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American Apparel
Categories: Shopping Fashion Accessories Shopping Fashion Men's Clothing Shopping Fashion Women's Clothing Accessories, Men's Clothing, Women's Clothing
363 E. 2nd StLos Angeles, CA 90012
Neighborhoods: Downtown, Little Tokyo
(213) 617-7222
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 12 pm - 10 pm
Fri-Sat 11 am - 11 pm
Sun 11 am - 8 pm
- Price Range:
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$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
Soma Intimates is about supreme comfort, high quality and flattering fit. Our bras, panties, sleepwear and relaxation wear are made with soft, luxurious… read more »
31 reviews for American Apparel
Review Highlights
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"their comfy simple colorful shirts brighten up my day." In 8 reviews -
"Small store open late good for some browsing while waiting..." In 3 reviews -
"...and they stay comfortable even after a number of washes." In 3 reviews
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31 reviews in English
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Review from marlon e.
Chino, CA
2/19/2010
all i'm getting from this place are their thermals and scarfs...
everything else is too *** for me... -
Review from Tiffany P.
Chino, CA
3/17/2012 1 Check-in Here
I love the basic cotton tees here (soft and comfy), but wish they didn't cost $18 a piece! But, buy 3, get 15% off... so I did.
The staff here are normally welcoming and helpful. -
Review from Alissa M.
Los Angeles, CA
3/4/2012
Rule #1 at American Apparel: You, employee, are too cool to talk to customers. Instead, feel free to chat amongst yourselves among the racks of gold flame bodysuits (who wears this stuff anyway?)
Also, American Apparel blows in general for reasons ya'll should already know about. They're not as hypocritical as the other hipster mecca UO, but it's awfully close. -
Review from Cindy B.
12/29/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Oh American Apparel...
I have a love/hate relationship with American Apparel. Back in the day, I used to love the quality. The cotton was high quality. The cut of the women's shirts were flattering. I didn't mind spending more on basics from there because I knew I was getting good stuff.
Then they went beyond basics and went into more hipster fashion. Ok. But along the way, quality went down. Some of the fabric of the shirts are paper thin and would probably not survive a couple of washes or it was so thin that they were sheer. No thanks. However, I still find a couple of items that I like. I guess that's why I keep coming back here. It's like going vintage shopping--sometimes you find a keeper and sometimes you don't. That's why you continue going back.
As for this location, it's small. The service is average and sometimes helpful. It's never really busy here. They have a decent selection of items too. Will continue coming back here to see if I can find a good find! -
Review from Xin S.
Los Angeles, CA
10/6/2011
Small store open late good for some browsing while waiting for shabu house.
But i never bring myself to buy anything here. Its really kinky/plain...and also very expensive. -
Review from Kenneth T.
Los Angeles, CA
Updated - 7/24/2009 1 photo
Though the space is much bigger than the previous location, there appears to be just as little aisle space as possible. This pretty much means that American Apparel doesn't like fat people.
There is a treasure trove of female clothing. The men's section keeps shrinking and shrinking. I did pick up a pink Legalize Gay shirt here. The last pink tee with black lettering. For 18 bucks, it wasn't that bad. I really want to buy accessories here, but I don't feel compelled to due to the lack of selection for men.
At least the people who work here are attractive.Listed in: I LOVE SHOPPING
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/5/2009
This is the new location right under the new Little Tokyo Lofts. The interior is built a little more… Read more »
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Review from Beth T.
Los Angeles, CA
4/27/2008
I don't get this place, in fact, to be honest it makes me uncomfortable for reasons I can't figure out yet. Maybe it's the too-close-together racks of rainbow clothes. Maybe it's the gold lame leggings. I am not sure.
At least this location wasn't too scene and the sales girl seemed fairly cool. After a quick round-a-bout the store I see there wasn't much for me here aside from a pair of shorts to work out/sleep in -- where are the cute dresses they keep advertising???
We were out within five -- the willies of uncomfortable-ness were too much to handle.Listed in: When you're alone & life is…
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Review from Eileen C.
