Hackwith Design House gave me a Raw Hem Smock Jacket free of charge and this post contains two affiliate links
American Made, Woman Owned Brands
As a part of my effort to re-center my shopping habits around quality pieces, I’ve been exploring more indie-made, American brands.
When pressed by a very smart friend recently about what system I think is most sustainable, I said, without hesitation, that locally made is the best option. It’s something I need to intellectually explore past that initial statement, but it certainly made me reconsider my pro-globalization standpoint a bit.
I was fortunate enough to snag a good deal at the end of last year: a pants grab bag from Nashville-based Elizabeth Suzann containing both Clyde Pants and the Clyde Skirt in linen.
More recently, Hackwith Design sent me the Raw Hem Smock Jacket I’m wearing, and I have to say that, although these brands are certainly pricier than my budget typically allows, I LOVE wearing them. So much so that I’m considering reframing my budget to allow for fewer, better goods from American designers.
But the appeal of woman-owned, close-to-home companies is multi-fold: I appreciate a fit and design perspective from women who know how it is to live and work as a woman; the smaller scale of the business means greater transparency and a better understanding of cost and labor breakdowns; and the process of purchasing feels more intimate, as many of these brands make limited edition or sewn-to-order clothing.
Plus, I think seeing women in my peer group and within my culture and country live out their dreams is really inspiring. There’s a lot not to love about the US, but that makes the good things even more important to celebrate. I’m blown away by the talent of the artisans below.
5 American Made, Woman Owned Brands (That are Sustainable)
1. Elizabeth Suzann
Made in small batches in Nashville, Elizabeth Suzann’s namesake is a 28 year old (I think?) ingenue with an unstoppable work ethic and a mission to make high quality goods with total transparency. Items are made with natural fabrics and clothing is typically made to order.
Read my Clyde Pants review here.
Sizes XXS-XL.
2. Hackwith Design House
Made in St. Paul, Minnesota, Hackwith specializes in simple, modern clothing produced in small batches. Their core collection and seasonal collections are produced thoughtfully, and many products are made to order. I’m wearing the
($265) in this post.
Sizes XS-XL and Plus Sizes 14-28.
3. Neo Thread
Based in New Mexico, NeoThread is run by upcycling extraordinaire, Sarah Holley. Neo Thread specializes in detailing, altering, and embroidering used and vintage goods. Everything is one of a kind.
I reviewed a tee by Neo Thread here.
Sizes XS-XL with many items free size.
4. Pyne & Smith Clothiers
Made in Southern California, Pyne & Smith is run by British transplant, Joanna McCartney. Specializing in dresses, all pieces are made with flax linen that was grown and spun in Europe before being produced in an ethical factory in California.
I reviewed a Pyne & Smith dress here.
Sizes XS-XXL with some customization available.
5. National Picnic
Made in Philadelphia by Betsy Cook and a small team of sewers, National Picnic specializes in dresses, tops, and skirts made in limited edition prints and organic cotton and hemp. The most playful of the handmade bunch (besides Neo Thread), National Picnic’s clothes are cut in classic silhouettes with special details.
Sizes XS-3X.
Do you have any American made favorites?
Leah Wise
Leah Wise is the founder of StyleWise Blog. She has been writing, speaking, and consulting on sustainable fashion, the fair trade and secondhand supply chain, and digital marketing for over ten years. An Episcopal priest, Leah holds a B.A. in Religion from Florida State University and an M.Div. from Yale Divinity School. When not working, you can find her looking for treasures at the thrift store.