Abercrombie & Fitch — a brand that spans over one hundred years — was initially famed for its wide variety of expensive sporting equipment and attire. It was said it carried everything from “exercise balls to elephant guns.” The company started as an outdoorsman and hunting store in the late 19th century before transforming into the clothing mecca for teens in the 1990s and early 2000s.
In New York in 1892, David T. Abercrombie — a former miner, trapper and railroad surveyor — opened the Abercrombie Company as a sporting goods and camping equipment store. Ezra Fitch — a wealthy lawyer, real estate developer and one of Ambercrombie’s best customers — became a partner in the company in 1900. In 1904, the company was incorporated and renamed "Abercrombie & Fitch Co." Fitch bought Abercrombie's share of the business and became the sole owner from 1907 to 1928.
Fitch anticipated a clientele far broader than merely those who had to camp to earn a living. Abercrombie & Fitch (A&F) became the go-to retailer when the wealthy planned safaris and other international excursions.
While it’s true that military style by now has truly invaded fashion, A&F is credited with bringing the safari suit, a hunting outfit based on British colonial military uniforms, to the urban consumer. For more than half a century, their goods were the image of correctness and opulence — inspiring a humorist to mock a perfectly-outfitted, affluent fisherman as an “Abercrombie and Fitcherman.” Fitch retired in 1928, selling his interest in the company to his brother-in-law, James S. Cobb.
By 1939 A&F was touted as the greatest sporting goods store in the world. During A&F’s peak, its customers included Ernest Hemingway and Teddy Roosevelt. The company outfitted the polar expeditions led by Roald Amundsen and Admiral Richard Byrd and provided equipment to the famed aviators Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart.
Hard times fell on A&F in the 1970s, but the brand pivoted and emerged as a trendy clothing chain for teens and young adults in the '80s and '90s. Whenever it expanded during its heyday, the company confined its new stores to downtown areas of large cities and luxury-destination hotel stores. The company then attempted to widen its customer base by moving into the suburbs and adding less-expensive items to its usual stock.
For fashion lovers, the 1990s have become associated with styles adopted by today’s supermodels and influencers, and today’s enthusiasts of the era’s aesthetic don’t have to look much further than to vintage Abercrombie & Fitch to get their fix.
On 1stDibs, find Abercrombie & Fitch coats, jackets, vintage leather goods and more.
1960s B.H Wragge Burnt Orange Boucle Mod Short Sleeve Vintage 60s Retro Jacket
By B.H. Wragge
Located in San Diego, CA
Wonderful 1960s B.H WRAGGE burnt orange boucle short sleeve jacket! Mod style, with an Avant Garde cut-out at the bodice. Two oversized buttons down the front. Fully lined. Looks gre...
90s OHDD Italian Made Asymmetrical Avant Garde Sz 4 Burnt Orange Vintage Blazer
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare and Stylish late 1990s vintage OHDD Italian made Avant Garde asymmetrical blazer jacket! Features burnt orange velvet accents throughout, with a marigold and orange soft virgin ...
1970s Palmers Bright Neon Orange Silk / Nylon Double Breasted Vintage 70s Jacket
Located in San Diego, CA
Add a pop of color to any outfit in this chic rare vintage mid 70s PALMERS bright neon orange double breasted jacket coat! Features a soft silk and nylon blend crinkle fabric. Fabric...
