A detailed analysis of the optical and photophysical properties of 2,7-bis(phenylene)-9,9-dioctylfluorene (PFP), 2,7-bis(biphenylene)-9,9-dioctylfluorene (BPFBP), 2,7-bis(2-thienyl)-9,9-dioctylfluorene (TFT), and 2,7-bis-(2,2'-bithien-5-yl)-9,9-dioctylfluorene (BTFBT) in various environments are reported. The optical properties of the free molecules isolated in an alkane matrix are obtained and discussed in terms of the conformation adopted by each derivative in the electronic ground and first excited states. Also, conformational changes are responsible for the optical changes observed at high concentrations in an isopentane glass at 77 K. High quantum yields of all the oligofluorenes at 77 K indicate the absence of quenching effects such as excitonic or aggregation effects. The similar spectral and photophysical properties in matrix and glass environments are explained by the disorder introduced in oligofluorenes by long octyl chains at the C-9 position of the fluorene moiety. To study the effect of intermolecular interactions in the solid state, we recorded the spectra of thin films of these derivatives. The much red-shifted emission band in the solid state cannot be explained by conformational changes and has its origin in the π-stacking of conjugated oligomers in their relaxed S 1 state. As an evidence to show the importance of the role played by octyl chains at the C-9 position of the fluorene moiety, we synthesized two new model compounds: one, without octyl chains at the C-9 position of the fluorene moiety, 2,7-bis(2-thienyl)fluorene (TFTWC) and another with more octyl chains, 1,4-bis(9,9-dioctylfluoren-2-yl)phenyl (FPF). The spectral properties of these derivatives have been studied at room temperature and at 77 K. These systems serve as excellent examples to show the effect of intermolecular interactions on optical properties of oligofluorenes.