In an era dominated by fast fashion, a classic clothing brand (adhering) to “Made in USA” has quietly gained popularity with its solid quality and retro aesthetics — that’s Los Angeles Apparel. Founded in 2016 by Dov Chaney, the founder of American Apparel, this brand continues its commitment to local production, fair labor practices, and sustainable concepts. It now has over 1,800 employees, covering a full range of clothing for men, women, and children, with more than 130,000 followers on Instagram, and has been recognized by authoritative media such as New York Magazine and E! Entertainment.
Core Advantages and Controversies of the Brand
Admirable Brand DNA
As a representative of American classic clothing, the core competitiveness of Los Angeles Apparel lies in its authentic local attributes: all products are made in the United States, 50% of raw materials are domestically sourced, and some use recycled yarns; the starting salary for factory workers is as high as $20 per hour, and skilled workers can earn up to $35 per hour, far exceeding the industry average. This adherence to ethical production makes each piece of clothing carry value beyond the fabric itself.
The brand’s product line is amazingly rich, ranging from daily basics to retro-style items, with strong size inclusivity (such as some styles covering XS-2XL). The concept of sustainability also runs through the details, for example, PVC jelly shoes are fully recyclable, and purchasing masks will donate some products to those in need.
Unignorable Flaws
Of course, the brand is not perfect. Some customers have reported that specific items have size deviations. For example, tennis skirts may be too short, and sweatpants may be too loose. It is recommended to refer to the size chart or choose a larger size when purchasing. In addition, the founder’s past negative news has also become a reason for some consumers to hesitate.
Hands-on Experience with Popular Items
14oz Garment Dye Cropped Heavy Fleece Zip Up Hoodie
This $60 hoodie is a must-have for autumn and winter. The thick fleece fabric provides excellent warmth, with 14 solid colors to choose from. The cropped cut with a three-dimensional hood and deep pockets can not only create a casual spring look with high-waisted denim skirts but also match the same series of sweatpants to create a lazy feeling. The test shows that it is not easy to deform after washing, and the fabric will gradually show a natural and retro soft texture.
Los Angeles Apparel Plaid Tennis Skirt Review
Looking like it just stepped off the set of Clueless, the Los Angeles Apparel Plaid Tennis Skirt has totally sweet detailing among its 14 colors and patterns.
Made from a flowy polyester fabric called gabardine, this skirt fuses innocence with a touch of sex appeal. You’ll find it’s meant to sit at your natural waist and the brand recommends going up a size for the best fit.
Pull on some white stockings, Mary Janes, and a thick, velvet headband to complete the look. Keep it cute in the Los Angeles Plaid Skirt for $60.
Los Angeles Apparel Tennis Skirt Review
There’s something so appealing about a tennis skirt. Maybe it’s the way it playfully swishes, the flattering pleats, or perhaps it’s because when we think of it, graceful tennis stars come to mind.
Fitted at your natural waist, the Los Angeles Apparel Tennis Skirt is made from a soft polyester fabric that aids in flirty movement but is heavy enough to handle a sudden breeze. Cute detailing like a side button and zip closure adds a quality look to this skirt. Pick from 13 solid shades, or stick with white for an authentic look.
Serve up style in the Los Angeles Tennis Skirt for $50.
Los Angeles Apparel Heavy Jersey Garment Dye Short Shorts Review
Like the ones you wore in gym class days, the Los Angeles Apparel Heavy Jersey Garment Dye Short Shorts have a sturdy, comfortable feel. But probably unlike those shorts (depending on your school) these are a teeny bit shorter and come in 15 different solid colors.
Part of the brand’s garment dye line, the shorts are shrink-free, made with 100% USA-grown cotton, and are custom dyed for distinct colors. They have a high waist and an elastic waistband to not only keep them in place but for a flattering accent when you tuck in one of the tiny Los Angeles t-shirts.
Plop your keys or phone into the side pockets for quick jaunts to the store or to kick a ball around with your boyfriend.
Get these comfy Los Angeles short shorts for $30.
