In memoriam: Goodbye forever, Abercrombie & Fitch shirtless models

By Fusion Staff | April 24, 2015 | 7:06pm

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Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, pecs to pecs. Yes, it’s time to say goodbye to Abercrombie & Fitch’s shirtless ~~models~~ brand associates.

In a last-ditch effort to beat negative PR and flatlining sales, the teen clothing company (which also includes Hollister) sent out a company-wide memo Friday essentially purging A&F of anything to do with, well, A&F.

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According to the new policy shift, “Store associates will not be hired based on body type or physical attractiveness,” job titles will be changed from “model” to “brand associate,” and a new dress code has been implemented, which means both Hollister and Abercrombie will “no longer use shirtless models” for store openings and events.

The memo also stated that, “By the end of July, there will no longer be sexualized marketing used in marketing materials including, in-store photos, gift cards, and shopping bags.” So, no more of this:

On the surface, the move seems like a positive. Abercrombie has faced criticism in the past for its exclusionary policies, lack of plus-sized clothing, and downright discriminatory practices. At the same time, though, is it too little too late? The changes appear more out of desperation than a desire to better the world.

It’s also pretty telling of America that the one company that sexualizes men received so much public backlash that they decided to cover them up, while hundreds of companies continue to use naked women to hawk their products (Carl’s Jr., we’re lookin’ at you) with little controversy.

Which is why, in honor of our last chance to do so, we’d like to say goodbye to the men of Abercrombie in the only way that seems fair: staring at their waxed, tanned, glistening chests—one last time.

RIP this guy’s abs.

Shed a tear for these dapper gents.

Adios to this pushup master with his bedroom eyes.

Say goodbye to these best buds.

No more shower friends.

Au revoir to these bare chested hommes in Paris.

We bid you and your zero percent body fat farewell.

Ah, to be that dog. #thedream

Taryn Hillin is Fusion’s love and sex writer, with a large focus on the science of relationships. She also loves dogs, Bourbon barrel-aged beers and popcorn — not necessarily in that order.