The collaboration between Aerie and American Eagle is all over the news. The two divisions of American Eagle Outfitters have designed a collection together, borrowing from each other’s unique expertise and style.
However, as a fashion enthusiast, you may be wondering how each of them is different. While Aerie has a huge focus on positivity and inclusivity, American Eagle produces a wide range of products for the masses.
Want to know more about Aerie vs American Eagle? In this guide, we will take a detailed look into their offerings and the bond they share.
Brand History and Background
American Eagle was founded in 1977 in Novi, Michigan, by two brothers, Jerry and Mark Silverman. Since then, the brand has over 700 stores in the U.S. and Canada, with a large teenage-based following.
What’s more, the company takes pride in its sustainability goals and works towards creating an eco-friendly environment globally.
Aerie is a sub-brand of American Eagle Outfitters, launched in 2006 as a standalone brand focused on intimate apparel and lifestyle products. Aerie lingerie and loungewear are quite popular.
Aerie has since expanded to over 448 stores in North America, with a strong online presence.
Aerie vs American Eagle: Product Comparison
While these two brands are sisters, Aerie and American Eagle have unique characteristics that set them apart.
Clothing Styles
Aerie focuses on intimates, loungewear, and activewear. The brand is all about body positivity, which is pretty much available in its campaigns. Although the clothes are casual and minimalistic, they are highly comfortable and easy to style.
On the other hand, American Eagle has a more diverse and trend-driven style. It focuses on a wide range of products like tops, outerwear, and bottoms.
The comparison between the two is quite clear when you see Aerie leggings and American Eagle jeans. The formers are comfortable and body-hugging, while the latter provide great fit and style.
Fit and Sizing
As mentioned earlier, Aerie’s products are designed for every body shape and are extremely comfortable. You can wear them anywhere you want, especially at home.
American Eagle has standard sizing available. Although the brand offers comfort, it lacks the wide range of sizes that Aerie offers.
Quality and Durability
Both brands are exceptionally great in their quality and durability. Aerie focuses on soft fabrics, while American Eagle takes pride in its durable denim.
Both brands have long-lasting products, but Aerie offers more comfort than American Eagle.
Price Range
Between Aerie and American Eagle, the former is more budget-friendly. Since the brand focuses on loungewear and comfort, the items are often priced lower than American Eagle’s outerwear and denim. That said, both companies have frequent sales, such as the Black Friday sale, and offer coupons for discounts that you can use to get your favorite pieces on a budget.
Brand Values and Initiatives
Each company shares a unique value that they present to the masses.
For instance, Aerie’s commitment to body positivity is unmatched. It is also visible on Aerie’s #AerieREAL campaign, which helps promote body positivity by displaying unretouched images of women of all sizes, shapes, and backgrounds.
Similarly, American Eagle’s sustainability efforts are also exceptional. For example, the brand uses recycled polyester and cotton in its jeans to reduce waste. Plus, the brand’s Real Good Jeans uses a sustainable dyeing process.
Additionally, American Eagle has set ambitious goals for sustainability. The company plans to become carbon neutral soon and reduce overall environmental impact manifolds.
Shopping Experience
The shopping experience of both brands is more or less the same. Aerie offers a comfortable in-store experience. The store environment is friendly, and the staff is trained to guide you wherever possible. They also have images of diverse models all around their outlets, contributing towards the main aim of body positivity.
When you enter the store, you find a large variety of comfort-first products. For instance, you can get your hands on soft bras, leggings, and bralettes, all designed to offer you delight. The store also features seasonal collections that you can look out for to elevate your wardrobe.
American Eagle is trend-driven, with modern and inviting stores. You will find the stores visually appealing and with a youthful vibe. Since the brand excels at its denim, you may find a Denim Wall in most stores. This section usually features jeans styles, allowing you to choose your favorites easily. Similarly to Aerie, the staff here is also super friendly and helpful.
When it comes to the online shopping experience, none of the brands disappoint. Both companies have responsive websites that are easy to navigate. You can allow filters to choose your style of products in the required colors or sizes. The apps for each also allow you to benefit from virtual fitting rooms. You can also get help from experts who provide personal recommendations.
The websites of both companies feature customer reviews that can help you decide whether you should get a product or not. Most testimonials shared are authentic, so you can trust them blindly if required.
Customer support is available both in-store and online. Make sure you consult the department every time an issue arises to resolve the matters quickly.
Aerie vs. American Eagle Customer Reviews
People usually always have positive things to share about each brand. Here are some customer reviews that may help you find the positives of each company.
Below is what customers think of American Eagle.
Here is a review for Aerie.
Pros and Cons
Take a look at the pros and cons of each brand.
Aerie Pros
- The brand focuses on comfort and inclusivity.
- There are sizes available for all body types.
- The collections are usually affordable for the masses.
Aerie Cons
- The collection available is very limited.
- Most styles are basic and may not appeal to all.
- If you are looking for nice tops and jeans, this brand isn’t for you.
American Eagle Pros
- American Eagle excels at producing high-quality jeans that fit great.
- The brand offers a wide range of products, from tops and jeans to shoes and accessories.
- The company focuses on sustainability, and that is quite visible in its efforts.
- American Eagle has stores almost all over the world, making the brand easily accessible.
American Eagle Cons
- The brand manufactures products that are pricier than Aerie.
- It doesn’t focus on inclusivity and hence offers products in standard sizes only.
Conclusion
So, is it Aerie or American Eagle for you? Although both brands are sisters, they offer certain unique items that you can benefit from. For instance, the Aerie brand excels at its comfortable loungewear and activewear, which are designed perfectly for comfort.
On the other hand, American Eagle produces apparel that is stylish, fitted, and durable. The American Eagle stores have great jeans that are known for their fittings, sizes, and designs.
It is hard to choose one from the two as each has a different audience. However, we do appreciate that Aerie stores work on body positivity while American Eagle lacks a bit in this area.
After this comparison, will you be shopping from these brands? Make sure that you prepare a budget and then go on a shopping spree to upgrade your wardrobe.
