Made in USA Clothing Brands

From Made in America to Fast Fashion: The Sad Shift

Ever brought home a cute top or sweater, scored for cheap, only to see buttons fall off within weeks, or a hole at the armpit after two washings? Did you repair it, donate it, or just give up and (ugh) toss it?

We all have. "Easy come, easy go” is a global trend, with a stunning 60% of clothing ending up in landfills or incinerators within a year of being produced.

Clothing used to be a special purchase, selected carefully and built to last. In 1960, the typical American bought 25 apparel items a year at an average cost (in today’s dollars) of $150 per piece -- 95% of that clothing made in the USA. Today we purchase about 67 items a year at an average cost of $28. And less than 5% is USA-made.

Why the shift? Global trade trends and a turn toward low-cost overseas labor boosted big companies' profits while appealing to U.S. consumers on price. We got used to paying less and bristled at (often smaller) companies charging more for domestically produced clothing, not understanding we were trading U.S. manufacturing jobs for cheap outfits.

"What clothing brands are made in the USA?" is a question consumers are asking, and happily, American-made clothing is coming back! The biggest barrier to democratizing this trend is no surprise: the cost. Higher manufacturing costs here push prices unavoidably beyond those of non-USA-made clothing. But with a little digging we can all score stylish, non-disposable clothing that supports American workers and yields years of wear—at prices well below what high-end designer labels charge for clothing that is actually made elsewhere. This guide gives made in USA clothing lots of love, in the hope that you'll consider doing the same, next time you update your wardrobe.

20 Made in USA Clothing Brands

Below are my top 20 clothing brands that are made in the USA. And 500+ more made in USA clothing brands follow, in a comprehensive list after these 20 featured labels. Crop tops to parkas to cocktail dresses and every fashionable, functional outfit in between, you really can wear American every day.

Searching for sustainable clothing brands? You'll find some gems on this list. While USA-made and sustainable clothing brands are not necessarily synonymous, they do often overlap. A quick glance at the “About,” “Our Story,“ or of course “Sustainability” section of each brand’s website will tell you more.

Important, potentially life-changing tip for anyone on a budget for both time and money: Grab a cheap multipack of laundry nets. These can extend the life of any machine-washable piece you buy, and in my experience, they can sometimes even allow successful machine-washing of pieces designated hand-wash -- as long as you skip the dryer & air/hang dry your items instead! Trust me, you will not regret this small purchase that delivers huge benefits.

CLC by Corey Lynn Calter

“Limited edition, sewn in Los Angeles with love” is the inviting descriptor that made in America clothing designer Corey Lynn Calter uses for her firmly feminine pieces, from office-appropriate pleated skirts to playful babydoll dresses. Wanderlust infuses her prints, and rich, saturated colors are a regular feature. Some shapes are streamlined, others more fanciful. If you're a "more is more" type, rest assured this designer is not afraid to deploy ruffles, lace, tulle or sparkles when the mood hits.

Cocktail dress and wedding guest midi dress options abound. Find your ideal leopard dress here! A slinky satin slip dress plus separates are offered in a luxurious crepe-backed fabric. Better yet, an unusually robust, season-spanning sale section sets CLC above many other American-made fashion brands. Kimonos, pajama sets, rompers & sundresses mingle there with day-to-night outfits and even outerwear. If “brat green“ looks better on you than me, find at least 5 cute sale items in the close-enough-for-rock-n-roll Spring Green shade from CLC. A sexy plaid vest, pretty lace dresses and tops, an adorable horoscope-print kimono, and chic black-and-white polka dot separates are among my other sale faves for 2024. Oh, and if “sexy cargo pants” intrigue you, don’t miss the Nubia style…

For fans of Anthropologie brands, Corey Lynn Calter will not be new, but one caveat: the CLC pieces available at Anthro are often imported versions. So do read the fine print or just try to purchase directly from Calter's website, if clothing manufactured in the USA is a priority.

