Tommy Hilfiger vs. Abercrombie: Which brand is better? [2026]

Tommy Hilfiger offers classic, preppy American style at a higher price point, focusing on timeless quality and durable materials. In contrast, Abercrombie & Fitch delivers trendy, casual, and affordable apparel aimed at a younger audience that prioritizes comfort and a relaxed aesthetic.

Let's break down the details to help you decide which brand fits your style and budget.

Tommy Hilfiger: The Icon of American Prep

Tommy Hilfiger is a global fashion brand built on a foundation of classic American cool with a signature preppy twist. Known for its iconic red, white, and blue logo, the brand creates versatile, high-quality casualwear that appeals to a broad demographic, typically between 18 and 40. Its style is polished and timeless, easily fitting into both casual and business-casual wardrobes.

• Product mix: Core offerings include polo shirts, crisp button-downs, durable denim, chinos, outerwear, and accessories. The aesthetic is clean and heritage-inspired, often featuring nautical and collegiate themes.
• Price point: Positioned as a mid-range to premium brand. Expect to pay around $50 for basic t-shirts, $80-$120 for polo shirts and jeans, and $150 to over $300 for jackets and coats.
• Quality: The brand emphasizes craftsmanship with high-quality fabrics like premium cotton and durable denim. Pieces are constructed to last, making them a good long-term investment.
• Sizing/Fit: Sizing generally runs true to size with a clean, slightly tailored fit. Customers can choose from regular, slim, and relaxed fits to suit different body types.
• Sustainability: Tommy Hilfiger has strong sustainability initiatives, using eco-friendly materials like organic cotton and recycled fabrics while aiming for responsible manufacturing practices.

Tommy Hilfiger is the go-to for shoppers seeking durable, well-made staples with a polished, preppy feel that won't go out of style.

Shop Tommy Hilfiger: usa.tommy.com

Abercrombie & Fitch: The Leader in Casual Cool

Abercrombie & Fitch has successfully evolved into a go-to retailer for trendy and effortless casualwear, primarily targeting teens and young adults between 15 and 25. The brand is known for its laid-back, modern aesthetic, featuring comfortable fabrics, neutral color palettes, and inclusive sizing. Its identity is youthful, relaxed, and perfectly aligned with current fashion trends.

• Product mix: Focused on comfortable, everyday apparel, including graphic tees, hoodies, sweaters, relaxed-fit jeans, and loungewear. The brand is also popular for its outerwear and dresses.
• Price point: More affordable than Tommy Hilfiger. T-shirts are typically priced between $20-$40, hoodies are around $60-$80, and outerwear usually ranges from $60 to $150.
• Quality: Quality is good for the price, utilizing soft cotton blends, fleece, and stretchy materials designed for comfort. While stylish, the pieces may not have the same longevity as higher-priced alternatives.
• Sizing/Fit: Known for inclusive sizing and a focus on relaxed, comfortable fits. Many items feature a slightly oversized silhouette, catering to a modern, casual look.
• Sustainability: Abercrombie & Fitch has increased its commitment to sustainability by incorporating eco-friendly fabrics and promoting more ethical manufacturing in its supply chain.

Abercrombie & Fitch excels in providing on-trend, comfortable, and affordable casualwear for a younger audience prioritizing a relaxed, modern style.

Shop Abercrombie & Fitch: abercrombie.com

Tommy Hilfiger vs. Abercrombie & Fitch Comparison

Price Comparison

There is a clear difference in price between the two brands. Abercrombie & Fitch is the more budget-friendly option across the board. An Abercrombie t-shirt might cost you $25, while a similar style from Tommy Hilfiger will likely start around $40-$50. This pattern continues with outerwear, where an A&F jacket commonly sits around $100-$150, whereas a Tommy Hilfiger coat can easily exceed $250.

Abercrombie & Fitch frequently runs sales and promotions, making it even more accessible for shoppers on a tight budget. Tommy Hilfiger also has sales, but its starting price point remains higher, reflecting its premium positioning and focus on higher-quality materials.

Quality & Materials

Tommy Hilfiger generally has an edge in quality and durability. The brand uses premium materials and focuses on solid construction, meaning its garments are designed to last for years. The stitching is robust, the fabrics feel substantial, and the overall craftsmanship gives items a more refined finish.

Abercrombie & Fitch prioritizes comfort and trendiness. Its clothes are made with soft, often stretchy fabrics that feel great to wear. While the quality is reliable for its price point, the construction is not as geared toward longevity as Tommy Hilfiger's. You're paying for current style and comfort rather than long-term durability.

