American Apparel

This place routinely closes at least 10 minutes early than their stated hours, which is rather annoying especially because they have about 4 people «working» and just doing nothing until it gets to 9pm (the stated close time).

This is the worst location! The employees are so rude and unhelpful. I’ve been in here twice in the past 3 days and both times I was treated with so much disrespect! I talked to 3 different employees all of whom did not ask if I needed help with anything and when I approached one of them to ask a question I was greeted with an eye roll and did not even get the help I was seeking. I needed to make a return which is apparently not allowed even though I was never told this practice to begin with. Had the return policy been told to me then I would not have purchased my item to begin with! So I was offered the alternative of store credit and then was denied that because they ran out of gift cards to put it in. The employees solution for the item that I no longer wanted was to «try to sell it online». This is not a great procedure for running a successful business. I hope this store fails and than the employees will have a reason for their attitude problems.

I used to hardcore LOVE American Apparel. Then I used to absolutely HATE American Apparel. After that, I just forgot about it entirely and picked up my basics from another retailer. Life went on.
I recently started a new job downtown and I pass this store on my daily route to and from the office. It made it back on my radar out of sheer convenience. After I got my first paycheck I decided to pop-​in and see what kind of trouble I could get myself into. I wasn’t dissapointed. Yes, half of their clothing is still unwearable and ridiculous, neon thong bodysuit anyone? But there are some real treasures here. I’m currently obsessed with their amazing selection of harem pants. Your choice of basic black or African print in black + white or red + black. I took all three, of course. They also have some great T’s in different cuts and colors. The prices are decent, everything holds up well in the washer and I’m just old enough to feel like I’m still young and hip when I shop here. The staff is ultra-​friendly and helpful too. Just remember, returns are offered as store credit only, so if you’re over that uni-​boob tube top get-​up that you just should’ve walked away from, stick with the basics and you won’t be sorry.

I liked the staff. They were nice and helpful. It was my first time ever shopping there, so the girls there put few outfits together for me to try. I liked a high waisted jeans and cropped top, not quite my style but I thought I’ll try something different. I checked the price to find the cropped top $ 60 and the pants $ 80, EXCUSE ME?!! Why is it that ridiculously expensive for not so good quality? And this is coming from someone who would shop at Zara or Express and wouldn’t mind paying that much. The clothes at AA are really not worth it.
I ended up buying a scrunchie from the store and leaving. I don’t know how some people actually pay that much for these clothes.

If you use the in-​store GROUPON here – check your receipt! This place did rip us off!!! They gave my teenage daughter only $ 20 of her $ 40 GROUPON. Then after we caught it on the receipt and went back into the store to ask what happened and to get a refund on the other $ 20. The same clerk attempted to insult my basic math skills, by trying to tell me that $ 86 minus a $ 40 groupon is $ 66!!! yep – no lie. I left the store without the $ 20 refund because we got the major run around!!! I will be contacting the corporate office in Los Angeles and with Groupon tomorrow to file a formal complaint against the clerk and this store. I can also assure you I will never go back to this location of American Apparel ever again! If you decide to buy something here — make sure the amount on your receipt matches the amount they tell you they are charging.

It’s so confusing to shop at AA. There are too many colors, I can’t tell what is meant for women or men. All I wanted was a tshirt and they didn’t seem to carry what was marketed in their online store. Because I was in a hurry I got some alternative choices. The prices are high, but so is the quality.
I like AA products, the store workers are great, but they can only do so much with what they have to work with. I think the style of the store is just not what I like. There were plenty of female shoppers who seemed very happy, so I assume I’m in the minority on enjoying what this place has to offer.

American Apparel is perfect. But does NOT belong in DC, sorry to say. I live in Vienna and i think people here would appreciate this store much more if it were in Tysons Corner Center.

The customer service at this store is beyond terrible. I bought a t-​shirt, wore it once and washed it once and it fell apart. When I returned to the store and tried to exchange the shirt for the exact same item, they told me they wouldn’t. That I couldn’t prove it was their fault the shirt fell apart after one wash. The manager wouldn’t even come out of his office to talk to me.
I called corporate and they immediately apologized, profusely. And sent me a new shirt the same day.
Never going back to this store and I already sent a formal complaint to the corporate headquarters.

Place is expensive but stuff is overpriced. I exchanged something no problem at this location customer service was great! Had all colors and sizes in stock. Really near metro station red line.

All I have to say is this: 45 MINUTE LINE WITH ONLY ONE REGISTER OPEN.
You’re better off shopping online than coming here.

If you’ve ever wanted someone to openly scoff/​roll their eyes at you whilst shopping, come to American Apparel. AA is a great place to shop, should you like throwing your money out a window. (Buying plain T-​shirts here is highway robbery!) While yes, they do have wardrobe «staples» like V-​neck t-​shirts and the like, I personally could do without lame hot shorts and kaleidoscope leggings.
The ultimate downer, besides AA being utterly devoid of any customer service, is the fact that they don’t have that great of a variety of sizes. Depending on the cut of dress, skirt or shirt, they either have all size larges or all size smalls. The only reason for a visit to the store, if you must, is to see the look and feel of the materials and the colors. You’ll have more luck finding the colors you like in the size you need, online.

Its a little small, but they stay open late, and the dressing rooms are a fun fashion show. Its neat when its super busy to see how creative others are, and feed off their energy.
If you’re looking for a more laid back, low key experience you should visit around 8pm on a weekday (thursdays are usually empty).
The employees here are a lot of fun, dress super cool, and are eager to help you (unlike the silver spring one. those employees are brats!)

