American Apparel

I came into this location for the flea sale a few weeks ago.
I’m mostly writing this review about the sales people at this location. they were unbelievably helpful and kind. I had got pizza sauce on my romper that I had just bought and they overheard me complaining about it and immediately brought me wipes, helped me clean it and reassured me that the stain would be out once I washed it. I should have gotten their names, but these 2 boys were the best!

Staff just stood around store, but cashier and dressing room employees were very nice and I found what I wanted

I go to several American apparel stores around the city occasionally since it’s made in the US. I’ve never had such a bizarre experience with pricing & mislabeling before. First, let me say the people working the floor were nice and helpful in helping me find designs & colors on sale, and that keeps this review at 2 stars instead of one. I was searching for a simple pair of pants for yoga and one cool woman separated out all the colors on sale in leggings for me. Tried on leggings, and there was NO difference between a medium and a large. In fact the large almost seemed tighter than the medium. (Only American Apparel: where a size 4 – 6 woman is a Large!). Earlier, another kind floor worker pointed me to the designated yoga pants, where she said the blue color was on sale. Then she pointed out the black ones had sale tags also… So I go try on a large in yoga pants, and they are way too long and kind of flimsy/​cheap looking, but I’m willing to get them because they have a yellow sticker on the tag meaning they are 50% off. WELL, when ringing me up, the manager says «Oh sorry! Only certain *sizes* are on sale in yoga pants, this pair is mislabeled». WTF. I expect her to give me the 50% because of the tag. She denies. 1. On what planet are only certain sizes on sale 2. Why wasn’t this communicated to any of the floor staff and 3. What store wouldn’t honor the price that’s ON THE LABEL. Oh yeah, this American Apparel. Thanks for wasting 20 minutes of my life.

I frequent American Apparel in the Spring & Fall because I like their hoodies. I may have purchased a t-​shirt or too, but 98% of the time I am strictly here for the hoodies. On my last visit, I saw a nice white, blue and red hoodie, but the only one in my size was a bit dirty. The employee or mannager ordered me another and called me when it arrived. The customer service here was excellent and so are the various choices they have as far as hoodies are concerned.
The sole reason I am only giving them a three is because I only go for one item and my total knowledge of their other products are limited. I would definitely recommend this store as the hoodies are of good quality and fit farely well.
As the weather is turning brisk here in NYC, i guess it is time I pay them a visit!

Terribly disappointed with the staff. Bought a hat yesterday and was looking to exchange it today for store credit since refunds weren’t given. The person at the register first asked the person next to her, «Hats are on sale right?» Then turned to me and said that that meant that it was a final sale. I told her I purchased it yesterday, at full price. There was no sale going on for hats whatsoever. She then told me that hats in general couldn’t be returned and that it was in the same category as items like swim wear, etc. I proceeded to ask if she was sure because the receipt didn’t list head wear as something that couldn’t be returned and when I had purchased the hat yesterday, I was told the basic return policy by the cashier. Nobody had said it was a final sale, and it was CERTAINLY not on sale.
The lady wasn’t rude, but she certainly wasn’t very helpful by saying «No, that’s the return policy,» when I tried to point at the list of items that was listed as nonreturnable and then started paraphrasing the return policy for me. She said multiple times that she was «pretty sure» that hats couldn’t be returned and I left feeling disappointed. WELP turns out she was WRONG. I made my way down to the other AA store at the lower part of Broadway and was able to get store credit there WITHOUT any hassle.
The only thing I liked about this location were the greeters. They were quite pleasant. c:
If the staff here could have just pointed at a policy that stated specifically that hats couldn’t be returned, I would have understood and let it go. Thanks for being «pretty sure» because you were pretty wrong. c:

American Apparel is just so over rated. It’s hipsterish, the stuffs are quite ugly and the quality is not so good. Every time i walk by and look at the displays in the windows, I am amazed at what people are willing to wear. Also, it’s mostly cotton, since when has cotton been so expensive? I guess, it’s more of a personal taste and sense of style than an actual review, but regardless of my opinion, American Apparel is way too expensive for what you get.