9/3/2008
American Apparel is a strangely constructed machine. And for all it's flaws and imperfections, and despite even my serious distaste for it, I can't seem to stop buying their stuff.
I find it very odd that merchandise purchased at a certain location must also be returned at the same store. So I actually trekked back even though it's 15 miles out of my way to take care of business and make my exchange.
That's right, I said exchange.
For $36 for a pair of shiny leggings or $26 for a deep V T-shirt, I expect to get to cash money back if I make a faulty purchase! Not so, in this case. Store credit only. So after perusing the same old styles in a million different colors, I realize that I've actually achieved the impossible: I've acquired everything I've wanted in the store.
So I obtain a nifty gift card with my balance due and upon inquiry, the card cannot be used online. How the heck am I supposed to do any efficient shopping then?!
I hate American Apparel. I can't find my awesome jersey swing skirt in black and now I want the nylon tricot leggings in Shiny Peach. Hate them. -
Review from aynge m.
Long Beach, CA
10/26/2010
Went in to check out the nail polish. There were four employees in the cramped little store, and NO other customers and I was completely ignored. Checked out their polish to find that EVERY SINGLE ONE was a creme. No shimmers, glitters or even frosts.
They need to clean up their ads, too. Have you seen them? They're totally geared toward pedophiles. Where's Chris Hansen? -
Review from Madison B.
San Diego, CA
12/30/2008
I actually like this location a lot! When Austin and I came here, on a trip through L.A. we just had to stop in for a few minutes. There was parking right on the street mid day, which was nice.
Your typical AA store. All the best logo-less clothing you can ask for. Even if the prices are a little high, that doesn't stop any of us from buying clothes here.
The staff was friendly, unlike most other locations, and the store was well organized! -
Review from A. M.
Brooklyn, NY
7/31/2006
Yes.. I do like american apparel. I now have a great abundance of clothes from there. A limitless supply. People often say that they don't like the clothing because, it's all plain.
Yes most of the cose are basics, but they have some good cuts and the fabric is usually good too.
Only thing is, it's kind of pricey unless you have a friend who works there, then you get 50% off... Everyone knows someone who works at american apparel...Well.. or a friend of a friend of a friend.... -
Review from Alan J.
Pasadena, CA
9/24/2007
Everyone knows it's pricey so I'm not even going to waste key strokes complaining about it. This particular location is very organized and they have a very friendly staff. I just didn't understand how they seriously had about 15 people working such a small store.
I never fancied American Apparel until my GF introduced me to the tri blend v-neck shirts. These shirts are the softest you will ever find. They are "I just want to rub my cheeks on them all day" soft.
FYI - Sizes run very small. I typically go up a size. For those complaining AA only caters to skinny malnourished models, don't hate and use it as a motivation to lose some unnecessary poundage. -
Review from David O.
CA
3/11/2009
Summary: American Apparel, something you should study as a marketer on how to create a niche brand that everyone knows about that somehow has no backlash from their quasi-slutty ad campaign and is entirely corporate but somehow appeals to hipsters everywhere and those who are really hipster but don't like using labels to describe themselves
Pro: It's good quality clothes. Simple and you are paying for craftsmanship.
Their online marketing strategy is really good.
Con: it's kind of expensive, but you are buying American.
My friend Lisa works for the corporate office in downtown, and this is where she took me to show me the stuff AA has to offer.
BTW.. I asked her if they really DO have discussions in their online marketing strategy about whether a girl is TOO slutty or NOT slutty enough in an online ad or an email campaign.
And they sure do. Just like how I imagined it. -
Review from Amanda C.
Los Angeles, CA
9/14/2009
Me: I'm slightly heartened by the fact that for once American Apparel hasn't taken a full page ad on the back of the L.A. Weekly.
Fabian: You really care? For reals?
