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American Apparel

3.5 star rating
based on 26 reviews

Categories: Men's Clothing, Women's Clothing  [Edit]

Neighborhood: Near North Side
46 E. Walton Street
(between Ernst Ct & Rush St)
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 255-8360
  • Nearest Transit:

    Chicago (Red)

  • Price Range: $$$
  • Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
  • Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
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26 Reviews for American Apparel

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Photo of S L.

 

7

27

S L.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
05/09/2008

Obviously, I buy a lot of American Apparel.  This is my second store review.  I must say, this is better than the other one.  Although, the return policy is shitty because of the company policy.  The biggest complaint I have is the lack of charisma from the employees.  It's like they're having a party and you're crashing it by shopping there.  These employees aren't rude, they just don't give a shit.  It really bugs me because I love the clothes.

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Photo of Ann F.

 

0

13

Ann F.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
04/17/2008

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.)

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Photo of marisa s.

Elite '08

33

173

marisa s.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
02/01/2008

i love Ts...i am somewhat addicted...well to Ts and comfy clothes.

the heather gray AA deep V-neck is my #1 T. so comfy, looks cute with everything...and that brings me to my next reason i love AA...how you can mix a casual AA piece with an expensive piece, and you have an awesome outfit, created by you, not by some trend-o-matic.

i probably shop here a few times a month...i love it that much. their simplicity and edginess...all at once, is like a discount fashion dream. i love you AA!

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Photo of sam k.

 

1

56

sam k.

Chicago, IL

2 star rating
06/03/2008

Attention hipsters: Just because American Apparel sells it, doesn't mean you have to wear it.

Admit it, if Old Navy sold those stupid gold tights or 7 inch guy shorts, you wouldn't wear it.

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Photo of Sara W.

Elite '08

9

87

Sara W.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
11/12/2007

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.

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Photo of Caroline A.

Elite '08

429

708

Caroline A.

Chicago, IL

2 star rating
07/17/2007

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.

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Photo of Phillie P.

Elite '08

61

186

Phillie P.

Chicago, IL

2 star rating
07/17/2007

So the stuff is made from a "sweat-free" factory. BIG FORKIN' DEAL. I'm 100% positive that the shops have sweat in them... nut sweat.

What's the deal with some the employees with this place. I sit me, or do they not want to be there.

Kinda pricey for basics... but "you get what you pay for". I do wish AA was a bit cheaper.

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Photo of Andrew C.

 

10

90

Andrew C.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
11/28/2007

I really like American Apparel's clothing, but I don't think their prices justify their basic products.  Sure they're made in the US and all, but their markups are high.

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Photo of rich b.

 

15

106

rich b.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
05/27/2007

Not since Kathie Lee & K-Mart have I been so informed about sweatshops. Be a human-being and shop there. It's got everything you probably own already (I can find leggings for $5 cheaper at H&M) but cheaper than the GAP. H&M is O-U-T. I'm too AFRAID to actually wash any of the "all-cotton" tanks I bought. All cotton isn't all good when it comes to actually washing them. You can LOOK at your clothes...The color variety is great & the neon green tank top I bought was only colored on one side???? and white on the other. The blacks aren't black enough(Read:Cheap-looking) for me since there's no synthetic polyester or rayon. That's a bad thing. Hey but it's sweatshop free!

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Photo of elizabeth n.

 

559

391

elizabeth n.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
10/16/2006

For comfy clothes, this is where I stock up on basic tshirts, hoodies, and comfortable pants.  They have the softest materials and it's very reasonably priced so that's why I usually buy in bulk- one of each color!

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Photo of Ellen M.

Elite '08

266

1073

Ellen M.

Oak Park, IL

3 star rating
03/11/2006

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 Yelp shirt is one).  The shirts run small, so if you're going elite, get one size larger than usual.

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Photo of Michelle M.

 

1

24

Michelle M.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
10/16/2006

I watched a few news programs on the owner.  He was very intresting.  He lives amoung most of his factory workers in LA and he refuses to pay them I think less than 12.00 an hour.  His statement was I believe that 10.00 and 12.00 was a difference in lifestyle.  Maybe a little pricey in the store but they are so comfy and last forever.  I liked a lot of who the designer was.  And all his clothes are made here!

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Photo of Jennifer K.

Elite '08

32

302

Jennifer K.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
04/11/2006

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.

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Photo of Sheila D.

 

7

44

Sheila D.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
04/15/2006

Yes- they  have good tees, but I don't seem to find this store as cheap as everyone else.  You can find the same stuff at banana or the gap and it's usually cheaper!

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Photo of Carrie B.

 

43

109

Carrie B.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
08/13/2006

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!

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Photo of Ren H.

 

59

1224

Ren H.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
09/14/2005

They've got the basics here and they are in  trendy styles so I like coming here to stock up.  They've also got some cute not-so-basic pieces that make a good  addition to any wardrobe. I love this store because its out of the way of crowded Michigan Ave.  The only thing that sucks is that the staff can be annoying, changing the music a million times, dancing in the middle of the store and screaming at each other across the store.  It's pretty unprofessional and annoys me to shop there sometimes.

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Photo of Erica S.

 

8

41

Erica S.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
04/17/2006

Socially concious clothing chain where you can get stylin basics that are similar to brands like C&C California, Vince, Splendid, and James Perse without spending $80 on a t-shirt. Cute accessories, and the doggy tees are perfect for my casual pup...just wish they made them a tad bigger. LOVE IT!

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Photo of Dru G.

 

4

59

Dru G.

Chicago, IL

2 star rating
04/24/2006

I can't seem to get into this store like everyone else. I guess the quality of their tee-shirts is pretty good, but I don't think they are as cheap as everyone says they are.

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Photo of Lindley E.

Elite '08

259

721

Lindley E.

Chicago, IL

1 star rating
10/16/2006

I don't like their t-shirts. And I hate their advertising. The whole '80s chic thing is so ridiculous that I refuse, on principle, to shop here (I didn't like the clothes then and I don't like 'em now).

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Photo of J L.

 

18

138

J L.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
11/29/2005

Stock up here! I love the basics like their tanks and hoodies. Also good stocking stuffer because they are inexpensive. They have a million colors of each style.

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Photo of Becky P.

 

11

65

Becky P.

Burr Ridge, IL

5 star rating
02/06/2006

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.

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Photo of Jake A.

 

4

45

Jake A.

Chicago, IL

2 star rating
04/10/2006

All I hear (and now read) about American Apparel is how cheap it is.  OK, maybe it's cheaper than other stores, but I  don't find it that cheap for what it is.  They only sell t-shirts. T-shirts should be cheap!

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Photo of Molly T.

 

0

7

Molly T.

Bridgman, MI

3 star rating
07/08/2007

Love American Apparel but this store is tiny. the other two i have been to (East Lansing, Miami) were much bigger and better.

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Photo of Britany S.

 

1

41

Britany S.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
08/24/2005

great place to buy basics, like tees, sweatshirts, tank tops, underwear, etc.  super comfortable clothing that is reasonably priced.

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Photo of Lee-Han J.

 

12

484

Lee-Han J.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
12/01/2005

good quality plain t-shirts that are very cheap. Nice store, very colorful, nice staff too!

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Photo of Sam O.

 

0

21

Sam O.

Brooklyn, NY

5 star rating
01/20/2006

If the future of retail is Christmas-hating, porn-tastic American Apparel, I like the future.  The Walton Street staff is really helpful.

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