- We rounded up a list of the most controversial clothing items sold in recent years.
- Clothing from popular brands such as Urban Outfitters, T.J. Maxx, and Nike has been pulled due to controversy.
Every so often, fashion brands upset the masses by attempting to sell debatable merchandise.
While many designs were created in good faith, others have been perceived as ways to make money by ruffling feathers. Nonetheless, the internet rarely forgets.
Here are 14 examples of the worst clothing items and accessories that have left a lasting impression on the minds of consumers.
In December 2017, people were outraged when they discovered that American Eagle was selling a men's "metal cuff" bracelet that they thought looked like "slave shackles."
People began to share images of the product on December 11.
https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/940313720009510913?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
@american_eagle I saw this "bracelet" in and think you need to revisit this. I would never wear this due to the obvious slavery connection. I hope you do the right thing and remove this from your stores. Please retweet your support. #SlavesNoMorepic.twitter.com/aShkem9szx
American Eagle apologized for the product on Twitter on December 12. The retailer released the same statement to INSIDER on December 19. "We've heard and understand the concerns about the bracelet. We apologize and have removed the product from our stores and website," a representative for the retailer said.
Although the bracelet is no longer for sale online, some people say they have spotted it in stores.
On December 18, Twitter user Donna L. Johnson claimed that she found the item in an American Eagle outlet store in Fort Worth, Texas.
https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/942944181248581632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
@AEO look what I found at the American Eagle outlet in Fort Worth Tanger Outlet store and the fact that the Manager was clueless, and when the associate asked her why it was pulled she said ,"Shhhh we'll discuss it later", as if it was a dirty lol secret... pic.twitter.com/I2jsXxTdyr
When asked about Johnson's claims, the retailer said the following in a statement to INSIDER: "It has been communicated to stores and we will follow up with the store mentioned in the tweet to ensure that the item is removed."
Kendall and Kylie Jenner are in hot water again for plastering their faces over musical icons to sell T-shirts.
https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/880203429779341312
Kendall and Kylie are trash for so many things... but this... this is straight disrespectful, and they're selling them for $125 each 🤦🏻♂️ pic.twitter.com/W50WqHUpRw
After complaints from music fans, Kendall and Kylie Jenner pulled a range of controversial T-shirts from their site. The shirts — which debuted on June 28 and were taken off sale on June 29 — showed the sisters' faces superimposed over several famous musicians, including Tupac, Notorious B.I.G., and The Doors.
The Jenners issued a statement apologizing for causing offense after receiving criticism from music fans and allegations of cultural appropriation.
They were even met with threats of legal action. The Doors' estate reportedly threatened to sue the Jenners, issuing a cease and desist letter that claims one of the T-shirts in the range — which shows a selfie of Kendall over an image of Jim Morrison and The Doors logo — tarnishes the band's trademark.
After receiving flack from the military community, Forever 21 pulled gray shirt-dresses that were designed to look like army training gear.
https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/857718946878947330
Forever 21 made the Army PT shirt into a 'graphic tee' pic.twitter.com/UhmfAGzc77
In early May Revelist reported that alternate camouflage designs are still available for purchase online and in stores.
See the rest of the story at Business Insider