Loading ...
Please note that while there is no full nudity in the images in this article, advertisements for American Apparel are provocative by definition. If their advertising offends you or disrupts your workplace, please leave this page.
Editor’s note: Anti-American Apparel? Keep reading, then check out these alternatives.
They’ve been raided for illegal workers, blamed for discriminatory practices, and criticized for what some claim are pornographic advertisements. They’ve also been hailed as an American-made, sweatshop free, fair wage company that avoids the use of airbrushing and features “real women” in its campaigns.
These contradictory interpretations - a sleazy, shallow company run by a sex-crazed boss, and a beacon of progressive ideals and a resurgence of free love – beg just one question:
What is the truth about American Apparel?
The truth, as it turns out, is up for debate.
American Apparel, which is the largest clothing manufacturer in the United States, is a vertically-integrated clothing manufacturer, wholesaler and retailer. What that means, in layman’s terms, is that American Apparel does all of the work itself, from owning and operating its retail stores, to selling basics to screen printing companies (like Threadless) to manufacturing each of its shirts. In addition, American Apparel does all its own marketing, advertising and brand design, instead of outsourcing like most major brands do.
Along with keeping all its production and profits in the US (a sustainable practice I applaud), American Apparel follows other liberal, sustainable practices that make it greener than the average brand:
- It offers higher-than-average wages for its factory workers, including health care benefits and stock options.
- It is a vocal advocate for US immigration reform, and has been lauded as a beacon of equal rights for its foreign-born workers
- It boasts a clothing line that is vegan-friendly, and all clothes under the “Sustainable” label are made with 100% organic cotton.
With all of this progressive thinking, many wonder why any socially- and ecologically-conscious individual would refuse to buy American Apparel. How can a company this progressive be bad?
In answer, some detractors site the numerous lawsuits filed by ex-employees of American Apparel, both against the company and, more specifically, its owner Dov Charney. To date, there have been four sexual harassment suits, all by female employees, and one wrongful termination suit (which also contained sexual harassment claims) by a male ex-employee . However, none of the lawsuits that have been filed have definitively ruled against Charney or his company: one of the sexual harassment suits was dismissed, two others were settled out of court (with no-fault clauses for both the plaintiffs and defendant), and the fourth is back in arbitration after being appealed in 2008. (As of this writing, there is little information on the wrongful termination suit; however, it has not gone to trial yet.)
Then there’s the question of Charney’s eccentric lifestyle, which includes masturbating in front of reporters, conducting business meetings in his underwear, condoning sex between his employees (and himself) and “throwing tantrums” when he thinks he’s being treated unfairly. Charney doesn’t deny any of these claims, though. Rather, he embraces his eccentric lifestyle as the backbone for his beliefs and his company, and refuses to hold back when it comes to his off-the-wall mannerisms or sexual desires.
“I’m not saying I want to s*** all the girls at work, but if I fall in love at work it’s going to be beautiful and sexual.”
That lifestyle, which includes keeping nude pictures of female employees on his desk (he calls them his “sluts” and “whores”), is also a core advertising point for American Apparel…and the lynch pin, for some, to avoid the brand all together. A cursory Google search shows some of the most controversial ads – the ones that self-proclaimed AA-haters often cite – but instead of looking for the worst of the lot, the ads below are merely a few of their website’s most recent advertisements:
Keep in mind that this article only shows images that are “safe for work.” Below is a list of some of the more provocative ads American Apparel has run in the past year (links contain graphic material):
- Unisex Bow Tie and Suspender: …and nothing else. This ad shows a young, flushed girl lying on a bed, wearing nothing but red lipstick, a bow tie and skinny white suspenders.
- Diamond Grid Bodysuit, One and Two: The first shows three versions of the same ad, which features a sheer bodysuit and lots of nipple. The second shows the same suit, on a girl spreading her legs on top of a glass table.
- Bare breasts, sheer micro-mesh and hardwood, One and Two: This seems to be a favorite combination for American Apparel.