Giorgio Armani Fall 2010 Size 44 / 8 Orange Lambskin Leather Jacket Blazer Italy
By Giorgio Armani
Located in San Diego, CA
Marked Size: 44 / US 8 Measurements Bust: 40 inches Waist: 36 inches Shoulder to Shoulder: 16 inches A vibrant Fall 2010 Giorgio Armani lamb leather jacket in a striking tangerine-orange hue, embodying the sophisticated tailoring and bold color story seen in Armani’s collections of the period. Crafted in Italy from exceptionally soft lamb leather, this piece offers the refinement of a blazer with the luxury and versatility of a premium leather jacket. The silhouette is elegantly tailored with notched lapels, leather-covered buttons, and subtle shaping through the waist that creates a flattering, feminine line without feeling restrictive. Practical zippered front pockets add both functionality and a modern edge while maintaining the jacket’s clean, polished appearance. The saturated orange color makes a remarkable statement while remaining surprisingly versatile. Pair it with white denim and neutral heels for resort wear, layer it over a black sheath dress for evening, or style it with tailored trousers and a silk blouse for a sophisticated city look. It also works beautifully with cream, camel, chocolate brown, navy, and black, making it an unexpected wardrobe staple rather than a novelty piece. Constructed from supple lamb leather and fully lined, this jacket reflects the exceptional craftsmanship and understated luxury that define Giorgio Armani. A standout collector’s piece from the Fall 2010 era, when rich citrus tones and impeccably tailored leather outerwear were central to high-fashion dressing. Made in Italy. Marked Size: 44 / US 8 Measurements Bust: 40 inches Waist: 36 inches Shoulder to Shoulder: 16 inches Details * Giorgio Armani * Fall 2010 * Made in Italy * 100% Lamb Leather * Fully lined * Leather-covered front buttons * Notched lapels * Two front zippered pockets * Tailored silhouette * Vibrant tangerine-orange color * Excellent vintage condition Giorgio Armani jacket, Giorgio Armani leather jacket...
Halston 1970s Salmon Peach Ultrasuede Vintage 70s Belted Jacket and Skirt Suit
By Halston, Roy Halston Frowick
Located in San Diego, CA
Beyond chic HALSTON ultra suede salmon / peach jacket and skirt ensemble ! The perfect color for anytime of year - not quite pink, but not quite ta...
1990s Bill Blass Size 8 For Saks 5th Avenue Brown Vintage 90s Collarless Blazer
By Bill Blass
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic early 90s Bill Blass for Saks Fifth Avenue brown tweed wool blazer jacket ! Features five buttons up the front. Brilliantly tailored for a sleek, stylish fit. Fully lined in bro...
PORTS 1961 neon orange wool silk underarm cut out asymmetric blazer FR36 S
By Ports 1961
Located in Hong Kong, NT
PORTS 1961 neon orange wool silk underarm cut out asymmetric blazer FR36 S Reference: NKLL/A00185 Brand: Ports 1961 Material: Wool, Silk Color: Orange Pattern: Solid Closure: Button ...
Vintage Issey Miyake Textured Orange & Brown Open Jacket
By Issey Miyake
Located in Oakland, CA
Very early vintage Issey Miyake jacket. Contrasting colors of orange and brown. Can be worn cuffed or not. Large chest pocket. Loose, Japanese style open shape with no closures. ...
MICHAEL KORS Size 12 Orange Wool Cashmere Peak Lapel Coat
By Michael Kors
Located in San Francisco, CA
MICHAEL KORS coat in an orange wool cashmere featuring a peak lapel, ventless back, and double button closure. Made in Italy.Very Good Pre-Owned Condition. Minor marks on inside of c...
Orange wool single breasted coat NINA RICCI
By Nina Ricci
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Orange wool single breasted coat. Acetate and cupro lining. Button and buttonhole closure on the middle front. SIZE 42 (Fr) L
F/W 1995 Christian Dior by Gianfranco Ferré Tangerine Orange Silk Mohair Jacket
By Gianfranco Ferré for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in Sheffield, GB
Superb Mohair & Raw silk collar-less jacket in a tangerine colour with decorative press stud closure buttons down the front. Designed by Gianfranco Ferré for Christian Dior’s Fal...
Chanel orange jacket 1990s
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Chanel
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
CHANEL - (Made in France) Orange cotton tweed jacket with a silk lining. Size 44FR. Piece from the 1990s under the artistic direction of Karl Largerfeld. Condition: Very good condit...
