In the topsy-turvy world of advertising, where brands juggle social issues and their profit margins, it seems American Eagle has struck gold—or, perhaps it’s denim—with Sydney Sweeney at the helm. With an ad campaign that unabashedly embraces the classic allure of appealing visuals, American Eagle has turned heads. This marketing move is so refreshing, it practically sparkles, reminding people of the timeless adage: if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

On the flip side, there’s Lululemon, taking a different route with a body positivity campaign. It appears that while Lululemon was busy preaching, American Eagle was banking on what people actually wear their jeans for—style and comfort rather than a lecture on body politics. It seems that American Eagle has figured out a secret ingredient that evades so many: authenticity.

Sydney Sweeney’s denim campaign is part of American Eagle’s efforts to celebrate their denim heritage. This campaign has been positioned as the Fall ’25 campaign titled “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans.”

While other brands may scramble to create ads drenched in social commentary, American Eagle has appeared to tap into something more universal: an appeal to classic Americana. Consumers seem to be responding with enthusiasm, making it clear that sometimes a simple message resonates louder than flashy trends or controversy. The American Eagle example shows that sometimes consumers want a product they can trust without being lectured or drawn into a social debate.

Of course, this fresh approach of sticking to what works and staying apolitical is a draw for large swaths of the market looking for relief from the constant churn of divisive marketing. In the end, perhaps the lesson is revealed through Sydney Sweeney’s sparkling smile from billboards across America: authenticity wins. Much like a classic pair of jeans, it’s something people are always looking for—comfortable, reliable, and always in style.