Made in America: 7 Brands to Wear this Fourth of July

Photograph by Allen Edmonds

​These are the brands you need this holiday weekend

America is the birthplace of many fantastic and life-changing inventions. The electric lightbulb, the microwave oven, Crayola crayons, and Post-It notes were all developed by American inventors and craftsmen. For generations, this “can do” attitude was the prevailing feeling throughout the country. Although many companies today have chosen to outsource their labor, the days of American craftsmanship are hardly over; they just might be fewer and far between. We know what you might be thinking—if you can buy the same thing from a foreign manufacturer for less, why would you buy American?

We are here to tell you that there are, in fact, a multitude of reasons why you should buy American. Buying American helps save or create jobs in the United States. It also can help lower our carbon footprint; products that are made overseas have to be shipped across the ocean before making their way to American stores. With every mile these products travel, fossil fuels are burned and greenhouse gases are spewed. Beyond that, craftsmanship has long been a hallmark of our country.

The next time you’re looking to increase your wardrobe, consider buying one of these 7 brands. These brands manufacture their clothing, shoes, and accessories in the United States and use only the highest end materials to create their goods; premium leather, buttery nubuck, pillowy cotton, and crisp linen all sourced from local farms and tanneries. We promise, they're worth the money.

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Red Wing Heritage

Founded by Charles Beckman in 1905, Red Wing shoes are crafted of premium leather from their very own S.B. Foot Tanning Company. They’ve been in operation for over 100 years, and their shoemaking process has largely stayed the same since their inception. The Iron Ranger ($319.99) is one of their bestsellers, as it’s constructed of their famous Oil-Tanned leather. It’s the perfect choice for any outdoor hikes you might have planned over the long weekend.

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Allen Edmonds

Allen Edmonds has been making their world-renowned shoes in America since 1922. Even today, they continue to follow the same 212-step manufacturing process that was invented nearly a century ago. They boast over 100 sizes and widths, and offer a handy reconstructing process to help refurbish old shoes. Their Montauk Plain-Toe Chukka Boot ($295) is remarkably light and can be worn pretty much anywhere.

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Levi’s

Nothing is more American than a pair of Levi’s jeans—we’re serious. Levi Strauss teamed up with a guy by the name of Jacob Davis, a tailor from Reno, in order to produce work wear made of cotton duck and true blue denim. Thus, the blue jean was born. Try the 511 Slim Fit Selvedge Jeans for a taste of their classic raw denim. It’s 100% cotton and the modern, slim fit will look good on any body type.

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New England Shirt Co.

Based out of Massachusetts’s historic Flint Mills, the New England Shirt Co. has been producing handcrafted men’s and women’s dress shirts since 1933. Even under the weight of foreign competition, they have remained in operation for over 80 years. Their attention to detail and traditional construction have undoubtedly kept customers coming back year after year. Try their classic white seersucker shirt ($168) for a look that can be dressed up or down.

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Shinola

Shinola products are made to last, which is why we’re obsessed with everything they make. From handcrafted leather watches to hand assembled bicycles, everything is thoughtfully crafted in Detroit . Each of their partners—from Waterford Precision Cycles to Horween Leather—has a legacy of creating products with the same thoughtful vision. Pair their Runwell Sport Chrono 48MM ($875) watch with a crisp button-down and head to the beach for a fireworks show.

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Public School

This New York City based label has been abuzz since the label’s inception in 2008. Their head designers, Dao-Yi Chow and Maxwell Osborne, boast a monochromatic palette of whites, blacks, and greys that always look effortlessly cool. We love their Foss T-Shirt ($154) for it’s touchably soft fabric and raw patch pocket for added visual interest. Wear this to the beach or at the bar with friends.

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Duluth Trading

Started in 1989 by two brothers, Duluth Trading was born out of the desire to create products for the working man. They manufacture everything from shirts and pants to gloves and belts. Bonus: all of their products are field tested in order to ensure complete customer satisfaction. Throw on their Tooled Amber Waves of Grain Belt ($39.50) for a classic take on a leather belt.