The Complete List of American Made Clothing Brands

American-made clothing brands are renowned for their quality and craftsmanship, but finding them can be challenging. With so many companies outsourcing production, it’s vital to know which brands truly represent "Made in USA."

Brands like Karen Kane¹ and Gildan² produce some of their clothing in the USA, but others, like American Apparel³, have shifted production overseas.

Let’s uncover the details behind these iconic brands and their manufacturing practices.

Is American Apparel still made in the USA?

American Apparel once stood as a symbol of domestically made fashion. But has this changed?

No, American Apparel no longer produces its clothing in the USA. The brand now outsources most production to overseas facilities, though some items are still made in Los Angeles.

Folded garments display

The Shift from Domestic to Global

American Apparel’s story is one of ambition and reinvention. Initially celebrated for its ethical and local production model, the company faced financial struggles that led to its acquisition by Gildan Activewear in 2017.

• What Changed? After the acquisition, Gildan moved much of American Apparel’s manufacturing to its facilities in Honduras and Nicaragua⁴.
• Remaining in the USA: A small selection of American Apparel’s classic pieces are still made in Los Angeles, catering to customers seeking domestic production.

Snapshot of American Apparel’s Journey:

American Apparel continues to offer transparency about its production practices, though its domestic output is now limited.

Is Karen Kane clothing made in the USA?

Karen Kane is a brand known for its effortless, timeless designs. But does it maintain domestic production?

Yes, Karen Kane still manufactures a significant portion of its clothing in the USA, particularly in California⁵. However, like many brands, it also relies on international production for some items.

Balancing Local and Global

Karen Kane champions its American roots, emphasizing family values and ethical production. The brand’s Los Angeles facility produces many of its collections, including dresses and tops that appeal to women seeking versatile wardrobe staples.

• Why Dual Production? Balancing domestic and international production allows Karen Kane to offer competitive pricing while maintaining high-quality standards.

Key Benefits of Karen Kane’s USA-Made Clothing:

Karen Kane’s commitment to domestic production sets it apart in an industry dominated by outsourcing.

Is Gildan made in the USA?

Gildan is one of the world’s largest blank apparel manufacturers. But does it produce in the USA?

No, Gildan primarily manufactures its products in Central America and the Caribbean Basin, but it operates some yarn-spinning facilities in the USA.

Textile production in progress

Gildan’s Global Manufacturing

Gildan focuses on large-scale, cost-effective production. Its facilities in Honduras, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic handle most of its manufacturing. However, the company retains some operations in the USA, including yarn production in states like Georgia and North Carolina.

Environmental and Ethical Initiatives:

Despite outsourcing, Gildan invests in sustainable and ethical practices:

• Eco-Friendly Practices: Uses energy-efficient technology and water recycling at its facilities.
• Community Engagement: Provides fair wages and safe working conditions.

While Gildan isn’t synonymous with “Made in USA,” its approach to sustainability and ethics helps it maintain a positive reputation.

Conclusion

Understanding where clothing brands produce their items is key to making informed purchasing decisions. While some, like Karen Kane, maintain a strong domestic presence, others, like American Apparel and Gildan, balance global production with limited U.S. operations.