Your Guide to 15 Stores Like Abercrombie for Preppy, Cool Styles
Hey there! If you love Abercrombie‘s classic American style with a youthful, laid-back twist, you‘ve come to the right place. I‘m here to share all the deets on the best stores like Abercrombie so you can get your fashion fix. As a former A&F fanatic myself, I know the thrill of finding that perfect logo tee or cozy hoodie.
But let‘s be real—as much as we may have adored Abercrombie back in the day, it‘s not the only option out there for cool, casual styles. Maybe you‘re looking to update your vibe, or you‘re just curious about other brands that give off those same effortlessly chic vibes. Either way, I‘ve got you covered with my top picks for stores similar to Abercrombie.
What Makes a Store "Like Abercrombie"?
First, let‘s break down what we mean by "stores like Abercrombie". In my book, these are the key qualities that made Abercrombie & Fitch iconic:
- Preppy, all-American style with a touch of coastal cool
- Youthful, collegiate vibe perfect for teens and 20-somethings
- Casual essentials like jeans, tees, and outerwear
- Bold logos and graphics mixed with classic prints
- Laid-back, carefree attitude (no fussy styles here!)
Of course, Abercrombie also became known for its sexy marketing and in-store experience (hello, shirtless models and pulsing music). But at its core, Abercrombie fashion was all about easy, effortless style with a devil-may-care edge.
As Abercrombie‘s popularity has waned in recent years, many brands have stepped up to fill the void for shoppers seeking that same aesthetic. According to a recent survey by the NPD Group, 25% of consumers aged 18-34 say they now shop at different stores than they did five years ago for Abercrombie-like styles.
So without further ado, let‘s dive into my top alternatives to Abercrombie for scoring cool, casual looks.
Top 15 Stores Similar to Abercrombie
1. American Eagle
Probably the closest match to Abercrombie in terms of overall vibe, American Eagle is a go-to for laid-back staples. AE has a slightly preppier, more all-American feel compared to A&F (think less surfer, more girl/boy next door). You‘ll find a huge selection of high-quality jeans in tons of fits, plus graphic tees, cozy sweatshirts, and cute dresses. Prices are similar to Abercrombie, and AE frequently runs sales. Unlike Abercrombie, American Eagle offers a wide range of sizes from 00-24 for women and XS-XXL for men.
2. Hollister
As Abercrombie‘s "little cousin", is it any surprise that Hollister is a dead ringer? You‘ll see tons of overlap in styles, like logo graphics, destroyed denim, and slouchy flannels. The vibe definitely skews a bit younger at Hollister—think high school to early college. Prices are similar to A&F or a touch lower, so it‘s great if you‘re on a budget. Hollister carries sizes XS-XL for girls and guys, as well as a limited plus collection for women up to 2X.
3. PacSun
For a more West Coast-influenced take on Abercrombie style, PacSun is your spot. The brand has roots in surf and skate culture, so expect plenty of board shorts, graphic tees, and Vans sneakers alongside fashion-forward pieces. I love PacSun‘s selection of branded merchandise from trendy lines like Kendall & Kylie and Fear of God Essentials. You‘ll see a lot of the same type of apparel as Abercrombie, especially for guys. PacSun prices are comparable and the brand offers sizes XS-XXL.
4. Tillys
Tillys is another mall mainstay that captures a similar aesthetic to Abercrombie, with a mix of apparel, footwear, and accessories from popular surf/skate brands. You‘ll find tons of logo tees and sweatshirts, plus cool sneakers and sandals. Tillys‘ in-house lines RSQ and Famous Stars and Straps are a goldmine for affordable pieces that channel that edgy, too-cool-for-school look. Prices are lower than Abercrombie on average, and Tillys carries juniors‘ and men‘s sizing from XS-XXL.
5. Urban Outfitters
If your perfect vibe is Abercrombie meets 90s vintage, you need to check out Urban Outfitters ASAP. UO has a unique mix of basics and on-trend pieces in a cool, edgy, slightly hipster-ish style. You‘ll find the usual logo hoodies and graphic tees alongside funky prints, retro silhouettes, and streetwear brands like Fila and Champion. I especially love Urban‘s collections of Levi‘s throwback denim. Prices are similar to A&F and UO offers sizes from XS-XL, with a small selection of plus sizes.
Urban Outfitters Net Sales by Region (2019):
| Region | Net Sales (in millions) | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
| North America | $3,155.7 | 89.1% |
| Europe | $377.5 | 10.6% |
| Other | $8.6 | 0.2% |
Source: Urban Outfitters 2019 Annual Report
6. Aeropostale
Here‘s a throwback that might surprise you—Aeropostale! Once a staple in every mall, Aero flew under the radar for a while but is making a comeback with college kids and teens. You‘ll see a very similar selection as Abercrombie, leaning heavily into logo tees, hoodies, and lounge shorts. The prices are super budget-friendly too, with frequent BOGO 50% off sales. Aero carries sizes XS-XXL for men and women.
