It’s the summer of 2015, and I am freshly sixteen years old. I have just gotten my driver’s license, and I’m at the Ann Arbor Art Fair with a friend. We’re checking out the sidewalk sales outside the clothing shops when she points toward the iconic sign in Helvetica Black. “We need to go in here.”
American Apparel. I recognize it instantly from countless posts on my Pinterest feed: minimalist white tile; tight turtlenecks and tennis skirts displayed floor to ceiling; cool older girls in smudgy eyeliner; and uncomfortable jelly sandals in every shade imaginable. I know there is something subversive, maybe a little sinister, behind those unassuming black letters. I know that if I were with my mom, she might disapprove. I follow my friend right in, wide-eyed.
I go crazy in the fitting room. I try on the disco dress in jungle print (and am quite alarmed by how short the size small is on my petite frame!), the riding pants, the gabardine tartan tennis skirt, the Easy Jean… Sky Ferreira plays on the speakers. My still-developing frame looks a little doughy and awkward in everything, but I’m still smitten with the bold silhouettes and crisp fabrics.
My friend and I leave with matching pairs of interlock running shorts with dolphin hems. Mine are navy. I want more, of course, but my meager teenage savings only stretched so far in that store.
Within a couple of years, the downtown Ann Arbor location is gone, along with American Apparel’s entire American retail operation. My teenage self is heartbroken. I console myself: At least I still have Urban Outfitters…
Years later, at the height of the pandemic, I am a college student with my first-ever credit card. An advertisement appears on my phone for a brand called Los Angeles Apparel. Girls in brazen poses, adorned in the same silhouettes I coveted throughout my teens, look me dead in the eye through the screen. I experience intense déjà vu and wonder whether I am encountering a Mandela effect in real time. Is this not American Apparel?
After reading the brand’s About page, I glean that Los Angeles Apparel is something of a spiritual successor: a new company started by American Apparel’s original founder and shaped by the remarkably familiar aesthetic. I immediately fill my cart with everything I once wanted, then subtract until the total feels justifiable for a college student still trying to save a few coins from her summer job at the country club.
Since then, I’ve placed many more orders with Los Angeles Apparel. After years of wearing its clothes, I can confidently say which pieces have become wardrobe staples, which fits work best for me, and which items have genuinely stood the test of repeated wear and washing.
In this review, I’ll examine the fit, fabric, styling potential, durability, and value of several Los Angeles Apparel basics I have personally owned. If you’re new to the brand and find its vast catalog a little overwhelming, consider this a longtime customer’s guide to deciding where to begin.
A Note About Sizing
For context, I am 5’4” and typically wear an XS in tops and a small in bottoms. I tend to prefer a tighter fit on top and a more relaxed fit on the bottom (forever a big-pants, little-shirt type of girl). However, Los Angeles Apparel’s sizing can vary considerably from piece to piece. I’ll do my best to explain those variations in each review and share which sizes have worked best for me.
1. The Fisherman Cropped Polo Pullover
Fit: This is the sweater that convinced me to stick with cropped sweaters for quite a while after buying it. Its cut is boxy, but the soft cotton knit gives it a lovely drape when worn. It’s unfortunate that this piece is available in only one size, because it definitely falls on the smaller end of the “one size” spectrum. It is almost too cropped for me when I don’t pair it with high-waisted bottoms.
Fabric and feel: The 100% cotton knit is soft and not at all itchy. It’s warm enough for chillier days without making me feel too hot. I also adore the tortoiseshell buttons, which are such an understated, sophisticated touch.
How it has held up: The cotton shrinks slightly each time it is washed but tends to stretch back out with wear. Over the years, this cycle of shrinking and stretching has given a couple of my other LAA Fisherman sweaters a somewhat overstretched appearance. Somehow, this one has held its shape better. I also haven’t noticed any fading in the deep navy color.
How I style it: This is definitely more of a summer sweater. It pairs beautifully with light-colored barrel-leg or wide-leg pants for a coastal-grandma vibe. It also works well on warmer fall days with a corduroy miniskirt, tights, and a short jacket.
Worth it? If you know you like a cropped sweater and prefer a slightly preppy look, this one is absolutely worth it. If you prefer longer sweaters or aren’t particularly fond of collars, I’d skip. The Fisherman Cropped Cardigan is a great alternative.
