You have a few pairs of old jeans in your closet. You know they can be recycled, and you heard about the American Eagle program. But you're wondering how many you can actually bring in.

You can get one $10 discount¹ per customer, per transaction by donating at least one pair of old jeans. While you can bring more, you will only get one discount for that purchase.

In my two decades of running a denim factory, I've seen the industry focus more and more on sustainability. Programs like this are becoming standard.

They're not just about being green; they're smart business. For a designer like Dean, the end-of-life of a garment is now part of the design process.

Let's look at the specific rules so you can make the most of this program.

Does American Eagle Have a Jean Exchange Program?

You've heard the term "jean exchange" and picture swapping your old, worn-out jeans² for a fresh new pair. The idea sounds great, but you suspect there might be a catch.

Yes, American Eagle has a program where you give them old jeans for a discount on new ones. It is not a direct trade, but a recycling incentive³ to help you buy new.

Think of it as a "recycling reward" rather than a true exchange. The brand partners with the Cotton's Blue Jeans Go Green™ program.

Here's how it works. You bring in a pair of old jeans—from any brand—to an AE store. The only rule is that they must be made from at least 90% cotton.

In return, they give you a $10 coupon to use on a new pair of AE jeans. If you're a Real Rewards member⁴, you get additional points as well.

From my perspective as a manufacturer, this is a brilliant strategy. It doesn't value your old jeans; it incentivizes your next purchase.

It drives you into the store, encourages you to buy a full-price item, and builds loyalty. It's a closed-loop system that benefits the customer, the brand, and the environment.

How Can I Get Money From Old Jeans?

A simple $10 discount for recycling is nice, but you have some jeans that are in great shape. You feel they are worth more and would prefer to get some actual cash for them.

To get cash for your old jeans, sell them on resale sites⁵ like Poshmark or at consignment shops⁶. The AE program only provides a discount, which is a form of savings, not cash.

The American Eagle discount is your best option for jeans that are truly worn out or not in demand. It's fast, easy, and guaranteed.

However, if your goal is to maximize your financial return, you have several other avenues. The secondhand market is booming, and a well-made pair of jeans can hold its value surprisingly well.

A designer like Dean would be interested to know that certain designs become cult classics and sell for a high price on these platforms.

It's a testament to good design and quality material. Deciding which path to take depends on the condition of your jeans and how much effort you're willing to put in.

Method	Best For...	Effort Required	Potential Return
AE Recycling	Worn-out jeans, any brand.	Low	Guaranteed $10 discount.
Online Resale	Popular brands, good condition.	High	Highest potential cash return.
Consignment	Designer jeans, excellent condition.	Medium	Medium cash return (store takes a cut).

Will American Eagle Replace My Ripped Jeans?

Your favorite jeans have finally developed a rip after months of wear. You love them and are hoping the company will stand by its product and offer you a replacement.

No, American Eagle does not replace jeans that are ripped from normal wear and tear. Their return and exchange policy is only for new, unworn, and undamaged merchandise.

This is a common point of confusion. It's important to separate a company's return policy from a product's natural lifespan.

When my factory produces a pair of jeans, we build them to be tough, but they aren't indestructible. Cotton fibers will eventually break down from repeated stress, bending, and washing.

Rips at the knees or wearing thin in the inner thigh are signs of a well-loved garment, not a manufacturing defect.

The store's return policy is designed for items that are still in sellable condition. This means they are unworn, unwashed, and have the tags attached.

A product that fails immediately due to a bad seam is another story, but a rip that develops over time is considered part of the product's life cycle. Their solution for worn-out jeans is the recycling program, not replacement.

Can You Take American Eagle Jeans Back?

You just bought a pair of jeans online, and they don't fit the way you hoped. Now you need to send them back and are worried the process will be difficult or expensive.

Yes, you can absolutely return unworn American Eagle jeans for free. You can bring items bought online or in-store to any American Eagle, Aerie, or factory store for a full refund or exchange.

American Eagle has a very customer-friendly⁷ return policy.

They want to make it as easy as possible to shop with them. The key difference between this and the other situations we've discussed is the condition of the item. This policy is for brand-new merchandise.

As long as the jeans are unworn and still have the tags, you have a few options. You can exchange them for a different size or a different item of equal or lesser value.

You can also get a full refund sent back to your original payment method. If you prefer, they can also issue the refund on an AE gift card.

This flexibility is designed to remove the risk of online shopping. It builds trust with customers. Just remember, this is for new items, not for your old, ripped pair you've been wearing for a year.

Conclusion

American Eagle limits its recycling discount to one per transaction. They do not replace worn-out jeans, but their return policy for new, unworn items is very flexible and customer-friendly.

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