Does American Apparels still exist? Fate of the fashion brand as shown on Netflix's Trainwreck, explored in depth 

Netflix released 'Trainwreck: The Cult of American Apparel,' a documentary episode that explores one of the most divisive fashion brands of the early 2000s. Viewers familiar with the minimalist styles and provocative ads of American Apparel might wonder:

Does this once‑ubiquitous label still exist today?

The film details the company’s rapid rise under founder Dov Charney, its downfall amid scandal and bankruptcy, and its rebirth under new ownership. In this article, we’ll examine the brand's current state, separate facts from nostalgia, and analyze what remains of its legacy.

Does American Apparel still exist?

Yes, but with significant changes. The company was founded in 1989 by Dov Charney and became a mall staple thanks to ethically framed, “sweatshop‑free” basics and eye-catching campaigns. Following Charney’s 2014 ouster amid allegations of misconduct and two bankruptcies in 2015 and 2016, Canadian activewear giant Gildan acquired the brand for approximately $88 million in early 2017.

Today, the brand mainly exists as an online retailer offering core tees, bodysuits, and basics under a more subdued banner; its brick-and-mortar stores have nearly disappeared.

Trainwreck Netflix: Deep dive into the brand’s fate

Netflix’s documentary Trainwreck: The Cult of American Apparel premiered on July 1, 2025, peeling back layers on the brand’s meteoric rise and subsequent collapse.

• It captures the indie-sleaze era fashion: monochrome basics, neon styles, and flash-photographed ads that resonated with millennials.
• In candid interviews, former staff describe the office as a toxic, cult-like environment, shaped by Charney’s erratic leadership and harassment allegations.
• The doc reveals how a clothing line marketed as progressive and ethical masked exploitation, sexual misconduct at the top, and questionable labor practices.
• It recounts Charney’s removal as CEO in 2014, the two bankruptcies, and Gildan’s acquisition.

While highlighting the shock-value fashion ads, Trainwreck also explores the emotional toll on staff. One former employee says they’ll be "in therapy until the day that I die" after their experiences at the company.

The brand after the doc

Under Gildan, American Apparel has continued its online presence but has largely abandoned its focus on domestic manufacturing, with products now shipped from global facilities. Though the aesthetic persists through vintage finds and Depop resellers, the original boundary-pushing ethos and U.S.-made roots have mostly disappeared.

Critics say the brand is now a muted echo of its former self, concentrating on core basics rather than disruptive marketing. However, nostalgia for 2000s fashion keeps the brand relevant in cultural discussions, even as its immediate presence remains limited.

Trending

The brand no longer controls malls or stirs controversy with each campaign, but it persists quietly online and under the care of Gildan Activewear. This Netflix documentary reexamines the rise of a sweatshop-friendly, free manufacturer that was ruined by greed, company culture, and financial collapse.

Viewers are encouraged to question the line between ethical marketing and exploitation. However, the brand's provocative image has largely been toned down, yet its message to the fashion industry remains ingrained in our memories, with lessons that are hard to forget.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback