You probably remember the old Abercrombie. The one with the blindingly dark stores, the overwhelming scent of Fierce cologne, and those grainy black-and-white photos of shirtless models. It was a vibe, sure, but not necessarily a "quality" vibe. Things have changed. If you’ve been on TikTok or Instagram lately, you’ve seen the resurgence. The brand has pulled off one of the most successful pivots in retail history, moving away from teen angst toward "quiet luxury" for millennials. At the center of this comeback is the Abercrombie and Fitch vegan leather jacket.
It’s everywhere.
People are obsessed. But let’s be real—"vegan leather" is often just a fancy marketing term for plastic. Usually, it's polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). When you’re dropping over $100 on a jacket that isn't actually "real" leather, you have to wonder if you're just paying for a label or if the material actually holds up against a cold breeze in November. Honestly, the answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no.
Why the Abercrombie and Fitch vegan leather jacket went viral
It started with the "Dad Coat" and the "Vegan Leather Moto." Suddenly, every fashion influencer from New York to London was claiming these pieces felt like butter. That’s a bold claim for synthetic material. Usually, cheap faux leather is stiff. It squeaks when you move. It has that weird, fishy chemical smell that lingers in your closet for months.
Abercrombie did something different. They focused on the drape.
Most synthetic jackets are backed with a rigid polyester mesh that makes the wearer look like they’re encased in a cardboard box. Abercrombie’s version uses a softer bonded backing. This allows the fabric to hang more like genuine lambskin. It moves with your body. If you’re grabbing a coffee or driving, you don't feel like you're fighting your clothes.
The aesthetic fits the "Old Money" trend perfectly. They stripped away the loud logos. They kept the hardware—the zippers and snaps—minimalist and heavy. Cheap jackets usually have flimsy, tin-like zippers that snag or lose their silver coating within three wears. These don't.
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The material science of "Vegan Leather"
Let’s get technical for a second because "vegan" doesn't always mean eco-friendly or high quality. Most of the Abercrombie and Fitch vegan leather jacket line is composed of a 100% polyester base coated with polyurethane.
Is it sustainable? Not exactly. It's still a petroleum-based product. However, from a durability standpoint, PU is generally superior to the PVC used in fast-fashion bargain bins. It doesn't crack as easily in freezing temperatures. If you live somewhere like Chicago or Toronto, you know the heartbreak of a faux leather jacket peeling like a sunburned shoulder after one winter.
The brand’s "ultra-soft" vegan leather is specifically engineered to have a matte finish. This is crucial. Real leather has a natural, subtle sheen; fake leather often has a "wet" look that screams "I cost $20 at a clearance rack." By killing that plastic-y shine, Abercrombie managed to trick the eye.
The fit problem: Oversized vs. Tailored
Here is where it gets tricky. Abercrombie’s sizing has become... adventurous.
Their vegan leather bombers and "Dad" jackets are intentionally oversized. If you buy your regular size, you might feel like you’re wearing your father's coat from 1992. That’s the point. But for shorter guys or petite women, this can be overwhelming.
On the flip side, their tailored blazers and biker jackets run surprisingly true to size. You have to check the product descriptions carefully. Look for keywords like "relaxed" or "oversized." If it says "slim fit," believe them.
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I’ve seen people complain that the sleeves are too long. They are. This is a common design choice in 2026 fashion to allow for "stacking" at the wrist, giving it a more streetwear-inspired look. If you want a crisp, professional look for the office, you might actually need to size down or look at their "Short" length options if available.
Real-world durability
I’ve talked to people who have owned these jackets for three seasons now. The consensus? They hold up better than Zara, but they aren't heirloom pieces.
You aren't going to hand an Abercrombie and Fitch vegan leather jacket down to your grandkids. It’s a five-year jacket, tops. Eventually, the friction points—the underarms and the neck—will start to show wear. But unlike the fast-fashion versions that fall apart in six months, these can handle a daily commute and the occasional spilled drink.
One major pro: they are remarkably stain-resistant. Since the surface is non-porous PU, coffee or rain beads right off. You just wipe it with a damp cloth. You can't do that with real suede or untreated leather without a minor panic attack.
