
Call it what you will – protectionism, nationalism, or even a kind of precious sentimentality; all we know is that we love American made goods. From where we stand as consumers, it simply feels better knowing that the folks in charge of running a company and designing their clothes are also directly connected to the process of building those products.
Unfortunately, not a whole lot of clothing companies operate this way. Simply put, it’s just easier for big brands to outsource the production of the clothing to countries with a lower cost of labor and a better manufacturing infrastructure. And honestly – we get it. It sucks that this is the way the global economy works, but it’s not necessarily something we’d hold against any brand. That being said, we do feel like it’s necessary to shine a light on some of the great stuff being done by the few men’s clothing brands that do still make their goods here in the states. So if you’re curious about the best American made clothing brands, look no further.
American Giant
Simply put, labor is more expensive here in the U.S. As a result – many of the picks you’ll find on this list tend to trend towards the pricier end of the spectrum. For some folks, that isn’t a big deal – but for others, high prices can lock them out of the market. Thankfully, there are brands out there like American Giant that are offering up quality apparel at an affordable price. Located in San Francisco, the clothing company has set itself apart due to its ability to offer up quality-made men’s basics for a reasonable price. Shorts, outerwear, great tees – you name it, they’ve got it.
Est: 2011
Location: San Francisco, CA
Known For: Men’s Basics
Baldwin
A little less than a decade ago, designers Matt and Emily Baldwin noticed that their customers were increasingly asking for American-born workwear. Yet, when they started looking for things to stock, the couple simply couldn’t find much. Rather than wait for someone else to satisfy their customer’s demands, Matt started his own denim brand. Designed in Kansas City and built right here in the States, Baldwin is now ranked among the best menswear brands out there.
Est: 2009
Location: Kansas City, KS
Known For: Denim
Beyond
Some choose to produce their clothing in the states out of a sense of patriotism. Others out of a sense of necessity. Seattle-based outdoor clothing company Beyond chose to manufacture their clothing right here in the U.S. for a combination of those reasons. Not only does having their factories right here promote American labor, but it allows the technically focused apparel company to audit the quality of their products in real time – ensuring that you get the best of the best right out of the gate.
Est: 2012
Location: Seattle, WA
Known For: Outdoor/Tactical Gear
Bill’s Khakis
Quality never goes out of style. That is something the founder of Bill’s Khakis realized when, in college, he came across an old pair of khakis from the 1940s. They were like nothing he had ever seen before – comfortable, durable, and well made. Bills Khakis was created in an attempt to replicate this type of clothing. Of course, an integral part of all of this is building everything here in the states.
Est: 1990
Location: Reading, PA
Known For: Menswear
Birdwell Beach Britches
Birdwell Beach Britches aren’t a Southern-Californian staple for nothing. Made by hand right here in the U.S., these two-ply board shorts are sturdy enough to stand up to years worth of lazy days on the beach or out on the surfboard. The business itself, originally started as a family venture, has itself been based out of Santa Ana for over 50 years. We can’t imagine it going anywhere.
Est: 1961
Location: Santa Ana, CA
Known For: Beach Wear
Brooks Brothers
Ok – let us just get ahead on this one. Not all of Brooks Brother’s clothing is made in the U.S., but according to Forbes, around 70 percent of their suits, 10 percent of their dress shirts, and 100 percent of their ties are made in the Northeastern part of the U.S. Given the brand’s size and prominence (they’ve been around since 1818), we find this pretty impressive.
Est: 1818
Location: NYC, NY
Known For: Formal wear
Buck Mason
Started in 2013 with quality in mind, Buck Mason has quickly established themselves as among the coolest men’s basics brands out there. All of their jackets, jeans, and t-shirts are made not far from their original studio in Venice, California – making it easier for the team to get the best fabrics for their clothing. A great pick for guys looking to build out their everyday or casual clothing.
Est: 2013
Location: Venice Beach, CA
Known For: Men’s Basics
Ebbets Field Flannels
Named after the iconic ball-park in Brooklyn, Ebbets Field Flannels specialized in building out vintage baseball jerseys and caps. More than just re-using old designs, the Seattle, Washington based company uses old-school cuts and fabrics to give everything that extra authentic feel. Ideal for the guy looking to get some sportswear but doesn’t exactly embrace the New Era look.
Est: 1988
Location: Seattle, WA
Known For: Sportswear
Freemans Sporting Club
There was a period in time when just about any item of clothing was expected to last a long, long time. Freeman’s Sporting Club was started in an attempt to continue that tradition of building out quality menswear that will outlast its peers. They’ve been successful in accomplishing this, in part, because they are sure to use American tailors and sewers. When ever piece of clothing is ‘only a few hands removed’ from the original maker – that is just the type of quality you get.
