To me, American Eagle is one of those popular mall brands in the same category as Abercrombie & Fitch and Hollister. But these days they’ve got more of a streetwear aesthetic rather than those preppy, surfer boy vibes.
To be honest, I’m surprised at what American Eagle has to offer in 2020. To say they exceeded my expectations is an understatement. You’ll have to read on to see why.
In this in-depth American Eagle Review I’m going to share my experience with the brand over the years and provide my thoughts on 14 pieces of clothing from their spring and summer collection. You’ll also get some casual style inspiration. And finally, I’ll touch on sales/discounts and wrap things up with the pros & cons.
Let’s get started.
American Eagle Review & Try-On Haul
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My Experience With AE Thru The Years
When I was in high school, I worked at Hollister, but never shopped at American Eagle. I always thought that they were at the bottom of the totem pole when it came to those teenage retail brands.
It wasn’t until after college (on a whim) I decided to visit the actual store and ended up with a few flannel shirts, boxer briefs, sweatshirts, sunglasses, and fingerless gloves/mittens which all fit me pretty well.
I wore the flannels for several years before deciding they weren’t aligned with my style any longer so I recently donated them. But, I still wear the casual waffle knit sweater, boxers and gloves. They’ve held up pretty well thru the years.
Now fast forward to today, I’ve gotta say, I like how they evolved with the times. Though I still see them as fashion forward and geared towards a younger crowd like H&M, Zara or ASOS.
AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFIT 1
Outfit one is super simple and summer-ready.
AE Poplin Short Sleeve Button-Up Shirt
The American Eagle poplin short sleeve button up shirt is a stylish and versatile piece that’s ready-made for summertime. What I like about it is that the design is really simple.
From a distance, it looks like a plain blue short sleeve shirt, but at a closer glance, you can see the understated white dotted pattern. Similar to micro checks, a dotted pattern while still trendy, is always classic.
The 100% cotton feels soft, but the material is quite thin. It may not last forever as the dots may fade in time, but it’s not really a forever piece. And in terms of colors, I think the blue dotted shirt is the most versatile out of the other 4 varieties offered.
On another note, I have a similar blue dotted short sleeve shirt from ASOS that I’ve had for 4 years now. I wear it pretty frequently in the summer. It’s one of those shirts that any guy can benefit from having in his wardrobe.
Poplin Short Sleeve Button Up Details:
- Sizes: XS-3XL
- Material: 100% Cotton
- Made In: Bangladesh
- Colorways: 5
- Printed dot pattern
- Square chest pocket with button
- Straight hem
- Classic fit
AE NE(X)T Level Airflex Denim Short
Okay, so jean shorts aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, but these Ne(x)t Level Airflex denim shorts from AE are different. At least they look and feel different IMO. They don’t quite hug my thighs, which helps them to avoid a dreaded jorts aesthetic, and they’re still slim and fitted.
I picked up the least distressed pair of Next Level Airflex Denim Shorts in a medium indigo wash. It’s more of a light and heavily faded wash as you can tell by the product shots on their website.
It’s designed to hit at the knee, but I personally prefer rolling them up twice for the cuffed, several inches above the knee style. I’m normally against distressing, but feel that at least this pair from AE is done tastefully. All in all, the fit is solid with a good amount of stretch for comfort.
Ne(x)t Level Airflex Denim Short Details:
- Sizes: 26-48
- Made In: China
- Styles: 12
- 9.5″ inseam
- Slim fit, hits at the knee
- High stretch, medium wash
- Distressed details & cuffed
AEO Men’s Canvas Low Top Sneaker
The American Eagle casual canvas low top sneaker is clean and minimalist. I really like the shape of the shoe. It’s like a pair of canvas Vans, but even more minimal.
It features a nearly 100% cotton construction and a removable padded insole. Comes in 4 colorways, but the white and black are the only real viable options, the others are absurdly loud.
I like the style and comfort of these sneakers, its casualness makes for a suitable summer shoe if you’re in the market for a pair.
Canvas Low Top Sneaker Details:
- Sizes: 7-13
- Made In: China
- Colorways: 4
- Canvas upper
- Lace-up sneaker
AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFIT 2
Outfit 2 is slightly smarter than the previous one, but still a decidedly casual, summer getup.
AE Super Soft Icon Pique Polo Shirt
It’s hard to go wrong with a heather grey pique polo shirt. The thing with a polo is that it should fit well. The shirt shouldn’t be too loose or too long. This one from AE fits fairly well.
Shoulders are good, the sleeve length hits around mid bicep, though it could be slightly more fitted. Then again, it may shrink down to a perfect size after a wash and dry cycle.
It features a tasteful AE logo on the chest. I really like this subtle detailing. If you’re going to brand your clothing with a logo, this is how it should be done. Good on them for moving away from the obnoxiously loud branding of the past.
