American Apparel designs, creates and prints its own advertisements.[50][51] The company is known for its provocative and controversial advertising campaigns, which is largely the inspiration of the company CEO Dov Charney. According to Adage, American Apparel's advertising 'telegraphs the brand' from person to person[52] Their print campaigns are widely considered to be some of the best in the industry.[53] The sexually charged advertising has been criticized, but has also been lauded for honesty and lack of airbrushing.[54][55]
According to CEO Dov Charney, the vision for the brand is that of a “heritage brand. It's like liberty, property, pursuit of happiness for every man worldwide. That's my America."[56] In regards to the company's image overseas, advisor Harry Parnass stated that the brand is about aspiration and that they are "selling the American dream."[57][58]