Me: No, Pico Suave, I don't really care. But did you know the next thing that American Apparel is going to be peddling overpriced to the masses? SCRUNCHIES. Who thought that was a good idea? Who? How many tiers of administration did that idea have to be okayed by before getting to the pedo CEO and he's and he's like, BRILLIANT! No, fuck that, ok? They've gone too far this time. Half naked prepubescent girls in their ads, fine. But scrunchies? Besides, every time I see the initials AA I think of Alcoholics Anonymous and honestly I'd rather buy clothes from cracked out ex winos. They should have a clothing line. Now THAT would be rad.
Fabian: AA is OK. That is how much these items are supposed to cost! Poeple in the US would be employed and proud to work manufacturing jobs with decent wages. F Balls Mart and all other child sweatshop supporters.
Lisa: I thought you liked scrunchies?
Helena: I'M the scrunchie lover here. I have dozens. And I wear them without a hint of irony. Can't I have anything tacky without American Apparel trying to steal it away?? And I'd get behind, "that's how much these items are supposed to cost," if it were true. But as an AA wholesale buyer I can tell you the retail cost of these items is like 300% markup.
Fabian: I'm crushed...
Helena: It's a bit of a disappointment. But not surprising when you consider who's running the joint. I can smell his balls from here.
Fabian: Yuckers. I love those v-necks, though. And the doggie shirts!
Colin: You mean I'm going to have to actually buy my porn this week?
Me: It would be awesome if this was all some diabolical master plan, that the perv who runs AA built up his empire under false pretenses only to punk the fashion industry, that it was all leading up to this, having hipsters the world over from Tokyo to Antwerp wearing scrunchies only then to say, "Muah ha ha, YOU ALL ARE A BUNCH OF FUCKING IDIOTS AND NOW I'M RICH ENOUGH OFF YOU SHEEP TO LIVE OUT THE REST OF MY DAYS ON A YACHT IN THE SOUTH OF FRANCE WITH A HAREM OF 16 YEAR OLDS SO EAT A BAG OF DICKS!" '
I call shenanigans on Scrunchie-Gate. The emperor isn't wearing any clothes, assholes! -
Review from Corazon R.
Los Angeles, CA
7/5/2007 1 Check-in Here
You know when you're in an American Apparel when you make a special trip to go there just to buy one of their men's deep v-neck tri-blend shirts and the little Asian boy helping you out is wearing the woman's version of the same shirt (no deep v-neck).
This is the store that I frequent the most (until the one in Old Town Pasadena opens...holy hell, I might as well be a hip-dressed pauper living right outside the place, I fear I'm going to be BROKE when that happens). It's not the biggest in the area (strange since this is the closest retail location to the actual warehouse), especially since the one in Echo Park on Sunset moved to a bigger space two doors down, but this "community sore" has the most community feel to it. The people who work there are really friendly as well, and at the very least, the small space allows one to navigate through pretty quickly (especially since I know where everything is in this store).
This is the store where I took the lovely Shelley H. for a trip, and almost pointed at all of the women's articles and was able to tell her how they fit...since I own one of them. I also know my colors too...yes. I am a bright colored cotton separate addict.Listed in: Working on the Chain...Spots
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Review from Daniel T.
Pasadena, CA
4/4/2009
More of an American Chick Apparel store to me.
I would need a killer gym bod to accentuate their limited selections of menswear. Average prices of these supposedly under/outerwear falls between Gap and A&F.
Well, if they are going to Legalize LA with these prices, our undies is definitely gonna cost a bomb.
There nothing much to shop here for an average Joe like me. So its back to Macy's. -
Review from Brad F.
Los Angeles, CA
6/22/2006
11 locations in LA alone, but I really like the Little Tokyo shop. It sits on the corner of 2nd st, across from the Starbucks strip.
The clothes here are nothing you want to base your wardrobe on, but the wide selection of solid color status should entice you to pick up some cotton pants or long sleeve shirts. They also have bi-colored scarfs, sun glasses and blankets. Considering all the fabrics are straight from downtown LA the price is reasonable and the support is purchase-worthy. Actually, I am wearing one of their pants right now! Nice long bright solid green pants with one thin white stripe. Definitely fresh! -
Review from Tammy G.
