Aéropostale
The New York mall brand built on a French aviation name. 'Compagnie Générale', then 'Designed in NYC', then 'Established 1987' wording date its tags.
- Origin
- USA
- Founded
- 1987
- Category
- Designer & Casual
- Documented eras
- 3
How Aéropostale labels evolved over time. Match the markers below against the tag in hand to place a garment in its era.
1990–1999
'Compagnie Générale' Woven Tags
Serif font on a textured ground, 'Aéropostale' centred in a rectangular border, often with 'Compagnie Générale' above, in neutral dark blues and creams on woven fabric.
- Tags from this era often feature a serif font with a slightly textured background.
- The brand name “Aéropostale” is prominently displayed, usually centered within a rectangular border.
- Some tags include the phrase “COMPAGNIE GENERALE” above the brand name, referencing the brand’s origins.
- Colors are typically neutral, with dark blues and creams being common.
- Materials used for the tags often include a woven fabric, giving a durable and somewhat rugged appearance.
How to spot it
Serif 'Aéropostale' with 'Compagnie Générale'.
Value signal
Strong; 90s Aéropostale is a sought early era.
2000–2009
'Designed in NYC' Tags
A modern shift — clean bold uppercase 'Aéropostale' in sans-serif, varied bold hues, often 'Designed in NYC', on soft fabric or printed directly.
- The tags from the 2000s show a shift towards a more modern aesthetic, with clean, bold lettering.
- “Aéropostale” is displayed in a sans-serif font, usually in uppercase, emphasizing simplicity and readability.
- Colors are varied, with a mix of bold hues like red and blue, as well as more subdued tones.
- The phrase “Designed in NYC” often appears on these tags, reflecting the brand’s connection to New York City.
- Tags are typically made from soft fabric or printed directly onto the garment, indicating a move towards comfort and modern manufacturing techniques.
How to spot it
Bold uppercase 'Aéropostale' with 'Designed in NYC'.
Value signal
Common; 2000s mall-era resale is modest.
2010–2019
'Established 1987' Minimal Tags
Minimalist design, the name in lowercase or stylised type, often 'Established 1987' or 'Nineteen Eighty Seven', a mix of woven and printed tags.
- Tags in the 2010s exhibit a minimalist design, with a focus on simplicity and brand identity.
- The brand name is often in lowercase or a stylized font, reflecting contemporary design trends.
- Tags frequently include the phrase “Established 1987,” highlighting the brand’s history.
- There is a mix of woven and printed tags, with materials leaning towards soft, comfortable fabrics.
- Some tags feature “Nineteen Eighty Seven” as a stylistic element, often paired with the size information in a bold, straightforward format.
How to spot it
'Established 1987' on a minimalist tag.
Value signal
Modern; priced on the piece.