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

Levi's is an iconic American brand known for its durable, timeless denim and classic fits that offer reliable quality. In contrast, Abercrombie & Fitch focuses on contemporary, trend-driven designs with a softer feel and more stretch, catering to a younger, fashion-conscious shopper.

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

Levi's: The Iconic American Original

Levi's has built its reputation on creating the original blue jean, establishing itself as a symbol of classic American style. The brand is celebrated for its durable and authentic denim, offering a wide range of iconic fits like the 501 Original and 511 Slim. Levi's targets a broad audience that values tradition, quality, and timeless fashion over fleeting trends.

• Product mix: A vast selection of denim fits, including straight, slim, skinny, bootcut, and relaxed for all genders. Iconic models like the 501, 505, and 721 are complemented by a full range of apparel, including denim jackets, t-shirts, and outerwear.
• Price point: Most core styles are priced between $50 and $100. Premium "Made & Crafted" lines can cost $150 or more, but the brand remains accessible for most budgets.
• Quality: Known for rugged, high-quality cotton denim with reinforced stitching that ensures longevity. Levi's jeans are designed to be worn for years, often looking better with age.
• Sizing/Fit: Sizing is generally consistent and true to size across a wide variety of cuts. They offer extensive options for different body types, making it easier for shoppers to find a reliable fit.
• Sustainability: Levi's is a leader in sustainable denim, utilizing water-saving finishing techniques and incorporating eco-friendly materials into their collections while maintaining a transparent supply chain.
• Sales: Holds seasonal sales and promotions, but a full-price pair of Levi's is still widely considered a great value.

Levi's excels at producing durable, classic denim with a rich heritage, making it the perfect choice for anyone looking for a reliable, go-to pair of jeans that will never go out of style.

Shop Levi's: levi.com

Abercrombie & Fitch: The Modern Fit & Comfort Specialist

Abercrombie & Fitch has successfully rebranded from its preppy, logo-heavy past to a modern, inclusive lifestyle brand. Today, their denim is celebrated for its on-trend silhouettes, exceptional comfort, and focus on fit, particularly with their popular Curve Love line. A&F targets millennial and Gen Z shoppers who prioritize contemporary style and comfortable, versatile pieces.

• Product mix: Offers fashion-forward jeans with modern details like distressing, unique washes, and styles like the '90s Straight and Sloane Tailored. They also provide a full clothing line of casual-chic sweaters, dresses, and outerwear.
• Price point: Jean prices typically range from $60 to $120. While slightly higher than Levi's core collection, frequent sales offer opportunities for discounts.
• Quality: Emphasizes soft, comfortable denim blends, often with significant stretch for a forgiving and flattering fit. While well-made, the focus is more on feel and current trends than lifetime durability.
• Sizing/Fit: Abercrombie runs true to size but is known for its slimmer, more modern fits. The Curve Love line, designed with extra room in the hip and thigh, has become a major selling point for those with curvier figures.
• Social Responsibility: A&F promotes inclusivity, body positivity, and sustainability through various initiatives, including improving manufacturing ethics and using more eco-friendly materials.
• Sales: Well-known for frequent promotions and sales events, making it easy for shoppers to find items at a lower price point.

Abercrombie bridges the gap between trend-focused design and all-day comfort, making it a great option for shoppers looking for a modern silhouette with a comfortable, forgiving fit.

Shop Abercrombie & Fitch: abercrombie.com

Levi's vs. Abercrombie & Fitch Comparison

Price Comparison

Levi's generally offers better value for budget-conscious shoppers. With most of their iconic jeans falling into the $50 to $100 range, they represent an affordable investment in durable, classic style. It's an accessible price point for a pair of jeans that will last for years.

Abercrombie's jeans are priced slightly higher, typically between $60 and $120. The higher cost is associated with their emphasis on modern details, trendy washes, and innovative fabrics. However, Abercrombie is known for running near-constant sales and promotions, so savvy shoppers rarely pay full price.

Quality & Materials

Levi's prioritizes durability. Their jeans are typically made from sturdy 100% cotton denim or blends with low stretch, designed to withstand years of wear and tear. The craftsmanship is focused on longevity, with reinforced seams and hardware built to last.