- More lace…again, on a bed: Stay classy, girlfriend. Stay classy.
To most adults, these advertisements can be equated with softcore pornography – some men even admit they’ve used the images on AmericanApparel.net as “spank bank” material. The counterargument, however, is that these images are meant to “push the envelope” of fashion, advertising, and even sexual mores in general, and that doing so could create a positive change in both the media and teens’ minds.
This leads us back to the initial debate: is the culture of American Apparel – its advertisements, its owner’s sexual beliefs – enough to deter us from buying its products, or is the company just using a more “natural,” if vulgar, way to sell sex?
The answer is that it’s up to you. American Apparel has done a great job of placing itself into a moral gray area, and with scrutiny hitting the fashion world – the skinny/plus-size debate, Photoshopping disasters – there’s never been a better time to do it. They’ve made the choice to buy their products a very personal one, and created the kind of buzz that sells a lot of t-shirts in the process.
Have you ever shopped at American Apparel?
After reading this article, will you shop there more often, or less?
Now that you know the truth about American Apparel’s marketing, advertising and business practices, you may choose to find another place to shop for trend-setting basics. If so, you should check out the Alternatives to American Apparel.
Have a suggestion for a clothing line that should be listed as an alternative to American Apparel? Email me at jen@awakenedaesthetic.com.
Good overview. I’m a fan of AA – I buy the basics, not the lace bodysuits. I like that its vertically integrated, I like the colours and fabrics and I don’t mind paying a premium for made-in-America. I’m ambivalent towards the ads – but what I like about Dov, despite his eccentricities – he’s not a hypocrite. He’s up front about his own personality and his company’s culture. Its not like AA is the catholic church – anyone who works there should already know the score. They hire adults and these people are capable of making their own choices about where they work.
.-= Danielle´s last blog ..paper doll – Balenciaga Fall 2010 =-.
I do not and have not shopped at American Apparel because 1) I think their clothes are ugly 2) I think their clothes are overpriced.
But now, I’m less inclined to shop or even browse there. While their ads do push the envelope, I am just turned off by clothing that is advertised in this way. People don’t wear clothing like that. Ads that show clothing matched and paired with other pieces, in a real life setting/environment speak to me, and make me envision how I can have and wear that outfit.
I have bought one thing from American Apparel, and then never shopped there again. My reasons for stopping buying things from there weren’t all about the politics either, I just thought it was wayy too expensive for the clothes you get. The dress I got wasn’t made well, and it fell apart after one wash. I just think they are too expensive for plain t-shirts you can get else-where for cheaper. I think a lot of people buy their stuff purely for the “American Apparel” look and label, because it’s obviously very popular these days.
I also then read up on Dov Charney and didn’t like what I read. Altogether I just find him a sex-crazed asshole who only sees women for screwing. So that played into my never shopping there again ways as well. I just didn’t feel like supporting a man I generally didn’t like.
Lastly, I think it’s odd that American Apparel tries to claim that their models are all “average women”, when in fact over half of their models are porn stars. Like the red headed model shown in your last two ads, she is a very well-known porn star. I guess I just don’t think the “average woman” is a porn star but I don’t know.
Excellent article Jenni.
I have shopped at American Apparel and would again if they had what I was looking for at a good price. I don’t go by what the press says. (No surprise there!)
One thing that I do applaud them for, is in this day and age actually producing their product in the USA. A rare thing in this day and age. A manufacturer who employees people in the US, makes and markets in the US. Hmmmm
Ok the boss is a bit off but that does not discourage me from supporting them.
Again, Job well Done!
V
I bought my first AA things the other day at the SXSW flea market, because I went with a friend to keep her company. I would never buy their stuff again – I don’t like the company ethically, and I thought the tank-dress was almost overpriced at $12. No hemming, raw uneven edges, etc. etc. – and I’ve felt much nicer jersey elsewhere, on lower priced things that were still made in the USA.
