Where Are American Eagle Jeans Made?
American Eagle is a popular brand among teens and young adults for stylish casual clothing. Their jeans in particular are known for quality construction and on-trend washes. But despite the patriotic name, are American Eagle jeans actually made in the USA? The answer may surprise you.
Keep reading to learn all about where different styles of American Eagle denim are manufactured.
If you’re short on time, here’s the quick answer: While a few American Eagle jeans are made in the USA, most are produced in factories in Mexico, China, and other countries to reduce costs.
History of American Eagle Outfitters
American Eagle Outfitters, commonly known as American Eagle, is a popular American clothing and accessories retailer. The company was founded in Pennsylvania in 1977 by brothers Jerry and Mark Silverman.
Originally, American Eagle was a subsidiary of Retail Ventures, Inc., but it became an independent company in 1991. Since then, it has grown to become one of the leading clothing brands in the United States.
Founded in Pennsylvania in 1977
American Eagle Outfitters was first established in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Silverman brothers saw an opportunity to create a brand that catered to young people who wanted trendy and affordable clothing.
They started with a single store, focusing on denim jeans, which quickly gained popularity among the teenage demographic. Over the years, American Eagle expanded its product range and opened more stores across the country.
Known for affordable casual & activewear
American Eagle Outfitters is renowned for its affordable casual and activewear. The brand offers a wide range of clothing items, including jeans, tops, dresses, outerwear, and accessories. Their designs are known for being comfortable, stylish, and versatile, making them popular among teenagers and young adults.
American Eagle’s commitment to providing quality products at affordable prices has contributed to its success and loyal customer base.
Caters to 15-25 year old demographic
American Eagle Outfitters specifically targets the 15-25 year old demographic. This age group represents a significant portion of their customer base, and the brand understands their fashion preferences and lifestyle.
American Eagle focuses on creating clothing that reflects the latest trends, while also offering timeless pieces that can be mixed and matched. With a wide range of sizes and styles, the brand aims to empower young individuals to express their individuality and personal style.
Production Moved Overseas to Cut Costs
American Eagle is a popular clothing brand known for its trendy styles and quality denim jeans. However, over the years, the production of American Eagle jeans has undergone significant changes. In an effort to cut costs and remain competitive in the global market, American Eagle made the decision to move its production overseas.
Open foreign factories in 1990s for cheaper labor
In the 1990s, American Eagle, like many other clothing brands, started opening factories in foreign countries to take advantage of cheaper labor costs. This allowed them to produce their jeans at a fraction of the cost compared to manufacturing in the United States.
By moving production overseas, American Eagle was able to reduce expenses and offer their products at more affordable prices to consumers.
China, Mexico, Cambodia are major sources
China, Mexico, and Cambodia have become major sources for American Eagle jeans. These countries have well-established garment industries and offer competitive labor rates. China, in particular, has been a significant player in the global textile and apparel industry for decades.
Mexico, with its proximity to the United States, provides logistical advantages for American Eagle. Cambodia has also emerged as a popular destination due to its low labor costs and favorable trade agreements with the United States.
Small percentage made in USA and Caribbean
While the majority of American Eagle jeans are now produced overseas, a small percentage is still made in the United States and the Caribbean. American Eagle continues to maintain some production facilities in the United States, mainly for limited edition or specialty lines.
Additionally, the brand has partnered with manufacturers in the Caribbean to produce a portion of their jeans. These efforts help support local economies and provide employment opportunities closer to home.
It’s important to note that the decision to move production overseas was primarily driven by cost considerations. By taking advantage of cheaper labor and production costs in foreign countries, American Eagle has been able to maintain affordability for their customers.
However, it’s worth mentioning that this shift in production has also raised concerns about job loss and ethical labor practices. As a consumer, it’s always beneficial to be informed about where the products we purchase are made and to support brands that prioritize fair labor practices.
Divided Production by Jeans Styles
Regular jeans made in Mexico and China factories
American Eagle is a popular brand known for its stylish and comfortable jeans. When it comes to regular jeans, the production is divided between Mexico and China. These factories have been carefully selected to ensure high-quality manufacturing processes and materials.
In Mexico, American Eagle has established partnerships with reputable manufacturers that adhere to strict quality standards. These factories have skilled workers who specialize in denim production and have extensive experience in creating durable and fashionable jeans.
In China, American Eagle works with factories that have advanced machinery and technology to produce a large volume of jeans efficiently. These factories have a reputation for producing high-quality denim garments and are known for their attention to detail.
By diversifying production across these two countries, American Eagle ensures a steady supply of regular jeans to meet the demands of its customers while maintaining the brand’s commitment to quality.
Denim joggers and jeggings in Cambodia
American Eagle’s denim joggers and jeggings, which have gained popularity among fashion-conscious individuals, are primarily produced in Cambodia. The country has become a hub for manufacturing these specific styles due to its skilled workforce and cost-effective production processes.
