If you are a lover, and I mean LOVER of Abercrombie & Fitch then I am sure that you are a collector of their lines. I have to say, summer 2004 was my absolute favorite line. (All of the Alicia, Piper, Amelia and conner cargos came that year, just to name a few)

I have collected A&F for what seem's like forever. While I definitely have collected from their last 4 years worth of clothing, for me, they have yet to 'top' 2004.

I try to appeal to the true A&F lover and collector. Because hey, you may have missed out the first time, or even want a 2nd pair in case the first are 'worn to death'. :)

I am not a vEro member, but I can identify fake Abercrombie very easily. The first trick? It isn't hard...

Ask for measurements. Because Abercrombie does not run super small. They are pretty much true-to-size.

Asian sellers do not all have fakes, either. Some do, some don't. A lot of American sellers will buy huge lots of conterfeit A&F and then resell them on eBay, or other sites.

But, right to the facts: Price is not always 'too good to be true'...eBay allows us all, as buyers, to buy cheap sometimes and at times get a real steal of a deal.

So, long story short; price isn't a dead give away in terms of authenticity.

Back to the size, which IS a dead give away. A&F is NOT tiny. A&F is either true to size or runs big.

If you find, for example, an A&F womens size 6 cargo pant/crop that measures a 29-31" waist...pretty much 10 times outta 10 it is fake.

Here are A&F facts:

1. They are imported...their clothing is manufactured everywhere overseas from China, Taiwan to Vietnam. Really, very 'old school' A&F had some pieces made in the USA, but they are very rare.

2. Their clothing runs either true to size or bigger. NOT SMALLER. (Their shirts/jackets are almost always 'fitted', which means 'shaped' to fit and flatter your figure)

3. There are no 'set' inseams. A&F is manufactured in more than one factory, so their inseams are almost always differing, very close, but not always exact.

4. A&F has a 'vintage A&F wash', which means even whan you buy it New With Tags, it will have one or more of the following: fading/nicks/grinding/paintsplatters/holes/distressing/destruction/whiskering/wear/'broken in'/raw hems...etc...mostly etc.

5. It is hard to come by NWT older A&F styles, but hey, it does happen. To me, it is like striking gold. So, just because you find a pair of Amelia Bedfords NWT, please...do NOT assume they must be fake. A lot of gals buy stuff, and just never wear it. I do it...I bet you have too.

and finally, 6. If you are very familiar with A&F, then this guide will be useless.

But if you are unfamiliar, please be aware. Just use common sense.

Oh and another thing:

A&F adult store and ALL of their clothing says Abercrombie & Fitch, A&F, Abercrombie.

abercrombie kids store, says abercrombie...no capitol 'A'.

Just a thought as I have seen a lot of sellers listing abercrombie kids stuff as adults...argh!

Drop me a line if you have a question...I may be able to help. :)