American Eagle jeans are not made in the United States, they are produced through a global network of contract factories across Asia and Latin America.
American Eagle Outfitters (AEO), the parent company, works with third-party manufacturers operating 300+ factories in over 20 countries.
AEO does not own any manufacturing facilities; instead, it partners with suppliers worldwide to produce its denim and apparel.
The exact country where a specific pair of American Eagle jeans is made can be found on its garment label, but most production is concentrated in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Central America.
In this guide, we’ll break down where American Eagle jeans are made as of 2026, highlight key manufacturing partners, materials used, and answer common questions about ownership and sourcing.
American Eagle’s Global Manufacturing Footprint
American Eagle utilizes a global supply chain for its jeans and other garments. While production is distributed across more than 20 countries, the bulk of denim sourcing comes from a few key regions.
South Asia: Pakistan, Bangladesh, India
- Pakistan has emerged as the largest denim supplier to American Eagle in recent years. Pakistan accounts for approximately 70% of AEO’s denim import value, largely due to scale and cost efficiency. A top partner here is Nishat Mills Limited, a well-established Pakistani textile manufacturer.
- Bangladesh is another major player. Known for its global-scale garment manufacturing and affordable labor, it continues to supply a significant share of AEO’s jeans and apparel. Notable partners include Ananta Apparels Limited and Artistic Design Ltd, both key factories in Dhaka and Savar regions.
- India is also growing in strategic importance. Trade figures from late 2025 show India as a top sourcing partner, contributing high-volume shipments for both denim and apparel categories.
Southeast Asia: Indonesia, Vietnam, China
While China and Vietnam were previously leading sources for American Eagle, their roles have diminished. Due to U.S. tariffs and shifting geopolitical dynamics, AEO has actively reduced reliance on these countries.
In 2025, executives reported cutting Chinese sourcing to low single-digit percentages. Nevertheless, some denim and apparel items are still produced in both China and Vietnam.
In Indonesia, manufacturers like Ungaran Sari Garments and PT. Kwanglim YH Indah continues to supply jeans and garments to AEO, contributing to a diversified Asian sourcing strategy.
Latin America: Mexico and Guatemala
American Eagle is also investing in nearshoring, sourcing closer to the U.S. to reduce lead times and mitigate international risks.
Countries like Mexico and Guatemala have become part of this strategy. Key suppliers include KP Textil S.A. and KL Primetex, garment factories in Guatemala.
Mexico has long supported apparel production for American brands and continues to contribute to AEO’s Latin American sourcing plan.
American Eagle’s own customer support has confirmed that select jeans are produced in Mexico.
Top Manufacturing Partners and Suppliers
American Eagle’s sourcing depends on dozens of vetted global manufacturers. While the full list includes more than 300 factories, these are some notable names:
- Nishat Mills Limited (Pakistan): A major denim exporter and top American Eagle supplier.
- Ananta Apparels Ltd (Bangladesh): High-capacity factory producing jeans and garments for AEO.
- Grandfield Industrial Co. (China/East Asia): Handles apparel manufacturing across East Asian facilities.
- KP Textil S.A. & KL Primetex (Guatemala): Nearshoring factories contributing to jeans and knitwear production.
- Artistic Design Ltd (Bangladesh): Supplier of knit and denim garments.
- Ungaran Sari Garments (Indonesia): Longtime supplier to American Eagle and other global brands.
- PT. Kwanglim YH Indah (Indonesia): Denim and apparel manufacturer with Korean collaboration.
AEO regularly audits its supplier base and enforces a Code of Conduct to ensure quality, labor safety, and compliance with environmental standards.
Notably, AEO is a signatory of the Bangladesh Accord on Fire and Building Safety, which strengthens factory oversight and worker protection.
What Are American Eagle Jeans Made Of?
American Eagle jeans are crafted from high-quality cotton-based denim blends. The exact materials vary depending on the style:
- Cotton: Forms the base of nearly all AE denim.
- Spandex/Elastane: Adds flexibility and stretch (commonly 1–2%)
- Polyester/Rayon: Improves softness, structure, and durability
- TENCEL™ Lyocell: Sustainable fiber used in select premium lines
For example, a popular women’s jegging might contain 80% cotton, 12% polyester, 6% rayon, and 2% elastane. These combinations help create AE’s signature “super stretch” or “AirFlex” denim that retains shape without sagging.
AE jeans also include imported trims like rivets, zippers, and waistband tags, which are added during final assembly.
Are Any American Eagle Jeans Made in the USA?
No. American Eagle jeans are not made in the United States. All current products are manufactured internationally and marked as “Imported.”
However, in 2014, AEO launched a limited-edition “Wear America” capsule collection featuring U.S.-made jeans and T-shirts. This was a one-time patriotic campaign, not a permanent shift. Since then, AEO has not produced jeans in the USA.
The brand’s reliance on offshore manufacturing reflects industry-wide norms. Like most global fashion retailers, AEO chooses cost-effective regions with mature garment infrastructure.
Who Owns American Eagle Outfitters?
American Eagle Outfitters (NYSE: AEO) is a publicly traded U.S. company headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It was founded in 1977 by Jerry and Mark Silverman.
While initially family-owned, AEO went public in the 1990s. Today, it is overseen by a board of directors and led by Executive Chairman and CEO Jay Schottenstein. The company also owns:
- Aerie (lingerie & activewear)
- Todd Snyder (menswear)
AEO operates over 1,000 retail stores globally and sells online in multiple markets.
How to Start Your Own Denim Brand
If you’re inspired by how global brands like American Eagle operate, starting your own denim brand is more achievable than ever. Here are the key steps to launch your own label:
- Study Existing Brands: Look at how American Eagle, Levi’s, and other popular denim companies source and market their products. Understand their positioning, from premium to budget-friendly.
- Define Your Brand Identity: Decide what makes your jeans different, fit, sustainability, affordability, niche demographics, etc.
- Design a Core Collection: Start small with essential cuts and styles. Focus on one segment like men’s slim fit, women’s high-rise, or relaxed vintage.
- Source Materials and Manufacturers: Choose trusted partners who specialize in denim, China remains one of the top regions for quality, cost-effective denim production.
- Order Samples & Optimize Quality: Inspect construction, fabric blends, washes, and hardware. Quality matters in denim.
- Set Up Branding & Logistics: From woven labels and packaging to warehousing and fulfillment, get your backend supply chain ready.
- Launch, Market, and Scale: Use ecommerce, social platforms, and influencer partnerships to grow visibility. Adjust designs and scale based on customer feedback.
You can also learn how other popular brands handle sourcing and what strategies you can borrow:
- Where Are Asics Made
- Where are Hoka Shoes Made
- Where are Nike Shoes Made
- Where Are Adidas Made
- Where Are Puma Shoes Made
- Where Are Van Shoes Made
- Where Are Salomon Shoes Made
- Where Are Keen Shoes Made
Final Thoughts
American Eagle jeans represent a globally integrated sourcing model. With strategic partners across Asia and Latin America, AEO balances cost, quality, and lead time, all while maintaining ethical oversight through its responsible sourcing program.
If you’re a consumer, it’s clear: your American Eagle jeans are made by trusted partners in Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Mexico, or Guatemala, but not the USA.
And if you’re a business looking to build your own denim or apparel line, American Eagle’s model shows the power of international manufacturing done right.
Need help sourcing Denim products from China?
At NicheSources, we help brands and retailers source high-quality apparel, including jeans, directly from trusted manufacturers in China.
From factory vetting to product development and shipping, we handle the entire sourcing process so you can scale confidently.
Contact us to explore denim manufacturing options in China.
