You're trying to buy American Eagle jeans¹ online but feel stuck. Ordering the wrong size is a hassle, and you just want a pair that fits perfectly from the start.

American Eagle jeans generally run true to size, but the specific fit depends heavily on the style and fabric. A stretchy jegging² will feel different from a pair of rigid 100% cotton mom jeans³ in the same size.

In my 20 years of making jeans, I've learned that "size" is just a number on a tag. The real fit comes from the pattern, the fabric's stretch, and the intended style.

A brand like American Eagle produces a huge variety of jeans. For a designer like Dean, knowing how each style is intended to fit is key.

The label might say "size 6," but a skinny, straight, and baggy size 6 are three entirely different garments. Let's clear up the confusion.

Do American Eagle Sizes Run Small or Big?

You hear mixed reviews about American Eagle's sizing. Some people say they run small, others say they're big, and you don't know who to believe when you're about to click "buy."

American Eagle sizes are generally standard, or "true to size." However, styles with no stretch, like their 100% cotton mom jeans, might feel tighter, while super-stretch styles will feel more forgiving.

The question isn't whether the brand runs big or small; it's about the specific product you're looking at.

From a manufacturing side, we use different fabric compositions⁴ to create different looks and feels, and this is the biggest factor in how a size is perceived.

The Role of Fabric

The fabric a jean is made from is the most important factor.

• Rigid Denim: Jeans made from 100% cotton have no stretch. A size 6 in this fabric will feel snug and might require some time to break in. This is why some people say AE jeans run small—they're trying a rigid style.
• Stretch Denim: Jeans with 1-2% elastane (spandex) have some give. They mold to your body and are more comfortable from the first wear. These will feel more true to size.
• Super-Stretch/Jegging Fabric: These can have 3% or more elastane. They are very forgiving and feel like a second skin. You might even be able to size down in these if you like a very tight fit.

It's a Matter of Style, Not Size

Don't confuse the style of the jean with its size. A "skinny" jean is supposed to be tight. A "baggy" jean is supposed to be loose. If you buy a baggy jean⁵ in your normal size, it will feel big, but that's the intended design, not a sizing error.

What Is a Size 6 at American Eagle?

You see "Size 6" on the website, but what does that really mean? Without clear measurements, you're just guessing if it will fit your waist, hips, and inseam correctly.

At American Eagle, a size 6 typically corresponds to a waist measurement of 27 to 28 inches and a hip measurement of around 37 to 38 inches.

As a manufacturer, we work with precise measurement charts, not just generic numbers. While a size 6 is a good starting point, the specific measurements can change slightly based on the jean's rise and cut.

A high-rise jean will have a different waist measurement point than a low-rise one.

For example, a high-waisted jegging⁶ in a size 6 might have a waist of 28 inches, a rise of 9.5 inches, and an inseam of 28.5 inches.

But a rigid mom jean in a size 6 might have a waist of 27.5 inches and a rise of 11 inches to sit higher on the torso.

This slight difference, combined with the lack of stretch, can make the mom jean feel much smaller, even though they are both a "size 6."

Here is a simplified table to show how the same size can vary:

AE Style	Size	Approx. Waist	Rise	Fit Notes
High-Waisted Jegging	6	28"	9.5"	Very stretchy, fits like a second skin.
90s Straight Jean	6	27.5"	10.75"	Some stretch, classic true-to-size fit.
Mom Jean	6	27.5"	11"	Often rigid fabric, feels tight at the waist.

Always check the specific size chart⁷ for the style you are interested in.

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

You are stuck between two sizes and feel paralyzed. You're afraid that sizing up will look sloppy, but sizing down⁸ might be painfully tight, leading to another return.

For rigid, 100% cotton jeans, it's often better to size up for comfort. For very stretchy jeans, you can stick with your true size or even size down for a tighter fit.

This is one of the most common questions I get. The answer always comes back to the fabric and your personal preference for comfort.

There is no single right answer, but here is my professional guidance based on how denim behaves.

When to Size Up

You should consider sizing up if the jeans are made of 100% cotton denim. This fabric has no give. Sizing up will give you a little more room to move and breathe.

Rigid denim also tends to shrink a tiny bit in the wash, so having that extra space can be a good buffer. If you prefer a more relaxed, comfortable fit in any style, sizing up is a safe bet.

When to Stick to Your Size (or Size Down)

If the jeans have a high percentage of stretch (2% or more elastane), stick to your true size. These jeans are designed to hug your body, and they will stretch out with wear.

If you size up in very stretchy jeans, they might feel comfortable at first but could become saggy and loose after a few hours of wear.

Some people even size down in jeggings to get a very compressed, form-fitting look, knowing the fabric will stretch to accommodate them.

Is a Size 28 in Jeans a 6 or an 8?

You see jeans labeled with a waist size, like 28 or 29, and others with a numeric size, like 6 or 8. This is confusing, and you're not sure how to translate one system to the other.

At American Eagle, a size 28 jean is their size 6. A size 29 is an 8, and a size 30 is a 10. This conversion is fairly standard across many American brands.

It's helpful to understand the two different sizing systems you see in stores. Waist sizing, like "28," is supposed to correspond directly to your waist measurement in inches. Numeric sizing, like "6," is a more abstract system that a brand creates to group a range of measurements.

In the past, a size 28 was always for a 28-inch waist. However, over the years, "vanity sizing⁹" has become common. Brands slowly started making their sizes bigger, so a shopper might feel better buying a size 6 instead of an 8. This has made sizing very inconsistent across the industry.

Thankfully, American Eagle has kept their sizing relatively consistent and clear. If you know your waist measurement in inches, you can be fairly confident in converting it to their numeric size.

Here is a quick reference:

• Size 27 = Size 4
• Size 28 = Size 6
• Size 29 = Size 8
• Size 30 = Size 10

When in doubt, always trust the measuring tape over the number on the tag.

Conclusion

American Eagle's sizing is quite consistent. To find your ideal fit, focus on the jean's style and fabric composition, and always check the online size chart for that specific product.

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