I have ethical problems with AA because quite frankly, Dov Charney seems like a sexist asshole. I find the idea that their advertisements depict the “average woman” as laughable; all I see are extremely attractive, thin, (mostly) white women. And I don’t have an academic way to put this, but their ads CERTAINLY do not feel like anything that’s supposed to be celebrating the female form, to me – they’re very specifically porn-y. I forgot what the product was, but I’ve seen ads that were pretty obviously supposed to be the model masturbating. Portraying women solely as sex objects isn’t revolutionary or creating an atmosphere of self-love.
And you missed out on the allegations that AA fires people for being unattractive.
Not using sweatshop labor is nice, but I can’t support a company just because it doesn’t exploit people in one way, when it does in another. I can find cheaper, better made, still from the USA basics whose brand image doesn’t revolve around making softcore porn out of their ads and then claiming “eccentricity” (hello, Alternative Apparel!). Note to Dov: Misogyny and objectification is not eccentric, the mainstream media’s been doing it for years. Just because you have some ugly glasses and a molestache doesn’t make you eccentric.
But then again, I guess that’s the hipster way – do something mainstream but more pretentiously and then proclaim yourself eccentric and outside of the mainstream!
.-= Michelle´s last blog ..Daily Outfit 3/15/10 =-.
EHHHH I don’t know, always like their selection but never been in store . did notice ads have become more risky than ever . It does’t really turn my attraction away from the garment just makes me critique it ans say hmm a little trampish, But noo would not want my little girl lookin at this either Uggh so conflicting love fashion soo . Hey goona subscribe will you subscribe to my site. thanks for article as superficial as loving fashion can be I do believe in knowing who and what I am dealing with. take care
Even though their CEO is a scumbag, it’s hard to deny that their clothes make a positive moral stance, IMO. I don’t shop there (nothing seems to fit right on me) but, in all honesty, I would rather have people buy clothes from there instead of supporting child labor.
As far as Charney’s behavior goes, the fact is that every corporation has its improprieties. I don’t think his behavior is defensible, but in comparison to every other corporation out there, him sexually harassing his employees is almost a non issue. IBM made machines for the Nazis. Coca Cola has polluted drinking water in India. Petroleum companies have done untold ecological damage. So, while Charney’s behavior is reprehensible, almost every other corporation has done MUCH, MUCH worse than he ever will.
I’ve shopped at American Apparel and I do have some items from there that I still wear. However, in the past year or so, I’ve been on the fence about American Apparel. I have done some research about the sexual harassment claims, Dov Charney’s misogynistic views and behaviors and what the models supposedly really think about those provocative ads.
Yet, when shopping there I did try to look at the part which I felt resonated with me more which is the Made in USA labels and paying workers a decent wage, which is more than some other companies I’ve shopped with in the past.
But with the prices rising and the latest slew of ads appearing more slimy than ever to me (and maybe because I am just becoming a cranky old maid), I honestly do not see a reason to continue shopping there. I’ve found other shops that carry the same styles that American Apparel does without the objectifying marketing campaigns. I pass no judgment on anyone who does continue to shop at American Apparel, but I just realize that it’s no longer my cup of tea.
I don’t know, I think it’s kind of defeatist to say “Well, every corporation sucks, so I won’t try and find a viable alternative.” Especially when they’re so easy to find. I reiterate, Alternative Apparel!
I also feel the need to add that molestache is not pronounced mole-stache, but is in fact molest-ache. Because it’s a creepy mustache. Geddit?
.-= Michelle´s last blog ..Marvelous Monday! =-.
many years ago I bought some t-shirts directly from them online and I LOVED them. The colors, the fit. Loved. The prices ARE higher but everything held up really well. I wore them proudly (because of all of the good things you mentioned.) Over the years as their stores seem to popping up on every corner in LA and their ads are all over the place I am sickened by the images they use and how that soft-core porn look is infiltrating other catalogs, Urban Outfitters specifically comes to mind. (I know I know… I haven’t shopped at Urban O. for a while now but still get their catalogs).
I no longer buy direct from them but I admit that I am happy when something else I order shows up and it’s AA. I’m WAY conflicted over it.
