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THEN AND NOW

Abercrombie Has Entered Its Grown-Up Era, and the Pieces Are Better Than Ever

Abercrombie has grown up with millennials—and the clothes have followed suit. Here’s what’s actually worth adding to your closet now.

Theresa Holland

PublishedApr 3, 2026, 7:53 PM EDT

UpdatedApr 22, 2026, 3:47 PM EDT

Updated Apr 22, 2026, 3:47 PM EDTPublished Apr 3, 2026, 7:53 PM EDT

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Abercrombie & Fitch may have been founded in the 1800s, but its mall-culture reign throughout the ’90s and early aughts make it a decidedly millennial brand.

I worked at Abercrombie in college (the now-closed three-story flagship store in downtown Portland, Oregon) during the spring and summer of 2008. At the time, applicants were rated on their looks. The color black wasn’t featured in any items the brand sold, and employees were banned from wearing it.

Yes, the black ban may have been an unsubtle metaphor for the racism and discrimination the brand was accused of and known for. This barely skims the surface of what was covered in *that* 2022 Netflix documentary. But things took a positive turn in 2014 when former CEO and chairman Mike Jeffries stepped down.

Since Fran Horowitz took over as CEO, the brand has overhauled its hiring policies and employee dress code. Appealing to a more diverse market, Abercrombie’s offerings now cater to what shoppers are actually looking for—instead of positioning itself as a tastemaker with a snobbishly exclusive vibe.

Who’s shopping there now? Still mostly millennials, now in their 30s and early 40s.

In recent years, Abercrombie became a place to buy wedding guest dresses and wear-to-work pieces, meeting millennials at the exact life stage they’re at. Today, the retailer sells lots of black, and it’s not as heavy on in-your-face logos as in decades past. A Curve Love denim line was added for people with fuller butts and thighs who don’t necessarily need a wider waistband.

Abercrombie doesn’t scream Abercrombie! in the obvious way it once did. Now, when people compliment the clothing I wear from the brand, they’re often surprised to hear it’s Abercrombie.

The current collection is full of nostalgia bait: many items called “90s” something or other, along with Alanis, Britney, and Shania tees. You’ll also find some of the best denim sold today, versatile wardrobe staples, and understated pieces.

Here’s what’s worth buying from Abercrombie right now.

Abercrombie

$90

High Rise ’90s Relaxed Jean

During its early-2000s heyday, Abercrombie was known for having the best jeans, and as it turns out, it still does. These high-rise, relaxed-fit jeans are just right for those who’ve moved past skinny but aren’t ready for baggy. They come in tons of washes and five (!) lengths. The size range is inclusive, plus they’re available in the Curve Love cut.

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Abercrombie

$29

Bra-Free ’90s Cami

Another nod to the ’90s, this tank has delicate spaghetti straps and a flattering square neckline. Best of all, it offers support without the famously uncomfortable built-in bra—a 2000s clothing fixture I’m happy to leave behind. I have the light gray color and wear it at least once a week.

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Abercrombie

$80

Linen-Blend Pull-On Pant

If you ask me, these are the perfect everyday pants—they look like dressy trousers but feel like sweats. The casual pull-on design is balanced with practical pockets and a sophisticated high-rise waist. Wear them around the house, style them with a sweater for work, or rock them for a travel-day outfit.

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Abercrombie

$19

Essential Polished Body-Skimming Tee

If I were to describe the ideal basic (but slightly elevated) tee, this might be it. The classic crew neckline and slightly boxy silhouette feel at once modern and timeless.

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Abercrombie

$65

Merino Wool-Blend Sweater Tee

This super-soft, short-sleeve sweater is just the thing for transitioning to spring and into summer. I have it in the light periwinkle hue and appreciate how it elevates any outfit while still feeling laid-back.

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Abercrombie

$120

A&F Mila Midi Dress

You can wear this stretchy, breathable dress to (almost) any event on your spring calendar. Brunch? Baby shower? Preschool graduation? Garden wedding? Yep, yep, yep, yep. For chillier days, style it with a cardigan, denim jacket, or leather bomber.

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Abercrombie

$100

Easy Denim Trucker Jacket

A trend-proof denim jacket with classic details is a wardrobe staple you’ll use year after year. This versatile one can be layered over any shirt or sweater. It’ll carry you through spring and summer, then into fall.

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