Image: AYR Jeans
American-Made Denim
Denim is fundamentally American. From the high-quality workwear jeans made in mills during the 1930’s, to the rise of Levi’s throughout the 19th century, Americans have long been proud to sport blue jeans. Despite these origins, the rise of fast fashion and overseas production have diluted the quality and craftsmanship of many blue jeans available on the market today. Gone are the handmade buttons and hand-stitched seams, while spandex-filled jean substitutes and mass-produced overalls take their place.
Luckily, there are still a number of brands that honor America’s history as a denim manufacturer. These brands not only continue to make their jeans in the United States, but they also draw upon the designs, practices, equipment, and even mills that were used nearly a century ago. Compared to fast fashion jeans, you’ll definitely feel and notice the difference in these jeans, which are intended to outlast even the hardest wear.
For men’s, women’s and gender-neutral jeans that are made in the USA with sustainability and heritage in mind, refer to these brands below and always check where your jeans are sourced and produced. That way, you can wear a pair of pants that makes you proud to be American.
Our Top Picks for American-Made Denim Brands:
1. AYR Jeans
AYR (all year round) is a denim brand that makes all of its jeans in Los Angeles. This West Coast denim company is on a mission to make “versatile, comfortable, easy-wearing essentials” that can be worn throughout the calendar year — and that last for years to come. In addition to making men’s and women’s jeans, AYR also makes denim shirts, like their “The Deep End,” a lightweight, Turkish-inspired classic shirt. Additionally, AYR makes denim jackets that are perfect for wearing in any season and layering with jeans for a classic Canadian tuxedo look, or over a dress for an elevated casual style.
2. Sendero Provisions Co
Sendero makes men’s and women’s clothing, hats, accessories, and jeans that celebrate and are inspired by the great American West. Sendero, the Spanish word for “trail,” is infused into the brand by making products that go with you on your journey through life (and turn some heads along the way). Rather than taking already-made jeans and t-shirts and branding them, like many fast fashion companies do, Sendero makes each piece according to their unique design. If you’re looking for jeans that have a western flair and will stay durable and stylish for years to come, you’ll find them at Sendero.
3. Aviator
Traveling in jeans hasn’t historically been the most comfortable idea, but Aviator changes that. This made-in-the-USA brand is specifically designed to make high-quality jeans that make travel effortless and chic. Aviator jeans are soft and made to last, and they’ve been rated as the best jeans for travel by numerous media outlets. Thoughtful design elements make these men’s and women’s jeans plane-friendly, including two hidden zipper pockets inside the regular pockets which allow you to carry your ID and other essentials. They also have more stretch than the average jean and have added softness that allows you to sit on a plane for long periods of time without being uncomfortable or having your jeans lose their shape.
4. Imogene + Willie
Imogene + Willie makes jeans right in their Nashville, Tennessee factory, with an additional shop in Austin. Making all of their clothing inside the United States was one of their initial goals when they founded the factory back in 2009. They also make sure that everything they create is made using small-batch production, which eliminates unnecessary waste. If you’re buying your first pair of jeans with them, you can visit the denim bar in their shop, or you can give them a call directly to walk through the different options. They only offer refunds on their full-priced items within 30 days of delivery, so keep this in mind if you’re buying something online.
5. Left Field NYC
This New York-based brand was founded in 1998 by Christian McCann, who sought to create quality, American-made clothing that honored the traditions of days gone past. Left Field specializes in workwear that is outfitted with details, such as interior pocket prints and specialized buttons. This jean brand intends to create an alternative to clothing mass-produced in other countries while also showcasing American culture through clothing that retains classic features but feels modern, too. They create many of their jeans using selvedge denim, which means that it’s “self finished” on the edge and won’t fray — adding to the appeal of these jeans which are designed to remain timeless.
6. Hiroshi Kato
At Hiroshi Kato, made-in-America mens jeans are inspired by classic garments, the need for comfort, and a love for vintage style. Originally designed in Japan, Hiroshi Kato now makes all of its jeans inside the United States, focusing on menswear that’s both durable and tasteful. Kato is the creator of Denit, a knit material that has the appearance of high quality pants, but the feel of your favorite loungewear. By focusing on small-batch production runs rather than mass production, Hiroshi Kato can focus on crafting garments that utilize special stitches and other more time-confusing techniques that enhance the specialty and craft of their jeans.
