The Sustainable Fashion Ethics of Los Angeles Apparel

Los Angeles Apparel was founded in 2016 by Dov Charney, the same person who launched the iconic (and scandalous) American Apparel. Charney’s goal was simple: recreate his previous brand’s success with a fresh name but a similar ethos. “I’m not planning to do anything differently,” he once said. “I’m going to do what I’ve always done.”

The brand now specializes in high-quality, “blank” basics—think T-shirts, hoodies, and leggings—that are trendy yet timeless. Charney’s approach has appealed to sustainable fashion enthusiasts looking for ethically made, functional wardrobe staples.

Photo Courtesy: Los Angeles Apparel

Notably, Los Angeles Apparel operates with a vertically integrated model, meaning they design, manufacture, and distribute all their products in-house at their South Central Los Angeles factory. This approach gives Charney full control over the production process and reportedly provides jobs for over 1,500 local workers.

But here’s the catch: 90% of the factory’s machinery came from American Apparel, purchased during its bankruptcy sale. Charney didn’t just replicate his old business model—he literally used its remnants to build his new brand.

What About “Sweatshop-Free” Labor?

Los Angeles Apparel prides itself on being one of the largest sweatshop-free apparel manufacturers in the U.S. They highlight their commitment to sustainability and efficiency, claiming that their operations benefit customers, workers, and the broader community.

However, their track record isn’t spotless. During the COVID-19 pandemic, over 300 Los Angeles Apparel workers contracted the virus. Public health officials eventually shut the factory down for failing to comply with infection control measures. Charney attributed the high infection rates to broader social factors affecting the Latino community but sidestepped accountability for the unsafe working conditions under his watch.

But it's worth noting that the brand did pivot to producing face masks during the pandemic and allowed some workers to sew from home. Still, this incident raises serious questions about the company’s commitment to worker safety.

LOS ANGELES APPAREL Marketing: A Blast from the American Apparel Past

And if Los Angeles Apparel’s ad campaigns give you déjà vu, you’re not alone. The brand has embraced the same provocative marketing style that made American Apparel infamous—though slightly toned down. His ads continue to feature young models in suggestive poses, but now with a more muted aesthetic.

Charney has defended this approach, stating, “Human sexuality is part of the reason people wear clothes.” Yet critics argue that this strategy perpetuates the same exploitative practices that made American Apparel controversial.

The Ethics of a Problematic Sustainable Fashion Founder

Let’s address the elephant in the room: Dov Charney’s troubling history. During his tenure at American Apparel, Charney faced multiple allegations of sexual harassment, including conducting job interviews in his underwear and creating a hostile work environment. He dismissed these claims as baseless attacks on his success. However, his behavior was enough to see him ousted from American Apparel in 2014.

Now, Charney has full control over Los Angeles Apparel, raising concerns about the company’s internal culture. Given his track record, can a brand led by such a polarizing figure truly uphold the highest ethical standards? That is something we will need to decide ourselves, especially when a person can be both good and bad. 

A Closer Look at Charney’s Activism

Photo Courtesy: Los Angeles Apparel

Charney has championed progressive causes, particularly immigration reform. In 2004, he launched the "Legalize LA" campaign to advocate for undocumented workers' rights. Proceeds from the campaign’s T-shirt sales were donated to immigration reform groups.

However, this activism was overshadowed by a 2009 controversy when American Apparel laid off 1,500 undocumented workers. Around the same time, a letter even surfaced alleging that Charney instructed managers not to hire “ugly people” as store employees.

So even when Charney positions Los Angeles Apparel as a champion of the "Made in the USA" movement, these contradictions can’t be ignored in our equation if it's a brand worth investing in. 

The Verdict: Ethics and Sustainability Under Scrutiny

So let's weigh the dynamics a bit more. So even when Los Angeles Apparel has positioned itself as a sustainable alternative to fast fashion, its credibility is complicated by Dov Charney’s history and ongoing controversies. 

Yes, the brand offers high-quality, sweatshop-free clothing made in the U.S., and its garment tags remind consumers of the people behind the products. But ethical concerns—ranging from workplace safety to the founder’s personal conduct—cast a shadow over these achievements.

As consumers, it’s up to us to decide whether supporting this brand aligns with our values. Can we separate the product from the person behind it? Or should we demand better from brands that claim to champion sustainability and ethics?