The Real Difference Between Abercrombie And Hollister - The List (2024)

ByJoey Keogh/July 3, 2020 11:14 am EST

Abercrombie and Hollister are two of the most beloved and sought-after brands in the fashion industry. Although equally popular and prevalent, there's a sense they're also interchangeable. When you burrow down, aren't the clothes basically the same preppy, expensive variety in either store? Don't the environments where they're housed both smell equally delicious and aren't they staffed by gorgeous, clean-cut young people intent on luring customers with the promises of the treasures contained inside?

In reality, Abercrombie and Hollister aren't all that different. If the two stores seem like they're connected in some way, well, they are. Both are nestled under the wider umbrella of Abercrombie & Fitch; they're sister companies to that all-conquering brand, if you will. Although neither have been around as long as A&F, which was founded all the way back in 1892, according to their website, they both boast reputations just as illustrious in their own right.

Abercrombie and Hollister target slightly different demographics

The Real Difference Between Abercrombie And Hollister - The List (2)

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Although Abercrombie is a smaller subsidiary of A&F, it was founded slightly earlier, in 1998, while its bigger sister, Hollister, has been around since 2000. As Difference Between advises, Hollister focuses more on targeting slightly older teenagers (think 14 to 18), with their official site noting the brand, "Epitomizes the liberating and carefree spirit of the endless California summer for the teen market." Abercrombie, or Abercrombie Kids as it's sometimes known, skews younger, aiming to capture the imaginations of children and teenagers ages 5 to 14. The brand itself aims to celebrate, "The wide-eyed wonder of childhood."The marketing of both brands is, naturally, different because they're targeting entirely separate age groups.

Since its 1892 inception, A&F has expanded to have stores in every corner of the globe, from the U.S. to Asia, Europe, and everywhere in between. Abercrombie and Hollister both helped to propel the brand even further by targeting kids, tweens, and teenagers alike with a selection of super-cute and unique clothing ideally fitted to their carefree but fashion forward outlooks. By cornering the market in this way, the wider A&F brand ensured it had a stronghold on everybody with enough buying power to walk into any of their stores worldwide.

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The Real Difference Between Abercrombie And Hollister - The List (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between Hollister and Abercrombie? ›

For those of you who are not familiar with either store, they are essentially the same company just selling slightly different style clothes, Hollister claims to be “laid back Californian style”.

Is Hollister a copy of Abercrombie and Fitch? ›

Hollister Co. is a subsidiary of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. It owns and operates a chain of clothing retail stores worldwide.

Are Abercrombie and Hollister sizes the same? ›

Hollister is junior sizes (5,7,9, 11 pants) so the shirts may fit a little snugger than the adult sizes at Abercrombie. They are still very similar but can vary from shirt to shirt.

Why did Abercrombie create Hollister? ›

If Abercrombie is all about East Coast, preppy vibes, Hollister was conceived as its laid-back, West Coast, surfer cousin. "We're not going after the 'core surfing market. It's more about the lifestyle and inspiration, rather than the actual activity," a former spokesperson told Transworld Business.

Why is Abercrombie so different now? ›

Abercrombie & Fitch's New Look Brings in Shoppers

Instead, the brand has put more focus on increasing the quality of its products--and has scrapped its previously-limited sizing offerings in favor of more inclusive styles and sizes.

Why are Hollister stores dark? ›

Abercrombie & Fitch and its offshoot, Hollister, sell their clothes targeted at 14-18 year olds in the dark. Well almost. The low lighting aims to give the shops a casino or VIP club-like feel, bathing their teenage customers in luxury.

Why was Abercrombie and Fitch cancelled? ›

The company lost relevance with its target audience and suffered from intense competitive pressure as a result. Abercrombie & Fitch suffered negative public perception because it was always involved in some form of controversy. The company also failed to identify new trends in teen fashion and spending.

Is Hollister a premium brand? ›

Their main competitors are Aeropostale and American Eagle, both are under-pricing A&F. In an effort to compete in lower-priced clothing segments, but maintain a premium brand image, Hollister & Co. was created.

Why is Hollister so cheap? ›

Hollister is owned by A&C , the line is at a lower price point as it is marketed to teens hence the correlation to affordability for that demographic .

What size is L in Hollister? ›

Bottoms
HCoWaist (in)Waist (cm)
S29-3074-76
M31-3279-81
L33-3484-86
XL35-3689-91
3 more rows

Is Hollister bigger than Abercrombie? ›

Abercrombie is a smaller A&F subsidiary than Hollister.

How accurate is Abercrombie sizing? ›

Their size chart is accurate and easy to use, making it simple to find the perfect fit. It is important to note that Abercrombie sizing may run slightly small, so it is recommended to size up if unsure or in between sizes.