Abercrombie focuses on modern comfort. Their denim usually contains more elastane or other stretch fibers, resulting in a softer hand-feel and a more forgiving fit right off the rack. While high-quality for fashion denim, they might not offer the same rugged, long-term durability as a pair of classic Levi's.

Product Selection & Style

Levi's aesthetic is rooted in timeless Americana. The brand's strength lies in classic, proven fits like straight leg, slim, and bootcut jeans that transcend temporary trends. Their styles are incredibly versatile and serve as a fundamental building block for any wardrobe.

Abercrombie's selection is a snapshot of what's popular right now. They excel at offering the latest silhouettes, whether that's a 90s slouchy jean, a wide-leg cut, or a specific type of distressed finish. Their focus is on giving customers fashionable, modern styles that fit a youthful, contemporary aesthetic.

Fit & Sizing

Levi's offers an extensive range of fits that cater to a broad spectrum of body types and style preferences. Their sizing is known for being consistent and reliable once you find your preferred model and size. This makes it easy for repeat customers to shop with confidence.

Abercrombie & Fitch shines with its specialized fit options, particularly the Curve Love collection. This line is specifically designed for customers with a smaller waist and fuller hips and thighs, addressing a common fit issue. Their general fits lean slimmer and more trend-driven than Levi's traditional cuts.

Sustainability & Ethics

Levi's has established itself as an industry leader in sustainability. The brand's Water<,Less® program has saved billions of liters of water, and they are transparent about their goals for reducing carbon emissions and waste. For the eco-conscious shopper, Levi's strong public commitments are a major advantage.

Abercrombie is also making progress in this area. The brand is increasing its use of recycled materials, responsibly sourced cotton, and has set goals for reducing its environmental footprint. While not as historically known for it as Levi's, their efforts are significant and improving.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice comes down to your personal priorities for style, fit, and durability.

Choose Levi's if:

• You want a pair of jeans that will last for years and never go out of style.
• Durability and authentic, sturdy denim are more important to you than stretch.
• You prefer classic, timeless cuts like straight leg or slim fits.
• You value sustainability and want to support a brand with a proven track record.

Choose Abercrombie & Fitch if:

• You want to wear the latest denim trends and fashionable silhouettes.
• All-day comfort and a soft, stretchy feel are your top concerns.
• You often struggle to find jeans that fit your waist-to-hip ratio and could benefit from the Curve Love line.
• You appreciate a modern, youthful aesthetic and love finding deals during frequent sales.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Levi's or Abercrombie cheaper?

Levi's is generally cheaper at its standard price point, with most core styles falling in the $50-$100 range. Abercrombie tends to be priced slightly higher, but they run more frequent and aggressive sales, meaning you can often find their jeans at a significant discount.

Which brand of jeans lasts longer?

Levi's jeans are built for durability and are known to last for many years, often getting better with age. Abercrombie's jeans are well-made but are designed with comfort and stretch in mind, which can sometimes mean a slightly shorter lifespan than rugged, 100% cotton denim.

Do Levi's or Abercrombie jeans run true to size?

Both brands generally run true to size, but their fits are different. Levi's sizing is famously consistent once you know your fit. Abercrombie's standard fits can feel slimmer, and some shoppers suggest sizing up if you are between sizes or prefer a less snug feel.

Which brand is better for a curvy fit?

While Levi's offers many "curvy" options, Abercrombie's Curve Love line is specifically designed to add 2 inches of extra room in the hips and thighs without gaping at the waist. It has become a go-to for many shoppers with curvier figures.

Does Abercrombie have more stretch in their jeans than Levi's?

Yes, Abercrombie is known for incorporating more stretch into its denim for a softer, more comfortable feel. Levi's offers stretch options, but its heritage is in more rigid, traditional denim, and many of their classic styles reflect that.

Which brand is more sustainable?

Levi's has a longer and more publicly recognized track record in sustainable practices, particularly with water conservation and responsible sourcing. However, Abercrombie has made significant commitments to improving its ethical and environmental footprint and is making demonstrable progress.

Which brand has better sales?

Abercrombie is well-known for having frequent sales events, often with significant markdowns on their denim and other apparel. Levi's holds sales seasonally and around holidays, but discounts are typically less frequent than at Abercrombie.