.-= girlvaughn´s last blog ..37 words about turning 37 =-.
Firstly, I have to say how impressed I am on how you handled this article. I think it’s beautifully said & very much to the fact. My article was more emotional driven, while yours could have been in a magazine somewhere. Well done! & bravo.
Secondly… after reading this article (while going back to the article I wrote a year ago), I have to say I’m torn, & this is why:
It is SO hard to find clothing companies that are US-based, who are vegan friendly, practice fair employment, with out any sweatshops. It’s very, very rare to find a company that is sustainable & 100% conscious of the impact that they make in this world. & for that, I can’t help but LOVE this company, because of how unusual it is to find a store that complies with my own morals & standards of clothing. & I’m saying this NOW, after doing major, major research about sweatshops & who’s got them & who’s not afraid to admit them. Knowing this, I have a new respect for AA, & am now more prone to buying THEIR stuff over Forever21.
BUT… I have also done extensive research on Dov Charney & all of the suits filed against him. I’ve read his interviews, heard the stories, & winced at the idea of some raunchy old man violating his worker’s personal space by being overly sexual. Knowing this, I feel disgusted; like, why should I support a man who is obviously & unabashedly so OUT THERE, not to mention is 100% okay with calling women sluts? Not to mention, the ads. Oh good Lord. I’m all for loving your body & embracing your sexuality, but positioning yourself in a lace body suit, with your ass up in the air & seemingly inviting someone to “come on in” … that’s just disgraceful. So I get it. I get both sides, & I’m seriously torn.
Just recently, I purchased something from AA; both for myself & for my husband… but only because he really, really wanted the shirt & because well, I really, really wanted the pants. Did I feel guilty? A little, but I also felt that my choice to buy those items at a place where I know is 100% legit in their business practices (in sustainability; not talking about morally) was an excellent one, as compared to Forever21 or other such places.
What I try to do now is make a conscious effort to not shop there, simply because their clothing is quite overpriced & kind of out of my budget, but also because there are other alternatives to that kind of apparel (Alternative Apparel is my go-to place, even though their prices are just as astronomical).
But really… the question I am constantly asking myself is, which is more important: buying from a company that you know is sweat-shop free or abstaining from that company because of the history of the president? Typically, I lean more for the former, simply because — & as one commenter stated — these are grown adults who circumstantially find themselves in these situations, which could be, to some degree, helped. Doesn’t mean it’s right, but they DO have a choice. & the way they’re being treated — by their own choice — has nothing to do with the seemingly ethical & aware practices of the company itself…
… Or does it? I really don’t know. Again… torn.
Great post, though, & so sorry for the long comment.
.-= Ev`Yan | apricot tea.´s last blog ..on losing my religion. =-.
You did a really good job on this. Thank you!
.-= Elea Carey´s last blog ..Barn-to-Evening on the Road: Spring Training! =-.
This IS pushing the envelope…of taste. I don’t think it’s making a fashion statement because I don’t consider AA fashion, really. If they were innovative pieces and the pictures were quality (because let’s be honest, these look like they were taken with a point & shoot by some random person) it would be different.
I don’t know if I’m getting my point across. I guess what I mean is if you put girls in basic, sheer clothing, pose them provocatively, it’s not a fashion statement. It’s, like you said, practically softcore porn.
And Dov is gross.
.-= Megan´s last blog ..Friday at the Movies: Precious =-.
must read: The Truth About American Apparel, by @errant_ http://bit.ly/bqh5Y3
Thx, bestie. <3 RT @MissElle Fantastic article on the American Apparel ethics debate: The Truth About American Apparel http://shar.es/mfKpC
An interesting read from @errant_: Today's post: The Truth About American Apparel. http://bit.ly/bqh5Y3 #AmericanApparel
The Truth About American Apparel http://bit.ly/bqh5Y3 (via @errant_) – join the debate on fashion and business ethics!