Cambodia has seen a significant growth in the garment industry in recent years, attracting international brands like American Eagle. The factories in Cambodia have the expertise in creating trendy and comfortable denim joggers and jeggings, making it an ideal location for their production.
American Eagle ensures that the factories in Cambodia adhere to ethical manufacturing practices and provide fair wages and safe working conditions for their employees. This commitment to social responsibility ensures that the production of denim joggers and jeggings aligns with American Eagle’s values.
Some jeans still produced in the USA
While a significant portion of American Eagle jeans are produced in Mexico, China, and Cambodia, the brand still maintains a connection to its American roots by producing some jeans in the USA. This is a testament to American Eagle’s commitment to supporting domestic manufacturing and providing job opportunities within the country.
By producing jeans in the USA, American Eagle can cater to customers who appreciate products made locally and value the craftsmanship associated with American-made goods. These jeans often carry a premium price tag due to the higher production costs in the USA, but they offer a unique option for those seeking a truly American-made denim experience.
It’s worth noting that American Eagle provides transparency about their manufacturing processes on their website, allowing customers to make informed decisions about their purchases. They also continuously evaluate their production methods to ensure alignment with sustainability and ethical standards.
American Eagle Committed to Ethical Sourcing
American Eagle, one of the leading denim brands in the United States, is committed to ethical sourcing practices. The company understands the importance of ensuring that its products are made under fair and safe working conditions.
This commitment is evident in the steps they take to inspect their foreign factories frequently.
Inspect foreign factories frequently
American Eagle takes the issue of factory conditions seriously and conducts regular inspections of their overseas manufacturing facilities. These inspections help ensure that the factories meet the company’s standards for fair labor practices, workplace safety, and environmental sustainability.
By regularly visiting their factories, American Eagle can closely monitor the production process and address any issues or concerns that may arise.
According to the company’s website, they have a team of experts who conduct these inspections and work closely with their suppliers to improve working conditions. They also collaborate with third-party organizations to verify compliance with ethical sourcing standards.
Avoid child & forced labor
American Eagle has a strict policy against the use of child labor and forced labor in the manufacturing of their products. They require their suppliers to adhere to these policies and conduct thorough screenings to ensure compliance.
This commitment ensures that American Eagle jeans are made without exploiting vulnerable workers, including children.
By working closely with their suppliers and implementing strict guidelines, American Eagle aims to create a transparent and responsible supply chain. This commitment to ethical sourcing sets them apart from other denim brands in the market.
Aim for safe and positive work environments
American Eagle recognizes the importance of providing safe and positive work environments for the workers in their supply chain. They strive to create an atmosphere where employees are treated with respect and dignity.
This includes providing fair wages, regular training programs, and opportunities for career growth.
The company also invests in programs that promote worker well-being and empowerment. This includes initiatives to improve health and safety standards, support worker engagement, and ensure access to grievance mechanisms.
By focusing on these aspects, American Eagle aims to create a positive impact on the lives of the workers involved in the production of their jeans.
Check Labels to Confirm Origin
When it comes to American Eagle jeans, it’s always a good idea to check the labels to confirm their origin. The labels provide valuable information about where the jeans are made. This can be particularly important for those who prefer to support local manufacturing or want to know more about the production process.
Made in USA jeans marked as such
American Eagle offers a range of jeans that are proudly made in the USA. These jeans are specifically marked as “Made in USA” on their labels, making them easy to identify. If you’re looking for jeans that are produced domestically, be sure to look out for this label.
By purchasing these jeans, you can support local businesses and contribute to the growth of the American economy.
Most styles will have “Made in <Country>” tags
While American Eagle does offer domestically made jeans, it’s important to note that not all of their styles are produced in the USA. In fact, most of their jeans are manufactured in other countries. You can verify the origin of the jeans by looking for the “Made in <Country>” tag on the labels.
This tag will provide you with the necessary information about where the jeans were made.
It’s worth mentioning that American Eagle sources its jeans from various countries, including Mexico, China, and Bangladesh, among others. This allows them to offer a diverse range of styles and cater to different price points.
So, if you’re specifically looking for jeans made in the USA, make sure to check the labels carefully before making a purchase.
Contact company for more detailed info
If you still have questions about the origin of American Eagle jeans, don’t hesitate to reach out to the company directly. They have a customer service department that can provide you with more detailed information about their manufacturing processes and sourcing practices.
You can find their contact information on their official website.
By checking the labels and reaching out to the company, you can ensure that you have accurate information about where your American Eagle jeans are made. This knowledge allows you to make informed decisions and support the manufacturing practices that align with your values.
Conclusion
While American Eagle outsources much of its manufacturing abroad to reduce costs, they aim to ensure high labor standards in partner factories. Consumers can find out where individual pairs of jeans were made by checking the labels.
Understanding the origins of our clothing promotes more ethical and sustainable purchases.
