Why do people so vehemently hate Abercrombie & Fitch?

Question

Here's my opinion:

1. The music in the store is too loud, the store is dimly-lighted, and it smells strongly of cologne.
Actually, this is not a misconception. It's the truth - and that's because this is Abercrombie's THEME. It's not just this store, all A&F stores are like this! And to me, it's much more exciting than the boring layouts of other stores like H&M or American Eagle. And the millions of A&F aficionados just shows that this theme is popular and successful in attracting people to the brand.

2. A&F clothes are "overpriced."
That really depends on your definition of overpriced. If you want the cheap, paper-thin, CRAP quality of stores like Walmart and Aeropostale, nobody is stopping you! Go for it! Seriously, actually TOUCH an Abercrombie tee, then compare it to Aeropostale's. Abercrombie is made to top-notch material and feels soft, plush, and thick. There is an obvious reason why it's on the pricey side - it actually has good quality! Gasp! And what's more surprising is that we A&F shoppers like our apparel to have good quality and not shrivel in the washer! Weird, huh?
Besides, the brand is quite famous. It's obvious that the "brand value" is going to increase the price - just like other top brands do (Armani, Zara, etc.)

3. A&F is for "wannabes."
No. It's for those who value good fashion with quality. We prefer not to wear generic trash from Target or Aero.

Answer 1

"top notch material" heh i almost fell out of my chair reading this.



theres no difference between 100% cotton and 100% cotton.



pro-tip : youre not paying for the material, youre paying for the brand. both walmart and A&F clothes are made by pakistani and indonesian children of the same material. A&F slaps on a bigger price tag.



go ahead, I know you want to, take a look at the country your shirt was made in.

Answer 2

I used to shop at hot topic only and was basically a wannabr scene kid. Now I do like Abercrombie for some stuff, so I guess I've been at both ends of the spectrum. I dont buy everything abercrombie because it is kinda expensive and I usually refuse to buy anything with the huge logo just because it doesn't look nice in my opinion. I also dont understand what people are saying about the sizes- I wear a 2 usually, and sometimes a 4 depending on the store or brand, and at abercrombie the 2 fits perfectly, better than some other stores even.

Answer 3

I used to wear Abercrombie a lot. I grew up and switched to Ralph Lauren so let me give some personal insight:



Admittedly, Abercrombie is a good transitional brand when going from awkward Middle School years to dressing like an adult. They offer a good selection of clothes to help you find the look you want to go for as an adult while still keeping things youthful. That being said, 30-Somethings and older wearing Abercrombie is just ridiculous and, quite honestly, deserves every bit of ridicule it gets. The main reasons people dislike Abercrombie are:



1. The association with the youthful years I previously mentioned. If you constantly wear these clothes into your adult years it reeks of someone who isn't able to grow up. There are plenty of brands with better quality clothes that look FAR better for similar prices to Abercrombie (PRL, Brooks Brothers, Lacoste, etc.)



2. There is a certain image associated with Abercrombie-wearers. The typical jock who parties all the time and cares more about social-events than school (This is A&F's intention). The internet is populated overwhelmingly with Counter-Culture members who have a strong dislike for Abercrombie's demographic resulting in everything about them being demonized, including the way they dress.



3. Something SHOULD be said about the company's logo being splashed across the chest of a shirt. This practice is generally looked down upon. Also, if you look at the tag on the clothing or on their website you'll find a lot of their clothes (though not their tees or button-shirts) are mostly synthetic fibers, putting the purpose of the high prices into question as well.

Answer 4

1. For people who don't like the scent that can be smelled from a 50 foot radius of the store, it is obnoxious and occasionally nauseating. Honestly the theme isn't very different from the themes of the stores that you listed.

2. I have shirts that I pay $5 a piece for. They are durable enough to last until I outgrow them. You can find clothes that are cheaper, and just as durable, that aren't billboards with a brand name stamped all over them.

