Sydney Sweeney has partnered once more with American Eagle for a summer campaign, following a previous ad that stirred controversy.
The 28-year-old actress, known for her role in Euphoria, is featured in the brand’s “Syd for Short: American Eagle Jean Shorts” campaign, which debuted on Wednesday, April 15. Sweeney appears in the campaign wearing blue denim cutoffs paired with a white blouse draped off her shoulder.
In another image, she dons light-wash shorts with a frayed hem, complementing them with a simple white tee. Her radiant skin and soft makeup, including pink lips, long lashes, and a hint of highlighter, are on display as she smiles for the camera. Her blonde bob is styled in loose waves, adding to the beachy vibe.
In another part of the ad, Sweeney is seen in a blue crochet top, posing on a sandy set, giving a glimpse of her skin.
Additionally, Sweeney stars in a campaign video wearing a denim crop top tied at the waist with long shorts.
“What brand am I wearing?” Sweeney playfully asks while posing against a blue sky backdrop. The video then showcases her dancing and modeling various outfits, highlighting the shorts’ versatility.
“Yeah, that one,” she adds with a laugh. “American Eagle jean shorts.”
In a press release, Sweeney expressed that “there’s something timeless about a great pair of jean shorts.”
“They’re simple, but they make you feel confident and put-together without trying too hard,” she elaborated.
Sweeney further discussed the brand’s initiative to create custom styles that give 100 percent of net proceeds to the Crisis Text Line, offering support to those in need.
The actress shared, “Crisis Text Line, a cause so close to my heart, has been a part of this partnership from the beginning. I love knowing that when everyone wears these pieces, they are also a part of something meaningful, that directly helps people who need it.” Fans can purchase the Syd Jen and Syd Short, which support the mental health crisis line, at AE.com.
This second campaign follows Sweeney’s initial ad with American Eagle, which faced backlash for its emphasis on her “great jeans” and her appearance, leading to some comparisons to white supremacy and eugenics in August 2025.
In response to the criticism, American Eagle stated on social media, “‘Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans’ is and always was about the jeans. Her jeans. Her story. We’ll continue to celebrate how everyone wears their AE jeans with confidence, their way. Great jeans look good on everyone.”
Sweeney later reflected on the campaign’s reception, telling GQ in November 2025, “I did a jean ad.”
“I mean, the reaction definitely was a surprise, but I love jeans,” she added. “All I wear are jeans. I’m literally in jeans and a T-shirt every day of my life.”
