A growing number of shoppers are looking for the "Made in USA" label. In fact, a 2023 survey revealed that over 60% of U.S. consumers prefer buying American-made products. This shift supports domestic jobs, ensures higher labor standards, and often results in superior quality.

Buying American-made apparel is an investment in durable craftsmanship and a stronger national economy. We'll explore the companies keeping this vital industry alive.

Heritage & Workwear

These brands built their reputations on creating tough, long-lasting apparel designed to withstand hard work and the elements.

Filson

Since 1897, Filson has equipped adventurers and laborers from its base in Seattle, Washington. The brand is a legend in durability, offering a lifetime guarantee on its products.

  • Best For: Investment-grade outerwear and rugged luggage.
  • Price Range: $150 - $700+
  • Standout Craftsmanship: Filson uses heavyweight materials like Tin Cloth waxed canvas and dense Mackinaw wool. These fabrics are known for their exceptional water resistance and abrasion protection. Many core products are still made in its Seattle factory.
  • Ethical Practices: The company focuses on creating "unfailing goods" that can be repaired rather than replaced, reducing waste and promoting a buy-it-for-life mentality.

Pointer Brand

L.C. King Manufacturing has been crafting classic American workwear under the Pointer Brand name in Bristol, Tennessee, since 1913. This family-owned business is a direct link to the golden age of U.S. manufacturing.

  • Best For: Authentic chore coats and durable denim overalls.
  • Price Range: $80 - $220
  • Standout Craftsmanship: The brand still uses many of its original production methods. It crafts no-frills, functional apparel from sturdy denim and classic hickory stripe fabrics, focusing on durability over trends.

Premium Denim

The story of blue jeans is deeply American. These brands honor that heritage by crafting high-quality denim on U.S. soil.

Raleigh Denim Workshop

Founded in Raleigh, North Carolina, this workshop is dedicated to the art of jean-making. Every pair is handcrafted by a small team of artisans who sign their work.

  • Best For: Handcrafted raw selvedge denim for enthusiasts.
  • Price Range: $235 - $450
  • Standout Craftsmanship: The workshop uses vintage chain-stitching machines and combines them with modern fits. It is famous for using denim from the now-closed Cone Mills White Oak plant, making its remaining stock highly prized by collectors.

Tellason

Tellason was established in San Francisco in 2008 with a clear goal: to make high-quality raw selvedge jeans in the city where blue jeans were born.

  • Best For: Raw denim jeans and jackets with a fully domestic supply chain.
  • Price Range: $240 - $280
  • Standout Craftsmanship: Tellason is obsessive about its sourcing. The denim, thread, buttons, and leather patches are all made in the USA, a rare commitment in today's global market. This guarantees complete control over quality and supports a network of American suppliers.

Everyday Basics

These companies prove that comfortable, high-quality basics like t-shirts and hoodies can be made ethically and competitively in America.

American Giant

American Giant shot to fame after a 2012 article called its sweatshirt the "greatest hoodie ever made." The company was founded to challenge the decline of U.S. manufacturing by producing a full line of basics for men and women.

  • Best For: Heavyweight hoodies and durable cotton t-shirts.
  • Price Range: $50 - $160
  • Standout Craftsmanship: American Giant operates its own factory in North Carolina and maintains a completely domestic supply chain. Cotton is grown in the South, spun into yarn, and sewn into garments all within the U.S.
  • Ethical Practices: By controlling its own production, the company certifies fair wages and safe working conditions for its employees.

Stylish Womenswear

These brands focus on creating fashionable and functional clothing for women, proving that style and domestic production go hand in hand.

Karen Kane

For over 40 years, Karen Kane has designed and produced comfortable, stylish womenswear in Los Angeles. It remains a family-run business with a strong focus on ethical practices.

  • Best For: Flattering dresses, versatile blouses, and comfortable knitwear.
  • Price Range: $80 - $250
  • Ethical Practices: The company is committed to responsible manufacturing in Southern California. A significant majority of its management team is female, and the brand prioritizes tracking its supply chain to ensure fair labor practices.

Athletic & Outerwear

From high-performance gear to weather-ready jackets, these brands build technical apparel designed for an active life.

Forloh

Forloh (For the Love of Hunting) creates advanced technical outdoor apparel in the United States. The company is one of the few that produces high-performance rain gear and insulated jackets entirely domestically.

  • Best For: Technical hunting and fishing apparel, waterproof rain gear.
  • Price Range: $150 - $500
  • Standout Craftsmanship: Forloh uses cutting-edge fabric technologies, like its proprietary waterproof membranes and insulation systems, all sourced and manufactured in the USA. This allows for rapid innovation and quality control.

Made-to-Order & Custom

This innovative model reduces waste and delivers a superior fit by creating garments only after an order is placed.

Todd Shelton

Operating from its factory in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Todd Shelton offers a unique made-to-order system. This approach directly counters fast fashion by creating custom-fit garments for each customer.

  • Best For: Custom-fit shirts, trousers, and jeans.
  • Price Range: $130 - $325
  • Standout Craftsmanship: Customers can use an at-home fit kit or dial in their measurements online to create clothing tailored to their body. This provides a custom-level fit at a ready-to-wear price point while eliminating inventory waste.

Tips for Shopping USA-Made

  • Look for Clear Labels: Check for phrases like "Made in USA," "Made in America," or "Assembled in USA." The FTC has strict guidelines for these claims. "Made in USA" means all or virtually all of the product was made here.
  • Verify the Origin: Do a quick search. Reputable brands are proud of their domestic production and will feature it prominently on their websites, often with details about their factories and workers.
  • Understand Fabric Sourcing: A garment can be "Made in USA" with imported fabrics. Brands like Tellason or American Giant that also use American-grown cotton or US-milled fabrics represent an even deeper commitment.
  • Care for Longevity: American-made clothing is often built to last. Follow care instructions to extend the life of your investment, which is a sustainable practice in itself.