Today, his company, Abercrombie & Fitch Co. remains as a prominent American clothing brand.

David was of Scottish descent:[2] his father John was born in Scotland[3] as was his maternal grandfather.

Abercrombie later came to study at Baltimore City College and became a practicing civil engineer, topographer, and explorer, rising to the position of Chief of Survey for Norfolk & Western Railroad, notably mapping out uncharted wilderness areas in the coal and timber lands of West Virginia and the Carolinas.

While surveying the wilderness areas, Abercrombie came to realize that the gear, both clothing and equipment, was wholly inadequate to withstand the rigorous demands.

In 1917, Abercrombie joined Baker, Murray & Imbrie ("The Sporting Goods Store of Expert Personal Service") as vice president.