2. The Women’s Relaxed Fit Jeans
Fit: I included a pair of jeans because finding the right size can be stressful, especially when reviews are mixed about whether these run true to size. I typically wear a 26 in jeans, but I sized up to be safe, and I’m glad I did. The 27/28 fits more like a 25, although the denim relaxes a bit throughout the day. I also appreciate that the jeans are offered in two different lengths. In my opinion, they’re not the most flattering for a petite frame—the tapered cut makes my legs look a little short, so I much prefer a barrel leg or flare jean for my shape. However, I love how these hug my hips and don’t have any waist gapping.
Fabric and feel: LAA does not mess around with its denim. It is exceptionally sturdy and has zero stretch, similar to the elusive pair of vintage Levi’s we all hope to find at the thrift store.
How they have held up: The jeans have shrunk slightly over the years (another reason I’m glad I sized up), but the denim still looks and feels almost brand-new. The wash has faded only slightly over time.
How I style them: These are definitely more of a “mom jean,” with a high waist, relaxed fit, and tapered leg. They genuinely look like they could be vintage. I like pairing them with a tucked-in tee for a retro vibe.
Worth it? These jeans are pricey, and you might have better luck finding a beautifully worn-in pair of denim at your local vintage shop. I don’t reach for mine as often as I did during the heyday of mom jeans, but they’re still useful when I want a distinctly vintage-inspired look in the fall or winter.
3. The Baby Rib 3/4 Sleeve Boatneck Top
Fit: This top will magically snatch your waist and leave you wondering where it went. The boatneck looks amazingly chic and elevates even the most casual outfit. The hem hits perfectly at the hip, making the top neither too short nor too long.
Fabric and feel: I love all of LAA’s iconic Baby Rib pieces. They are slightly less fitted than the brand’s Cotton Spandex styles. This particular shirt works beautifully in the Baby Rib fabric because it is form-fitting without feeling skin-tight. If you prefer a closer fit, I’d suggest sizing down.
How it has held up: Once again, this is a remarkably high-quality garment. I haven’t noticed any shrinkage or fading. The Baby Rib fabric sometimes stretches out a little throughout the day, but it snaps back into shape after washing.
How I style it: It works equally well as a layering piece or on its own. I think it looks especially sleek and sexy with low-rise bootcut jeans or the Ponte Flare Legging.
Worth it? Yes. It is one of the most flattering basic tops I have ever owned.
4. The Ponte Flare Legging
Fit: These pants have a nice high-rise fit on me. They are fitted through the thigh before flaring out at the bottom, making my legs look twice as long. The waistband is rather thin, which can create a slight muffin-top effect at the waist. I think a thicker waistband would help smooth everything out. However, the effect isn’t noticeable when I wear them with longer tops. They are also a bit long for me and work best when worn with a heeled shoe.
Fabric and feel: I wanted to include a product from LAA’s Ponte line because the fabric appears so smooth and sleek in the online photos. In person, it has a structured feel while remaining soft and comfortable enough for extended wear. The substantial fabric also helps the pants look more polished than a typical pair of stretchy flare leggings.
How they have held up: The fabric has developed some pilling over time, but the pants have otherwise remained in good condition.
How I style them: The Ponte pants look incredibly sleek with heeled boots. I like to pair them with the boatneck top, but they also look great with oversized sweaters in the winter. I love that they are comfortable without looking like yoga pants.
Worth it? Absolutely. These have become a reliable staple in my wardrobe. I suggest avoiding the dryer and washing them in a garment bag to help prevent snags and pilling.
5. The Tennis Skirt
Fit: This skirt is designed to sit directly at the waist and does not stretch. It falls around upper-thigh on me, which is the perfect miniskirt length for my petite frame. I do need to wear shorts under it to avoid any mishaps!
Fabric and feel: The gabardine fabric feels luxurious, and the pleats are gorgeously crisp.
How it has held up: I am always impressed by how well this skirt maintains its shape. My tennis skirts have survived several washes without losing their structure.
How I style it: The tennis skirt looks beautiful with a cropped cardigan or just about any baby tee. I especially love wearing it with tights in the fall and winter for an effortlessly charming look.
Worth it? This skirt is definitely worth the cost. I recommend sizing up if you’re concerned about the fit. The size chart is fairly accurate for this piece, but the non-stretch fabric can make the waist feel tighter than its listed measurement might suggest.
