Dov Charney is a Canadian-American entrepreneur best known for founding American Apparel, a clothing brand recognized for its minimalist designs, ethical manufacturing, and bold advertising. Born in 1969, Charney built one of the largest vertically integrated apparel companies in the U.S. but became a controversial figure due to multiple allegations of sexual misconduct and workplace issues. After his departure from American Apparel in 2014, he went on to establish Los Angeles Apparel, continuing his commitment to domestic garment production.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Dov Charney |
| Date of Birth | January 31, 1969 |
| Place of Birth | Montreal, Quebec, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian-American |
| Partner | Not publicly disclosed |
| Children | None publicly known |
| Occupations | Entrepreneur, Founder & CEO of American Apparel (former), Founder & CEO of Los Angeles Apparel |
| Net Worth | Estimated around $500,000 (as of 2024–2025) |
Early Life and Education
Born on January 31, 1969, in Montreal, Quebec, Dov Charney grew up in a Jewish family; his father was an architect and his mother a visual artist of Syrian-Jewish descent. His parents divorced during his childhood.
Charney was diagnosed with ADD and dyslexia, which impacted his schooling. He attended prestigious private schools such as Choate Rosemary Hall in Connecticut and St. George’s School in Montreal.
He briefly enrolled at Tufts University in Boston but left in 1990 to pursue his entrepreneurial ambitions.
Career
Charney launched American Apparel in the late 1980s, initially selling basic T-shirts while still a student.
In the 1990s, he moved production to Los Angeles, focusing on ethical labor practices and local manufacturing. The brand quickly expanded, known for its vertically integrated supply chain, simple styles, and provocative marketing.
By the early 2010s, American Apparel operated hundreds of stores globally and generated revenues exceeding $500 million.
In 2014, Charney was dismissed from American Apparel amid allegations of sexual harassment and misuse of company resources.
Undeterred, he founded Los Angeles Apparel in 2016, which specializes in producing basic garments domestically. The company has grown steadily and collaborated with artists like Kanye West for his Yeezy line.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Los Angeles Apparel faced operational challenges, including a temporary closure after a significant number of employees contracted the virus.
As of 2025, Charney continues to lead the company and plans to open a flagship store in New York City.
Personal Life
Charney maintains a relatively private personal life. He was raised with strong ties to his Jewish heritage and Montreal upbringing. There is limited public information regarding his marital status or family.
Controversies
Charney’s career has been overshadowed by controversies, particularly allegations of sexual harassment and inappropriate conduct in the workplace.
These accusations led to his removal from American Apparel in 2014, with the company citing violations of sexual harassment and anti-discrimination policies.
His provocative advertising and management approach also attracted criticism. His story and the company’s rise and fall have been documented in films such as Netflix’s Trainwreck: The Cult of American Apparel.
Net Worth
Dov Charney’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $50 million, reflecting his success with American Apparel and ongoing ventures like Los Angeles Apparel. Despite facing legal and financial hurdles, he remains a notable figure in the apparel manufacturing industry.