Shop 7 made-in-America clothing brands to avoid tariff up-charges
Buckle your boots, tuck in your trousers, and brace for the wardrobe wars.
The time to tariff-proof your closet is here. Over the weekend, President Trump issued executive orders under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), imposing a 10% additional tariff on China — one of the United States’ largest trade partners.
Mexico and Canada were also subject to the new tightened trade policy, but tariffs have been delayed for a month after the leaders of each country announced plans to increase security at their borders — even though it has been recently mentioned that Canada did commit to this same plan in mid-December.
However, the tariffs on China are already underway, and Bejing has already retaliated with tariffs of its own on select American imports, which could lead to a price hike on some products manufactured abroad. Shipping delays are also expected, notably from ‘fast fashion’ and apparel brands like Shein and Temu.
Trump’s new order also shuts down the ‘de minimis’ exception, a loophole that Chinese e-commerce companies use to expedite duty-free shipments worth less than $800. Closing a loophole exploited by China may sound good on the surface, but now, those giant apparel brands will have to go through U.S. customs, which likely means much higher costs and double the shipping time.
“At the end of the day, there will be delays and extra cost, and the $2 dress could wind up being $4 and take an extra week to get to you,” James Thompson, e-commerce expert at Equity Value Advisors, told The Post on Monday.
Essentially, fast fashion may slow down and become pricier. Fashion experts suspect that the new policy’s ramifications could trickle down to domestic buying habits. Some Americans may be steered towards a tax-free trend, which would mean purchasing more goods made in America.
The Post spoke with three leading professional stylists — Samantha Brown, Samantha Dawn, and Kin Moy for more insights into American-made brands and quality pieces worth purchasing. The analysts are eyeing brands like New Balance, Buck Mason, Reformation, and Huckberry, among others that manufacture products on U.S. soil.
“Tariffs, in the short term, may encourage shoppers to look locally and purchase more American-made brands,” suggested Miami wardrobe stylist Samantha Brown. In addition to curbing price surges, Brown expects consumers to shift towards more eco-conscious brands.
“I also think there will be a major shift towards sourcing vintage and pre-owned gems, particularly designer pieces. This is both a reaction to the prices as well as a shift towards more sustainable and conscious purchasing,” she added.
Like many experts in the fashion sector, Brown is optimistic that buying American-made clothing could positively impact small businesses and individual designers, and drive interest in companies with more ethical and sustainable manufacturing processes.
“Shoppers being encouraged to purchase products made in the USA is a good thing overall, both for sustainability and to support local business and designers,” she added.
Below, find a roundup of some of the best made-in-America brands to shop now.
Stetson hats have been coming out of Garland, Texas, for the last 150 years. The 100% American-made brand takes pride in producing quality hats that meet the needs of present and future generations.
“Cowboy couture may be trending at the moment, but Stetson hats are an American staple,” said Brown. “Buyers can look beyond the cowboy styles that they’re known for and find a wide range of other hats, like fedoras and driver caps.”
Stetson gear is made with premium materials, including cashmere, cotton, fur, and leather, and the company still crafts its iconic Western hat styles with traditional techniques used by the founder in 1865.
Huckberry’s star-spangled shop offers a wide range of gear made in America, from garage-brand makers to some of the biggest garment titans in America. It’s not just jeans, jackets, and hats — it’s also pocket knives, cookware, backpacks, and gear of all sorts.
“Huckberry is the online hub for all of your rugged rural clothing needs,” said Kin Moy, a Boston-based style coach and image consultant. “They carry crowd-pleasing brands like Taylor Stitch and Wythe, while their in-house line Flint and Tinder has made waves of its own!”
“If you want to look like a chic lumberjack or dapper mountain man, then you could make out well sourcing your entire wardrobe from Huckberry. Especially since they can bypass tariff pricing.”
“If Buck Mason wasn’t already the new retail darling for folks who like simple, well-made clothing, then they definitely will be this year!” noted Moy.
Moy explained that Buck Mason has been putting out the best tees in the game for a while now, but the company has recently dug into some more serious menswear collaborations with Bryceland and J. Meuser for the aficionados.
The brand’s Slub, Pima, and Tough-Knit tees are made entirely in the USA and sewn in a Pennsylvania knitting mill from American-grown cotton. The Loomstate Denim is made locally in Los Angeles using premium Japanese denim, some of the finest in the world.
“Since dipping their toes into the tailoring game, they’ve been getting better each season. By the end of 2024, Buck Mason has become one of my top recommendations for anything from sweaters to suits. Their women’s collection is less robust, but the quality and styling remain outstanding.”
For sturdy boots and durable leather apparel, Frye remains among the most popular brands to shop. The company opened its doors in 1863, known best for its hardcore leather boots that served U.S. servicemen on the frontlines of WW1.
The Made-in-the-USA men’s leather boot collection is a testament to American artistry and one that Brown expected to stick around for quite some time. Today, they’re regularly spotted on celebs like Emily Ratajkowski, Chris Pratt, and Bradley Cooper.
“Frye is an American heritage brand with boots that never seem to go out of style,” predicted Brown. “While their biker boots are definitely a key trend this winter, Frye boots get better with age as they are made with durable, sturdy leather.”
With America in its name, this handsome outdoor apparel company has dedicated its apparel line to creating jobs for seamsters, cutters, and factory workers in towns and cities across the U.S.
“Simple, well-made basics. These clothes are as classic as they come,” mentioned Moy. “And while they aren’t cheap, tariff-pricing may make them more competitive with imported clothing. At which point, you might as well invest in the quality!”
The company is also on a mission to make the communities it operates in a better place to live for everyone; it’s re-opened factories that were once shuttered and brought back jobs that were offshored.
“New Balance has been trending all over in 2024, and comfortable sneakers will still be a popular choice,” Denver-based personal stylist and style coach Samantha Dawn suggested.
The footwear company has employed authentic American craftsmanship for over 75 years and offers a MADE in the USA collection, which contains a domestic value of 70% or more. The sneaker selection is also very on-trend, according to stylists like Dawn.
“Retro sneakers are trending and are known to be very comfortable,” she pointed out. “The 530 style is one of the more popular choices, and the selection of colors makes it easy for everyone to find a pair that fits their style.”
While less widely known for its made-in-America apparel, Reformation remains a highly-coveted brand for elegant, feminine women’s styles, including jackets, dresses, jeans, tops, boots, bags, jewelry, and more.
Though Reformation still manufactures across the world, the company is known for its transparency and made headlines after opening a sustainable factory in Los Angeles to create a space with more sustainable manufacturing practices and better working conditions for employees.
“Reformation has a mission for sustainable fashion,” Dawn exclaimed. “I love recommending their tops and bags to my clients. They have a modern, feminine take on their clothing that I enjoy styling.”
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