3. You can't judge a book by its cover. I believe that men and women look better in clothes that are more mature. However, in the eyes of shoppers of such stores, a person wearing A&F clothes instantly becomes more attractive. Judging a person based on their clothes is a terrible personality trait that is encouraged by the media and corporations.



If you like the clothes and you have the money for them then buy them. You probably get an enjoyable trip to the mall too. Who cares what other people think. Different people have a different sense of fashion and shouldn't be judged for it. Just understand that you are really paying for a name.

Answer 5

Dude I don't know either! I've never bought anything for more than $25 or $30 from Abercrombie, I love that store. Sure Forever 21 is cute and cheap, but the fabric is cheap too! Every single shirt I get from that store rips and all of my jeans from Forever 21 have holes in them after less than one year!!!! And I have shirts from Abercrombie that are 5 years old and in great condition!!!!!

It's not a pricey store when you take into account the quality of the clothes.

And for the music thing, I actually heard Young Folks by Peter Bjorn and John playing one time :)

Answer 6

I personally don't care that the store is loud, it's supposed to be a party like atomosphere, and the scent is only bad if you're there for a long time.



the clothes are overpriced for what they are, I would pay those prices for clothes, (i do), but the clothes from A&F aren't well made, and they're just plain tshirts, jeans, etc, that you can get better from better designers for the same price for jeans, and less for the tshirts and stuff. Plus, armani, zara, and stuff those are well-known, respected designers, A&F isn't really designer, it's just popular so demand can allow them to up the price.



I also don't like big brand names across the chest or butt of clothes, so that's like all of their clothes. I don't shop at aero, and I get basic things at Target, but some people can only afford target clothes, and those you can get things that look different and mix them to look different, if you have something from A&F, everyone knows it's from A&F.

I personally like high quality designers, like the stuff you're supposed to shell out 200 or 300 even up to 600 dollars for, that i get at stores like loehmans, for like 100 or under. I think A&F is generic.

Answer 7

1. the cologne is to much, or enough that stores have been sued, protested, and forced to stop using it in some locations. the store is dimly lit as well.

2.if you want to pay 50 dollars for a striped t-shirt, go ahead. its your money your wasting, not mine.

3.'generic trash' is more abercrombie: all of the same clothes, every season, all boring. if everyone in the world wore abercrombie, we wouldnt have a fashion industry.

Answer 8

I LOVE Abercrombie. People who dislike it because they are jealous their parents wont buy them clothes from there and that it's somewhat pricey and preppy. My wardrobe is all Hollister and Abercrombie. And half of my Mom's is too! We don't mind spending extra money for the good quality stuff. And A&F's blazers, scraves, cardigans, wool winter coats, knit layers, tanks, dresses, skirts, and jeans are great. The stuff is very classic. And Abercrombie has a very nice store layout, and it smells nice and it's refreshing. Thats what I have to say :). And I dont get why people bash Abercrombie. Its like, if you dislike it dont wear it lols. And people are usually just really jealous because its expensive and has limited sizes. But personally some people wear it to be considered popular, but Abercrombie was made for real preps.

Answer 9

I don't mind going to A&F. The sound quality is loud but oh well. The smell is delish though! :D

About the price. Their prices are RIDICULOUS! You must be stupid or rich to buy from there. I prefer Hollister because it's the same type of material and much more cuter. You are basically paying for the dumb looking moose anyway. I would much rather pay for that cute seagull or HCO logo or cute patterns, cardigans, hoodies, and jeans (:

Answer 10

I'll concede that it's fun inside an A&F store.



However, anyone who literally wants to charge $120 for a pair of ripped jeans is out of their ******* mind.

Answer 11

Let me ask you this: What type of person pays money for the privilege of advertising a company? Spoiled brats. That's who. People who think expensive clothes and obnoxious logos make other people like you.

Answer 12

well looks like you answered your own question and then argued it, who cares what people like or don't like, wear whatever the hell you want.

Answer 13

um, i personally love A&F. and no need to bash aero; theyre great too :)