Does the Brand American Apparel Run Big or Small on Clothes Sizing?

American Apparel is an iconic name in fashion, known for minimalist basics, fitted silhouettes, and bold styling. From their signature ribbed bodysuits to high-rise leggings and classic unisex tees, the brand has become a go-to for wardrobe essentials with a youthful, slightly retro edge.

But despite their popularity, sizing confusion still surrounds the brand. Shoppers regularly ask:

Does American Apparel run big or small?

Let’s break it down by product category, fit type, and actual wearer experience.

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American Apparel Sizing Overview: A Closer Fit by Design

American Apparel is rooted in American streetwear, but its sizing strategy is distinctly tighter than typical US brands. Their clothing was originally designed to fit lean, youthful silhouettes, often with body-hugging cuts and high-stretch materials.

Key insights:

• Women’s styles often run small, especially in bodysuits, crop tops, and bottoms.

• Men’s and unisex styles tend to be true to size, but slim-cut.

• Many garments are intended to fit close to the body — so if you’re between sizes, the tighter fit may feel uncomfortable.

💡 Tellar.co.uk lists American Apparel as a slim-fit brand, with most products running half a size small compared to standard UK sizing.

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Fit Guide by Garment Type

Here’s how American Apparel typically fits, broken down by category:

Garments like the Cotton Spandex Jersey Bodysuit and the Disco Pants are iconic but can feel restrictive for curvier or muscular builds. Customers often size up to accommodate comfort in the bust, hips or thighs.

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What Shoppers Say

Real feedback reinforces the small-fit reputation:

• “I’m usually a UK 10, but their bodysuit in medium felt tiny. Go up a size!”

• “The leggings are great but tight — had to size up to avoid cutting into my waist.”

• “Their unisex tee fits as expected, but the women’s crop tops are definitely made for smaller busts.”

According to Tellar.co.uk’s database of real fit data and sizing reviews, American Apparel consistently runs smaller than Zara, H&M, or Topshop, particularly in women's basics and stretch garments.

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International Sizing Conversions: Watch the Labels

American Apparel uses US sizing, which can already be misleading for UK shoppers:

But this table assumes a standard cut — which doesn’t account for American Apparel’s slim tailoring. For more fitted pieces like the Fine Jersey Short Sleeve Top, UK buyers may find a US Medium feels more like a UK 8 than a UK 10.

🔎 Tellar.co.uk converts these sizing discrepancies automatically based on your actual body measurements, so you don’t have to rely on label estimates alone.

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Comparing American Apparel to Similar Brands

To better understand how American Apparel fits, here’s how it stacks up against other high-street and basics-driven brands:

If you’re used to buying from Uniqlo or ASOS, expect American Apparel to feel snugger — especially in cotton-stretch blends or vintage-style ribbed knits.

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Key Sizing Takeaways

• American Apparel runs small in most fitted women's garments, especially bodysuits and leggings.

• Unisex pieces and oversized sweatshirts fit true to size — some even slightly large.

• If you have a larger bust, broad shoulders, or muscular build, sizing up is strongly recommended.

• Tellar.co.uk can assess whether your exact measurements will work for a specific cut or whether you should go up a size.

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How Tellar.co.uk Helps

Tellar.co.uk is the UK’s free sizing tool built for brands like American Apparel — where sizing is not standard, and one wrong guess can ruin the fit.

With Tellar, you can:

• 📏 Enter your body measurements in cm or inches (or your known size in a different brand)

• 🧠 Let our smart system match you to the right size in American Apparel and 1,500+ brands

• 📦 Avoid returns, wasted spend, and guesswork

We even send you a free measuring tape when you sign up.

👉 Start now with your free Tellar.co.uk profile

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Brand Spotlight: Who is American Apparel Best For?

American Apparel clothing is designed for:

• Younger shoppers seeking minimalist, retro-fitted fashion

• Slim builds or those who prefer a body-conscious fit

• Those familiar with US sizing and willing to size up where needed

• Unisex wearers who appreciate oversized cotton basics

If you're curvy, tall, or broad across the shoulders, you’ll likely need to adjust your usual size or opt for their more relaxed-fit garments.

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American Apparel: Final Verdict

So, does American Apparel run big or small?

• ✅ Most women’s items run small, especially stretch basics, crop tops, and trousers.

• ✅ Unisex and oversized pieces are more true to size — but still slim-cut.

• ✅ US-to-UK conversions aren’t always reliable — body measurement fit is more accurate.

• ✅ Tellar.co.uk offers real-time guidance on fit, tailored to your shape.

Whether you’re buying the iconic Disco Pants, the Tri-Blend Tee, or a cotton tank, Tellar.co.uk gives you the sizing confidence to get it right first time.

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Try Tellar.co.uk – It’s Free & Easy

Tellar.co.uk is the UK’s leading sizing tool, trusted by thousands of fashion-conscious shoppers.

• 🔄 One-time setup

• 🔍 Matches your measurements to 1,500+ brands

• 🧵 Get instant fit recommendations for American Apparel and more

• 🎁 Comes with a free measuring tape when you sign up

👉 Create your free profile today — find your size in seconds.

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And explore more posts:

• Understanding Brand Sizing Variations

• Vanity Sizing: What You Need to Know

• How to Measure Yourself for Clothing

• What Size Am I in Zara, COS, & More?

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