Does Abercrombie & Fitch Run Big? The Ultimate Sizing Guide

No, Abercrombie & Fitch does not run big - in fact, it's quite the opposite. As someone who's been styling clients for over a decade, I can tell you that A&F consistently runs small to true-to-size, and this is one of the most common sizing mishaps I see with my clients. If you're planning to shop their latest collections, you'll likely need to size up, particularly in their signature fitted pieces and denim.

The A&F Sizing Reality Check

Let me be brutally honest here - Abercrombie & Fitch has a complicated sizing history that still affects how their clothes fit today. Historically, the brand was infamous for vanity sizing in reverse, making their clothes deliberately smaller to maintain their "exclusive" aesthetic. Whilst they've made significant improvements recently, expanding their range to include sizes up to XXL and 16+, the fit philosophy hasn't completely transformed.

In my experience styling clients across different body types, I consistently recommend sizing up when shopping A&F, especially if you're used to brands like H&M (known for their accessible European sizing that tends to run slightly larger) or ASOS (which offers comprehensive size guides and tends to be more forgiving in fit). The contrast is particularly noticeable when compared to Zara (which also runs small but more predictably so) or COS (with their minimalist cuts that offer more structured, true-to-size fits).

Category-by-Category Breakdown

Denim: This is where A&F sizing gets trickiest. Their jeans consistently run 1-2 sizes smaller than mainstream brands. I often tell clients to ignore their usual size completely and focus on the actual measurements. For comparison, if you wear a size 12 at M&S (known for their reliable, generous sizing), you'll likely need a 14 or even 16 in A&F jeans.

Knitwear & Tops: More forgiving than their denim, but still lean towards the smaller side, especially in fitted styles. Their oversized pieces are genuinely oversized, but their "regular fit" tops often feel snug compared to similar pieces at Mango (which offers excellent mid-range sizing consistency) or The White Company (known for their relaxed, comfortable fits).

Outerwear: Generally more true-to-size, though their fitted blazers and jackets can feel restrictive if you're between sizes.

Smart Shopping Strategies

Here's what I tell all my clients when shopping A&F: always check their size chart for each individual item, as there can be significant variation even within the same category. Unlike more consistent brands such as Reiss (premium pricing with reliable sizing across collections) or Arket (part of the H&M group but with more consistent, sustainable sizing), A&F requires more careful consideration.

I also recommend looking at alternative brands if you're finding A&F sizing frustrating. Everlane offers similar casual-chic aesthetics with much more reliable sizing, whilst Ganni provides that same youthful energy with European sizing that tends to be more generous.

For high-street alternatives that offer similar styles but better sizing consistency, consider Whistles (excellent for contemporary pieces with clear size guidance) or French Connection (reliable UK sizing with similar aesthetic appeal).

Premium and Designer Alternatives

If you love A&F's aesthetic but struggle with their sizing, there are fantastic alternatives across price points. For premium options, Isabel Marant Étoile offers that same effortless, youthful vibe with French sizing that's generally more accommodating. Ganni provides playful, contemporary pieces with excellent European sizing consistency.

In the luxury space, Golden Goose delivers that casual-cool aesthetic with Italian craftsmanship and more predictable sizing, whilst Stella McCartney offers sustainable luxury with comprehensive size ranges and clear fitting guidance.

Never Guess Your Size Again with Tellar

This is exactly why I always recommend my clients use tellar.co.uk - the UK's leading sizing tool that matches your body exactly to over 1500 brands instantly. No more guessing, no more returns, no more sizing headaches!

Here's how it works:

1. Measure Once: Simply input your bust, waist, and hip measurements, or use your existing size from a brand that fits you well.

2. Use Their Store Size Lookup Tool: Get your precise size in any brand including A&F, COS, Reiss, Everlane, Arket and hundreds more at tellar.co.uk

tellar.co.uk

tellar.co.uk to take the guesswork out completely.

Remember, the right fit is everything in fashion. Don't let tricky sizing put you off exploring different brands - just arm yourself with the right tools and information to shop smart.