15 Ways to Rock ‘Made in the USA’
Rocking entirely red, white and blue looks might only be appropriate for July 4th celebrations, Labor Day barbeques, and America themed parties, but wearing American-made never goes out of style. Since we love all things homemade at Brit + Co., we decided to put together a list of our favorite companies making beautiful clothes, accessories and more in this beautiful homeland of ours so now you can rock some American pride every season.
1. Everlane: The San Francisco-based online retailer is my go-to for beautiful, affordable basics. The company makes all their T-shirts in Los Angeles factories and the supima cotton they use for their women’s products in grown in the states. And because Everlane’s business is entirely online—minus the occasional popup shop—they don’t have to substitute quality for price. Not everything Everlane produces is American-made, but the company has been incredibly transparent about the origin of their new leather products, sharing photos from their travels to the leather capital of Spain with their thousands of Instagram followers. Our pick: the Women’s V White Tee, $15.
2. Bonobos: Stylish men of America, if you have yet to discover Bonobos then you might not be as stylish as you thought. (Okay, that was probably unfair, but it is something you need to know about.) Bonobos has been delivering its Philadelphia-made signature line of men’s pants since 2007, making them one of the first major brands built entirely on the web. Bonobos’ pants, shirts, suits, and more are available offline as well, thanks to Bonobos Guideshops and a distribution partnership with Nordstrom. Their fit is much loved, particularly for those who like to tout a “made in America” tag. Our pick: Grammercy Twills in Navy, $148.
3. American Giant: The “greatest hoodie ever made” also happens to be USA-made. From seed to sewn, American Giant’s hoodies, sweatpants, tees and tanks are all-American. If you’re looking for the perfect heavy hoodie for this fall or winter, look no further. Our pick: Women’s Midweight Full Zip Hooded Sweatshirt, $79.
4. Pickwick & Weller: The Ashton Kutcher-backed T-shirt company is proud to manufacture their high-quality tees in the U.S. As the swoon-worthy actor-turned-entrepreneur told Elle earlier this year, quality is an American value: “we build our technology in America, we sell our product in America, and we make our product in America. I think the quality of our product and brand reflects the spirit of America through and through. Our consumers don’t cut corners and neither do we.” Our pic: The Nouvel in Navy, $79.
5. Taylor Stitch: Taylor Stitch, a San Francisco retailer specializing in oxfords and utility shirts, started their business by partnering with a family business that has been manufacturing custom shirts in the U.S. for over 85 years. The company has been manufacturing in California ever since. If you’re looking for fitted, modern shirts sign up for their newsletter to hear about their weekly new collections. Our pick: Everyday Oxford, $98.
6. Left Field: Brooklyn-born Left Field’s mission is to make quality, American clothing that your grandfather would be proud of. Their men’s jeans, pants and shirts are just that. Inspired by the craftsmanship and detail of founder Christian McCann’s childhood trips to flea markets, Left Field’s gear is tough and all-American. Our pick: Cone White Oak Greaser Jeans, $175.
7. Bluer: This denim label got their start on Kickstarter and now offers men’s and women’s jeans, shirts, jackets, and more. What’s really awesome about Portland-based Bluer is that every single part of their collection is sourced domestically. According to their site, Bluer’s jeans feature cotton grown in Georgia, denim milled at the Cone Mills White Oak facility in North Carolina, and YKK buttons, rivets, and zippers forged in Kentucky. And what’s more, they’re cut, sewn, washed and hand-finished in Los Angeles using eco-friendly processes. Our pick: Chambray Shirt, $98.
8. imogene + willie: imogene + willie is another American denim company worth checking out. Founded by a husband and wife team, the Nashville label manufactures most of their jeans right in their chic local shop. And when demand builds, they bring in other local manufacturers to boost the garment industry efforts in the south. As they explain online, “imogene + willie jeans have been, and will always be, made in the USA.” Our pick: Military Plus Tee (obviously!), $75.
9. Pierrepont Hicks: Pierrepont Hicks’ American-made ties come from another husband and wife team. What started off as a simple idea to create the perfect tie is now a full fledged Minnesota-based brand. Expanding from just ties to cases, bags, and now women’s shoes, Pierrepont Hicks promises to launch more products each season designed for life’s travels, adventures, and celebrations. Our pick: Jasper Bow Tie, $62.
10. Steven Alan: Steven Alan’s staple is the Reverse Seam Shirt, but this designer’s collection also includes American-made henleys, sweaters, dresses, and skirts. Since opening his first retail store and later the Steven Alan Showroom over a decade ago, Alan has always been known for his taste in emerging designers. Our pick: Reverse Seam Shirt, $168.
11. Clare Vivier: One of my favorite designers featured in Steven Alan’s showroom has to be Clare Vivier. Clare’s line of beautiful handbags and accessories has been made exclusively in Los Angeles since 2008. Our pick: Foldover Clutch in Caramel & Pink, $210.
12. Hanky Panky: This popular lingerie label has been sourcing the fabrics and trims and knitting their signature lacy panties in the US since Queen, Eric Clapton and Fleetwood Mac were topping the charts. Rocking Hanky Panky’s has to be the sexiest way to wear American-made. Our pick: 3 Pack Thongs, $54.
13. Second Base: Here’s another one exclusively for the ladies. Second Base’s demis and camis are designed to go over your bra and add extra coverage when you need it, and you can customize based on length, color, and neckline. They’re based in Los Angeles, but their camis are sold in over 400 boutiques nationwide and in most Neiman Marcus locations. Our pick: Jacqui Midi Tank, $48.
14. Eliza B.: These preppy sandals are the perfect American-made summer accessory. Eliza’s signature flip flops, along with her bags, belts, dog collars, and more are all manufactured in the company’s factory in her hometown of Essex, Connecticut. Our pick: Ascot Monogram Loafers, $105.
15) Frank Clegg: If you’ve been daydreaming of the perfect leather travel tote for a few years, it may be time to splurge on one of Frank Clegg’s gems. All Frank Clegg Leatherworks products are developed, designed and made in the designer’s Fall River, Massachusetts workshop. And proudly, I might add. “We also state with pride that every piece of our collection is designed and made in America,” the company’s site reads, “As a proud maker of heirloom-quality goods I have always avoided outsourcing production from our workshop and never allowed overseas production to enter my mind.” Our pick: Elyse Tote Satchel, $810.
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