Honorable Mentions
- The Garment Dye Cap Sleeve Baby Rib T-Shirt: Another all-time favorite from the Baby Rib line. I’ve tried several of LAA’s T-shirts, and this is my favorite fit of the bunch. It isn’t a crop top, but it isn’t too long, either. I want it in every color.
- The Garment Dye Cheer Skort: A super-cute miniskirt that is every bit as comfortable as it is flattering.
- The Short Sleeve Tri-Blend T-Shirt: The tri-blend line may be easy to overlook unless you’re looking to buy wholesale for printing, but I love how affordable, soft, and versatile they are. These shirts are perfect to wear tucked into shorts for a retro-style gym fit, or as everyday layering pieces.
- The Garment Dye T-Shirt Romper: The romper is an American Apparel classic, and I love LAA’s rendition. The buttons down the back are oh-so-cute!
- The Performance Spaghetti Tank: Another magical top that makes my waist disappear. I feel so elegant wearing it to yoga or Pilates.
- The Flex Fleece High-Waist Sweatpant: The comfiest sweats I own. I sized up to a medium for an extra-baggy fit, but they did shrink considerably. The softness has remained.
- The Heavy Jersey Garment Dye Short Shorts: A staple of my summer uniform. I love wearing them to exercise as well. I have them in almost every color, but I find the shade Dusty Pink absolutely delightful.
What I Would Recommend to a First-Time Shopper
- Read the size guides, but take them with a grain of salt. The reviews are also a helpful reference. A good rule of thumb with LAA is to size up when you’re unsure whether something will fit—most things run on the smaller side.
- Try a piece before ordering it in multiple colors. The wide array of colors can be tempting, but I highly recommend determining which size and fit work for you before buying multiples of the same item.
- Finding the right bodysuit size is tricky. I didn’t include any of the iconic bodysuits in this review because I honestly haven’t had much luck finding one that fits me. The length of the size Small is too long for my short torso, but the XS is overall too tight and cuts in at the thigh. Non-petites may have better luck, but I usually just opt for the tank tops and T-shirts instead.
- Know that colors may look different in person. Because LAA uses a special garment-dyeing process, individual pieces can vary slightly in color. I think this makes them unique, but be aware that the colors shown online may appear somewhat bolder or muted than they do in real life.
- Don’t sleep on the accessories page. LAA offers a great selection of deadstock vintage and retro-inspired accessories, including jewelry, scarves, hair clips, and much more. I’ve found some of my favorite sunglasses there, and some unique gifts. The rose gold watch I wear in the photos was found here, but sadly I no longer see it listed on the site.
My Favorite Redhead-Friendly Color Options
Many colors can look harsh against warm, peachy skin and copper hair. Here are some shades to search for that I’ve found to be flattering:
- Neutrals: Cement, Vintage Black, Navy, Heather Gray, Rose Quartz, and Natural.
- Warm: Coral, Dusty Pink, Rose, Sand, Brass, and Bronze.
- Cool: Peacock, Blue, Atlantic, Celery, and Olive.
Final Thoughts
If you told sixteen-year-old me that one day she would have the Tumblr-girl wardrobe of her dreams, she simply wouldn’t believe you. Los Angeles Apparel has truly become my favorite place to shop for basics, and it brings me joy to share why I think this brand is so special. I will never stop adoring their gorgeous range of textiles and dyes, and the feeling of unwrapping one of their latest pieces. Of course, building an intriguing wardrobe involves shopping from more than one brand. However, Los Angeles Apparel’s basics never fail to mesh seamlessly with my louder pieces or eclectic thrift store finds. The brand has played a huge role in helping me find clothes and develop a style that genuinely flatters my body and feels true to who I am.
For more pieces that work well on a shorter frame, browse my petite-approved fashion favorites.
If you’re also a fan of American or Los Angeles Apparel, or a first-time customer, I’d love to connect! Let me know if you want any input on sizing, or if you’ve had any luck with the bodysuits. You can reach me at cake@myclumsyvalentine.com.
Love,
Emma
Disclosure: I purchased every piece featured in this article with my own money, and this post is not sponsored. All opinions are based on my personal experience. I’ve been wearing Los Angeles Apparel for years and dream of collaborating with them in the future.