What most people get wrong about the price
People complain about the $120 to $180 price range. "It’s plastic!" they cry.
Sure. But you're paying for the pattern-making. Making a jacket that looks expensive is harder than making one that actually is expensive. Using high-end leather is a bit of a cheat code for designers because the material does the heavy lifting. When you’re working with synthetics, the cut, the stitching, and the lining have to be perfect to hide the fact that it's not animal hide.
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Abercrombie’s linings are usually a high-quality satin-finish polyester. They feel cool to the touch and don't static-cling to your sweaters. That matters. If you’ve ever worn a cheap jacket that makes your hair stand on end every time you take it off, you know exactly why that extra $40 is worth it.
Comparing the styles
- The Vegan Leather Bomber: This is the current king. It’s puffy, it’s warm, and it looks great with a hoodie underneath. It’s the ultimate "weekend in the city" coat.
- The Biker Jacket: A bit more classic. It has more hardware. If you want to look like you own a motorcycle (even if you actually drive a Prius), this is the one.
- The Vegan Leather Trench: This is for the "Matrix" or "90s spy" aesthetic. It’s a lot of fabric. It’s bold. It’s also the most likely to look "costumey" if you don't style it with very simple basics like a white tee and straight-leg jeans.
Is it actually warm?
Don't be fooled by the thickness. Polyurethane is a great windbreaker, but it has zero insulation properties on its own. It doesn't breathe.
In 45-degree weather (7°C), you'll feel fine because it traps your body heat. In 20-degree weather (-6°C), you will freeze unless you have a heavy wool sweater underneath. Because it doesn't breathe, you might also find yourself getting slightly sweaty if you're wearing it inside a crowded mall or on a packed subway train. It’s a transitional piece—perfect for spring and fall, but not a replacement for a down parka.
How to make it last longer
If you decide to pull the trigger on an Abercrombie and Fitch vegan leather jacket, don't treat it like a regular coat. Synthetic leather has specific enemies.
- Heat is the devil. Never, ever put this in a dryer. The heat will melt the PU coating, causing it to bubble and peel instantly. If it gets soaked in the rain, hang it up in a well-ventilated room away from a radiator.
- Use a wide hanger. Wire hangers will create "shoulder nipples" (those weird bumps) because the material stretches under its own weight but doesn't "bounce back" like natural fibers.
- Wipe it down. Skin oils and makeup can actually degrade the synthetic coating over time. A quick wipe with a baby wipe or a damp microfiber cloth on the collar will extend its life by a year.
- Avoid alcohol-based sprays. Be careful with perfume or cologne. The alcohol can act as a solvent and strip the matte finish off the "leather," leaving a shiny, permanent spot.
The Final Verdict
The Abercrombie and Fitch vegan leather jacket isn't a scam, but it’s also not a miracle. It is a very well-engineered piece of synthetic clothing that solves the biggest problem with faux leather: the "cheap" look.
If you want the look of a $1,000 AllSaints jacket but you only have $150 and you don't want to wear animal products, this is honestly the best option on the market right now. It beats out the competitors at H&M or Mango because the weight of the fabric is more substantial and the cuts are more "on-trend."
Just go into it knowing what it is. It’s a high-fashion, high-utility synthetic garment. It’s a vibe for the "now."
Actionable Next Steps
- Check the "Dad" fits first: If you want that viral, effortless look, start with the Dad Bomber or the Relaxed Shirt Jacket. These are the most versatile pieces in the collection.
- Read the reviews for "Squeak": While Abercrombie is better than most, some specific colors or batches can be noisier than others. Always scan the latest customer reviews for mentions of "loud" or "plastic-y" sounds.
- Wait for a sale: Abercrombie runs "20% off everything" sales almost every other weekend. Never pay full retail price for these jackets; they are almost guaranteed to go on promotion if you wait ten days.
- Layer strategically: Pair the jacket with natural fibers like cotton or wool. Since the jacket doesn't breathe, a cotton t-shirt underneath will help manage moisture and keep you comfortable throughout the day.