San Diego, CA
10/27/2007
I had the worst shopping experience of my life at this store.
I will refrain from sharing all the details, but to keep it brief:
I spoke to an employee who had an absolutely disgusting attitude. She should not be working in retail. (She has blonde wavy hair) There was another customer in the store who came up to as I was walking out and shared that she had also had a terrible experience with the same rude employee right before I arrived. This employee is also under the impression it is acceptable to loudly say rude things about customers while they are in the store and can hear her.
The manager who was in the store did not help the situation and did not get involved even though she was within earshot. Her only response when I questioned her was that the rude girl working at the counter was "really new". I didn't know new employees are allowed to be rude to customers.
I called the head store manager and corporate... they were really apologetic and understanding after I explained my situation. Either way I will NOT be shopping at this American Apparel ever again, too bad because it's close to my apartment. -
Review from Shelley H.
Kaneohe, HI
3/2/2007
Even though this American Apparel is lacking the selection of the Hollywood locations I still have a special place in my heart for this particular branch, as this is the first store that told me dogs are allowed in all American Apparels.
My dog has enjoyed a few lazy afternoons quietly sitting in the corner with my purse while I peruse the sorbet selection of styles.
Yes, their clothes are a rip-off but at least their hearts are in the right place. -
Review from Bridgette G.
Los Angeles, CA
4/26/2008
This is the closest store to me aside from the factory that's practically down the street. Their clothing is of very good quality. It lasts for a long time and they stay comfortable even after a number of washes. I bought dresses and tshirts from here when I was pregnant as I got bigger and bigger because I didn't like maternity clothing. After giving birth and my youngest soon to be reaching his 2nd bday, the dresses and tshirts I bought still fit quite nicely. And no, I don't weigh the same as I did when I was pregnant anymore at 165lbs--the clothes did go back to their original size and fit which is another good thing about the clothes.
The employees seem to be helpful especially when you ask for it. The store is set up like the other stores in the downtown garment district--cleaner and a bit trendy looking. -
Review from Elizabeth A.
Monterey Park, CA
11/19/2009
I have a couple of shirts from various sites and orgs that are printed on AA shirts. The shirts are soft and comfortable. However, I highly doubt that I will purchase from this store; I rather buy it from their website.
The week before Halloween, I went to this location to see if they had the skirt I wanted for my costume. They didn't have it so I asked to have a skirt shipped from another store to the Little Tokyo branch. They said they would call me within 2 days. Two days passed, no call so I call the store to ask about it. The male who picked up the phone did not know how to transfer a call and hung up on me. When I called back, he was very rude and referred to me as "It's THAT girl" to the sales girl I wanted to talk to, as though I had called incessantly (This was my first real phone call!). They said they would call me back the next day. The next business day was almost over so I called and asked again and they said it didn't arrive yet.
Finally, I called several other AA stores until I reached one that offered to help me. The male at the Citadel Outlet location was very polite and sounded genuinely sorry that they didn't have it at their store. He offered to look it up for me. After looking it up, he told me that none of the stores in Los Angeles had it. That's all I needed to know. The Little Tokyo location could have at least double checked to ensure better customer service, but they didn't. The customer service was so bad, I will most likely never go back to that location. Hopefully, AA start to hire better-mannered employees.
In fact, it has been almost a month now. They never called me back. They could have at least called to let me know that it is out of stock. That is very poor customer service, imo.
Pros: Good quality shirts, made in America, and no logos.
Cons: Overly provocative ads, objectification of women [in their ads], overpriced, and poor customer service at the Little Tokyo branch.
Definitely stick to online, they have free shipping for $75 and up and sometimes they have free shipping on any order, no minimum purchase. -
Review from M L.
Los Angeles, CA
2/7/2009
My daughter received a dress for her November birthday (or was it for Xmas) last year but a seam started coming apart which was unusual. She had already thrown away the gift receipt as the dress was what she wanted and the size small fit her perfectly.
