The type of clothing American Eagle Outfitters is best known for selling is jeans.
American Eagle began as a casual apparel retailer, but denim became a defining part of its identity. The company built its reputation among teenagers and young adults by offering everyday jeans in varied fits, washes, rises, and sizes, alongside graphic T-shirts, polo shirts, sweaters, outerwear, and accessories.
The brand's denim focus is not the same as saying it sells only jeans. American Eagle also carries dresses, tops, shorts, swimwear, underwear, and footwear. However, those categories do not have the same longstanding association with the company. Its stores and advertising have repeatedly positioned jeans as a central product and a major reason shoppers visit.
Another common point of confusion is that “American Eagle” can refer either to the corporate company or its main retail brand. The company also owns Aerie, whose emphasis is intimate apparel and lifestyle clothing. In contrast, the American Eagle label is most readily recognized for casual American-style clothing, especially denim.