Aero vs. Aeropostale: What's the difference?

The main difference between Aero and Aeropostale is simply the name, they are the same brand. Aero is the common nickname and a shorter branding mark for Aeropostale, a popular apparel retailer focused on casual, trendy, and affordable clothing for teenagers and young adults. The confusion often arises because the brand heavily uses "AERO" on its clothing and in marketing.

Let's explore what the Aeropostale brand is all about to help you decide if it's the right fit for your wardrobe.

Aeropostale: The Classic Teen Mall Brand

Aeropostale is one of the most recognizable names in teen retail, offering accessible fashion centered around a casual, sporty, and preppy aesthetic. It targets young adults and teens who want comfortable, everyday clothing like graphic tees, hoodies, and jeans that don't break the bank. The brand thrives on a laid-back, youthful vibe that combines classic collegiate styles with current trends.

• Product mix: A wide range of casual apparel for men and women, including graphic t-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, jeans in various fits, shorts, and accessories.
• Price point: Very affordable, designed for budget-conscious shoppers. T-shirts often range from $15-$25, hoodies from $30-$50, and jeans are typically under $50, with frequent sales and clearance events offering even lower prices.
• Quality: The quality is consistent with its price point. Aeropostale uses comfortable materials like cotton and polyester blends suitable for everyday wear. While not aimed at long-term durability like premium brands, the clothes hold up reasonably well for seasonal trends.
• Style &, Aesthetic: The overall look is youthful and sporty with preppy influences. Expect to see lots of logo-heavy designs, bright colors, and relaxed fits that are perfect for school and weekend wear.
• Sizing/Fit: Sizing generally runs true to size, from XS to XL. Some shoppers find certain styles, particularly tops and fitted jeans, can have a slightly slimmer cut.
• Return policy: Aeropostale typically offers a 30-day return policy for unwashed and unworn items with a receipt, making it easy to return items that don't work out.

Aeropostale provides an accessible entry point into trendy, casual fashion for a younger audience, with a strong focus on value and comfort.

Shop Aeropostale: aeropostale.com

Aero vs. Aeropostale Comparison

Since "Aero" is just a shorthand for "Aeropostale," there are no real differences to compare. Instead, let's look at how the brand's key features meet the needs of a young shopper and how it stands up in the competitive teen retail market.

Style & Aesthetic

Aeropostale's signature style is a blend of preppy, sporty, and casual streetwear. Decades ago, it was known for its prominent logos on almost everything, similar to competitors like Hollister. Today, the brand has evolved to include more subtle branding and a wider variety of graphics that align with current trends.

You'll still find classic logo hoodies and polo shirts, but they now sit alongside trendier pieces with bolder graphics and more modern silhouettes. This makes the brand appealing to shoppers who want timeless casual fashion as well as those looking for a contemporary, relaxed look.

Price & Affordability

This is where Aeropostale truly shines. The brand's entire strategy is built around affordability. It has positioned itself as being more budget-friendly than some of its main competitors, like American Eagle. Constant promotions, a robust clearance section, and buy-one-get-one deals are standard.

For parents buying clothes for growing teens or for young adults on a tight budget, Aeropostale offers a way to build a full wardrobe without a major financial commitment. The value proposition is a key reason for its continued popularity.

Quality & Materials

The brand focuses on casual, everyday garments, primarily using fabrics like cotton, French terry, fleece, and polyester blends. The goal is comfort and affordability, not luxury or high-performance wear. The quality is reliable for the price, tees are soft and hoodies are comfortable, but they aren’t intended to last forever. They are a solid choice for trendy items you might only wear for a season or two, or for basics you don't want to spend a lot of money on.

Fit & Sizing

Aeropostale's clothing is designed for a teen and young adult body type. Most items run true to size, offering a standard, relaxed fit. However, collections can vary. Slim-fit jeans or certain t-shirt styles may feel smaller, so it's always a good idea to consult the online size chart or try items on in-store if possible. This is typical for fast-fashion retailers catering to a younger demographic.

Shopping Experience

Shopping at Aeropostale is straightforward and accessible. The website is easy to navigate, with promotions and sales clearly displayed on the homepage. Physical stores are typically located in shopping malls, providing a bright, energetic environment. The online shopping experience mirrors this, with a focus on product discovery and easy checkout. Standard shipping and a clear return policy make online purchases low-risk.

Who is Aeropostale For?

Ultimately, Aeropostale isn't about choosing between "Aero" and "Aeropostale" but deciding if the brand's style aligns with your own.

Aeropostale is a great choice if:

• You are a teen or young adult hunting for affordable, on-trend casualwear.
• Budget is a top priority, and you love taking advantage of promotions and sales.
• Your personal style is relaxed, sporty, and preppy.
• You need everyday basics like comfortable t-shirts, jeans, and hoodies for school or casual outings.
• You prefer reliable, straightforward mall brands over niche or high-end labels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Aero the same as Aeropostale?

Yes. Aero is a widely used nickname and a prominent part of Aeropostale's branding, often featured on its clothing. There is only one brand, Aeropostale.

What age group is Aeropostale for?

Aeropostale primarily targets teenagers and young adults, typically between the ages of 14 and 22. However, its comfortable basics can appeal to a broader audience looking for casual essentials.

What kind of style is Aeropostale?

The brand's style is a mix of casual, sporty, and preppy. It's known for logo-heavy hoodies, graphic tees, polo shirts, and comfortable denim - hallmarks of classic American mall fashion.

Is Aeropostale good quality?

Aeropostale offers good quality for its affordable price point. It's considered fast fashion, meaning the clothing is designed to be trendy and budget-friendly rather than a long-term investment. The materials are comfortable for everyday wear.

Who are Aeropostale's main competitors?

Aeropostale's primary competitors are other mall-based teen retailers such as American Eagle, Hollister, and, to some extent, brands like Old Navy that offer affordable family fashion.

Is Aeropostale affordable?

Yes, affordability is a cornerstone of the Aeropostale brand. Prices are generally low, and the company runs frequent sales, clearance events, and promotional deals both online and in stores.

Does Aeropostale run small or large?

Most items are considered true to size. However, certain styles - especially those designated as "slim fit" - can run smaller. It's always a good idea to reference their online sizing guide before purchasing.

Where can I buy Aeropostale clothing?

You can purchase Aeropostale apparel directly from their website, at their physical retail stores typically found in shopping malls across the country, and through select third-party retailers.