What American Eagle Outfitters sells and where to shop

American Eagle Outfitters is a clothing retailer that operates physical stores across the United States and Canada, plus an online store at ae.com. The company sells casual clothing for men and women — jeans, t-shirts, hoodies, shorts, dresses, and accessories. Most locations are in shopping malls or street-front retail areas, though the exact store count and locations change as the company opens and closes locations.

You can shop in person at a physical store, order online for home delivery, or use the buy-online-pickup-in-store option if your local store has the item in stock. The online store ships to all 50 states and Canada. Store hours vary by location; you can find hours and check stock at a specific store through the store locator on ae.com.

Key Takeaways

  • American Eagle sells casual clothing and denim for men and women in physical stores and online at ae.com.
  • Sizing runs differently across brands — American Eagle jeans, Aerie (the sister brand for women), and other lines each have their own fit and size chart, so checking the specific product page before ordering is necessary.
  • Returns are accepted within 60 days with a receipt or proof of purchase, either in store or by mail, and refunds go back to the original payment method.
  • The store runs seasonal sales and clearance sections both in-store and online, though sale prices and inventory vary by location.

Understanding American Eagle sizing and fit

American Eagle does not use a single sizing standard across all its products. The main American Eagle jeans line uses traditional US sizing (0, 2, 4, 6, and so on for women; 28, 30, 32 for men). However, the fit varies by style — skinny, straight, and relaxed cuts within the same size will fit differently. The company also owns Aerie, a separate brand sold in some American Eagle stores and online, which uses different sizing and is marketed toward women.

Each product page on ae.com includes a size chart and customer reviews that often mention fit. Reading the size chart for the specific item you want is more reliable than assuming your usual size will work. If you are ordering online and unsure about fit, the return window of 60 days gives you time to try the item at home and return it if it does not fit.

How returns and exchanges work

You can return or exchange items within 60 days of purchase. If you bought in a store, you can return to any American Eagle store with your receipt or proof of purchase (such as a credit card statement or email confirmation). If you bought online, you can return by mail using a prepaid shipping label that comes with your order, or you can return to a physical store if one is near you.

Refunds are processed back to your original payment method — the card you used, your PayPal account, or store credit if you prefer. Refunds typically appear within 5 to 10 business days after the store or warehouse receives your return. Items must be unworn, unwashed, and in original condition with tags attached to be returned for a full refund; worn or damaged items may be refused or refunded at a reduced amount.

Pricing, sales, and clearance sections

American Eagle runs year-round sales and seasonal clearance events. Prices drop most noticeably during back-to-school (August), holiday (November and December), and end-of-season clearance (January and July). The online store has a dedicated sale section where you can filter by discount percentage. In-store clearance racks and online clearance inventory are separate — an item may be on clearance online but not in your local store, or vice versa.

The company also offers a loyalty program called AEO Rewards that gives members early access to sales and points toward future purchases. Signing up is free and can be done in store or online. Email subscribers also receive promotional codes and sale notifications, though these are not required to shop.

Shopping online versus in store

Online shopping at ae.com shows real-time inventory across all stores and the warehouse. You can see whether an item is in stock in your size and choose standard or expedited shipping. Standard shipping typically takes 5 to 7 business days; expedited options are available at checkout for an additional fee. The online store also shows customer photos and reviews, which can help you see how items look on different body types.

In-store shopping lets you try items on when ready and see the fit and fabric in person. Staff can help you find your size and suggest fits based on what you are looking for. However, in-store inventory is limited to what that location has received, so your size or preferred color may not be available. The buy-online-pickup-in-store option combines both: you order online and pick up at a store near you, usually within 2 to 3 business days.

Payment methods and security

American Eagle accepts major credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay both online and in stores. If you create an account on ae.com, you can save payment methods and addresses for faster checkout on future orders. The website uses standard encryption to protect payment information during checkout.

If you are concerned about a charge or believe your account was compromised, contact American Eagle customer service through the website or call the number on your receipt. The company also has a fraud dispute process if you report unauthorized charges to your credit card company.

Customer service and contact options

You can reach American Eagle customer service through the contact form on ae.com, by phone (the number is listed on receipts and the website), or by visiting a physical store. Response times vary — phone lines may have wait times during busy shopping periods, and email responses typically take 1 to 2 business days. In-store staff can help with returns, exchanges, sizing questions, and general product information.

If you have a question about a specific order, having your order number ready will speed up the process. Order numbers appear on your receipt and in your email confirmation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do American Eagle jeans shrink?

American Eagle jeans vary by fabric blend and wash. Most denim will shrink slightly in the first wash, particularly in the length. The product page for each style includes care instructions; following those instructions (usually cold water, gentle cycle, air dry) minimizes shrinkage. If you are concerned about fit, order a size up and test the fit after washing.

Can I return items bought online to a store?

Yes. You can return online purchases to any American Eagle store within 60 days with proof of purchase, such as your order confirmation email or receipt. The store will process the refund back to your original payment method.

What is the difference between American Eagle and Aerie?

Aerie is a separate brand owned by American Eagle that focuses on women's clothing, particularly activewear and loungewear. Aerie uses different sizing and fit than the main American Eagle line. Both brands are sold in some American Eagle stores and online, but they are sized independently, so your size in American Eagle jeans may not be your size in Aerie leggings.

Does American Eagle ship internationally?

American Eagle ships to the United States and Canada through ae.com. International shipping is not available directly from the main website, though some third-party retailers may offer forwarding services. Check the shipping options at checkout to confirm whether your address is may be able to access.

How do I track an online order?

After your order ships, you will receive an email with a tracking number and a link to the carrier's tracking page. You can also log into your account on ae.com and view order status under your order history. Tracking updates typically appear within 24 hours of shipment.