Made in USA Holiday Guide

Did you know - only 2% of all clothing sold in the USA, is made in the USA? The vast majority of apparel in the US is from low quality, fast fashion brands importing cheap goods from overseas. Hundreds of millions of tons of this clothing will be bought, sold, and end up in the landfill by this time next year. When shopping is on the mind, we believe less is more. Give something that has weight, something they will hang onto for years to come, something with a story behind it - rather than a simple throwaway graphic tee that gets lost in the fold.

American Labor

Existing as a made in USA brand in today’s world is a challenge from the bottom to the top. Everything from the materials to production is more expensive, more involved, and more difficult than simply importing bulk goods from overseas. At the end of the day, the added costs are a result of livable wages and safe working environments for the many hands throughout the supply chain. When purchasing an American made product, you are directly supporting the livelihoods of American laborers, and companies driven to maintain domestic production. Throughout the 1990’s and early 2000’s, nearly every household name brand across many industries moved production overseas, resulting in devastating economic losses in towns and cities that revolved around the textile mill, automotive factory, and more. Companies like us that remain 100% made in USA create and maintain American jobs, with the entirety of our economic impact staying here at home. 

Made in USA Quality

Given the high costs associated with being a made in USA brand, it makes the most sense to focus on creating a high quality product. Without speaking for anyone else, it would seem to me that most made in USA brands agree. When you think of a long standing American brand, what do you think of? Probably quality, durability, and yes, a higher price tag. Digging a little deeper, you’ll see the customers of these brands are often die-hard lovers of the product, and recognize the “buy it for life” quality that comes with the territory. 

What about the brands that left? I’m sure you can think of a few whose quality has steadily deteriorated over the last ten or twenty years. Given the competition with large brands with low prices, the made in USA crowd has largely leaned into producing higher quality products that may come at a cost, but create that sense of pride in purchasing them, and joy in owning something you know will last for years. If you’re reading this, you’re probably one of those people. 

Shop American Made

This holiday season, I implore you to consider the impact your purchases will have. Supporting American brands this year supports small businesses and all the people who keep them running. Regular, everyday people - not the marketing departments of multi billion dollar corporations. Not only will your order make the day of whoever you buy from, but it will likely make the day of whoever receives it. Or, you know, just get yourself something nice. 

Brands We Love

Tops:

Gitman Bros (Dress Shirts and Ties)

Vermont Flannel Co. (Everything flannel)

American Trench (Sweaters, Jackets)

LC King (Coats, Overalls)

Pants:

Jack Donnelly (Khakis, Chinos)

Raleigh Denim (Jeans)

Other

Nick’s Handmade Boots (Boots)

Benchmade Knives (Knives)

Darn Tough (Socks)

Smithey Ironware (Cast Iron Cookware)