Los Angeles Apparel The Disco Pant Review
Ah, the Los Angeles Apparel Disco Pant. The leggings every girl and her mother had in 2010. You don’t see them as often these days, but the appeal of the shiny, smooth fabric hasn’t disappeared.
They’re made from a stretchy nylon and spandex blend that has the miraculous ability to suck things in and give an ultra-flattering look.
Casual enough to pair with a cropped tee, these pants can be dressed up for flirty occasions, paired with a textured tube top for a fun contrast. Finish the look with a sleek, long ponytail, body glitter, and a little rouge.
Guaranteed to be shrink-free, The Disco Pant is $85.
Los Angeles Apparel Jelly Flats Review
Say the word jelly and the early 2000s’ come to mind, along with bright, neon colors, and a delicate sparkling of glitter embedded in gel. The Los Angeles Apparel Jelly Flats are made to appease your need for the fashionable garb of yesteryear, or simply to keep the fun and spirited trend alive for the coming generation.
Offered in 16 bright and classic colors, Clear is an obvious choice for anyone looking to connect the past with the present. The Jelly Flats come in sizes 5-10, are made from PVC, and are completely recyclable.
Cue a Los Angeles Apparel bodysuit, blue eyeshadow, put on some OutKast, and grab a pair of the fun, summer shoes for $20.
Comparison: Los Angeles Apparel vs. American Apparel
Classic American quality. It’s a coveted style that reflects the freedom-loving capital of the world’s heart. Perhaps one of the first brands to do basics and do them well, American Apparel, at its height, was an incredibly successful store with 281 locations across North America.
Interestingly enough, Los Angeles Apparel and American Apparel were founded by the same guy, so the likeness between them is, of course, very apparent. So much so, you may even say they’re the same brand.
Compare the two websites side by side and they have an incredibly similar feel. Look at each one’s collection, and again… very alike. Both are full of bodysuits, classic items like sweats, basic tees, a ton of pleats, and disco wear.
To help flush out the differences between them, let’s do a quick side-by-side comparison of a similar item, the Plaid Tennis Skirt.
American Apparel Plaid Tennis Skirt:
- 2 colors
- 2XS-XL
- 100% Polyester
- Made in the USA
- Mid-thigh grazing
- Button & Zip side closure
- Buy on Amazon for $35
Los Angeles Apparel Plaid Tennis Skirt:
- 14 colors
- XS-2XL
- 100% Polyester
- Made in the USA
- Mid-thigh grazing
- Button & Zip side closure
- Buy on the brand’s website for $58
We’ll be honest here and say these two skirts are most likely the same. American Apparel is selling strictly through Amazon since it closed its stores across the USA and is most likely selling old stock since the prices are so low—but, that’s just a guess.
The truth is, Los Angeles Apparel is American Apparel’s rebranded baby sister. It embodies the same ethics, quality, and its clothing has the same fit. The new and improved brand may have a few different details, like expanded sizing, and a bigger collection, but you’ll find the same types of items at each one.
Practical Shopping Guide
Promotions
Students can get a free tote bag with orders over $120. Free shipping is available for domestic orders over $75 and international orders over $120.
Purchase Channels
You can purchase through the brand’s official website (losangelesapparel.net) or the flagship physical store in Los Angeles. Some wholesale channels support bulk orders (suitable for group purchases such as cheerleading teams and dance troupes).
Shipping Policy
- Domestic (USA): Standard shipping (2-7 business days, $7), next-day delivery ($30), 2-hour express delivery ($16-20, limited to 9 miles from the factory).
- International shipping: Supports most regions around the world. For specific timeliness and costs, please check the official website.
Return Policy
Unworn and unwashed items can be returned or exchanged within 30 days, but intimate items such as swimsuits, underwear, and bodysuits are excluded, and return shipping costs are at your own expense.
If you pursue durable and versatile basics and value the ethical production and environmental protection concepts behind the products, Los Angeles Apparel is undoubtedly worth a try. It may not have fancy designs, but each piece can stand the test of time, just like the American classic style itself — simple, practical, but never out of date.