American Apparel stores have a reputation for having a less than favorable and helpful staff, but this location is considerably different. The inventory here is a lot better than most other locations as well, and this includes both the men’s and women’s departments. One side is sectioned off for men while the other is women’s. There is a set of stairs leading down to the sales section and the dressing rooms.
A lot of the clothing is reminiscent of the 80s, but if one likes a retro influence, then I see more reasons to shop here. I appreciate most the different shapes, lengths, colors, and patterns of their most basic tops and bottoms. The simple and essential basics are very easy to layer and coordinate with other pieces. The clothes do not come very cheap though, but a splurge is fine every once in a while.
Their staff has always greeted me as I entered and left. I’ve come to look for very specific items before, and their employees took the time to search, even in the back supply room. At the dressing rooms, they make no issues to bring alternate sizes should you ask. The one fuss would be returns and exchanges. Refunds for returns are unaccepted; only store credit is issued. Exchanges are quite the hassle though, and it might not be exclusive to this location. Last I tried to exchange an item for a different size, a new staff employee took a very long time to figure the process. The manager who rolls in, was more unwilling, stating that only ‘even’ exchanges are accepted. In other words, an exchange can be only for the same item for the same size. Without a shred of logic behind the policy, I mustered an attitude. Eventually, the size swap was honored. This came after 30 minutes. Should they ever state an ‘even’ exchange policy, just make a stance.

The staff here (well really 2 women here, but they make the rest of the staff look bad) isn’t helpful nor do they know how much stuff is or what comes w/​what. When I worked retail, if I made an error and promised a customer something at the register then I got it. Customer service here is a joke!
I had purchased a watch here for my boyfriend, realized it was smaller than he would probably prefer and found a better option online. Since it was final sale I decided to get myself a watch at this location and a day later realized it didn’t work — nothing I did made it tick.
Tried bringing it back and a sales associate said they wouldn’t accept it, the manager however said they would since I wasn’t asking for a refund, but an exchange for something of an equal price. I was basically made to wait in line 3 times and for me that was 2 times too many.
Waited a week and explained my situation to the manager of the location by my job (Colombus Circle) where they were much friendlier, more knowledgable about their store policies and they made my exchange quick, uncomplicated and painless.
I don’t even ever shop at American Apparel, but should I ever require any basics or wacky prints from AA, I will probably never support this location again — but kudos to their team at Colombus Circle for being awesome!

I like this location of American Apparel. The employees are nice and helpful. I am greeted every time I walk in. There’s always a greeter in the front area of the store. They ask what you are looking for and I usually tell them, «I’m just looking, thank you.» The employee leaves you alone after that.
Getting a changing room is easy. There’s always at least one employee hanging outside the changing room. Some of the regular priced items can be on the high side, but at the end of the day, it’s good stuff for casual wear. You are supporting «Made in the USA»!
Get the tank tops. They are comfy and of good quality.

The Asian employee I interacted with was very nice, which is pretty rare for AA. This location is just like all others… narrow, and cramped. I like when they display the same item in every color they have, because it makes the item look way more appealing… but don’t be fooled, it’s probably 4x the amount you’re willing to pay!

Shoot me in the face if I have to look at anymore kiddie-​porn ads for their over priced junk.
I know, I know, it’s more money because it’s made in «Downtown L.A.». But if they got under-​aged Ukrainian midgets to work twenty hour shifts to make their stuff it could save a buck or two.
And why do all of their female garments look like they belong in an 80s dance drama? IE: Flash Dance.
I give them an extra star (2) because last summer at a party there was a friend wearing a pair of American Apparel’s silver spandex leggings. Our mutual gay friend turned to me and said «She’s one of three women that has ever gotten me hard».
With those pants, even Oscar Wilde would say «So, how YOU doing?».
_​_​_​_​_​

Incredibly bland apparel for way too much money, but I guess that’s the price of being a hipster! Colors picked out of a crayola box! Mediocre construction despite their proud claim of US origin! Designs only a teenager or emotionally stunted adult could love! Incredibly sexist ads, which is saying something given the world of fashion!
I wonder who really shops here and thinks they are getting a good deal for their money.