Tank tops, linen shirts, sundresses, wide leg pants & much more -- always in delicious colors -- are on tap at Michael Stars

1 / 2

Michael Stars

My awakening to the shrunken percentage of American made clothing came by accident at a small, well-edited shop, where I came across a display of soft cotton Ts in every gorgeous shade of the rainbow. They were by Michael Stars, made in the USA. Back home, peeking randomly at clothing labels, I was surprised how little had been made domestically. I didn’t buy a Michael Stars top that day, but soon after I picked up one that began a small collection.

In the years since my visit to that shop, this nearly 40-year-old LA brand has expanded to a wide range of separates, far beyond the original classic T. A cocktail dress, maternity dress & casual dress all in one? That’s fan-favorite Wren, among bodycon dresses in fantastic colors and comfy fabrics. Tanks come in flattering fits and vibrant colors. Find women's gauze tops plus pants and gauze dresses in a variety of lengths and sleeve styles, most in the label's double-gauze fabric that provides decent coverage without heaviness. Breezy shirt dresses and sundresses are perennials here. Satin separates are my 2024 fave. And

While clothing brands that are made in America are notoriously pricey, Michael Stars' sale prices are not so painful for USA made fashion. (Go here for my surprising, consistently good source of Stars tops at manageable prices in both basic & bolder colors.) You can also defray costs by sending gently used clothing to Thredup in exchange for Michael Stars store credit.

LACAUSA

From hipper-than-average basics to party pieces like the satiny tiered dress shown above, women's made in USA clothing from Lacausa (“the cause” in Spanish) is ethically manufactured in Los Angeles and “dedicated to transparency and giving back to our community.” Fair wages, low waste, and great charitable causes that rotate each quarter are hallmarks of this company, founded in 2013 to blend comfort and style for the modern woman who cares how and where her outfits are made.

Slip dress satin silhouettes are always on tap, with the Thea, Leia, Freya, Alma and Harmony styles offered in shades from classic charcoal, black or olive to statement-making beetroot pink or cherry red. (Bonus: These under-$100 slip dresses look costlier than they are.) Wide leg pants in appealing neutral and fun hues are on tap for 2024, from the silky athleisure style, ribbed Pali to the pleats-and-pockets Echo and Lola options. Cassidy could be the shacket of your dreams, with hidden side-seam pockets. And raw silk plus gathered sleeves have transformed what might be the world's most boring shirt style--the henley--into something pretty cool. More colors, please! And maybe some more hippie tops alongside the sleek bodysuits, turtlenecks and perfect tanks & Ts?

Scroll to Continue

What is a "LOWES #00907 - 866-483-7521 NC" Charge on My Credit Card Statement?

Should I Watch..? 'Sonic The Hedgehog 3' (2024)

A List of Dams in Punjab

Bodysuits and jumpsuits are perennial standouts. The brand's latest eco-innovations include a circular marketplace for buying and selling pre-owned Lacausa pieces--including some in new-with-tags condition--and the "Flow" collection of stretchy, sexy workout wear crafted from fabric made from recycled water bottles.

Autumn Adeigbo

If I were writing up top USA made fashion brands 10 years ago, unquestionably the #1 pick would be slow-fashion pioneers Suno. After their unfortunate shutdown in 2016, it was anyone's guess whether another American designer could match the brand's eco-luxe exuberance. Now we've got our answer: matched, yes, and maybe surpassed! Autumn Adeigbo is one of the most exciting designers producing clothing in the United States.

A poncho / duster for your cowgirl outfit is here for 2024's western styles. A jumpsuit, maxi dress or midi dress underneath with a compatible vibe completes the look. (Check out the whole latest collection for all the upscale western looks.) The chicest Pride Month dress ever might be the Bonnie. Season after season, AA brings vibrant colors, playful pattern-mixing, gorgeous tailoring, dramatic figure-flaunting shapes and luxe hair accessories -- favored by Regina Hall, Kerry Washington, Jodie Smith, Mindy Kaling and other stylish women you may have seen onscreen. A made to order clothing ethos reduces waste, and female-owned production facilities are favored.