It’s available in 11 unique colors and the quality I’ve gotta say is quite good, especially for the price. The cotton feels substantial and not cheap like many other brands out there.
Pique Polo Shirt Details:
- Sizes: XS-3XL
- Made In: China
- Colors: 11
- Two button placket
- Split hem
- Chest logo
- Standard fit
AE NE(X)T Level Classic 8″ Khaki Short
AE’s Classic 8″ Khaki Shorts cotton material feels thick with a good weight to it, it almost feels like a waxed canvas. As its name states, it’s got a next level stretch that feels quite good.
In terms of the fit, the length is pretty neutral, not too short and not too long. The leg opening is a kind of wide, wider than I like my shorts to fit, but overall it’s not that bad, especially when you cuff them up.
The shorts feature a subtle AE monogram on the back and there’s back pocket button enclosures. Tan is a classic shorts color that I feel any guy can benefit from having in his wardrobe.
Classic 8″ Khaki Short Details:
- Sizes: 26-48
- Made In: China
- Colors: 2
- Ne(x)t Level stretch
- Hip pockets, back button pockets
- Key pocket
- Hits just above the knee
AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFIT 3
For outfit 3 we’re going street. It features a pair of black slim selvedge jeans with a basic tee in a washed blue and a cool color gradient windbreaker.
AE Super Soft Short-Sleeve Icon T-Shirt
The AE short sleeve shirt is made of a soft cotton jersey material with a faded appearance. It features a drop shoulder fit giving it dashes of street style. And I think it look pretty good when I cuff up the sleeves.
It runs slightly loose and long on my frame which is no surprise considering the drop shoulder. I actually don’t mind how roomy or long it is, it’s trendy and youthful fit, that’s for sure, but definitely in line with the streetwear crowd.
Again, there’s an AE logo on the chest and a straight, split hem at the bottom of the shirt. All in all it’s a solid shirt that reminds me of Banana Republic’s washed Supima cotton tees. And if you like options, it comes in a whooping 19 different colors. Whoa.
Short-Sleeve Icon T-Shirt Details:
- Sizes: XS-3XL
- Made In: Vietnam
- Colors: 19
- Logo on chest
- Rib-knit collar
- Straight hem
- Crew neck
- Standard fit
AE Flex Slim Selvedge Jean
The American Eagle Flex Slim Selvedge Jeans fit quite good. It has a nice slim leg, although the leg opening could be a little smaller.
It definitely leans more casual with the distressing at the knees. Also, they have incredible stretch, especially for selvedge jeans. The AE “Flex” brand definitely lives up to its name as I could comfortably go for a run in these if I wanted.
Notice the “self edge” strip detailing on the pants cuff, hence the name selvedge. This small detail is a clear indicator of a pair of selvedge jeans.
Flex Slim Selvedge Jean Details:
- Sizes: 26×28-48×34
- Made In: Vietnam
- Styles: 5
- Slim through thigh & leg
- 13.5″ leg opening
- Black wash
- Hand finished
AE Dip Dye Windbreaker
The AE Dip Dye Windbreaker is pretty stylish in my opinion, especially with that dope gradated ombre design. Awesome colors. It’s not super high quality tech fabrics or anything, but it’ll get the job done, although it is really lightweight.
It features a zip up front, back vents and and a rollout drawstring hood for some added functionality without sacrificing style. The windbreaker also features a ribbed waistline and cuffs which is always nice for a tech jacket to have.
Dip Dye Windbreaker Details:
- Sizes: XS-3XL
- Made In: Vietnam
- Color: 1
- Draw string hood
- Mesh back vent
- Ombre design
- Standard fit
AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFIT 4
Outfit 4 is my favorite out of them all. Everything from the fit of the denim jacket and jeans to the casual drop shoulder, long sleeve tee and canvas sneakers just gives off such stylish vibes.
AE Premium Weight Drop-Shoulder T-Shirt
This AE Premium Weight Drop-Shoulder Tee is similar to the short sleeve version in terms of style and wash. It’s geared more towards streetwear because of the more oversized fit and drop-shoulder detail.
Runs a little long on me, but that’s okay since that’s the style. Like its name suggests, the fabric is a premium weight 100% cotton which probably won’t shrink much in the dryer if it’s anything like my Banana Republic washed Supima tee which this one reminds me of.
As with many of their other pieces, it features the small AE logo branding on the chest. I got the long sleeve tee in a washed red color, they’ve also got white, heather grey and dark graphite.
