American Made Jeans: The Best Quality Denim Straight from the USA

When it comes to denim jeans, there's something special about wearing a pair that's made in the USA. American made jeans are known for their superior quality and durability, as well as their timeless style.  

Denim jacket with American flag pin

Jeans can usually be found in everyone's wardrobe, from those who are interested in gender neutral clothes to those who tend to have a minimal wardrobe.

Whether you're a fashion-conscious individual or simply appreciate a good pair of jeans, choosing American made denim is a smart choice that will never go out of style. In this guide, we'll explore the best American made jeans on the market and help you find the perfect pair to suit your needs.

Do Levi’s, Wrangler, or Lee sell Made in USA jeans?

Levi's, Wrangler, and Lee are three of the most popular denim brands in the world, and while not all of their jeans are made in the USA, each of these brands offer a selection of American-made jeans. 

Levi's, for example, offers a range of Made in USA jeans under its "Levi's Vintage Clothing" line. These jeans are inspired by styles from the brand's archives and are made using traditional methods and high-quality materials in Cone Mills White Oak plant in Greensboro, North Carolina. 

high-quality denim

Similarly, Wrangler offers a selection of Made in USA jeans, including their "27406" line which is made in their Greensboro, North Carolina factory. Lee also offers a small selection of Made in USA jeans under their "101" line, which is made in their Greensboro, North Carolina factory. 

While not all of their jeans are made in the USA, these brands do offer quality American-made options that are worth considering if you're looking for durable, high-quality denim.

why are some famous denim brands not made in the USA anymore?

Many famous denim brands that were once made in the USA have moved their production overseas in recent years. One of the main reasons for this shift is cost savings. Labor and production costs are often cheaper in other countries, such as China, Vietnam, and Bangladesh, which can make it more cost-effective for brands to produce their clothing there.

Additionally, some countries offer tax incentives or other benefits to companies that choose to manufacture their products within their borders. However, there are still some American-made denim brands that prioritize quality and craftsmanship over cost savings, and these brands continue to thrive in the marketplace.

Why are American-made jeans expensive?

American-made jeans are often more expensive than those produced overseas due to a variety of factors. One of the main reasons for the higher cost is the higher cost of labor in the USA. Additionally, American-made jeans often use higher-quality materials and are produced using traditional methods that require more time and effort. 

American-made jeans are expensive

For example, many American-made denim brands use selvedge denim, which is woven on shuttle looms and produces a denser, more durable fabric that is more resistant to fraying and wear.

These factors, combined with the higher cost of production in the USA, can result in higher prices for American-made jeans. However, many people are willing to pay the premium price for American-made jeans because they value the quality, durability, and craftsmanship of these products.

American Made Jean Brands

If you're looking for high-quality, American-made jeans, there are many great brands to choose from that we will introduce below.

  • Founded in 2002 by Todd Shelton

  • Founder: Todd Shelton

  • Premium materials, such as Cone Mills White Oak selvedge denim

  • Focus on fit and custom sizing options

  • Minimalist, classic designs with a modern twist

Todd Shelton

Todd Shelton was founded in 2002 by Todd Shelton and is located in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The brand is known for using premium materials, such as Cone Mills White Oak selvedge denim, and for its focus on fit and custom sizing options. Todd Shelton offers minimalist, classic designs with a modern twist.

  • Founded in 1987 by Jeff and Jackie Schulte

  • Founders: Jeff and Jackie Schulte

  • High-quality, durable materials, such as Cone Mills White Oak denim and YKK zippers

  • Classic, timeless designs with modern updates

  • Ethical and sustainable production practices

Aviator

Aviator was founded in 1987 by Jeff and Jackie Schulte and is located in Seattle, Washington. The brand uses high-quality, durable materials, such as Cone Mills White Oak denim and YKK zippers, and offers classic, timeless designs with modern updates. Aviator emphasizes ethical and sustainable production practices.

  • Founded in 2012 by Bayard Winthrop

  • Founder: Bayard Winthrop

  • Heavyweight, high-quality cotton for durability and comfort

  • Emphasis on ethical and sustainable production practices

  • Classic, timeless designs with a focus on quality and craftsmanship

American Giant

American Giant was founded in 2012 by Bayard Winthrop and is located in San Francisco, California. The brand uses heavyweight, high-quality cotton for durability and comfort and emphasizes ethical and sustainable production practices. American Giant offers classic, timeless designs with a focus on quality and craftsmanship.

  • Founded in 2009 by Matt and Carrie Eddmenson

  • Founders: Matt and Carrie Eddmenson

  • Premium materials, such as Cone Mills White Oak denim and Japanese selvage denim

  • Focus on fit, with custom sizing options and on-site tailoring

  • Classic, vintage-inspired designs with a modern twist

Imogene + Willie

Imogene + Willie was founded in 2009 by Matt and Carrie Eddmenson and is located in Nashville, Tennessee. The brand uses premium materials, such as Cone Mills White Oak denim and Japanese selvage denim, and offers a focus on fit, with custom sizing options and on-site tailoring. Imogene + Willie offers classic, vintage-inspired designs with a modern twist.