Selected a Tory Burch fellow in 2019, Parsons-trained Adeigbo was inspired by her Nigerian mother, who made all of her clothing growing up, and launched her line with a collection of Africa-influenced dresses while working for W magazine as a fashion assistant. While most of her work is out of my price range, just browsing her website is an act of self-care ;)

Christy Dawn

This way for boho dresses! Christy Dawn dresses, of all the California varieties I’m touting here, may be the most iconically Cali. From deadstock fabrics, as in the “Paloma” dress pictured above, and eco-friendly original prints -- many born from an inspiring long-term "farm-to-closet" initiative that began with regenerating depleted land in India -- this brand crafts lovely frocks that wouldn’t look out of place at a Laurel Canyon party circa 1968. My dress came with a prepaid label for sending gently worn items from my closet to ThredUp. There they can find new homes and earn store credit on a Christy Dawn purchase -- just as they can through ThredUp's partnership with Michael Stars, mentioned above. (Here's the link for trading items for Christy Dawn credit.)

Maxi dresses for short women can be hard to find. Hemming can be costly, and unsightly for some styles. So the launch of Christy Dawn Petites helped those of us 5'4" and under. I landed in that section of the web shop to exchange my credit for selling -- get this -- 28 neglected items from my closet to Thredup for just one Christy Dawn dress, the "Brooklyn" style pictured above. (Worth it? Absolutely!) Another resale option: The label's own Christy Dawn Regenerates, launched in spring 2024. Great summer dresses and jumpsuits are highlights.

Important note: Christy Dawn dresses are increasingly constructed in India, through the aforementioned restorative farming collaboration. Some style-pattern combos are still USA made, though, as of summer 2024. Try the Dawn floral wrap dress -- or wrap adjacent, more accurately -- in the Sun Spray, Calico Chamomile or Garden Party pattern.

ZWD slow fashion: the all-over reroll jogger is part of a fabulous athleisure collection. Denim jackets and limited-run looks are amazing too.

1 / 2

Zero Waste Daniel

This made in the USA clothing label lets us look good while doing good. As a young sweater designer, Brooklyn’s Daniel Silverstein was devastated by the waste involved in bringing his designs to life. He began rescuing pre-consumer fabric scraps, then “re-rolling” them into superfun one-of-a-kind, hoodies, sweatshirts, Ts, tank dresses, and joggers -- like the gray side-stripe pair (pictured above, along with a pink patchwork jogger in ZWD's "all-over reroll" style) that I rewarded myself with for wearing my kid’s hand-me-down Old Navy sweatpants until they fell apart! My Zero Waste Daniel joggers fit great, feel great, and even have deep pockets, unlike so many brands.

(Tip: ZWD pieces lack care-instruction labels, so it’s up to the wearer to figure out what works best for the fabrics used in each one-of-a-kind piece. For instance, hang-drying after a wash works great for my pink joggers, but for the red ones I scored on sale for holiday wear, the hang-dry stretched out one leg…so I now tumble-dry the red on low, in a lingerie bag.)

Zero trash, zero garbage, zero waste - whatever you call the mission, nowhere is it more exuberantly expressed. Zero Waste Daniel’s unisex-sized pieces come in hues from neutral to bright for tonal — black tee here I come! — to maximalist looks. Adorable scrunchies, bandanas and totes are often available too. One new section offers preloved items at deep discounts, while another features incredible sweatshirts based on iconic paintings by Vermeer, Van Gogh, Munch and more. Watch the website for limited-edition rainbow Ts and shorts, mixed-print Christmas sweatshirts and other treats. To learn more about Daniel's process, check out this CNN clip.

Correll Correll

Started in Berlin, 2006, by identical twin sisters Daphne and Vera Correll, this wonderful label employs gorgeous saturated color and textile appliques, based largely on their self-professed “lifelong collective play with circles, squares and triangles.” A love of geometry infuses their online shop from start to finish, but above all their signature items: soft cotton Ts and sweatshirts centered around single, shimmering silk-blend velvet circles and squares. When moths eviscerated my sweaters and I vowed to start swapping them out gradually for moth-unfriendly sweatshirts special enough to stand in for sweaters, Correll Correll was my first stop. The cost of these unique velvet tops is no joke, but watch closely for sales, like the one that brought me the purple beauty shown above. Recent color choices include turmeric, aubergine, olive, sage, brick, ochre, lapis, aqua and sand for the brand's iconic velvet-circle design in sweatshirt, hoodie and T formats. Not a black t shirt obsessive, I do love CCs black-velvet-on-black version.

