10 American Apparel Outfits You'd Never Wear

By now you've surely heard the news that American Apparel's founder, Dov Charney, was fired this week. Aside from being famous for the clothing store, he was also pretty imfamous for investigations of misconduct, racially insensitive advertising, and objectification of the brand's models and employees. It's safe to say the company has had quite its fair share of controversy — and maybe that's why it has so swiftly gotten away with some blatant crimes against fashion.

American Apparel is a great place to go if you're looking for simple staples. Most of their shirts are solid or patterned, and they don't buy in to too many screenprinted tees. They carry jeans of all washes and lengths, a plethora of leggings and other pants, and even swimsuits, shoes, dresses, and accessories. What they don't always carry is perspective. So many items are covered in crushed velvet, overly shiny sateen and undoubtedly uncomfortable holographic material. The cut of their shorts ranges from serious wedgie to 5th grade boy playing soccer. Their crop tops sometimes hit the '90s retro mark perfectly, and sometimes look like Fresh Prince of Bel-Air rejects.

During this transitional period for the company, I have just a few suggestions for some more lineup changes the company can make. Don't get me wrong, I like the brand overall — I'm wearing a lavender American Apparel hair bow in my hair right now — but the brand misses the mark sometimes. Other than a tighter watch on marketing, more respect for plus-sized customers, and a sexual harassment training class, dropping these clothing items would be a step toward success for American Apparel.

1. Metallic High-Waist Workout Short

Because who is actually going to workout in something that looks this uncomfortable?

2. Wide Leg Pleated Chiffon Pant

There are some flowy, wide-legged pants that look effortlessly chic. These aren't those.

3. Leopard Printed Spandex Jersey Harem Pant

Justin Bieber called... he wants his pants back.

4. Shiny Suspender Swimsuit

For when you want to look like Borat. Or buy a one-piece that definitely requires you to buy a bikini as well.

5. Ombre High-Waist Jean

I love ombre, really. But these jeans just look like the result of a terribly laundry accident.

6. Shiny Too-Short Tube Dress

As if the name didn't speak for itself, this tube dress is shapeless, tacky and looks like the kind of thing I'd be pulling up and down all night, just to keep it in place.

7. Cotton Spandex Jersey Bandeau Bodysuit

The website shows this versatile bodysuit being worn in a number of different ways. Unfortunately each and every one is pretty ugly.

8. Shiny Crop Tee

Shiny things are great, but this look is like squeezing yourself into your Barbie's old clothing. Not good.

9. Nylon Spandex Micro-Mesh Long Sleeve Mini Dress

This is the definition of unnecessary. And the fact that it only comes in bright pink and purple makes it even less wearable.

10. High-Waist Denim Mini Skirt

This is a retro skirt that should honestly never have made a comeback.

Images: American Apparel