Style & Aesthetic

Stylistically, the brands serve different purposes. Tommy Hilfiger’s aesthetic is timeless, preppy and polished. Its pieces are versatile enough for a brunch, a casual day at the office, or a weekend trip. The look is classic American with clean lines and a consistently styled, heritage-inspired feel.

Abercrombie & Fitch is modern, casual, and trend-driven. Its style is relaxed and youthful, perfect for everyday wear, college campuses, and social outings. The aesthetic revolves around effortless cool, with neutral tones, popular silhouettes, and a laid-back vibe that aligns with current streetwear influences.

Fit & Sizing

Tommy Hilfiger offers a more traditional and tailored fit. Its sizing is consistent and generally true to size, providing a structured silhouette that looks clean and put-together. You'll find options for slim, regular, and classic fits that cater to a wide range of preferences but lean toward a more polished look.

Abercrombie & Fitch is known for its inclusive options and relaxed fits. Many of its styles, from sweatshirts to jeans, are designed to have a comfortable, slightly oversized look. This makes A&F a great choice for those who prefer less structured clothing and a more laid-back silhouette.

Sustainability & Ethics

Both brands have made visible commitments to improving their sustainability practices. Tommy Hilfiger has articulated clear, ambitious goals to become a fully sustainable and circular brand, heavily investing in recycled materials and ethical supply chains. Abercrombie & Fitch has also made positive strides, increasing its use of eco-friendly fabrics and focusing on responsible manufacturing principles.

While both are actively working to improve, Tommy Hilfiger's large-scale initiatives and transparent reporting give it a slight edge for consumers who prioritize sustainability.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both brands offer great casualwear, but they’re designed for different styles, priorities, and budgets.

Choose Tommy Hilfiger if:

• You prefer a classic, preppy, and polished aesthetic that is truly timeless.
• You are willing to invest more in high-quality pieces that will last for many seasons.
• You need versatile clothes that can transition from casual weekends to business-casual settings.
• Brand heritage and iconic, understated style are important to you.

Choose Abercrombie & Fitch if:

• You are shopping on a budget and want stylish, affordable clothing.
• You want to stay on top of the latest fashion trends for young adults.
• Comfort and a relaxed, laid-back fit are your top priorities.
• You prefer a youthful, modern style with neutral colors and easy-to-wear pieces.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tommy Hilfiger or Abercrombie cheaper?

Abercrombie & Fitch is significantly cheaper than Tommy Hilfiger. Almost all of its product categories, from t-shirts and jeans to outerwear, are priced at a more accessible level, making it the better choice for budget-conscious shoppers.

Which brand has better quality?

Tommy Hilfiger is generally considered to have better quality. The brand uses more premium materials and invests in durable construction, creating clothing intended to last for many years. Abercrombie's quality is good for its price but focuses more on comfort than long-term durability.

Does Tommy Hilfiger run true to size?

Yes, Tommy Hilfiger typically runs true to size. It offers a more tailored and classic fit. If you're between sizes, you may want to check their specific size charts, but most shoppers find their usual size works perfectly.

What is the Abercrombie style?

The Abercrombie & Fitch style is best described as trendy, casual, and effortlessly cool. It pulls from a youthful, laid-back aesthetic with an emphasis on comfort, neutral tones, and relaxed silhouettes.

Is Tommy Hilfiger a luxury brand?

Tommy Hilfiger is positioned as a premium or mid-range brand, not a luxury brand on the level of designers like Gucci or Prada. It offers high-quality products at a higher price point than mass-market retailers but remains accessible.

Which brand is better for older adults?

Tommy Hilfiger is generally a better fit for adults over 30 due to its timeless, classic style and more tailored fits. Its preppy aesthetic is versatile and less trend-driven, whereas Abercrombie's focus is on a younger demographic.

Do both brands have frequent sales?

Yes, both brands have sales, but Abercrombie & Fitch tends to run frequent promotions, sales, and clearance events year-round. Tommy Hilfiger has major seasonal sales, but its everyday prices are higher, and deep discounts are less common outside of those periods.

Are Tommy Hilfiger and Abercrombie sustainable?

Both brands are actively working on sustainability. Tommy Hilfiger has more established and publicly stated sustainability goals, but Abercrombie has also made significant progress in using more eco-friendly materials and ethical manufacturing practices.