Honestly, if you haven't stepped into an Abercrombie & Fitch lately, the vibe shift is pretty jarring. It’s not 2005 anymore. There is no deafening club music. The clouds of Fierce cologne have mostly dissipated. But the biggest change? It's the clothes. Specifically, the jacket Abercrombie & Fitch produces today has undergone a massive quality overhaul that most people—especially those of us who grew up with the thin, logo-heavy hoodies—weren't expecting.
They’ve pivoted from being a brand that sells an "image" to one that actually focuses on construction. It’s weird to say, but they are competing with high-end boutique labels now.
The Rebrand That Actually Stuck
About five years ago, the company realized they couldn't survive on nostalgia and moose logos alone. They hired design leads with backgrounds in luxury outerwear. You can see it in the seams. When you pick up a jacket Abercrombie & Fitch offers in their current lineup, like the vegan leather biker or the heavy wool-blend topcoats, the weight tells the story. It’s heavy. It’s dense. It feels like something you bought at a shop in London, not a suburban mall.
They call it "elevated essentials." Basically, that’s marketing speak for "we stopped using cheap polyester and started using better blends."
Is the Jacket Abercrombie & Fitch Sells Worth the Price?
Pricing is tricky. You're looking at $120 to $220 for most mid-weight pieces. Is it worth it?
Well, look at the "Ultra Parka." For years, people have compared it to Canada Goose or North Face. Obviously, it’s not a $1,000 technical climbing garment. But for $200? It’s windproof, water-resistant, and has fleece-lined pockets that actually keep your hands warm in a Chicago winter. I’ve seen these things last four or five seasons without the zippers catching or the insulation clumping. That’s the benchmark. If a coat lasts five years and costs under two hundred bucks, the cost-per-wear is pennies.
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The Vegan Leather Situation
Most "faux leather" is garbage. It peels. It smells like a shower curtain. It looks shiny and sad.
However, the vegan leather jacket Abercrombie & Fitch puts out is genuinely impressive. They use a heavier gauge polyurethane that has a matte finish. It drapes like real hide. I’ve talked to stylists who use these on sets because they photograph exactly like real lambskin but don't require the $600 investment. Plus, they’re machine washable (on cold, please, don’t ruin it).
- The Biker Jacket: Short, cropped, looks great with high-waisted jeans.
- The 90s Trucker: Oversized, boxy, very much the "it" silhouette right now.
- The Blazer: A bit more niche, but surprisingly structured.
Real Talk on Sizing and Fit
Abercrombie has this thing called "Curve Love" for jeans, but their jackets follow a similar logic. They know people have shoulders. They know people want to layer a hoodie underneath without feeling like a stuffed sausage.
If you are buying a jacket Abercrombie & Fitch makes in an "oversized" fit, do not size up. I repeat: stay true to size. Their designers have already accounted for the extra room. If you size up, you’ll look like you’re wearing your dad’s suit coat from the 80s. It’s a fine line between "fashionably loose" and "lost in the fabric."
On the flip side, their tailored wool coats run long. If you're under 5'6", you might find the hem hitting your knees in a way that feels a bit overwhelming. Look for the "short" or "petite" lengths online if they’re in stock. They sell out fast because, frankly, most brands ignore shorter proportions in outerwear.
Material Science (The Boring but Important Part)
We need to talk about the "Wool-Blend" labels. Often, you’ll see a coat that is 50% wool and 50% polyester/acrylic. To a purist, that’s a sin. But in reality? That blend is why the jacket Abercrombie & Fitch produces doesn't pill as badly as 100% cheap wool. The synthetic fibers act as a binder. They keep the shape.
I’ve seen high-end brands charge $400 for the exact same fabric composition. You’re paying for the fit and the brand name at that point. At Abercrombie, you're mostly paying for the utility.
Why Everyone Is Obsessed With the Mac Coat
The "Mac" or the "Car Coat" is currently their bestseller for a reason. It’s simple. No loud branding. It’s the kind of jacket Abercrombie & Fitch wouldn't have dared to sell in 2010 because it’s too subtle.
It uses a heavy cotton twill that’s been treated for water resistance. It’s the perfect transitional piece for those weird months where it’s 45 degrees in the morning and 65 by noon. You can throw it over a t-shirt or a suit. It’s versatile.
What to Avoid
Not every jacket Abercrombie & Fitch makes is a winner.
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Stay away from the ultra-lightweight windbreakers if they feel "crunchy." If the fabric makes a loud swishing sound when you move your arms, it’s likely a lower-grade nylon that won’t breathe. You’ll end up sweaty and cold.
Also, be wary of the "puffer" styles that feel too airy. A good puffer should have some "loft" or "rebound." If you squeeze the jacket and it stays flat, the fill power is low. It won't keep you warm when the temperature actually drops below freezing.
The Longevity Factor
I know people who still have A&F jackets from a decade ago. The hardware—the buttons and zippers—is usually where brands cut corners. But lately, Abercrombie has been using YKK zippers and reinforced buttons. That matters. A broken zipper is usually the death of a coat because repairing it costs more than the jacket is worth.
If you take care of a jacket Abercrombie & Fitch sells today—meaning you actually read the care label and stop putting everything in the high-heat dryer—it will easily last you through several years of heavy rotation.
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How to Style It Without Looking Like a Catalog
The trick to wearing Abercrombie now is to mix it with other textures. If you’re wearing one of their wool topcoats, don’t wear the matching trousers. Throw on some rugged denim and a pair of boots. If you’re wearing a technical puffer, pair it with something unexpected like chinos.
The brand has moved away from the "uniform" look. You should too.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Purchase
Before you drop money on a new jacket Abercrombie & Fitch has listed, do these three things:
- Check the "Details" Tab Online: Look for the specific material percentages. If it’s less than 40% wool in a winter coat, it might not be warm enough for sub-zero temps.
- Read the "Verified Buyer" Reviews for Height: People are very vocal about where the sleeves hit. If you have long arms, look for comments from other "tall" buyers.
- Wait for the Sunday/Monday Sales: Abercrombie almost always runs "20% off everything" or "15% off outerwear" cycles. Never pay full price. If it’s Thursday and you want a jacket, wait three days. You’ll likely save $30 to $50.
Once you get the jacket, hang it on a wide, wooden hanger. Wire hangers ruin the shoulder structure of heavy coats, creating those weird "shoulder nipples" that are impossible to steam out. Take care of the piece, and it’ll actually take care of you. It’s a solid investment for a modern wardrobe that doesn't require a designer paycheck.
Final Maintenance Checklist
- Steam, Don't Iron: Especially for the wool blends and vegan leather. High heat from an iron will melt the synthetic fibers or create a permanent "shine" on the fabric.
- Spot Clean First: The heavy twill and canvas jackets hold onto dirt. Use a damp cloth with a tiny bit of mild detergent instead of tossing it in the wash every time.
- Storage: At the end of the season, zip everything up. It helps the jacket keep its shape while it’s crammed in the back of your closet for six months.