Abercrombie & Fitch
The New York outfitter that began in expedition gear and became a 1990s–2000s teen-fashion juggernaut. The moose emblem and 'Est. 1892' wording date the modern era.
- Origin
- USA
- Founded
- 1892
- Category
- Designer & Casual
- Documented eras
- 7
How Abercrombie & Fitch labels evolved over time. Match the markers below against the tag in hand to place a garment in its era.
1950–1959
Expedition-Outfitter Tags
Simple utilitarian tags reading 'Abercrombie & Fitch Co.' with 'New York, Chicago, San Francisco', on durable materials befitting high-quality outdoor goods.
- Tags typically feature a simple and utilitarian design.
- Commonly include “Abercrombie & Fitch Co.” and “New York, Chicago, San Francisco.
- Often made with durable materials indicating high-quality outdoor goods.
How to spot it
'Abercrombie & Fitch Co.' with US city names.
Value signal
Rare; the original sporting-goods-era A&F is collector territory.
1960–1969
Rugged Imported-Quality Tags
'Abercrombie & Fitch Co.' branding with an outdoor, rugged focus, frequently naming manufacture in Scotland or Ireland, on heavier tag materials.
- Include “Abercrombie & Fitch Co.” branding with a focus on outdoor and rugged quality.
- Tags frequently mention manufacturing locations such as Scotland or Ireland.
- Use of heavier fabrics and materials for the tags.
How to spot it
Tags naming Scotland or Ireland manufacture.
Value signal
Strong; 60s sporting-era A&F has collector interest.
1970–1979
Bold Serif City Tags
Bold serif lettering with city names — New York, Chicago, San Francisco — some marked 'Made in Scotland' or 'Made in England'.
- Tags often feature bold serif lettering.
- Include locations like New York, Chicago, and San Francisco.
- Some tags mention “Made in Scotland” or “Made in England.”
How to spot it
Bold serif city-name tags.
Value signal
Desirable; pre-fashion-era A&F is sought.
1980–1989
'A&F' & Safari Tags
Branding mixes 'A&F' with the full name, bold serif and sans-serif fonts, some with colourful elements and 'Safari' branding.
- Branding often includes “A&F” alongside “Abercrombie & Fitch.
- Use of both bold serif and sans-serif fonts.
- Tags might have colorful elements and additional branding like “Safari.”
How to spot it
'A&F' shorthand, sometimes 'Safari' branding.
Value signal
Solid; transitional-era A&F, condition-driven.
1990–1999
'Est. 1892' Moose-Era Tags
Tags carry 'Abercrombie & Fitch' in a cleaner modern design, often with 'Est. 1892', commonly made in Hong Kong or the Philippines.
- Tags feature “Abercrombie & Fitch” with a modern, cleaner design.
- Often include the establishment date “Est. 1892.”
- Commonly found in garments made in Hong Kong or the Philippines.
How to spot it
'Est. 1892' on a clean 90s tag.
Value signal
Strong; 90s A&F is a peak reseller era.
2000–2009
Dark Contemporary Tags
More contemporary tags in darker colours, 'Abercrombie & Fitch' in bold serif, size on a separate looped tag.
- Introduction of more contemporary tag designs with darker colors.
- Tags often have “Abercrombie & Fitch” with bold serif lettering.
- Include size information on a separate tag, usually looped.
How to spot it
A dark-coloured tag with bold serif and a size loop.
Value signal
Solid; the 2000s logo-heavy pieces sell well.
2010–2019
Modern Global-Make Tags
Modern layouts keeping the classic logo and establishment date, varied materials and colours, often made in Vietnam, China or Guatemala.
- Modern tag layouts while retaining the classic logo and establishment date.
- Variety of tag materials and colors reflecting different styles and collections.
- Often include manufacturing countries like Vietnam, China, or Guatemala.
How to spot it
Modern tags with the classic logo, global make.
Value signal
Modern; priced on the piece.