Premium Weight Drop-Shoulder Tee Details:
- Sizes: XS-3XL
- Made In: Vietnam
- Colors: 4
- Mid-weight jersey
- Ribbed collar
- Split, straight hem
- Oversized fit
AE NE(X)T Level Airflex Slim Jean
Now these right here are THE jeans to own from American Eagle. Right off the bat, IMO, these are some of the best fitting pair of jeans that I’ve tried on, period. And that’s saying a lot because I have quite a collection of jeans.
I think it has a tasteful amount of distressing details and fading as well. The dark indigo wash is versatile and easy to style. And just like the black selvedge jeans from earlier, these Airflex slim jeans have incredible stretch.
Sometimes you just know when it’s a home run, and AE definitely hit one out of the park with these slim jeans. I knew from the moment I first put them on that I’d be holding onto them. It’s not everyday that you find perfectly fitting jeans. And so, if you have my dimensions, check these jeans out!
Ne(x)t Level Airflex Slim Jean Details:
- Sizes: 26×28-48×34
- Made In: Bangladesh
- Styles: 16
- Dark indigo wash
- Strategic fading & distressing
- Slim through thigh & leg
- 13.5″ leg opening
AE Denim Jacket
Denim jackets are surely a spring style essential and when it comes to fit and style, AE’s denim jacket is as good as it gets. I honestly can say it’s the best fitting denim jacket I’ve worn and I have 5 in my closet currently.
I’m feeling the faded wash and the shorter length. Plus, even the sleeves aren’t overly long which is a problem I’ve encountered with many denim jackets.
It looks, feels great, and even has a nice stretch to it too. Check the tab details on the side so that you can cinch it in for a more fitted look. Best of all it’s quite affordable for a denim jacket, especially when on sale.
AE Denim Jacket Details:
- Sizes: XS-3XL
- Made In: Bangladesh
- Colors: 5
- Blue soft wash denim
- Hits below top of waistband
- Standard fit
AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFIT 5
And finally, outfit 5 combines 3 trendier pieces (hoodie, skinny jeans and knit runners) for a casual spring look.
AE Terry Fleece Pullover Hoodie
This AE Terry Fleece Hoodie has a similar fit and feel to my Everlane French Terry Hoodie. The 100% cotton fabric actually feels softer. It’s a basic, no frills hoodie with simple AE embroidered logo on the chest.
The hoodie has the usual drawstrings, hood and kangaroo pockets with ribbed cuffs and hem. It’s a little bit on the looser side and so it’s not the most refined hoodie option out there.
AE Terry Fleece Hoodie Details:
- Sizes: XS-3XL
- Made In: Pakistan
- Colors: 3
- Soft terry cotton fleece
- Classic fit
AE NE(X)T Level Airflex Skinny Jean
Let me be blunt, the skinny jeans aesthetic isn’t really my cup of tea. AE’s Airflex skinny jeans are just like the slims, except even more butt hugging.
This pair is in a medium tinted indigo wash with quite a bit of whiskering and fading going on which can be good or bad depending on your personal style.
The stretch, as with all Airflex products are superb, but I just can’t get around how they’re essentially painted on jeans. If you’re a skinny dude though, a pair like these could be just what you need. They’ve got a ridiculous 33 different styles of skinny jeans, btw.
AE Airflex Skinny Jeans Details:
- Sizes: 26×28-48×34
- Made In: Bangladesh
- Styles: 33
- High stretch
- Skinny through thigh & leg
- 12.5″ leg opening
AEO Men’s Knit Runner Sneaker
AEO’s Knit Runner is definitely American Eagle’s version of Allbirds Wool Runners. Pretty stylish if you ask me. The sole is pretty thick which may or may not be to your liking. It doesn’t bother me.
The shoe is super light and breathable as a knit sneaker should be. Not much else to report on these shoes, except that they are comfortable and affordable, especially when compared with other knit sneakers on the market. How they hold up though is anyone’s guess. Probably won’t last more than a few seasons.
AEO Knit Runner Sneaker Details:
- Sizes: 7-13
- Made In: China
- Colors: 2
- Knitted design
- Lace up sneaker
Sales & Discounts
As with other major big box and online retailers American Eagle offers frequent sales & discounts, often 50% or more. Check out what’s on clearance now.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Fits are on point
- Trendy and modern styles
- High quality for the price point
- Conveniently show in store or online
- Wide range of colors and sizes
- Live chat function on website
Cons:
- Not transparent about manufacturing
- Focused more on trends rather than classics
Conclusion
From style to fit to quality, AE has really stepped things up. And so, sometimes it’s best not to judge a book by its cover and instead discover the contents within.
It’s safe to say that they exceeded my expectations and some. I’m giving AE some high praise and I recommend you to check them out whenever you get the chance.
Onto you, have you been to American Eagle lately?
Let’s continue the discussion over in the Gentlemen Within Private Facebook Community.
Looking forward to seeing you in there.
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