Silk screen t shirts are a great addition to the line, especially in go-with-anything black and white. Embroidery, patchwork and shibori round out the Corrells' commitment to high tee art.

Linen dresses featuring -- you guessed it -- geometric color blocking are also on offer for summer. See if your body temperature doesn't drop a degree or two just looking at these crisp, comfy pieces.

Amour Vert

Cargo pants to cocktail dresses, Amour Vert has got what you need. "We are future vintage" is a slogan for this San Francisco based company that creates, in limited quantities to reduce waste, effortlessly stylish pieces you can plan on handing down to a loved one in 20 years or so, once you've thoroughly enjoyed them yourself. Recognizing that more than half of clothing's environmental impact comes from fiber and fabric manufacturing, Amour Vert (French for "green love") works directly with mills to produce its signature sustainable fabrics. I love my Amour Vert camp shirt and ruffled top, both in a rich cottonseed cupro fabric that looks and feels just like silk charmeuse but is much easier to care for.

Seersucker, beltbags, washable silk -- it's all here. Look for the fan-favorite Renata blouse in several new prints, the chic Everley jumpsuit, and Berkeley striped tee in perfect neutrals. Under "classy wedding guest clothes," see AV's Puff Sleeve Crepe, Viscose Crepe Slip and pleated Cambria dresses. A washable silk slip dress under a soft, fuzzy sweater is a perfect sale pick for venturing out to winter parties. The site conveniently offers American made jeans from AGOLDE as well. Of the made in America clothing brands at work today, Amour Vert may be the closest to a one-stop-shop for both work and play. An exciting new development is ReAmour, a well-stocked space for buying and selling gently used and new-with-tags Amour Vert pieces online.

Fe Noel

Mostly too luxe for me personally to go beyond coveting, this terrific eponymous label has been spotted on Beyonce, Gabrielle Union and Michelle Obama, profiled on Oprah’s OWN network, and collaborated with Lebron James and Nike on a fabulous shoe design. Flowing from the vibrant creativity (and admirable work ethic) of Brooklyn-based, first-generation American designer Noel — whose family comes from Grenada — the brand marries proud Caribbean influences with sexy silhouettes.

Flowy sheer trousers, dramatically ruched crop tops and stretch bodysuits come in gorgeous color palettes. Stunning kimonos are almost fit for a black-tie event! I thought I hated mesh, but the way Noel pairs warm neutral mesh pieces with richly hued gradients is super cool. Check out the luxury swimwear line too, including a fabulous square-neck, short-sleeve crop top, so flattering with the matching brief. A dramatic puff sleeve swimsuit will stand out as well, on any beach. Fancy a graphic tee you can swim in? Grab a fun FN swim tee for extra UV protection. Hot tip: if you loved the 2023 Fe Noel for Target collection, which captured the designer's spirit at an accessible price point, search your fave thrift online store for her domestically produced main line; you never know what bargains await.

Black Owned Clothing Brands

Other black owned clothing brands / black fashion designers making their goods in the USA, besides Fe Noel and Autumn Adeigbo in this top 20 list, include LaQuan Smith, The Oula Company, Sergio Hudson, Sukeina, House of Aama, Kimberly Goldson, Frederick Anderson, Phlemuns, Undra Celeste, Sammy B., Paskho, Aliya Wanek, Island Tribe, Muehleder, Grant BLVD, Lurelly, Zelie for She, Theophilio, Rielli and Come Back As A Flower. Scroll down to my long bulleted list for slightly more detail.

Curator SF

Among sustainable clothing brands, Curator SF is a pioneer. Started nearly two decades ago by longtime friends Deirdre Nagayama & Stacy Rodgers, Curator makes small-batch fashion entirely in the Bay Area. The mission has always been to create cherished closet favorites that are easy to care for and feel great through an active day. Not a plus size clothing brand specifically, this label is size inclusive, offering 4XL to XS options. (With very different body types themselves, the two designers test and retest every detail to make sure diversely proportioned clients all feel powerful, comfortable and happy wearing their clothes.)