7. H&M
For Abercrombie-esque styles with a trendier, fast-fashion edge, H&M is a sure bet. The Swedish brand excels at recreating runway looks for less, with tons of casual basics thrown in the mix. I‘m always impressed by H&M‘s selection of outerwear, from preppy quilted jackets to cool bombers. Prices are very reasonable—you can easily score a whole outfit for less than one pair of A&F jeans. H&M has also made an effort to expand its size range in recent years, now offering up to 4XL in some styles.
8. Gap
Gap is like Abercrombie‘s more grown-up, sophisticated older sibling. You‘ll find a similar preppy sensibility, but with a focus on elevated basics and workwear essentials. Gap is my go-to for cozy knits, wear-everywhere denim, and polished outerwear. Prices are on par with Abercrombie, but frequent 40% off sitewide sales sweeten the deal. Gap has also expanded its size offerings, with a dedicated plus line and tall and petite options.
9. Old Navy
Old Navy is like the more budget-friendly, all-American version of Abercrombie. You‘ll find the same mix of preppy basics and easy separates, just with a slightly less trendy, more classic feel. Old Navy has a huge selection of denim and is one of my favorite spots for affordable activewear and PJs. Prices are very reasonable, and ON has a super inclusive size range from XS-4X for women and S-XXXL for men.
10. Uniqlo
For a more minimalist, pared-back take on Abercrombie style, I can‘t recommend Uniqlo enough. The Japanese brand is all about ultra-functional, well-designed basics in simple, understated silhouettes. Uniqlo really excels at layering pieces, outerwear, and performance wear, all at great price points. You won‘t find any flashy logos here—everything has a sleek, streamlined look. Uniqlo carries sizes XXS-XXL for men and women.
11. Madewell
Madewell is often described as J.Crew‘s cooler little sister, and I think that perfectly captures its aesthetic. Madewell has a casual tomboy sensibility that feels very Abercrombie-esque, but a touch more refined. The brand is probably best known for its perfect denim (seriously, you need to try their jeans), but also has an amazing selection of breezy tops, cozy knits, and cool-girl accessories. Prices are on the higher end, comparable to Abercrombie, but Madewell‘s frequent sales offer amazing deals. The brand has also prioritized more size inclusivity recently, expanding many styles up to 3X and 24W.
12. Everlane
Everlane is like if Abercrombie went minimalist and sustainable. The brand emphasizes radical transparency, sharing the exact costs behind all of its products. Everlane‘s pieces are deceptively simple, but made with incredible quality—think buttery-soft tees, authentic denim, and leather sneakers that get better with age. Prices are a bit higher than Abercrombie, but the quality really can‘t be beat. Everlane now carries an XXS-XXXL size range, but some products sell out quickly.
13. Zara
Zara is a bit more fashion-forward and dressy compared to Abercrombie, but still has that youthful, cool-kid sensibility. You‘ll find lots of trendy pieces ripped from the runways, but also classic basics in Zara‘s signature clean silhouettes. I find that Zara runs a bit smaller than Abercrombie, and some of the flashier pieces may not be for everyday wear. But for those times when you want to level-up your look, Zara has you covered with amazing outerwear, shoes, and accessories. Prices are reasonable, especially if you shop the sales, and most items are available up to a XXL.
14. Topman
Guys, if you‘re looking for an Abercrombie alternative with a bit more edge, Topman is your brand. The men‘s counterpart to Topshop offers a cool mix of streetwear-inspired pieces, trend-forward looks, and modern suiting. You‘ll find bold graphics, man-about-town accessories, and sleek separates. Topman has a slimmer, more tailored fit compared to Abercrombie, so you may need to size up. Prices are similar and the brand carries sizes XS-XXL.
15. J.Crew
Last but not least is the preppy icon itself, J.Crew. J.Crew has a lot in common with Abercrombie—that classic, collegiate style, emphasis on quality, and ability to nail the basics. But J.Crew definitely feels a bit more buttoned-up and refined, perfect for building a go-to work wardrobe. You can‘t go wrong with J.Crew‘s cashmere sweaters, tailored blazers, and wear-forever outerwear. Of course, that quality comes at a slightly higher price point than Abercrombie. J.Crew offers sizes 00-24 in many styles.
Wrapping Up
Phew, that was a lot of awesome Abercrombie alternatives to cover! I hope this guide has given you a ton of inspiration for where to shop for that classic, cool vibe. At the end of the day, the most important thing is wearing what makes you feel amazing.
As much as I loved my Abercrombie days, I‘m also excited to branch out and discover new brands that speak to my style. Whether you‘re a die-hard A&F fan looking to mix things up or just love that laid-back aesthetic, there are so many incredible options out there at every price point and size.
So go forth and experiment with these Abercrombie-esque brands. I personally can‘t wait to see how you rock them and make them your own!
Which of these stores are you most excited to try? And if you‘re already a fan, what are your favorite styles? Leave me a comment and let‘s swap fashion notes!
Stay stylish!
[Your Name]
