- I’m a millennial who shopped at Aéropostale religiously in middle school.
- Growing up as a lower-middle-class kid, Aéropostale’s clothing was a symbol of belonging.
- During my recent visit, I was surprised to find many of the same styles I wore in my teen years.
The year is 2008 and I’m 13 years old.
I’m in a crowded mall with my friends, and the word Aéropostale is sprawled across my T-shirt, helping me feel more confident.
As a lower-middle-class kid in upper-middle-class suburbia, that logo across my chest was more than just the outfit I picked out for school that day. It was a symbol of belonging.
It wasn’t quite as cool or expensive as Abercrombie & Fitch, but Aéropostale’s clothing helped me fit in — I wore my favorite T-shirt until the holes in it were too big to hide.
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Aéropostale felt like my store, even if I could only afford a few items a year. The brand was cool yet accessible, helping me to express my personal style and discover an interest in fashion.
During a recent trip to the mall, I decided to step inside Aéropostale to see what my favorite early 2000s retailer looks like today.