Unbelievable that there is actually a retail store that does not give refunds for any reason whatsoever. The staff reminds me of something out of rocky horror picture show. Who knew that it was fashionable to look like you just woke up and put on your girlfriends clothes? I’ll never go back that’s for sure.

Conditions:
The hipster, whorester, prepster, advant-​garde –gayster goto for seperates.
Rad:
Every time I pick up the Express newspaper I get to scope out some super slutty underage broad in a compromising pose full page style.
Clothing fits very well.
Bad:
A $ 22 dollar t-​shirt should fit VERY well.

This American Apparel is a hole in the wall. It doesn’t have nearly the selection of most other AA’s. It decided to eliminate most of the conventional clothes and focus on the spandex and lace leggings/​body suits, tights, bras, etc. Personally, I don’t like this spandex neon style and I especially don’t want to get ripped off for it. But if you are extremely skinny, dig the look, and have ample disposable income, then you will like this place.

The best place to go if you want to look like you’re from Williamsburg, or you want to look like you want to look like you’re from Williamsburg, or even if you’re *actually from Williamsburg* and your heather purple cardigan has worn out and you need another one.
The price points are definitely above those of H+M, Gap, etc, but I’ve found that AA clothes are cut very well, made of nice/​quality material (those hoodies are sooooo soft), and available in tons of sizes as well as colors and fabrics. $ 15 for a t-​shirt is a lot, but not if the shirt is nice enough where you can wear it instead of a $ 30 polo or more expensive graphic tee from a designer.
Also the staff at this location have always seemed courteous and friendly. Overall, a fun place to shop where even if you don’t end up buying anything it’s still fun to gaze at the rainbow of colors and the absurd sparkly tracksuits.

If there is any store that I will leave for my students to shop in it is this one.
I walk in to see three employees gawking at display at the front, but when I enter their chatter comes to and end. And I walk through without the slightest «welcome» from anyone of them. Perhaps they are just to cool for that.
I look around, there are a few cute things – but overpriced for what they were in my opinion. I can get a solid color t-​shirt for 5 dollars across the street at H&M, thank you very much. Yeah – it might be made in America, but by whom? I highly doubt well paid hipsters are behind the sewing machines.
Eh — my students can shop here all they want – and I’ll know the next time one of them walks in a metallic bodysuit where they shop.

I love AA for basic stuff, but some of the more «creative» pieces make me wince. This is coming from a girl who’s gotten pointed/​laughed at more than once on the mean streets of Georgetown for her outfits too, so don’t think I’m not down with the clown.
Stopped in the Chinatown location tonight mainly to pick up some hot pink boxer briefs for my man. Yes, he’ll wear them. He just doesn’t know it yet. Got two other pairs and grabbed a tank dress for me. $ 71.
This location isn’t as good as the one in Philly, where I usually go. Messier (although larger), this D.C. store has less selection and fewer sweet ‘dos on its staff. I guess you can’t bitch about variety when it comes to tees and sweats but check me out, I am.
I’ve used AA tees for many years for tee printing for various companies, and they are great quality. I don’t mind paying more for that. I love bright colors so finding aqua turtlenecks anywhere is a good thing if you ask me. However, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to comprehend those gold latex-​looking, camel-​toe-​inducing onesies. WTF?

My first and last time stepping foot in American Apparel. I’m a huge fan of any product «made in America» and especially clothing, since clothes are the most difficult American made items to find. So since American Apparel sells clothes that are made in this country, they get a star. But to get it off my chest, although the clothes are physically made in America, they are probably made by illegal immigrants being paid a fraction more than what chinese sweatshops pay their workers.
So I spent part of the day downtown with my mom and her boyfriend and she wanted to do a little shopping after the health fair. She was talking about getting some sweat pants or something for my brother, who will only wear clothes that are made the USA, and I mentioned American Apparel. I had no idea what type of clothing they sold, but after walking in, it was apparent that only brightly colored sweatsuits, underwear and a few other items were on the racks.
But what really turned me off American Apparel was the instant I, my 61 year old mother’s upper 50s bf was abruptly stopped instantly and made to check the two health fair (plastic CVS) bags he was carrying to prevent him from stealing all the overpriced sweatsuits that would fit in two already full plastic CVS bags! I mean come on, it was obvious he wasn’t in the store because he love american made colorful sweatsuits. And let me tell you, after looking at the clothes on the hangars, I wouldn’t consider stealing a thread from that store… clothes were waaayyy over priced and quality not worthy of the prices. No wonder we prefer clothes made outside of our borders!
For the record, we stopped in Macy’s, Zara, H&M, West Elm, and Ann Taylor Loft and not one of those store abruptly tackled my mom’s bf making him check his bags in at the counter. Those stores will see my face again, American Apparel will not…

Andrea U. brought me here, explaining about how the variety of apparel is bizarro, but the quality is top notch. With this grave warning, we entered into an alternate dimension of bright colors, odd quasi-​couture designs, and clientele that seem like they should be skateboarding in a ghetto or getting an edgy piercing somewhere.
I’m pretty conservative with my clothing, so I was a little uncertain about the eccentric, flamboyant styling available here. With a little rummaging around, I was able to scrounge up a pretty cute, simple baseball tee that fit snugly and was made of some great soft cotton.
Armed with my garment, I went up toward the cashier line to check out. This was a confusing affair, involving two check out ladies (but only one was ever working a cash register at a time), some other guy behind me in line getting rung up before me, and a complex exchange transaction that took forever.
I like my shirt! The actual experience was not so hot. Maybe a great place for a patient fashionista. I’ll go back to Banana, thanks.