<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 1, 1997 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY
REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          FEB-01-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             FEB-04-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               FEB-01-1997
<CASH>                                           1,945
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                    2,102
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                     34,943
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                44,878
<PP&E>                                         101,919
<DEPRECIATION>                                  42,927
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 105,761
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           43,590
<BONDS>                                         50,000
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                           511
<OTHER-SE>                                      10,727
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   105,761
<SALES>                                        335,372
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               335,372
<CGS>                                          211,606
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  211,606
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                77,773
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               4,919
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 41,074
<INCOME-TAX>                                    16,400
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             24,674
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    24,674
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .54
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .54