Abercrombie and Fitch’s Outdoor Origins

A&F catalog, Warshaw Collection of Business Americana, from the Archives Center at the National Museum of American History.

Today Abercrombie and Fitch is typically more closely associated with busy malls than hiking trails. National Museum of American History (NMAH) Fellow Rachel Gross has published some of her findings on the company’s perhaps surprising roots as an outdoor outfitter on the NMAH O Say Can You See blog.

Rachel explores the development of Abercrombie and Fitch by examining the collection of catalogs housed in the Archives Center at NMAH dating back to 1903. The article presents a discussion of A&F ideas not only about what to bring camping, but also how to camp. These ideas reflected a trend in the general population’s perception of camping as an activity.

To read Rachel Gross’ research article, click here.