The fabulous Work Shirt is what drew me to this label. (You must feel the nubby cotton fabric to believe it -- a dream!) But their wide leg pants --e.g., the Larkin style, or my favorite the Cadence -- are just as good. Their tops in stripes and solids appeal to all ages, not just the uber-young. Breezy dresses are perfect for summer and will layer well for colder months.

Prices are fair for the quality, and a new Preloved section of the website ups the affordability factor. Note: The lovely knitwear is made in Peru, seemingly a favorite spot for otherwise-made-in-USA clothing brands to secure their sweaters.

Only Hearts

I thought Michael Stars would be the O.G. of this made-in-America clothing list, but it turns out Helena Stuart launched Only Hearts way back in 1978! To say this label targeted to "the shameless romantic" is the sexiest on the list is an understatement. (Especially the Coucou Lola dotted-swiss line -- whoa.) Bloomers to bralettes to bodysuits, there's something here within your comfort zone to make you feel fantastic.

Bringing indoor clothing – lingerie, that is – to the outside world has been a mission since the get-go. Kimonos are pretty enough to wear out, as dusters. Tube tops get a classy makeover in the Second Skins fabrication. All-cotton pajama sets suit even sensitive skin. And I‘m partial to the stretch tulle pieces -- currently available in cute floral and ombre motifs as well as classic solids -- but Only Hearts has something for everyone. The ruffled-neck black mesh top (above) that I layer under jumpers -- the newer "purl-edge" one is even cuter -- is one of the more conservative items in their collection of wearable confections “ethically manufactured in New York City using local, deadstock, organic, recycled and certified made in green textiles.” A black sequin top under a blazer is perfect for the cool jazz-club look that's big for 2024, and I haven't seen a better example than the Only Hearts Shine On bodysuit. If you've ever wondered, "Can a nap dress be sexy?,” this label provides an unexpected answer with its keyhole version. The Kingston is a bodycon skirt in a vibrant Missoni-esque knit, with tops to match. And a white slip dress that stands out from the pack is the Lazy Mayzie, with lovely original artwork up top. If Christmas lingerie appeals, an adorable flannel bra, thong and corset are here for you.

You may have seen Only Hearts attire on Cardi B, Bella Hadid, Charlize Theron or Jennifer Aniston – but, says the shop, “mostly we’re interested in girls like you.” Aww!

Jumpsuits, midi dresses, work pants & more express Caron Callahan's boy-meets-girl aesthetic.

1 / 1

Caron Callahan

Marrying femininity and function, Brooklyn-based Caron Callahan makes outfits for "women who love beautiful clothes but don't need to make a fuss about them." Her background includes stints with Barneys' private label, Tracy Feith, Derek Lam and Steven Alan. Many newer Brooklyn labels seem inspired by her but lack her panache and/or her understanding of how the body works and moves. To me, Caron Callahan is the ultimate boy-meets-girl-vibe designer, and I hope that never changes!

Jumpsuits / flight suits are ever-popular, with six different styles on offer as of spring 2024. Wide leg pants, flared pants and stylish shorts come in great colors and patterns. Bralettes to feminized oxford shirts, there's a flattering top for most. Midi dresses, shirt dresses, blazers round out the mix. The Krasner chore jacket is a beloved, ahead-of-its-time favorite. Or pick a cute vest or trench to throw on over the cute separates. Plaids and stripes are a standout, as well as florals that never seem fussy.

Anna Sui

Take a first-generation Chinese American girl from the Detroit suburbs, steep her in 1970s NYC culture, and what do you get? The amazing Anna Sui! Boho chic simply has no better ambassador, because even after 80+ collections (yep, you read that right), Sui is clearly still having a blast making -- in her beloved NYC -- beautiful clothing for the young and young-at-heart. Crushed velvet, diaphanous florals, creative denim, argyle and plaids .... it all mixes gorgeously in non-lagenlook layers. I won't lie; the prices are high -- as befits a designer with decades of high-level experience, producing domestically and melding her deep research on vintage styles with an eye for what works today. If you can afford a Sui piece, go for it! If not, spend some time on her site for inspiration and joy. And check luxury online thrift store faves for her work -- you could get lucky!