The Complete List of American Made Clothing Brands

an-infographic-showcasing-well-known-american-clo

The "Made in USA" label is a symbol of quality, ethical production, and sustainability. While many brands have shifted manufacturing overseas, several American clothing brands continue to produce domestically, offering premium craftsmanship and supporting local jobs.

But which brands still manufacture in the USA, and why has domestic production declined?

This guide covers famous American clothing brands, the state of U.S. apparel manufacturing, and why most clothing is now made overseas.


Which Clothing Brand Is Famous in the USA?

Modern streetwear and sneaker store displaying branded fashion items
Streetwear Store

The USA is home to globally recognized fashion brands, from luxury designers to iconic workwear and streetwear labels.

Top American Clothing Brands & Their Market Segments

Brand Founded Specialty
Nike 1964 Sportswear & Sneakers
Levi’s 1853 Denim & Casualwear
Ralph Lauren 1967 Luxury & Preppy Fashion
Tommy Hilfiger 1985 Classic American Style
Carhartt 1889 Workwear & Outdoor Apparel
Supreme 1994 Streetwear & Limited Edition Drops
The North Face 1966 Outdoor & Performance Gear
Patagonia 1973 Sustainable Outdoor Apparel
Brooks Brothers 1818 Classic Menswear & Business Attire

Are These Brands Manufactured in the USA?

🚫 Most of these brands manufacture overseas for cost reasons.
✅ Some brands like Carhartt & Patagonia still offer "Made in USA1" collections.

While many American brands are designed in the USA, only a few still manufacture domestically.



Is American Apparel Still Made in the USA?

Clothing warehouse with 'Made in USA' and 'Imported' apparel display
Clothing Supply Chain

American Apparel was once one of the largest USA-based clothing manufacturers, but its business model changed after bankruptcy.

The History of American Apparel

Founded in 1989 in Los Angeles, promoting ethically made USA clothing2.
Gained popularity for its sweatshop-free & locally made fashion3.
🚫 Filed for bankruptcy in 2015 and was later acquired by Gildan in 2017.
🚫 Now produces clothing in Central America, not the USA.

Are There Alternatives to American Apparel?

Los Angeles Apparel – Founded by American Apparel's original CEO, still manufacturing in the USA.
Royal Apparel – Offers organic and USA-made clothing.
Goodwear USA – Specializes in high-quality, American-made basics.

While American Apparel is no longer USA-made, many independent brands have continued the "Made in USA4" tradition.



Where Is Most of the Clothing Sold in the USA Made?

Large garment factory with workers sewing clothing for mass production
Garment Manufacturing

The majority of clothing sold in the USA is manufactured overseas, particularly in Asia.

Top Countries Manufacturing Clothing for the USA

Country Strengths
China Largest apparel producer, cost-effective labor
Bangladesh Low-cost mass production, major fast fashion supplier
Vietnam High-quality production, growing textile industry
India Sustainable fabrics, strong in cotton and embroidery
Mexico Fast shipping to the USA, competitive labor costs

Why Do Most USA Brands Manufacture Overseas?

Lower Labor Costs5 – Workers in Asia earn significantly less than in the USA.
Large-Scale Production Facilities6 – Countries like China and Bangladesh specialize in mass production.
Access to Raw Materials7 – Many fabrics and textiles are sourced from Asia, making production more efficient.

💡 Over 97% of clothing sold in the USA is imported, with China being the largest supplier.



Why Aren't Clothes Made in the USA Anymore?

Sign displaying statistics on U.S.-made clothing, labor costs, and globalization
Clothing Industry Trends

In the 1960s, 95% of clothing sold in the USA was made domestically. Today, only about 3% of apparel is made in the USA.

Key Reasons for the Decline of USA Clothing Manufacturing

Reason Impact
High Labor Costs8 U.S. wages are much higher than those in China or Bangladesh.
Globalization & Trade Agreements Free trade deals made it easier to import cheap clothing.
Automation & Efficiency Overseas Many foreign factories use advanced production methods.
Changing Consumer Behavior Fast fashion brands prioritize affordability over domestic production.

Can USA Apparel Manufacturing Make a Comeback?

Automation & Robotics9 – Reducing labor costs through smart factories.
Sustainable & Ethical Consumer Trends – Demand for "Made in USA10" and fair labor is growing.
Government Incentives – Tariffs and trade policies may encourage domestic production.

💡 USA brands that focus on premium, ethical, and sustainable fashion are more likely to succeed in domestic production.



Conclusion

While the USA was once a leader in clothing manufacturing, most production has moved overseas due to lower labor costs and large-scale efficiency. However, several American-made clothing brands still exist, providing high-quality and ethically produced garments.

Key Takeaways

Famous American brands → Nike, Levi’s, Patagonia, Carhartt, Supreme.
American Apparel no longer makes clothes in the USA, but alternatives like Los Angeles Apparel continue the tradition.
Most clothing sold in the USA is manufactured in China, Bangladesh, and Vietnam.
USA-made clothing is rare due to high labor costs, but automation and sustainability trends may bring some production back.

If you’re looking for American-made fashion, consider supporting smaller, independent brands that prioritize domestic production.


  1. Discover which brands prioritize domestic manufacturing, supporting local economies and ensuring quality. 

  2. Explore the impact and benefits of supporting ethically made clothing in the USA, promoting fair labor practices and sustainability. 

  3. Understand the importance of sweatshop-free and locally made fashion for ethical consumerism and local economies. 

  4. Discover top Made in USA clothing brands that uphold quality and ethical manufacturing standards. 

  5. Understanding the economic factors behind lower labor costs in Asia can provide insights into global manufacturing strategies and cost-saving measures. 

  6. Exploring the advantages of large-scale production facilities can help businesses understand the efficiency and scalability of manufacturing in these countries. 

  7. Learning about Asia's role in the global supply chain for fabrics and textiles can highlight the importance of geographical advantages in manufacturing. 

  8. Understanding the disparity in labor costs can provide insights into global manufacturing trends and economic policies. 

  9. Exploring the role of technology in manufacturing can reveal opportunities for cost reduction and efficiency improvements. 

  10. Learning about the advantages of domestic production can highlight the importance of supporting local industries and ethical labor practices. 

elaine zhou

Business Director-Elaine Zhou:
More than 10+ years on clothing development & producing.

elaine@fumaoclothing.com

+8613795308071

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