Est: 2005
Location: NYC, NY
Known For: Outerwear/Formal
Freenote Cloth
You can often tell a lot about a person by where they’re from. The same applies to companies. Based out of the San Juan Capistrano, Freenote Cloth embodies the same rancho aesthetic that their hometown has retained since its founding. Outside of having a distinct style, Freenote is also known for attention to detail. The fabrics, dye, and hardware used on all of their clothing is considered and intentional.
Est: 2013
Location: San Juan Capistrano, CA
Known For: Denim
Filson
In much the same way that Levi’s got its start during the Gold Rush in Calfiornia, Filson earned its name outfitting fortune-seekers during the Klondike Gold Rush in 1897. But C.C. Filson didn’t stop when the gold was all dug up. From the late 1800s on Filson has continued to provide tough, durable goods made right here in the states because sometimes, the old way is the right way.
Est: 1897
Location: Seattle, WA
Known For: Outdoor Gear
Grown and Sewn
Robert Wesley Magness built his career the old fashioned way; from the ground up. His first position in the men’s fashion world was working at Ralph Lauren’s shipping and receiving department in Texas. Eventually he found himself living in New York working as the Design Director at Polo Ralph Lauren. After a decade plus at the company he decided to start his own menswear label dedicated to building quality men’s clothing crafted in the U.S.
Est: 2009
Location: NYC, NY
Known For: Menswear
Imogene and Willie
While most brands will trace their heritage back to the year they began, imogene and willie peg the start of their business to a pool party when they met in the 6th grade. The friendship they founded would endure decades, distance, and failed businesses. It wasn’t until 2009 that they started imogene and willie, a brand that expresses a love for the textures, sounds, and smells of Texas. While they specialize in denim, the brand boasts classic tees, denim jackets, and more – all built in the States.
Est: 2009
Location: Nashville, TN
Known For: Denim
Iron and Resin
With one foot proudly in both the world of surfing and the other firmly planted motorcycle culture – Iron and Resin is a near-perfect embodiment of California’s free-spirited attitude. Rather than relying on far-away factories to produce their goods, they elected to build a good portion of their clothing right here in the states.
Est: 2012
Location: Ventura, CA
Known For: Surf/Motorcycle
Jean Shop
Founded in 2004 by Eric Goldstein, Gene Montesano, and Barry Perlman, Jean Shop has long been the go-to brand when it comes to quality, American-made denim. While the shop no longer exclusively source their materials from the states, they’re still a fantastic resource when it comes to picking denim jeans, jackets, and work shirts.
Est: 2004
Location: NYC, NY
Known For: Denim
Mollusk Surf
Classic, understated beachwear made right here in the states is downright rare. One of the out there still doing it, however, is Mollusk. The Californian brand has all of their clothing (board shorts, sweatshirts, shirts, and more) designed up in Oakland and built in either Oakland or Los Angeles. They’re simple, attractive, and made to last.
Est: 2005
Location: San Francisco, CA
Known For: Beach Wear
Rising Sun
If you are looking for solid, American made denim – then Rising Sun jeans are well worth your consideration. The Los Angeles-based brand embraces an old-time west aesthetic while putting a serious emphasis on quality built tried and tested gear. Built right here in the states, they’re ideal for everyday wear.
Est: 2006
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Known For: Denim
Taylor Stitch
Started with the simple goal of creating a well fitting shirt, Taylor Stitch has grown into a brand to contend with. Trafficking primarily in classic menswear (although they’ve recently started producing women’s clothing), they design all of their clothing in California, and manufacture a good deal here in the states as well.
Est: 2008
Location: San Francisco, CA
Known For: Menswear
Topo Designs
While a lot of American-made menswear brands opt for a heritage look, others like Topo have decided instead to forge ahead with their own style. That, in large part, is why we love them. They’re not your father’s outdoor gear company – but they’re just as capable, comfortable, and stylish.
Est: 2008
Location: Denver, CO
Known For: Outdoor Gear
Woolrich
This brand is so old it literally predates the buffalo-check shirt. Founded in 1830 in Plum Run, Pennsylvania, Woolwich has made a name for themselves by making quality cold-weather wear. While not all of their clothing is still made in the U.S., they have a dedicated section of their shop where you can pick up their American-made products.
Est: 1830
Location: Woolrich, PA
Known For: Outdoor Clothing
12 Best American Made Work Boots
There are a whole lot of great American made brands out there. Some of our favorites fall into the category of boot-makers. Take a look at what we think are the 12 best American made work boots out there.