Why is Hollister closing? ›

Abercrombie & Fitch Co has joined the list of retail businesses to shut down their stores in response to the continued spread of the Coronavirus, COVID-19. The company will be closing all stores, including Hollister branded stores, in North America starting March 15 and in Europe on March 16.

Am I too old to wear Hollister? ›

Abercrombie and Hollister is characteristic of 18 years of age and under. The cut off is around 22 years old where you look like a grown dude wearing kids clothing. When you go into the store, check out the models' and sales associates' ages.

Can you use an Abercrombie gift card at Hollister? ›

Redeeming. Gift cards are redeemable for merchandise only in the country of purchase at any Abercrombie & Fitch, abercrombie kids, Hollister Co., or Gilly Hicks store.

Does anyone wear Abercrombie anymore? ›

In 2021, its operating margin was the highest it had been in over a decade, and in the third quarter of 2022, net sales for the brand had increased by 10 percent compared to the same time the year before. All that to say, the brand is back with a vengeance — and better than ever.

What went wrong with Abercrombie? ›

Gold chains for guys weren't allowed and female employees were only able to wear subtle jewelry. Notably, the documentary also highlights A&F's racist hiring process. As multiple ex-employees mentioned in the documentary, people of colour, be that any colour, were not employed at the stores as 'models'.

What did Abercrombie get in trouble for? ›

In 2012, an age discrimination suit filed by a former pilot revealed the "Aircraft Standards" for Abercrombie's executive jet. The pilot claimed that crew were required to wear Abercrombie polo shirts, sandals, and underwear, and that men had to wear the retailer's famous cologne.

Is Hollister a Canadian brand? ›

According to this history, John Hollister, Sr. emigrated from New York City to the Dutch East Indies, and established the company bearing his name upon returning to the United States and settling in California in 1922. However, the company was actually founded in Ohio in 2000.

Why did Hollister get sued? ›

Hollister Co. Abercrombie & Fitch Co., Abercrombie & Fitch Stores, Inc. and Hollister Co. are facing a proposed class action lawsuit for allegedly depriving employees of proper wages and mandated breaks at one of their California locations.

Who is Hollister aimed at? ›

The quintessential brand of the global teen customer, Hollister believes in liberating the spirit of an endless summer inside everyone. The brand creates carefree style designed to make teens feel celebrated and comfortable in their own skin, so they can live in a summer mindset all year long, whatever the season.

When did Abercrombie and Fitch become unpopular? ›

pivoted into fashion apparel during the 1900s. Under former CEO Mike Jeffries, the brand was modernized and became popular with teens in the 1990s and early 2000s. Controversies and lawsuits soured public opinion, and the company's sales declined.

How many people sued Abercrombie? ›

“A lot of people don't belong [in our clothes],” Mike Jeffries told Salon in 2006 explaining the culture of the brand he was tasked with overseeing at the time. “That's why we hire good-looking people in our stores.

Is it unethical to be exclusive Abercrombie and Fitch? ›

Although this is a major part of branding, the way that Abercrombie & Fitch was marketing and their company policies around hiring and firing were arguably unethical. It is not unethical to create a brand that revolves around the exclusivity of its products as this has been seen many times over the years.

What is the sister brand of Hollister? ›

Abercrombie & Fitch (A&F) is an American lifestyle retailer that focuses on casual wear. Its headquarters are in New Albany, Ohio. The company operates three other offshoot brands: Abercrombie Kids, Hollister Co., and Gilly Hicks.

What brand is the same as Hollister? ›

Abercrombie & Fitch. Of course, Abercrombie & Fitch is the store most like Hollister. That's because Abercrombie and Fitch owns Hollister.

Is Hollister considered fast fashion? ›

Hollister is an American fashion retailer and teen clothing brand founded in 2000 in Ohio. The multinational clothing-retail company creates fast fashion for young girls and guys.

Can a 50 year old wear Hollister? ›

Honestly, it doesn't really matter how old you are (unless you outgrow the sizes, lol), you should wear what you want! If Hollister has things that fit your aesthetic, and you like the clothing that they make, I don't think there's a certain age to “outgrow” a brand of clothing.

Is Abercrombie considered fast fashion? ›

However, Abercrombie is still considered a fast fashion brand. Fast fashion is often associated with retailers like Shein, H&M, and Zara. And the term represents a sector of the fashion industry that is defined by low-cost, trendy clothing, made unsustainably and often unethically.

What happened to Gilly Hicks? ›

On November 6, 2013, Abercrombie & Fitch announced it would close Gilly Hicks' retail stores, but continue the brand's online operations. Gilly Hicks was resurrected in 2017 due to customer demand focusing in younger women. Since then, its products have been sold in all Hollister stores and online.

What size is 14 L or XL? ›

Women's Size Chart
SizeBustWaist
M (8-10)36-37″29½-30½″
L (12-14)38½-40″32-33½″
XL (16-18)42-43½″34-36″
XXL (20-22)45-46½″38-40″
4 more rows

Can 11 year old wear Hollister? ›

Hollister is a subsidiary of Abercrombie & Fitch, and this division of the mega clothing company is geared towards teens, ages 14 through 18 years of age.

