Aerie

Aerie

Quick history

Aerie launched in 2006 as American Eagle’s intimates and loungewear line, created to offer comfortable, affordable underwear, bras, and soft basics for everyday life. The brand gained major cultural attention in the 2010s when it stopped retouching its models and began showing real bodies, scars, and stretch marks in its advertising. Aerie became known not just for cozy, wearable pieces, but for helping change how brands talk about body image and self-acceptance.

Why it mattered

  • It helped normalize unretouched bodies and inclusive representation in fashion

  • It made comfort-forward intimates and loungewear socially acceptable as everyday wear

Why it shows up at Diversity

  • Aerie pieces support body-positive, gender-expansive, and comfort-driven styling

  • Resale keeps soft, wearable basics circulating instead of feeding disposable fast fashion