On my quest to answer the important questions in life, I wanted to first find out, “When are you too old to wear Abercrombie & Fitch?” If the answer to this question is age 25, there will be a big garage sale at my house in the next two months. Jeans will go for $2, T-shirts for $1.25, but dads that enjoy clubbing and dancing to the booty drop get 10 percent off at my garage sale.
If you’re sitting in a rocking chair you may be wondering, “What is Abercrombie & Fitch?” It’s an American clothing brand, well-known to most teens for being stylish and cool. Abercrombie & Fitch, also known as A&F, sells jeans both ripped and faded, along with graphic T-shirts and anything else you would expect your typical trendy teenager to wear. The popular brand doesn’t come at a cheap price compared to competitors, but the price you pay for the clothes is worth the “coolness” for many. Their catalogs also get a lot of attention because the models are half-naked in most of the pictures. You can hardly tell they’re trying to sell you clothes, but evidently the clothes still get purchased. A&F also owns Hollister, a newer clothing brand which is just as popular with teenagers. Even as Abercrombie’s sales have gone down, many people still own closets full of their clothing.
I sometimes chuckle when I see “older” moms and dads wearing trendy teenager-like clothing, but I appreciate their youthful hearts. These are the same adults who drive their cars with the windows down blaring The Top 40 instead of Barry Manilow or Neil Diamond. At what age should we stop wearing Abercrombie & Fitch? I really have thought about the answer to this question for a while, and I’ve come to a conclusion. There is no age when you’re too old to wear clothes that make you feel good about yourself, and if you feel good in faded, ripped jeans—button them proudly. If you’re an adult who constantly worries about being judged by others, then keep shopping at Eddie Bauer or Christopher & Banks. They have yet to put unnecessary holes in their clothing.
There should be somewhat of a disclaimer with my advice. Parents, you could potentially embarrass your kids by wearing teeny bopper clothing, but it’s more likely your kids will enjoy assisting you in picking out something “cool” to wear. Be aware that these clothes might not make you look younger. In fact, a few people might give you the “aren’t you too old to be wearing that” kind of look, but wear the name brands you like. Clothes are just clothes, and we shouldn’t be worried about the opinions others have when they see us wearing something we like.
I had an excellent professor at Waynesburg University. She always wore her favorite professional attire to class, regardless of how long ago it used to be in style. Her tiny frame and tightly curled red hair were a perfect compliment to her beloved array of sweaters. The coffee cup she drank from was held tightly by her two delicate hands as she lectured passionately while the class admired her getup. Walking into her class some days made me feel like I was blasting into the past, but it gave me an extra reason to look forward to every Tuesday and Thursday that semester. She knew how to be herself, and I admired her for it.
Don’t live in fear that your friends might send your name into TLC’s “What Not to Wear.” Pull out that 80’s sweater you love; who cares if that comfortable pair of shoes is falling apart; and there is certainly nothing wrong with feeling good when you look into the mirror. Wear what lets you be you because that is who your family and friends love. Clothes aren’t meant to define us or our age, so get dressed wearing what you love, even if it’s Abercrombie & Fitch that compliments your wrinkles.
Ryan Devlin is a 24-year-old English teacher and cross country coach at Brockway Area High School. If you wear Abercrombie and Fitch or want to contact Ryan become a fan of “Keep the Penny” on facebook. Total reader savings thus far for your piggy bank, two cents.