Abercrombie & Fitch and Hollister may seem like two clothing brands that are interchangeable, and that’s likely because they’re owned by the same company. Hollister, which is known for their dimly lit retail stores, overwhelming yet weirdly comforting smell of their signature cologne, and laidback designs is totally reminiscent of Abercrombie, which offers casual clothing in a preppier style.

However, even with their similarities, Hollister and Abercrombie have a few differences, which we’ll explore below. Additionally, we’ve laid out everything you need to know about how to style each brand, which items can be integrated into every wardrobe, and more. 

What Is Abercrombie & Fitch?

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Abercrombie is an American clothing brand that was actually founded in 1892 under Abercrombie & Fitch. According to their website, Abercrombie “believes that every day should feel as exceptional as the start of the long weekend,” and their apparel, fragrance, and outerwear are “designed to inspire our global customers to feel confident, be comfortable, and face their Fierce.”

Abercrombie sells a wide variety of casual clothing, including sweatshirts, crewnecks, polo shirts, t-shirts, shorts, jeans, swimwear, and outerwear, and also sells accessories like hats, socks, boxers, and of course, cologne. Abercrombie & Fitch is a company that has multiple brands under its umbrella, including Abercrombie Kids, Gilly Hicks, which offers a variety of loungewear, sleepwear, and underwear, Social Tourist, which “offers trend-forward apparel that allows teens to experiment with their style while exploring the duality of who they are both on social media and in real life,” and of course, Hollister, which we’ll detail below. 

What Is Hollister?

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Hollister is a sister brand of Abercrombie, and according to their website, Hollister is the “quintessential apparel brand of the global teen consumer” and “celebrates the liberating spirit of the endless summer inside everyone.” The brand has long been Inspired by “California’s laidback attitude,” and “Hollister’s clothes are designed to be lived in and made your own, for wherever life takes you.”