I don’t shop there, nor have I ever shopped there, but I do own several AA t-shirts. They’re a staple in the Greek world, and so all of my letters are made on them. They fit well, they’re long enough to fit my outrageously lengthy torso (gasp!), they’re fairly inexpensive, and they come in lots of really nice, flattering colors. My a cappella group also gets our concert t-shirts printed on AA shirts, because, again, they’re flattering to everyone and they fit well.
That’s all I’ve ever known about American Apparel. I agree that the ads are a bit much, but to someone that’s never set foot inside an actual AA store, nor has ever been to their website, it’s not going to deter me from continuing to buy their shirts. And yes, the president seems a little out of whack, but when you compare his actions to the actions of some other huge American clothing CEOs (Urban Outfitters, anyone?), I’d much rather buy from a sex addict than a homophobe.
I’ve shopped there, and no longer will. The clothes are often poorly made and fall apart much quicker than I’d hope for the price. Often, the fit is poor, especially for the “bottom” half of things. Do they even make an XXL? Becuase I think thats what I would wear in their sizes. And I’m not fat. I’m sex positive, but I think this is disgusting. To top it all off, they’ve started firing employees with visible tattoos and peircings, and refuse to hire any new employees with such. I am not impressed.
In case you missed it: yesterday's new post on the ethical debate surrounding #AmericanApparel: http://bit.ly/bqh5Y3
The truth about American Apparel? http://ow.ly/1q22i
Great article Jen. I think you brought up both sides of the argument really well and made us think. As a US based manufacturer, I find it very difficult to keep costs down while producing here. It is extremely hard for the little guy (like me) to offer well made clothing and use organic cotton and eco practices. No matter what happens at the American Apparel and how Dov behaves, I can’t help but applaud his ability to grow his company while keeping manufacturing in the US. It’s much easier for customers to say that something is “overpriced” when you have no idea what actually goes into that one t-shirt. The hours that go into sketching, patterns, sewing, fabric selection, size run, etc. it really is exhausting. And to make it all using organics? yikes! But we do it. We make it and we love it.
I wish there was a way to make everything as inexpensive and affordable as possible. At the end of the day, if a brand is doing everything right (which I hope I am) stores and customers alike don’t want a t-shirt to cost just $10. Unfortunately, it is proven psychology. If you see something that is too inexpensive, you assume that it’s cheap and won’t buy it. And if I want stores to carry my brand….well, there has to be enough of a profit margin for them or else it’s not worth it. There also needs to be a little room left over for things to go on sale and still leave a little profit.
Bottom line, Dov has managed to do all of this successfully and whether or not I agree with the way he does it, I’m in awe over it. He has built a profitable company that is not only well known nationally, but internationally. Bravo.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by The Demoiselles, Lindsay Ginn, Christine Vivian, Ev`Yan N., Gia and others. Gia said: RT @errant_: After much research, it's finally here: The Truth About American Apparel. http://bit.ly/bqh5Y3 [...]
More debate and commentary on Monday's post: The Truth About American Apparel. http://bit.ly/bqh5Y3 Love it!
Did you like "The Truth About American Apparel"? If so, please stumble/digg/RT it! PPL should know the WHOLE truth. http://bit.ly/bqh5Y3
[...] Urban Outfitters, check out some online shopping alternatives here. Then check out this post on The Truth About American Apparel. If you like what you see, don’t forget to subscribe to my feed, check out Lindsay’s [...]
I’m a fan of AA because of all the good reasons mentioned in your article, “good wage and benefits for factory workers, 100% organic cotton material, etc”. But, after reading your post, I have to think twice about shopping there. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for sexual liberation, but there’s a fine line between that and being raunchy. It is definitely not OK for the owner to call his employees “sluts” and “whores”. No woman should ever be subjected to that kind of disrespect, especially in a work environment. I don’t think a brand or company can claim that its products or beliefs are ethical and socially conscious when the owner is degrading women and being so vulgar towards them.