American Apparel examples so much about why I hate most of the hipster aesthetic. On several fronts.
First, at it’s most visual, it’s part of this hip trend of the past several years to be, um, for lack of a better phrase, ugly chic. Like, really ugly. Now I’m not opposed to that ‘man repellent’ blog or the idea that women should dress as they wish devoid of any thought to how men will look at them. But c’mon, I don’t see how any one wearing or looking at these clothes would find them attractive. Sleazy, late 70s style cuts that are pretentiously unflattering but bizarrely pornographic. It doesn’t look good on you. Weird diagonal super high legs on the shorts, shirts that hang off women whose boobs are revealed to everyone as they stroll through the bowery or Williamsburg. No. Please, stop. Ugly is ugly. It ain’t chic, it ain’t hip, it’s just plain old ugly. And take those wretched grandparent glasses off your face too.
Second, the ugly chic fashion sensibility works perfectly with the sleazy, pornographic advertising. And if the captive-​woman style advertising on the outside isn’t bad enough, there’s nudie t-​shirts inside for men to wear. Because I just love hanging out with guys who have naked women on their t-​shirts but don’t have liberated gender politics.
Also, the clothes are made in the USA. We get it. But they’re still sweatshops. Like every other store. And if you’re going to make sweatshop, non-​union clothes, at least make it look good. Or if you’re going to make ugly clothes, at least make them in a union shop.

I admit, spending $ 15+ on a plain white T is pretty ludicrous… until you try on an AA tshirt.
You know those shirts you steal from your boyfriend… washed 87 times, the PERFECT softness, the PERFECT wear… that’s AA for you.
So until I can steal all the tshirts that my bf wears… AA is a staple in my wardrobe. Even for those $ 15+ plain white T’s.

I love the products here, even though I think they are slightly overpriced. What I basically despise is the service. A cashier once gave me snotty attitude, another time would not even give me eye contact to acknowledge the transaction and the fact that, yes I exist. I don’t know who does the hiring here or if this is an example of all their stores but I would prefer to take my business elsewhere rather than be treated like crap. Ultimately it is I who is at fault for taking this and not calling the manager or returning a second time. Once again this is a CUSTOMER SERVICE BUSINESS, without us, YOU WILL FAIL!

Thank you, Kim!!!
I purchased an American Apparel tank top out of town, threw away the receipt because I fully intended to keep it, then I go to get dressed and realize there’s a massive hole on the seam. With the tags still on, I took the shirt to the other Village location, where the sales assistant was RUDE and useless, said there was nothing anyone could do without a receipt and I was stuck with my hole-​y shirt. The manager there said the same. On my walk home, I passed this location and decided to go for it again… My new friend Kim was nice enough to take the time to call the other location, look up the purchase, and switch out my shirt for a new one with no holes. Thanks Kim!

A few weeks ago, I was in American Apparel and I think I heard that heavenly choir opera voices… in a rack of miscellaneous colored lame short shorts, I found the coveted turquoise lame booty shorts! Can’t wait to rock these at spin class.
You could seriously spend hours here, between the unisex basics and then the women’s wear and dresses. Maybe I am just in favor with the spandex gods, but AA is one of the few places where I know my size and I know everything will fit pretty consistently (and look good!).
The employees at this location were very nice. Someone greeted me when I entered the store and I also had a very sweet girl chat with me near the fitting room area.

As one of the small number of clothing brands that fit me, I would have to rank this high on my chart.
American Apparel has a very slim, but long fit, which I need. Along with the simple styles, but complex cuts in fabric, I feel that American Apparel works as ideal clothing for any setting.
Did I mention the warmth of their winter gear? I have an American Apparel hoodie that is seemingly thin, but keeps me warm in 40 degree weather.

This is for all the haters: watch me floss.
Honestly, I agree a lot of American Apparel groupies and employees look like the Home Depot of tools, but that’s only if you copy the styling in the window. In which case, you’ve been punked.
American American makes MAD good basics. Tri-​blend is effing awesome. And the variety of colors can’t be beat, ya’ll. Now do a hop and a skip with me.

— the place to get the perfect white tee
— recommend deep V summer shirt
— DJ in the store randomly
— go in for AC on a summer day, browse through the clothes, and make bets with your friends on which team the pretty hipster sales boys are batting for