Management and staff at the Little Tokyo store (and main store) were great about making an even exchange for her and she just loves her little dress. Nice, well made, no logo, no muss or fuss clothing line and love the small sizes for us petite girlies. -
Review from K P.
Garden Grove, CA
10/27/2010
I've only been on American Apparel's website to find some humor out of their interesting modeling...(if you've never seen their raunchy models/modeling..go check it out if you're bored!!)
I was quite excited to see an American Apparel in Little Tokyo Los Angeles and decided to go in and check it out.
Their sales associates look exactly like their website models. I was quite confused. But I shall leave the SA's alone..they were pretty nice.
AA is definitely not my thing. I'm not into high waisted pants or Lady GaGa type body suits..
Not my kind of thing. Might be yours though! -
Review from James S.
Downtown, Los Angeles, CA
6/4/2008
The best AA store I have ever set foot in. Even after walking about a mile and a half to get there, I still cracked a smile and a hi. The kids there are gems, they were all nice and not of the pretentious dick variety. I bought summer shirts, well, because it's summer and they fit well. I also liked that the kids basically left me alone unless I asked for help with something. I didn't feel the need to get out as quickly as possible. This place trumps any AA I've been to, keep it up little campers.
I'm not going to complain about prices, political crap or sexual harassment. You get what you pay for. -
Review from helenhana c.
Los Angeles, CA
4/24/2008
i love their simplistic, unisex, colorful, form-fitting basic shirts but their sizes run small. i am on the petite side but their small is little tight on me. the price is reasonable for the quality. even after so many washes, my shirts are as bright as they can be and as colorful as ever.
I feel happy when i am in my AA shirt, shorts, and flipflops. their comfy simple colorful shirts brighten up my day~ -
Review from Ashley L.
Los Angeles, CA
5/12/2010
I really enjoy American Apparel, but I find the Little Tokyo location lacking. The sales people are, from what I've experienced, pretentious and full of hipster angst, and the selection of clothes is limited and slightly boring. I still shop at other American Apparel locations, but my love for this one is oooover.
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Review from George G.
Los Angeles, CA
Updated - 6/26/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Boo! And they wonder why American Apparel's sales are down: ACTING HOLIER THAN THOU working retail is very 1990's record store. Get off it folks, be grateful people are wanting to spend their bit of money at your store. In this crappy economy!! No need to be snobby and pretend youre too busy counting the same wad of one dollar bills over and over again instead of helping me find damn shoelaces!!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/30/2009
Yeh, their lady section is huge. Nothing much I was into. The dude section is pretty frickin' small.… Read more »
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Review from Laurie T.
12/1/2008
overrated for sure!
they were lacking a lot of (small) sizes in the things i wanted.
the staff was unhelpful.
everything is overpriced.
so why 2 stars? because i can't help but love plain jersey clothes with no logos. -
Review from Ai M.
10/11/2008
Go for the quality of the fleece zip hoodies. Highlighter colors for the pique tennis shirt are odd. Skip the sunset t-shirt for an ombre style somewhere else. The see thru t-shirt isn't cute and the pinstriped jersey was flawed by the limited color choices. Tie-dye on a crew neck looked lame.
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Review from Melissa C.
Orange, CA
2/23/2008
This is a nice store as far as American Apparels go. The employees aren't quite too scene to be helpful, and the selection is pretty wide considering how small the store actually is. They let me sneak my coat behind the counter, which was nice of them, and held it for me while I shopped. I ended up with just one v neck, but I left with a positive impression of the brand that I hadn't gotten from the OC locations. It's right in the middle of one of my favorite LA neighborhoods too-- Little Tokyo-- and I'll be back here for all my AA needs.
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Review from Emily W.
Los Angeles, CA
5/5/2009
they have all the AA gear a girl could want, but the service is touch and go and the prices, while I appreciate its all made here, are high in my opinion. If I can't get it wholesale, I probably won't get it at all. they also move locations a while ago and are still on 2nd street, though not on the corner of 2nd and Central as in one of the posted photos.