Anyway, I am so glad that you’ve started a blog about socially conscious clothing line and how you think that “supporting local, socially-conscious and organic designers and boutiques really does make a difference”. Big kudos to you. Check out a new up and coming clothing company and let us know what you think. http://thehotlovemovement.com
I’m a fan of AA because of all the good reasons mentioned in your article, “good wage and benefits for factory workers, 100% organic cotton material, etc. But, after reading your post, I have to think twice about shopping there again. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for sexual liberation, but there’s a fine line between that and being raunchy. It is definitely not OK for the owner to call his employees “sluts” and “whores”. No woman should ever be subjected to that kind of disrespect, especially in a work environment. I don’t think a brand or company can claim that its products or beliefs are ethical and socially conscious when the owner is degrading women and being so vulgar towards them.
Anyway, I am so glad that you’ve started a blog about socially conscious clothing line and how you think that “supporting local, socially-conscious and organic designers and boutiques really does make a difference”. Big kudos to you. Check out a new up and company clothing company and let us know what you think. thehotlovemovement.com
As an advocate for human trafficking victims and victims of modern day slavery, I can tell you that people who truly understand what sustainability means have issues with American Apparel. Ethical fashion is a comprehensive issue that includes the entire supply chain and the marketing of the product.
One of the reasons, for example, child sex trafficking has increased so much in the last decade is because of the increase in accessibility of pornography and the relaxed standards of the media. Companies that use ad campaigns that show women (who look like underage girls) in compromised positions, or encourage women to be viewed as sexual objects, (especially those that are owned by men who call their workers sluts and whores), are contributing to the attitude that people are commodities.
When talking about sustainability, we have to embrace an attitude that includes not only respect for the planet, but respect for the animals and human beings who inhabit it.
Lisa, thank you so much for your comment. You said, in a concise way, how I personally feel on the issue.
[...] we don’t get a free pass to buy more chemical nail polish and Urban Outfitters t-shirts (or American Apparel, for some of you). Instead, we use what we have, then make a new choice to search out great [...]
The issue becomes even more convoluted with his opposition to Prop 8 (and continuing funding of repeal attempts) and his liberal activism in favor of immegration reform.
That said, 3 things come to mind:
1) Personal ethics are not the ethics of business. Andrew Carnegie was a complete jackhole as a businessman who systematically repressed and suppressed his own employees, leaving many of them just this side of poverty. He then proceeded to give away his fortune to the less fortunate. Becomes only more obvious when dealing with ethical issues that don’t directly interact with the moneymaking side of business (thus the sexist issues).
2) American Apparel is a publically traded company, so the blame lies also with the shareholders happy to make money off this man and his questionable activities. Not that it makes him blameless, but there are others profiting and who could be leveraged to stop the activities.
3) What of all the other employees? Are there none with sufficient clout to rein him in? If not, are they all deserving of damnation (and in a capitalist system, unemployment is damnation) by association?
In the end, I doubt it will matter. If they go under or are forced to revise business practices, the business establishment as a whole will relate it to the higher prices due to the issues of localization and sustanibility. That establishment only understands pricing and capital factors, public reaction to pr is marginal at best on their radar. A failure of AA would be perceived entirely as a failure of the higher-priced made in usa model.
But what do I know. My concept of fashion is largely “sniff sniff, it’s clean. Hooray!”
[...] Awakened Aesthetic: The Truth about American Apparel An investigation of the controversial label’s business practices, advertisements, and impact on society [...]
[...] Awakened Aesthetic talks American Apparel. What do you think? [...]
To call AA a vertically integrated clothing manufacturer is kind of misleading.
To be a fully vertical manufacturer , you need to produce yarn, spin or weave it, finish it, cut and sew it. Last I checked they relied heavily on contractors in Honduras, Mexico, and El Salvador to produce their styles for them.
These of claims of everything being made in “sweatshop free downtown LA” might have some portion of the public believing, but ask anyone in the US or Mexican knit fabric business where most of AA product is made and they will tell it like it is.
Oh .. I’ve met Dov Charney and he is probably as “offside” a person you’ll ever meet.
