American Apparel

I have a love-​hate long distance relationship with American Apparel. I visit their site at least one a month and simply fawn over their thigh high socks, vintage inspired button ups and ridiculously priced ‘grandpa frames’. I had been to the State Street location a few times but thought that was the only location that wasn’t wildly up North until now.
I bummed into this little spot after racking in on Urban’s 50% off all sale items sale and decided to see if maybe American Apparel had something similar going on.
–cue awkward silence–
They did not. At the front of the spot a little red head cutie by the name of Emily -.I think– greeted me and asked me if I needed any help. I checked ‘er out and unlike typical American Apparel workers she didn’t look as if she was the chick from the Let’s Get Physical video. I told her I was on the hunt for knee high socks and she showed me every sock they had under the sun. After deciding 18 dollars was too much to spend on some socks I looked around and was greeted by another guy that worked there. Told him I was good and went on with my business. All in all pretty decent experience.
Took a star off for pricing and the size of the location, which is kind of unfair but that’s just how I roll. They only received three stars for the eye candy Emily posed and the customer service.

too high a price for cheap cheap cheap looking clothes, and the place has a CREEPY vibe!
like a child molester vibe.

A fantastic store that I go crazy in just because we don’t have one in my hometown. I usually find some great deals from their clearance racks and I still end up spending a decent penny. However, they are perfect for party, club, or concert wear when you want to stand out with all the bright colours or skimpy outfits!

Is it just me or do people who work in here think they are too cool for skool. I mean they stare you down when you walk in! Like am I trendy enough to wear your neon yellow leggings or your Olivia Newton John Let’s Get Physical leotards?! Give me a break. Not a good vibe in this store. You’d think people would show a tad more customer service!

While I like some of the clothes, I find they cost too much for what they are. I was interested in purchasing this skirt, but when I really examined the material and looked at the price, I said «No way, Jose». The damned thing was $ 40! I could buy the same skirt at a thrift shop for $ 3! Heck, I’ve gotten skirts that were better material from thrift stores for way cheaper than this thing.
Otherwise, I guess it’s okay for accessories. They have a wide range in leggings, which is nice (I like leggings), but again, they’re way too expensive. Who wants to spend $ 30+ on a pair of leggings at American Apparel when you can get cheaper (and just as good) ones at Delia’s or Kohl’s?
I’m a little unimpressed.

I’m not a huuuuuge fan of everything they carry at american apparel — but almost everything they have is made in the states, and they definitely have a unique approach to their clothing — and i dig that. i’d say their selection is definitely better for girls than it is for guys, but their hoodies, Vnecks, and tube socks are always a good buy. (who doesnt love knee high tube socks? I do.)
They were also really good sports when i came in to buy my halloween costume here. (think short shorts, see through tank top, and a mustache = aerobics instructor)
In any case, i dig this store and will probably be coming back for a while.

SOmething about AAA creeps me out. I’ll still go in. Walk around. Look like I might buy something (and maybe actually do… if and when the time is right).
Still creeps me out.

The prices are very high for t-​shirts you can buy t-​shirts at many other places at a ¹⁄₃ of the cost. Plus they don’t offer decorating on the shirts.

Well-​stocked AA store complete with the usual cast of characters working there: Quirky, painfully thin girl with awkward haircut; tall, slender and clearly gay black dude; and a gorgeous coke addict who wears underthings as outerthings. Had the colors and sizes I was looking for in most things, so it already beats the one in my neck of the woods. Love the new typeface tees.

American Apparel stores… if you’ve been in one, you’ve been in most.
The clothes are getting more inventive, fabrics are going above and beyond cotton, the colors are getting brighter, and the photos are even more pornographic.
But not all stores are like the next. I’ve been in a number of AA’s across the country, and this is by far, the friendliest and most helpful of the bunch. 5 of 6 of the employees I’ve interacted with have been just down right awesome – John being my favorite.
Kudos. Your regional manager should be proud.

When I first moved to Chicago a few years ago (from the burbs) this was one of the places that amazed me most. With it’s somewhat small selection of items available in a spectrum of immaculately organized colors, it was quite a site. I also loved the provocative pictures of their models wearing their clothes posted everywhere. There was no shopping experience like it.
I’m not a fan of the expensive prices for simple items. But I do return here once in awhile to pick up an item or two.

I use to be a big fan of this store. But every time I walk in this store it’s like a party. Music is going and the employees act if they don’t even work there. There summer dresses are the only thing that keeps me going back. Over priced clothing for what they have to offer. I really don’t care for the dressing room doors. I was trying on a dress and a man across me was enjoying the free show. With that said I’m a fool and I’ll keep going back!

