perfectly comfortable for daily wear, but they don't have the same plushness or durability. They are reliable for casual use but might pill or lose shape more quickly than their A&F counterparts.

Style & Aesthetic

This comes down to personal taste. Hollister hoodies embrace a youthful, trend-focused look with big embroidered logos, location graphics, and a wide array of bold colors. It’s a very current, distinctly casual, and beach-inspired style.

Abercrombie takes a modern, minimalist approach. Think muted earth tones, subtle embroidered logos, and classic, clean silhouettes. An Abercrombie hoodie is designed to be versatile and layer easily, looking at home in a coffee shop or a polished casual outfit.

Fit & Sizing

Hollister hoodies typically feature a more relaxed and sometimes oversized fit. Even their standard styles offer more room, which aligns with their comfortable, laid-back brand image. This can be great if you love a cozy, relaxed feel.

Abercrombie provides a more tailored and structured fit. While not tight, their hoodies follow the lines of the body more closely for a streamlined silhouette. This lends itself to a modern look that is less "loungewear" and more "thoughtful casual."

Which One Should You Choose?

Both brands offer excellent hoodies, but they serve different priorities in style, budget, and quality.

Choose a Hollister hoodie if:

• You want an affordable option and love finding a good deal during a sale.
• You prefer trendy clothes with bold graphics, logos, and bright colors.
• You want a relaxed, slightly oversized fit for maximum casual comfort.
• You are shopping for a teenager or want to capture a youthful, laid-back SoCal vibe.

Choose an Abercrombie & Fitch hoodie if:

• You are willing to invest more for superior fabric quality and durability.
• You prefer a timeless, minimalist style with subtle branding and neutral colors.
• You like a more tailored, modern fit that looks clean and put-together.
• Sustainability and ethical production are important factors in your shopping decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between a Hollister and Abercrombie hoodie?

The main difference is in the target customer and aesthetic. A Hollister hoodie is trendy, graphic-heavy, and more affordable for a younger audience. An Abercrombie hoodie is made from higher-quality materials, has a minimalist and more refined style, and comes with a higher price tag for a customer looking for longevity.

Which brand has better quality hoodies?

Abercrombie & Fitch has better quality hoodies. They use more premium, heavier-weight fabrics and focus on construction details like reinforced stitching, which results in a softer-feeling garment that lasts longer.

Are Abercrombie hoodies worth the money?

For those who prioritize fabric quality, durability, and a timeless style, Abercrombie hoodies are worth the money. They are investment pieces that maintain their look and feel well over time, offering good long-term value.

How do Hollister and Abercrombie hoodies fit?

Hollister hoodies generally have a more relaxed, and sometimes intentionally oversized, fit. Abercrombie hoodies offer a more modern, tailored fit that sits closer to the body for a sharper silhouette.

Which hoodie brand is more comfortable?

Both brands make very comfortable hoodies. Your preference will depend on what you find comfortable. If you like a plush, soft, heavy fabric, you'll likely prefer Abercrombie. If you prefer a lighter, more broken-in feel and a looser fit, Hollister might be more your speed.

Do Hollister hoodies shrink when you wash them?

Like most cotton-blend garments, Hollister hoodies can experience some minor shrinking if washed in hot water or dried on high heat. To preserve the fit and appearance, it's best to follow the care instructions on the label - typically, machine wash cold and tumble dry low.

Are Hollister and Abercrombie owned by the same company?

Yes, both Hollister Co. and Abercrombie & Fitch are owned by the same parent company, Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Hollister was developed as a separate brand to target a teen demographic with a different aesthetic.

Which hoodie is better for a teenager?

A Hollister hoodie is often the preferred choice for a teenager. Its more affordable price point, on-trend graphic designs, and allegiance with current youth fashion make it a popular and practical pick.