Abercrombie & Fitch clothing

Abercrombie & Fitch (A&F) is an iconic American lifestyle brand with a rich history dating back to 1892. Founded in Manhattan by David T. Abercrombie as an upscale sporting and excursion goods outfitter, it originally catered to the elite outdoorsman, including famous figures like Theodore Roosevelt. After Ezra Fitch became a partner in 1904, the brand eventually transitioned toward leisure apparel. Following a period of bankruptcy in the late 1970s, the company was acquired by Oshman's Sporting Goods and later by Leslie Wexner’s The Limited (now L Brands) in 1988, which repositioned it as a trendsetting youth apparel retailer.

Today, the brand is owned by the publicly traded Abercrombie & Fitch Co., which also operates Hollister Co., Gilly Hicks, and social tourist. Having successfully rebranded move away from its controversial exclusionary image of the late 90s, the company now emphasizes a more inclusive, 'elevated casual' aesthetic. A&F does not own its manufacturing facilities; instead, it utilizes a global network of independent suppliers. Production is primarily concentrated in Asian hubs such as Vietnam, China, India, Bangladesh, and Indonesia, with specialized items occasionally sourced from other regions like Portugal and Sri Lanka.