American Eagle Outfitters is a leading retailer that designs, markets and sells its own brand of laidback, current clothing for 15 to 25 year-olds, providing high-quality merchandise at affordable prices. AE's original collection includes standards like jeans and graphic T's as well as essentials like accessories, outerwear, footwear, basics and swimwear. An American clothing retailer founded in 1977 is now commonly referred to as the abbreviation "American Eagle" or simply "AE" rather than its full title. American Eagle sells trendy clothing that is specifically targeted toward 20-year-old college student demographic. Widely popular with the teenage population, American Eagle's clothing is most often worn by middle schoolers, high schoolers, and college students.

American Eagle Outfitters is often compared to the clothing company Abercrombie and Fitch due to their very similar styles, marketing techniques, and targeted consumer demographic. However, American Eagle's product line is generally less expensive. The two companies have both created easily recognizable picture logos to brand several of their products; American Eagle Outfitters' being a landing eagle, and Abercrombie and Fitch's being a standing moose. Justin Timberlake, Pharrell Williams, Eminem, Eric West and Ashton Kutcher are all known to wear American Eagle Outfitters.