  • Founded in 1977 by the Williams family

  • Located in Bastrop, Texas

  • Use of durable, heavyweight denim for longevity and comfort

  • A wide range of sizes and custom sizing options are available

  • Classic, timeless designs with a focus on quality and durability

Texas Jeans was founded in 1977 by the Williams family and is located in Bastrop, Texas. The brand uses durable, heavyweight denim for longevity and comfort and offers a wide range of sizes and custom sizing options. Texas Jeans offers classic, timeless designs with a focus on quality and durability.

  • Founded in 2007 by Victor and Sarah Lytvinenko

  • Located in Raleigh, North Carolina

  • Use of premium materials, such as Cone Mills White Oak denim and Italian vegetable-tanned leather

  • Focus on craftsmanship and attention to detail

  • Classic, timeless designs with a modern twist

Raleigh Denim Workshop

Raleigh Denim Workshop was founded in 2007 by Victor and Sarah Lytvinenko and is located in Raleigh, North Carolina. The brand uses premium materials, such as Cone Mills White Oak denim and Italian vegetable-tanned leather, and offers a focus on craftsmanship and attention to detail. Raleigh Denim Workshop offers classic, timeless designs with a modern twist.

  • Founded in 2012 by Anthony Lupesco and Pierre Thibault

  • Located in Richmond, Virginia

  • Use of premium materials, such as Cone Mills White Oak denim and Japanese selvage denim

  • Focus on fit and custom sizing options

  • Classic, timeless designs with a focus on quality and durability

Shockoe Atelier

Shockoe Atelier was founded in 2012 by Anthony Lupesco and Pierre Thibault and is located in Richmond, Virginia. The brand uses premium materials, such as Cone Mills White Oak denim and Japanese selvage denim, and offers a focus on fit and custom sizing options. Shockoe Atelier offers classic, timeless designs with a focus on quality and durability.

  • Made in Los Angeles, California from premium selvege denim

  • Focus on sustainability and ethical manufacturing practices

  • Offers a variety of fits for different body types

  • Known for their clean, contemporary designs

loup jeans

Founded in 2013, Loup is a Los Angeles-based denim brand committed to sustainability and ethical practices. They use premium selvedge denim and offer a range of fits to flatter various body types. Loup's jeans are known for their clean, contemporary aesthetic.

  • Co-founded by professional surfer Kelly Slater

  • Sustainable materials and manufacturing processes

  • Comfortable, relaxed fits

  • Focus on timeless styles

outerknown American jeans

Outerknown, co-founded by surfer Kelly Slater, emphasizes sustainability throughout its production process. The brand uses eco-friendly materials and prioritizes ethical labor practices. Outerknown's jeans offer a comfortable, relaxed fit and timeless styles.

  • Inspired by classic American military uniforms

  • Durable construction with high-quality materials

  • Slim and tailored fits

  • Offers timeless, versatile styles

american trench

American Trench draws inspiration from classic American military garments. Their jeans are known for their durable construction using high-quality materials. The brand offers slim and tailored fits, perfect for creating a polished look.

  • Based in San Francisco, California

  • Focus on heritage techniques and craftsmanship

  • Modern interpretations of vintage denim styles

  • Offers unique washes and distressing details

Ginew

Ginew is a San Francisco-based denim brand known for its commitment to heritage techniques and craftsmanship. They take inspiration from vintage denim styles and offer modern interpretations with unique washes and distressing details.

  • Abbreviation for "All Year Round"

  • Designed with a focus on versatility and comfort

  • Offers a range of washes and fits

  • Known for their affordable luxury

Ayr

AYR, standing for "All Year Round," offers versatile and comfortable denim designed to be worn throughout the year. They provide a variety of washes and fits to suit different styles and preferences. AYR is known for delivering high-quality denim at an accessible price point.

The Global Reach of American-made Jeans

American-made jeans have a rich history and are known for their quality, craftsmanship, and durability. 

While many of the classic brands like Wrangler, Levi's, and Lee have expanded their production to various locations around the world, they still maintain their commitment to ethical and sustainable production practices. Other American-made jean brands like Todd Shelton, Aviator, American Giant, Imogene + Willie, Texas Jeans, Raleigh Denim Workshop, and Shockoe Atelier offer unique styles and a focus on fit, customization, and premium materials.

No matter which American-made jean brand you choose, you can be sure that you're getting a product that is built to last and made with care.

FAQs

1. Where are Wrangler jeans made?

Wrangler jeans are made in various locations around the world, including the United States, Mexico, and several countries in Asia.

2. Where are Levi’s jeans made?

Levi's jeans are produced in various locations globally, reflecting the brand's international reach and popularity, with some styles still made in the United States, where the brand was founded over 150 years ago.

3. Where are Lee's jeans made?

Lee jeans are made in various locations around the world, including the United States, Mexico, and several countries in Asia, with some specific styles still being made in the United States.

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