American Apparel

The man

Defending the price of American Apparel clothing gets old, the reason itself however, does not. Paying Fifteen dollars for a simple single colored t-shirt can seem very unreasonable, I understand that. But, at the same time I understand that if I were to buy the Five dollar alternative there's a chance that someone (some millions across the globe) were exploited in order to make it.

Not that I should be the moral compass of anyone considering I have enough (sweatshop manufactured) sneakers to armor a small football team but, there is also no competitive market for brand-free, sweatshop-free footwear. When one comes about I will be more than willing to throw my money at it, regret free. Until then however my wardrobe will be primarily Nike and American Apparel.

The look of the store definitely throws people off. I cannot tell you how many times I have been downtown with a male friend and they've refused to step a leather clad foot inside of American Apparel because they're afraid of being seen browsing the "all white store with gay colors". Side note: When you put any color with any other four, I guess it's considered to be gay.. The ads for the store also play a hand in throwing people off and not just those who aren't comfortable with their sexuality. Dov Charney (above) is no stranger to sexual solicitation (there is a chance that I did not word that correctly). What I mean to say is that "Sex sells" and Mr. Charney is obviously aware of it. He's also been sued for sexual harassment at least twice. At any rate see through tank tops, t-shirts, whatever. You want a little bit of skin, and he'll give it to you. Neutrality suits me best when talking about the chosen advertisement, conflicting opinions are never a good look.

Gay and Immigration rights. The latter doesn't pull on my wallet quite as much as the first but, there is something to be said for a Company not afraid of displaying their beliefs about human rights. Undoubtedly this limits their market. Nonetheless they continue to do it, without shame or obscurity. Shirts reading "Legalize Gay" and "Legalize LA" are displayed in the front of every store (at least on Walnut street and in King Of Prussia). It is not a revolutionary idea by any means because countless others have the same exact thought but, both statements are unheard of in the Mass Market.

Every stitch of the clothing is manufactured in Los Angeles where the workers are paid fairly. Sewers in third world Countries make little under a dollar hourly, while the sewers at American Apparel are making twelve dollars an hour. Wearing clothing made on the home front by workers who don't have better opportunities or living environments doesn't make me special by any means. Regardless it's nice to know that I am supporting a brand rooted with some of the same moral values that I hold precedence to.