The 20 Best American-Made Clothing Brands You Should Know

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 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 still make their goods here in the States. So if you’re curious about the best American-made clothing brands, look no further.

why American-made matters

The stereotypes of American consumerism aside, we’re known for crafting some of the most high-quality gear and apparel in the market. It’s partially what this country was founded upon in the first place, local artisans, blacksmiths, cobblers, and distillers working with what they had to build regionally-specific goods as a means to accomplish their version of the American dream. The longevity of these brands also testifies to the notion that, for the most part, quality goods built in the USA will always have a place in the homes of those who live both here and abroad.

our selection process

The diversity of brands that fit this description is as vast and unique as the American population itself. From boardshorts built for surfers of all styles to work boots; outdoor gear to pocket knives; and even sunglasses or odes to America’s pastime, these are the brands that speak to us as Americans. For these reasons, we felt it pertinent to feature some of the American-made brands that stand out in our minds – highlighting them in the process. And for this guide, we’re focusing on labels that make either all of their products or most of their products here in the States. At the very least, every brand included has roots in America and is making a concerted effort to handle the majority of its manufacturing State-side.

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 quality apparel at an affordable price. Located in San Francisco, the clothing company has set itself apart due to its ability to offer quality-made men’s basics for a reasonable price. Shorts, outerwear, great tees – you name it, they’ve got it.

American Trench

American Trench crafts retro and modern American apparel that’s designed to last and look good on everyone. The company also takes great care to highlight American manufacturing and the importance of taking pride in American-made products. They’re based in Philadelphia, and after perfecting the trench coat, they continue to make high-quality apparel that’s always manufactured here in the States, by people who take pride in their work.

Billykirk

With an eye for design and an ode to the past, Billykirk began back in 1999 as a direct result of what founders Chris and Kirk Bray believed was a necessary means to counteract the inferior “fast fashion” items that were gaining popularity. Here, they decided – and still do – to work with the finest materials to produce some of the most high-quality leather goods around. Ranging from bags to belts to valet trays and dopp kits, it’s all here and all premium.

Birdwell Beach Britches

Back in 1961, Carrie Birdwell Mann decided to take a leap of faith and transform her home into a sewing room in Southern California – effectively launching Birdwell Beach Britches. Interestingly enough, Birdwell became one of the first businesses specializing in surfwear, and her living room was one of the first surf shops. Today, they continue on in this regard offering everything from boardshorts to jackets to towels and hats – all under the Birdwell name and all surf-centric.

Bradley Mountain

Garage-built from the ground up, Bradley Mountain started as a one-man operation building one item at a time. Their owner, Tyler Axtell, was a self-taught individual who decided to take matters into his own hands in developing products he wanted for himself but wasn’t available on the market. Today, their collection consists of everything from premium bags to totes to dopp kits and various apothecaries.

Buck mason

What started as a small collaboration in Venice Beach back in 2013 has since turned into one of the more respectable men’s apparel brands out there – known mostly for their high-quality basic menswear. As a brand, Buck Mason owns up to the multi-season ethos, in which each piece of clothing is outfitted to work well with any season and last for years to come. A few months ago, Buck Mason bought an abandoned factory in Pennsylvania as part of their mission to increase American manufacturing, which means they’re serious about the values they espouse (and are actively working to make them a reality).

Ebbetts Field Flannels

As fans of America’s pastime, the never-ending search for an original wool baseball uniform led founder Jerry Cohen to discover a warehouse full of authentic baseball flannels dating from the ’40s. The rest, well, is history. Today Ebbets Field – named for the Brooklyn Dodgers stadium that once stood in Flatbush – continues to bring quality baseball flannels to the contemporary public. From hats to jackets to knitwear and sweatshirts, it’s all here for diehard fans.

Freenote Cloth

Based out of San Juan Capistrano in Southern California, Freenote Cloth believes in the importance of two things: the hardware used to manufacture quality goods and the fabric itself. It’s why, since the very beginning, Freenote founders and brothers Matt and Andrew Brodrick worked to keep their production stateside. From denim to jackets to woven and knits, they’re your one-stop shop for refined and unassuming casual clothing.

Gitman Bros.

There was a period in time when just about any item of clothing was expected to last a long, long time. Gitman Bros. was started in an attempt to continue that tradition of building out quality formal wear that will outlast its peers, and has roots dating back to the early 20th century. They’ve been successful in accomplishing this, in part, because they are sure to use American tailors and sewers. When every piece of clothing is ‘only a few hands removed’ from the original maker – that is just the type of quality you get.

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.

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.

iron and resin

As the brainchild of a handful of California surfers and motorcycle enthusiasts, Iron & Resin prides itself as a product of a “one-off” culture – building apparel and gear outfitted specifically for petrol heads and surfers alike. From vintage-inspired riding jackets and gloves to stylish t-shirts with a relaxed fit, Iron & Resin is all about quality, not quantity – where gear should be tried and true while lasting for years to come.

Left Field NYC

If you are looking for solid, American-made denim – then Left Field NYC is well worth your consideration. The New York-based brand embraces an old-time west aesthetic while putting a serious emphasis on quality, tried and tested gear. Christian McCann had nothing but a dream, a credit card, and a Jeep, and in the late ’90s, he started crafting the best denim he could. Built right here in the States, they’re ideal for everyday wear.

Los Angeles Apparel

Los Angeles Apparel is one of the largest apparel manufacturers in the US, and they take great pride in crafting high-quality basics in a sustainable way. LAA owns the entirety of its manufacturing process, sources material from domestic farmers, and is committed to creating fair-paying jobs for Americans. Los Angeles Apparel truly embodies what American-made should mean, with a sustainable business model to boot.

Mission Workshop

Mission Workshop crafts rugged backpacks, bags, and technical apparel that are always designed in San Francisco, CA. The majority of the label’s bags and apparel are made in California, Colorado, and New York, and occasionally in other factories around the world. So if you’re looking for some rugged weatherproof gear, Mission Workshop has you covered.

Randolph Engineering

Founded by a former navigator in the Royal Air Force back in 1972, Jan Waszkiewicz and Stanley Zaleski set out to build a better pair of sunglasses – a pair that would stand up to military standards. That dream, in fact, came to fruition in 1982 when they won a contract to produce the standard, uniform-issue military-spec aviator sunglasses for the U.S. Air Force. Yeah, these guys are the real deal.

Red Wing Shoes

Over a century ago, Red Wing began building multipurpose footwear for the industrial workers of the time. From here, founder Charles Beckman grew the Red Wing, Minnesota factory into something that’s become synonymous with Americana. To this day, these work boots are provided to workers in more than 100 countries – made with leather from their very own S.B. Foot Tannery.

Schott NYC

Since 1913, Schott NYC has embodied the American spirit with leather jackets, raincoats, and other classic menswear. The label has had a long history in our culture as well, with one of the brothers designing a shirt for the Air Force during WW2, and a notable presence in the punk scene of the ’70s and ’80s. Today, Schott NYC is still owned and run by the Schott family, and they still manufacture most of their clothing in the United States.

White’s Boots

Since they first opened shop back in 1853, White’s Boots has continued to manufacture quality workwear for rugged outdoor lifestyles and working men. These boots worked alongside those who built our roads and constructed our cities, and to this day, the brand remains a well-respected manufacturer of dependable work boots for the modern man.

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.

American Made Denim Brands You Should Know

If you’re looking for more USA-made clothing brands that should be on your radar, then be sure to check out our guide to the best American made denim brands on the market.