Aerie’s Body Positive Male Underwear Campaign Was Just a Prank

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In a surprising twist, Aerie’s new body positive underwear campaign for men turned out to be nothing more than an elaborate April Fool’s Day joke. Traditionally, underwear ads feature flawless models with perfect physiques, but Aerie aimed to break that mold by showcasing a variety of average-looking men, proudly flaunting their bodies. Many were excited at the prospect of seeing regular guys celebrated in a campaign, as it was a refreshing change from the typical portrayal.

However, much to the dismay of many, the AerieMan campaign was merely a publicity stunt that kicked off on March 24. It seems Aerie’s intention was to grab attention rather than genuinely promote body positivity for men. The company had previously gained a reputation for promoting inclusivity by featuring women of all shapes and sizes in their advertisements, making the fake campaign seem plausible.

The launch included quirky videos showcasing men embracing their bodies without any digital alterations, and while the campaign was met with enthusiasm, the backlash was swift when people realized it was a joke. The reaction was particularly intense on social media, as users expressed their outrage, questioning why such humor was acceptable for men when it would have sparked outrage if aimed at women.

Chad Kessler, Aerie’s Global Brand President, stated that they seek to engage their customers in bold ways, but this attempt missed the mark. It raised eyebrows as to why they did not seize the opportunity to turn this campaign into a genuine initiative for body positivity among men. After all, their previous campaigns targeting women had shown that promoting body acceptance could boost sales.

To add insult to injury, Aerie donated $25,000 to the National Eating Disorders Association, which seemed like a half-hearted attempt at reconciliation. Body positivity is an important matter for everyone, and many felt let down by the prank. Aerie had the chance to make a significant impact but instead chose to use a serious issue as fodder for a joke.

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In summary, Aerie’s attempt at humor through their male underwear campaign backfired, causing disappointment among those advocating for body positivity. Their failure to recognize the potential for a genuine initiative left many feeling frustrated.