The first thing that comes to mind, is that this sounds “so very LA”. Being from Los Angeles, the lines between the adult, Hollywood entertainment and fashion industries are continually blurred. While the company’s championed itself with creative, remarkable marketing practices and excellent working conditions for it’s factory workers; the advertising and the messaging has started to turn me off this year. Partnering with Zivity.com took the photo campaigns into the BDSM meets AdultFriendFinder.com realm. It’s taken me out of stores and online for my basics. No simple answer for this company.
.-= Macala Wright Lee´s last blog ..iBeauty: Building A Digital Brand with Brains & Beauty =-.
RT @errant_ The Truth About American Apparel : Awakened Aesthetic http://ow.ly/1quvae
[...] my experience, when the average consumer finds out the truth about American Apparel – both the good and the bad – it tends to have a huge affect on them. Sometimes they [...]
[...] Gardening hasn’t ruined my nails (see today’s post at The Demoiselles for proof) and avoiding chain stores whose policies and practices I disagree with doesn’t keep me from buying great clothing [...]
[...] When I first perused your Spring 2010 Lookbook (I know, I’m late) I was a little nervous. I saw a lot of basics, and girls without pants. Could my favorite organic brand be falling in line with companies like American Apparel, using bare hardwood floors, blank walls and half-naked girls to sell subpar clothing? [...]
@Birdiee @InnyVinny @WendyBrandes I thought the article @errant_ did was good re: AA http://tinyurl.com/2vcxk72
Um. I’m not all that ashamed to say that the models depicted in the above advertisements are familiar to me, because they are actual pornstars. Valerie (below) know what I’m talking about. So I’m pretty sure they’re not feeling too bad about getting to actually wear some clothes for money rather than wearing some gross porn dude all over them. Upward mobility, that.
And when I take my ectomorphic 145lb/5’8 build in their store I can actually find nearly every style and color in my size (or, gasp, even in sizes that are too small!). As most of our industrialized world errs on the lowest common denomination of one size fits all (XXXXL), its nice to have a fashion forward company that recognizes the needs of those who eat a lot of salad and write comments in their underwear – it’s hot and these AA briefs are bright pink. Meeting adjourned!
Also, it seems that Ashley (two comments below) has a severe problem with ‘envisioning’ things. Like, how do I wear tights with other items of clothing? I dunno. Think really hard. Or, let the GAP do the thinking for you.
Also, Janissa? Did you mean to say ‘risque’ instead of ‘risky’? Because I wouldn’t want your little girl to be illiterate.
what happened to the dignity of women…isn’t this against all ur progressive liberal ideals (?)
typical
Truth about Dov Charney and American Apparel lol http://bit.ly/9lGW32
I do appreciate that they aren’t editing their pictures. Ads are usually edited beyond belief. Already very thin models are slimed down, and nipples are edited out of ads. I prefer to see real women with nipples than women who just mysteriously don’t have any nipples in advertisements.
On the other hand, the ads are overly sexualized.
I don’t shop at American Apparel either way. It’s way overpriced.
[...] 4. The Truth About American Apparel [...]
[...] USA (all manufacturers and suppliers are in the Los Angeles area), which is an impressive feat that American Apparel sure gets praised for – how about we move that award over to [...]
Also, bear in mind that American Apparel does not interview employees for its stores, it auditions models. This wording has significant legal meaning in employment, it enables the company to evaluate and retain employees on factors other than job performance and dance around ADA compliance. In short: You will never see an older, or overweight, or wheelchair-bound person working in an AA store. Other stores that do this: Hollister and Abercrombie & Fitch.
I do not support stores that do not practice equal employment.
The Truth About American Apparel http://t.co/lrzDgj3 @mspirek I remember an amusing tweet you wrote about them. thought you'd like this.
I fail to see how a company that hires illegals and/or supports hiring of/amnesty for, illegal immigrants is truly a “made in the U.S.A” company. This seems like a contradiction in terms.
Mmmmm..Faye Reagan, I love you. <3