American Apparel's iconic store descriptions (like "Made in USA," sweatshop-free, edgy basics with provocative marketing) became discontinued after its 2017 bankruptcy and acquisition by Gildan, which closed physical stores and shifted production overseas, focusing online with more restrained marketing, transforming the brand from a US-focused manufacturer into a global, basic apparel label. The original brand identity, tied to its controversial founder Dov Charney and domestic labor, effectively ended as Gildan prioritized cost-efficiency.

Key Changes Post-Acquisition (2017 onwards):

Manufacturing Shift: From "Made in USA" to primarily overseas (like Honduras, Nicaragua) for cost savings.

Store Closures: All brick-and-mortar stores shut down as Gildan bought only the intellectual property, not the retail assets.

Marketing Overhaul: Moved from provocative, controversial campaigns to more mainstream, "empowerment" messaging, losing its rebellious edge.

Product Focus: Remained basics (t-shirts, leggings) but with less distinctiveness, sometimes sold via Amazon.

Brand Identity: Lost its unique cultural clout and connection to its LA roots, becoming just a label within Gildan's portfolio.