Los Angeles Apparel

70 community mentions · Apparel & Footwear
Hit or miss
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Summary

Los Angeles Apparel earns consistent praise for its quality construction, variety of fabric weights, and USA-made production — positioning it as a legitimate BIFL option for basics like tees, sweats, and hoodies. However, the brand carries a significant ethical shadow due to its founder, Dov Charney, who was ousted from American Apparel amid serious misconduct allegations. A smaller number of users also report durability issues with some items like sweats, and inconsistent sizing is a recurring complaint.

Verdict

LA Apparel's construction and materials are genuinely BIFL-quality for everyday basics, but the founder's serious misconduct history is a legitimate reason many consumers choose to avoid it, and occasional durability and sizing inconsistencies mean it's not a universal slam-dunk.

What people love

The community widely praises LA Apparel's fabric quality, range of weights, and American-made construction, with many users calling it their go-to for everyday basics.

  • Made in USA from American-grown and processed cotton
  • Available in multiple fabric weights for different preferences
  • Garment dye ages and fades attractively over time
  • Durable heavy-weight tees last years with regular wear
  • Socks and underwear also praised for comfort and quality
  • Discount 'scatter boxes' offer good value for trying products

What people criticize

The founder's well-documented history of sexual misconduct and workplace abuse is the most frequently cited reason users avoid the brand. Some users also report durability failures in sweatpants and inconsistent sizing.

  • Founder Dov Charney has a widely condemned history of misconduct
  • Sizing is inconsistent and can run oddly proportioned
  • Some sweatpants reportedly developed holes and stitching failures
  • At least one user notes t-shirts 'pull fast' compared to original American Apparel
  • Price point is higher than comparable basics brands

What people are saying

One user described LA Apparel sweats as a smart long-term investment — paying roughly $70 for a pair that lasts a decade beats repeatedly replacing $15–25 cheaply made alternatives.
A longtime wearer noted that the garment-dyed pieces actually improve with age, with any fading or wear looking intentional rather than worn out.
Multiple users acknowledged loving the product quality while feeling conflicted about buying from a company run by someone with a serious misconduct history, with some actively seeking alternatives.
One user who tested several specific shirt models praised the fit and construction but noted the heavyweight boxy silhouette has a distinctly West Coast, 90s aesthetic that won't suit everyone.