I respect a store that adopts camel toe as an advertising campaign.
You ever see that movie, Never Been Kissed… Remember that scene when it’s her fist day infiltrating the popular high school group (and she’s like ancient, she’s like 30?) and she wears this hideous, wannabe-​hip outfit and all the other kids laugh and point at her? Yeah? American Apparel, to me, is like the retail embodiment of that scene.
I once saw an employee who looked a little like PJ Harvey in the Lakeview store, she was wearing some kind of metallic full body jumpsuit, a purple tube top layered over that and neon tube socks (with ballet flats, of course) …that was freakin’ awesome.
Ok, down to brass tacks.
Too expensive.
Not as well made as the price-​tag would suggest.
Spotty customer service. The people in the Gold Coast and Wicker Park location are usually pretty helpful… the peeps in Evanston are more on the jerkface side.
I like the headbands… and that’s about it.
OH! And they got great-​porny ads!

Not really a fan of their advertising and I probably should deem it offensive and half of the clothes won’t fit me, but I still go in there anyway and I buy lots of basics. I always pair them with something from other brands, so I’m not totally decked out in American Apparel. And although they can be cruel to a girl who’s not a size 2 many times, their leggings have been the most forgiving pair that I’ve bought thus far.

I wanted to like this place, given that it’s sweatshop free and based in the US, meaning less money spent on shipping goods all over the world. I really wanted to.
I am a size ten. More importantly, I also have things that I don’t think their designers really take into consideration. One of these bizarre anatomical features is something that I call «shoulders.» They’re there and they’re broad. They’re so broad that back in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, when shoulder pads were in, I looked like a linebacker. I felt like I should accessorize with a helmet instead of nice shoes. While those days of bad taste are over, shoulders did not disappear with them. The reason the Air Force wasn’t hushing up the fact that aliens disappeared with all our shoulders was that aliens actually did not do so. Pass this news along to their designers.
Because when I tried on a shirt, even an Extra Large, it didn’t even get past my shoulders. It huddled on top of them, whispering into my ears, «I could be your scarf, instead. Have you considered me as a scarf?»
So I went out without a shirt. Or, to be specific, without theirs.
(I suspect that American Apparel is also pretty ignorant about these things that for want of a better term I call «hips,» but I was looking for a shirt.)

American Apparel,
Why are you the way you are? I love your leggings, cute dresses for summer, boy shorts and long t-​shirts. Then I go to buy said leggings, dresses, boy shorts or t-​shirt and it rings up at $ 45 for said article of clothing. I like that you are sweatshop free, but I hate your advertisement campaign. Despite our differences in pricing and sad, anorexic girls in ads, I will always come back to you and I know you will always be there for me with any article of clothing in any color I ever want.
Me.
P. S. It wouldn’t hurt to hire sales people who are a lot more helpful and friendly-​looking at your stores.

I don’t understand the appeal. Sure they are sweatshop free and hires local workers, but seriously… the materials are cheap, designs are bland and I can get the same stuff at Old Navy or make it myself. What’s the big deal with this place? Someone please explain.

Great basic styles in every color of the rainbow… a good one-​stop shop for wife beaters and work-​appropriate tees in various styles and cuts… most for under $ 30. I’ve also found some of their stretchy cotton skirts and dresses to be cute too. Oh, and scoop up the stretchy cotton headbands in every color– only $ 8!
I like how the store is well organized so it’s really easy to find what you want, and the photos above the items lets you see how the style looks like in a split second. I’d like to get myself a puppy just so I have an excuse to buy the doggie hoodie!

If you’re looking for basics in solid colors, then you’ve come to the right place. The store stocks t-​shirts, long sleeves, etc. in a wide range of gorgeous colors. Don’t expect prints or different color combinations on a single article. But do expect bright, bold, soft, clean colors.
No, the clothes aren’t cheap for basics, costing around an average $ 20 or so. But they are so comfortable that you can’t help but embrace the clothes! Not only that, but they are all made in the US, sweat-​shop free. So not only do you contribute to great fashion, but also human rights.
The shop is fairly small, but not so that you feel overtly crowded. Staff is always helpful and tend to give you your space, which is awesome! So yes, while this store is not for fashionista clothes, it’s def a place to check out for basic wear.

I like their sweatshop-​free, local worker employment policy. My husband’s sportswear company orders wholesale from them due to their labor practices. The classic girl is a great fitting t-​shirt (in fact, my Unilocal shirt is one). The shirts run small, so if you’re going elite, get one size larger than usual.

The clothes are fab and for a small shop, they staff doesn’t follow you around the store like lots dogs. If you have a question or need some help, they’re on top of it. If your just browsing, you don’t have someone breathing down your neck.
Priceless.