7. Ginew
Ginew is a Native American-owned clothing brand that uses sustainable, durable materials in all of their products, from Vidalia Mills raw selvedge denim to 100% cotton fabrics. In addition to producing all of their clothing in the USA, Ginew wants to uplift Native Americans by honoring their processes and traditions, fusing Ojibwe, Oneida, and Stockbridge-Munsee style. Each item they make is directly inspired by one of their relatives or community members, either in name, style, function, or technique. This brand makes men’s and women’s jeans, with an emphasis on selvedge denim made from deadstock fabric and adorned with rivets, zippers, and hardware all made in the USA. Ginew also partners directly with Native American artisans, whose products include fundraising items that directly support Native youth.
8. Raleigh Denim Workshop
At Raleigh Denim Workshop, you’ll find men’s and women’s jeans designed and made in North Carolina.
This brand has a literal workshop where their denim and other clothes are manufactured, and it also serves as a community hub for local Raleigh residents. The Workshop prides itself on sourcing high-quality materials that have an ethical, transparent supply chain, and using vintage sewing machines for a classic production process that ensures quality. They also offer hemming services, so you can send in your jeans to be hemmed to the perfect length, adding to their longevity.
9. NOEND Denim
At NOEND Denim, each pair of jeans is crafted in Los Angeles and designed to celebrate America’s history of denim manufacturing while forging an individualized, authentic future. NOEND has a range of women’s styles available, from straight and skinny cuts to tapered, boot leg and baggy, so there’s truly something for everyone. NOEND is known for creating fashion-forward jeans that are also functional and true to size, making it easy to find the right fit. They also make men’s jeans as well as tops, jumpsuits, jackets and accessories made in America. Search their jeans by rise, fit, category, and other filters.
10. Glenn’s Denim
Glenn Liburd became passionate about jeans while working at a clothing workshop in his native Trinidad, a journey that took him to Levi’s as the lead denim tailor and eventually to the opening of his own denim workshop, Glenn’s Denim. All of Glenn’s jeans are made in America and honor Glenn’s journey of coming to America and finding success through hard work. Glenn makes selvedge and non-selvedge jeans, slim jeans, straight jeans, slouchy jeans, and denim jackets. Most of his jeans are raw, meaning they haven’t been washed and allow the wearer to break them in according to their own lifestyle and preferences, but his inventory also includes washed denim that has a more broken-in feel.
11. Wiesmade
Wiesmade Denim is transparently farmed, milled, and sewn in the USA. All of their materials are also sourced nearby where their heritage denim is made; for instance, they source cotton from Louisiana just a mile from their denim mill. Their philosophy is to validate a “less is more” mindset by creating rugged, workwear-inspired jeans that last. Their commitment to quality is echoed by their dedication to community — after two years of development, they established strong relationships with local suppliers across the United States who can support an ethical supply chain. The Wiesmade jeans headquarters is in Petaluma, California, where the rugged coast and nature inspires their eco-friendly denim designs.
12. B Sides
B Sides makes high quality denim in the USA. Their jeans range in style and fit, with everything from slim straight stretchy styles to slouchy low-rise jeans with a shaped outseam that gives an elevated look to the classic and popular wide leg jean style. B Sides gets its name from records, where the B side is usually the quirkier, more original side of the record without the popular hits. Similarly, instead of giving into mainstream fashion practices and trends, B Sides jeans sources denim from Georgia and North Carolina using washes, fades, and techniques inspired by the old days. B sides jeans are made to be unique, yet timeless enough so you can wear them forever.
About the Author
Michelle Polizzi is an independent writer and storyteller with 7 years of experience creating content online. Her writing has appeared in leading publications like Bitch, WELL+GOOD, Insider, and Healthline, and she covers topics like sustainable living, mental health, and intersectional feminism. Currently, she's pursuing an MFA in creative writing.
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