What size is considered L? ›

Size Chart
Large (L)
Chest:Inches40-42
Centimetres102-107
Waist:Inches36-48
Centimetres92-98

What ranking is Abercrombie? ›

Abercrombie & Fitch Company is ranked #53 in Retail Brands.

Are Hollister and Abercrombie together? ›

A&F Co. continues its global expansion and digital reach across its five brands: Abercrombie & Fitch, abercrombie kids, Hollister, Gilly Hicks and Social Tourist. Abercrombie Co. is founded by David Abercrombie as an outdoor specialty retailer, carrying high quality camping, fishing and hunting gear.

What age group does Hollister target? ›

The company operates as a secondary business for Abercrombie & Fitch Management. The company provides clothing and accessories for men and women. Hollister's main target consumers are teenagers. Hollister retails its products through a chain of stores in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

Should you size up or down in Abercrombie jeans? ›

However, Abercrombie jeans ARE true to size now, so toss that teenager dressing room trauma out the window. I wear a 25 or a 26, and the 25s are perfect on me. The 26 work but are looser in the waist, of course. (For detailed sizing reference, I'm 5″1, 116 lbs, and wear a 25).

Is Abercrombie and Fitch a high end brand? ›

ABERCROMBIE & FITCH IS AN AMERICAN CASUAL LUXURY GIANT CREATED IN 1892 BY DAVID T ABERCROMBIE. Abercrombie & Fitch. This American casual luxury giant created in 1892 by David T. Abercrombie, initially produced sportswear.

Does Abercrombie shrink? ›

They dont shrink in the dryer . They smell so good when you first buy them . Also it can be expensive but there is a clearance section .

Why are Hollister clothes so small? ›

Clothing sizes at Hollister run small for a variety of reasons. First, the company has always prided itself on its slim-fitting designs and cuts that flatter young bodies. This means that their clothing is designed to fit snugly, which can be difficult when trying to accommodate all body types with one size chart.

Is Hollister still a popular brand? ›

In total, 21% of U.S. fashion store customers say they like Hollister.

What country owns Hollister? ›

American lifestyle brand owned by Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Hollister Co. is a clothing company owned by Abercrombie & Fitch. The kind of clothing they sell is casual, meaning that it is for informal use. It also has a theme based on the surfing cultural movement of Southern California.

What age group is Abercrombie for? ›

Originally targeting high school consumers aged 13–18 as "abercrombie" its focus has shifted to the 7–14 market as "abercrombie kids", the concept is designed as the children's version of its parent company A&F.

What is the age group for Abercrombie and Fitch? ›

The most common age range of Abercrombie & Fitch Co employees is 18-20 years.

How to look like a Hollister model? ›

How to Become a Model for Abercrombie & Fitch or Hollister
  1. Get to know the brands. ...
  2. Start young. ...
  3. Get (and stay) fit. ...
  4. Be mindful of what you put in your body. ...
  5. Get a Backstage subscription. ...
  6. Research modeling agencies in your area—and apply. ...
  7. Get a modeling headshot.
Mar 14, 2022

Is Abercrombie better quality than Hollister? ›

Abercrombie sell their clothes for an average of 1/3 more than Hollister and as I started to dig deeper into the brand I started to find noticeable differences to how the quality of Abercrombie next to Hollister would be perceived regardless of the fact there doesn't seem to be any difference in the quality of their ...

Can I return Abercrombie to Hollister? ›

You cannot return merchandise across brands (example: Abercrombie & Fitch, Hollister Co.). You also cannot return merchandise by mailing it to our stores. Purchases made at an outlet location may only be returned in an outlet location for the same brand in the country of purchase.

Are Hollister and Abercrombie owned by the same people? ›

A&F Co. continues its global expansion and digital reach across its five brands: Abercrombie & Fitch, abercrombie kids, Hollister, Gilly Hicks and Social Tourist. Abercrombie Co. is founded by David Abercrombie as an outdoor specialty retailer, carrying high quality camping, fishing and hunting gear.

Is Hollister a sister company to Abercrombie and Fitch? ›

Abercrombie & Fitch (A&F) is an American lifestyle retailer that focuses on casual wear. Its headquarters are in New Albany, Ohio. The company operates three other offshoot brands: Abercrombie Kids, Hollister Co., and Gilly Hicks.

Is Abercrombie & Fitch a luxury brand? ›

ABERCROMBIE & FITCH IS AN AMERICAN CASUAL LUXURY GIANT CREATED IN 1892 BY DAVID T ABERCROMBIE. Abercrombie & Fitch. This American casual luxury giant created in 1892 by David T. Abercrombie, initially produced sportswear.

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