These 8 American Jeans Brands Make Denim In The USA
American-Made Jeans For Women & Men
Denim is a daily staple in closets all across America. It’s simple, versatile, and built to stand the test of time. For many of our readers, denim also serves as a much-needed anchor in the quest for a minimalist wardrobe. Is there anything that feels more minimalist than your favorite jeans?
As with many other clothing items we wear each day, there is, unfortunately, a dark side to denim. Manufacturers everywhere compete for rock bottom prices through forced labor and thoughtless environmental practices. Thankfully, many ethical denim brands from around the world are actively fighting back against this trend with thoughtful production and labor practices. And, in the US, this search for ethics and transparency has led to a new wave of American-made denim.
These brands are setting their industry straight on ethics—looking for more clothing that’s ethically made, here in the USA? Check out our guide to American-made fashion brands here.
1. Todd Shelton
Based In | East Rutherford, NJ
Best For | Men’s made-to-order apparel
Product Range | Jeans, pants, tops, sweatshirts
Denim Price | $255–$275
Todd Shelton is creating American wardrobe staples that you’ll proudly wear for years to come. The brand sources fabrics from countries with similar labor and environmental regulation as the USA and the made-to-order approach means that less waste during manufacturing. The casual and classic brand is perfect for the conscious gentleman, and the high-quality wardrobe staples will last a lifetime. We love Todd Shelton’s wide range of washes and varying options for raw, selvedge, and stretch denim.
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2. Imogene + Willie
Based In | Nashville, TN
Best For | Selvedge denim
Product Range | Shirts, pants, jackets, accessories
Denim Price | $215–$295
Imogene + Willie was born in the back of a Nashville gas station. After spending years in a family denim business, Matt and Carrie Eddmenson created the shop in hopes that it would become a destination for like-minded seekers of quality American-made apparel. Today, the brand hasn’t lost a bit of its ardent passion and has a strong follower base that swears by the quality and aesthetic of the brand. I+W stands out for its personable approach to denim, custom hems, and attention to detail. You can visit the brand's store in Nashville or browse the denim collection for all genders online.
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3. Loup
Based In | New York City, NY
Best For | Range of styles
Product Range | Jeans, shorts, jumpsuits, outerwear, shirts, dresses, bags
Denim Price | $110–$176
Parisian-inspired clothing made start-to-finish in New York City? That’s our vibe. This womenswear brand uses inspiration from icons like Audrey Hepburn and Brigitte Bardot for fashion-forward pieces we love, like curve-friendly pants and vintage shorts. Loup also offers sizing XXS through 3X, with many pieces that stretch up to two inches bigger than the suggested fit. There are dozens of colors and styles to choose from, however you like to dress in denim.
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4. Freenote
Based In | San Juan Capistrano, CA
Best For | Men’s work denim
Product Range | Jeans, woven, knits, outerwear
Denim Price | $220–$265
Freenote was founded by brothers Matt and Andrew Brodrick with a mission to meticulously consider each stitch, rivet, and cloth in its garments. Freenote’s designs take inspiration from timeless American style icons. This brand expertly walks the line between denim for work and style, bringing them together in an iconic way that we haven’t seen elsewhere. Freenote's raw denim is imported from Japan and constructed in the USA. Fin Freenote at its flagship in LA or via its dozens of retailers and stockists.
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5. Tellason
Based In | San Francisco, CA
Best For | Raw denim
Product Range | Shirts, jackets, pants, accessories
Denim Price | $230
Tellason began with a clear focus to make raw denim jeans in San Francisco, home of blue jean culture. Raw denim is chemically untreated, making it more eco- and labor-friendly—and the fading process over time is all natural! Not only are these jeans made in America, but the pocketing, thread, buttons, rivets, and leather patches are as well. By breaking in your own pair of Tellason raw denim jeans, you get to experience a custom fit that you’ll love for years to come.
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6. Ginew
Based In | Portland, OR
Best For | Selvedge denim
Product Range | Jeans, jackets, shirts, outerwear, accessories
Denim Price | $235
Ginew (Gih-noo) is one of the only Native American-owned denim collections in the world. Founded by a husband-and-wife duo, this brand makes jeans with timeless methods and local materials like selvedge fabrics from the Nihon Menpu mill. Every creation from this brand incorporates elements of Native American heritage (specifically Ojibwe, Oneida, and Mohican), and is designed to last a lifetime. We love how Ginew weaves family symbols and teachings into garments using techniques handed down for generations.
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7. Detroit Denim
Based In | Detroit, MI
Best For | Customizable denim
Product Range | Build-your-own jeans
Denim Price | $300+
Detroit Denim knows there aren’t any bad bodies, just bad fits. That’s why it’s revolutionizing the shopping experience with build-your-own jeans that fit perfectly every time. Choose your size, shape, inseam, leg, and even fly to create the jeans of your dreams—plus have your name and intention sewn right into the tag. Each pair is sewn by employees in Detroit, who are paid fair wages and in safe working conditions. Detroit Denim also has a wear care and repair program, so you can get the most out of your new investment jeans.
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8. Christy Dawn
Based In | Los Angeles, CA
Best For | Denim jumpsuits
Product Range | Jeans, jumpsuits, bottoms, tops, dresses, loungewear, outerwear
Denim Price | $178–$248
Christy Dawn incorporates sustainability into every aspect of its business model, from using deadstock and upcycled fabrics for its bottoms to its farm-to-closet approach supporting regenerative farming practices. Its US-based factory is in Los Angeles, as well as a partnership with farmers in India. Find staple jeans here or our favorite, its 70s-style jumpsuits, perfected with a flare, adjustable straps, and three color washes. Thoughtfully designed, sewn, and shared with you.
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Featured image from Imogene + Willie
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