You're trying to buy American Eagle jeans¹ online but feel stuck. The inconsistent sizing reviews make it hard to order confidently, and you just want to avoid the hassle of returns.

American Eagle jeans generally run true to size, but the fit can feel bigger or smaller depending on the style. A relaxed "mom jean" will feel larger than a "skinny" jean in the same size.

In my 20 years of experience making jeans, I've seen that a size number is just a starting point. The true fit comes from the fabric, the cut, and the intended style. A brand like American Eagle produces a huge range of fits.

For a designer like Dean, understanding that a size 8 skinny jean² and a size 8 baggy jean are completely different garments is crucial. Let's break down what this means for you.

Is It Better to Go Up or Down a Size in Jeans?

You are stuck trying to decide between two sizes. You are worried that sizing up will look sloppy, but sizing down might be painfully tight and lead to another online return.

For tight-fitting American Eagle jeans with less stretch, it is often better to size up for comfort. For looser styles, stick to your normal size to get the intended baggy look.

This is one of the most common questions I hear, and the answer almost always depends on the fabric and your personal preference. There is no single correct answer, but here is my professional guidance based on how different types of denim behave.

When to Go Up a Size

Think about sizing up if the jeans are a "skinny" or "slim" style made from a less elastic material. Sometimes, to achieve a certain look, a brand will use a denim fabric³ with less give.

In this case, going up a size can provide more comfort and freedom of movement without ruining the slim silhouette.

Also, if you know you simply prefer a more relaxed, comfortable feel in all your clothes, sizing up is always a safe choice.

When to Stick to Your Size

You should stick to your true size for any styles that are meant to be loose, like Mom Jeans, Baggy Jeans, or 90s Straight-Legs. These styles are already cut with extra room.

If you size up, you might lose the intended shape, and they could just look big and ill-fitting. For any jeans with a lot of stretch, sticking to your size is also best, as they will mold to your body with wear.

What Size Is a 32 in American Eagle?

You see men's jeans labeled with a number like "32," but you are not sure if that refers to inches, a specific brand measurement, or a letter size like Medium or Large.

In American Eagle men's sizing, a size 32⁴ jean corresponds to a size Medium and is designed to fit a natural waist of about 32 inches, or 80 centimeters.

It is helpful to understand the two main sizing systems for men's pants. You have the alpha sizing (S, M, L) and the waist sizing (30, 32, 34, etc.).

For jeans, the waist size number is supposed to directly match your waist measurement in inches. American Eagle is generally quite good at keeping this measurement accurate.

In the factory, we work with very detailed specification sheets, or "tech packs," from designers. These sheets give us the exact measurements for every part of the jean. A men's size 32 pant will have a waistband measurement very close to that number.

So, if you take a tape measure and measure your waist where you like your pants to sit, that number in inches is the size you should look for at American Eagle.

Waist (inches)	AE Size	Letter Size
29-30	30	S
31-32	32	M
33-34	34	L

Is Size 28 Jeans a 6 or 8?

The mix of numbers on jean sizes is confusing. You see a pair labeled as a size 28 and are not sure if that translates to a women's numeric size 6 or size 8.

According to American Eagle's current women's size chart, a size 28 jean corresponds to their size 8. A size 27 corresponds to a size 6.

This is one of the most confusing parts of shopping for women's jeans. There is no universal standard that all brands must follow.

This means a size 28 at one brand might be a size 6, while at another, it's an 8. This happens because of "vanity sizing⁵," where brands have slowly adjusted their measurements over the years.

From a manufacturer's perspective, we simply make what the brand tells us to. The brand decides what measurements correspond to what size number on the tag. The good news is that within a single brand like American Eagle, the sizing is consistent.

Once you know your size in their system, you can shop with more confidence. For American Eagle, the rule is quite clear.

So if you typically wear a size 8 in other brands, a size 28 at AE is a very good place to start. A size 26 is a 4, a 27 is a 6, a 28 is an 8, and so on.

Does American Eagle Top Run Big or Small?

You have figured out your jean size, but now you want to buy a complete outfit. You are wondering if their tops have the same sizing quirks as their jeans can sometimes have.

American Eagle tops, especially their t-shirts, often run small. Many people find they run tight across the chest and recommend sizing up one or even two sizes for a comfortable fit.

While American Eagle jeans are generally true to size, their tops have a different reputation. Consumers consistently report that the tops are cut on the slimmer side. This is especially true for their basic t-shirts for both men and women.

The reason for this comes down to the "fit model" and the intended cut. Brands design their clothes based on a specific body type and a target aesthetic.

It seems that for their tops, American Eagle prefers a more fitted, body-hugging silhouette. This means the patterns are likely cut with less room in the chest and torso than some other brands.

For anyone with a more athletic build⁶ or a larger bust, this slim cut can feel restrictive.

The advice is simple: if you want a standard, comfortable fit in an AE t-shirt, it is very wise to order one size larger than you normally would. If you know you have a larger chest or broader shoulders, going up two sizes is a very common adjustment.

Conclusion

American Eagle's sizing varies by item. Their jeans are often true to size depending on the specific style, while their tops tend to run small. Always check the garment's details.

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