American Style – The best of “Made in the USA”
Originally published 1/24/11
At 10 years old I attended a Fourth of July parade and I can still clearly remember a particular street vendor. He was selling, among other things, these little plastic American flags. They weren’t the small scratchy cloth flags stapled to wood dowels which the Boy Scouts handed out at the start of the parade. Instead, these were all plastic. The flag itself was a razor thin piece of cellophane , and clearly printed next to the white plastic pole along the edge of Old Glory were the words: “Made in China.”
Even then I knew there was something goofy about that.
It’s pretty easy for a manufacturer to go outside the borders and off shore. That makes it difficult to find good looking American made style. When you do stumble across the Made in the USA label, more often than not it’s something created with only functionality in mind, with little attention paid to the aesthetics of the product. But good looking, home grown, sewn, and produced stuff is absolutely still out there. Here’s some of the best…
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The Dress Shoes & Boot: Allen Edmonds Van Ness – $199 ($285) | Bayfield – $299 ($350)
Made in Wisconsin by the legendary American Shoe Company Allen Edmonds, both of these should last a few decades if not a liftetime. The Van Ness is part of the Executive Collection which has a 270 welt instead of 360. Meaning, it’ll be a little sleeker and less clunky. On sale for under $200. The Bayfield looks incredible. Wear it everywhere.
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The Winter Coat: Schott Classic 32oz Melton Wool Peacoat – $198.00
Schott made the first leather motorcycle jacket. They’ve also made outerwear for the military, and their classic wool peacoat would fit in on the deck of just about any ship. More of a classic fit, and if you’re looking for something a bit trimmer you’ll have to go with the Canadian Produced slim fit model.
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The Suits: Boss Pasolini Suit – $795 | BOSS Black ‘Jam/Sharp’ Grey Super 130s- $795
The Hugo Boss Pasolini Suit is pretty close to legendary. With its well proportioned lapels, a clean silhouette, and a price tag that can dip down to the low $500’s if you catch a sale, it’s the total package for a made in the US Suit. The Jam/Sharp appears to be an update with a little more texture thanks to the cloth and pickstitching. But a warning about that one, some are made in the US, while others are imported.
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The Classic Briefcase: Filson Original Briefcase – $210.00
Filson’s original briefcase has gone through a well deserved renaissance as of late. So much so that they’re hard to come by. The brown version is back-ordered clear into April, but go with an otter green or the tan and you’ll get it by mid February. Go with the tan.
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The Guaranteed for 100 years Briefcase: Saddleback Slim Briefcase* – $411.00
It might look slim in width, but these suckers weigh over 4lbs, WITHOUT GEAR. Good God. No wonder they’re guaranteed for a century. I don’t know if they’ve tried, but something tells me that a Saddleback case, even one of their slim briefcases, could at the very least slow down a 9mm bullet. Expensive. But it’ll be the last case you ever buy.
*UPDATE: Sounds like Saddleback leather cases might not actually be made in the USA, but instead are made in Mexico of leather from “American Cows Born and Raised.” See Oswald’s comment below.
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Classic Cufflinks: Brooks Brothers “Snapper” Cufflinks – $165.00
Styled after the way cufflinks were constructed back in the 20s. They snap closed instead of a bar swinging and sliding through. Silver plated, expensive, but a nice asset for your most dressed up events.
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The Ride: Harley Davidson Night Rod Special – $14,699
Damn.
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For The Collar: Club Room Brass Collar Stays 18pk – $15.99 (reg. $18)
Not plastic like the one’s that come with your shirts, but a more durable stay that’ll keep your collar from curling or flying off. You get a ridiculous 18 stays in various sizes.
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The T-Shirt: American Apparel Fine Jersey Tee – $17.00
For all the weirdness that surrounds their CEO, American Apparel still makes one hell of a t-shirt. Slim in fit and width of fabric, but still plenty strong. These are not those thick and heavy sweat sponges you wore in 1993. They even make a 50/50 blend option for those that like their tees with a little poly (we are out there.)
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The Waterproof Boots: L.L. Bean Bison Leather Boots – $104.00
Not insulated so they run big on purpose with the intention of the owner socking up in cold weather. Extremely reasonable at just over $100. Made in Maine from waterproof Bison leather. Doesn’t get much more American than that.
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The Field Watch: Bertucci A-2T Titanium Watch – $99 – $154.00
The Woolrich Site (which has one model on sale for $99) claims these are assembled in the US. That’s not exactally “made” in the USA, but… when it comes to watches? That’s close enough. A bit larger than your standard sub 40mm field watch so for those with smaller wrists, know that it could overwhelm quickly.
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The Simple Duffel: Frost River Flight Bag – $120 – $140
Canvas sides with leather reinforced corners. A shoulder strap, two top grab handles… what else could you want? A surprisingly low price for a bag made in the states. Made near the head waters of Lake Superior in Duluth MN.
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The Ties: Brooks Brothers Guard Stripe Wool Knit – $37.50 ($75) | Slim Dot Tie – $79.50
Knit ties are back and although their popularity will fade with the masses, they’re still pretty timeless and will go well with everything. Wool suit, summer cotton suit, jeans… they can do it all. The slim silk tie is English silk and made in the US. A can’t miss pattern and just under 3″ wide
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For Cocktail Hour: North Shore Gin No. 11
If you’re a gin fan that appreciates a gin that has juniper front and center, give this stuff a serious shot. Drink it neat, or in an extremely dry martini. Starts easy, gets dry, tastes amazing. Made from a very small, boutique distillery in Chicago.
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The Jeans: Todd Shelton Watts Fit Dark Rinse Jean – $99.00
Of course we have to wrap it up with our new favorite denim maker. The brand is committed to making his clothing in the US, they look and feel fantastic, and Todd was all about doing a giveaway. Just under $100 for one pair of jeans isn’t cheap, but if you have a few bucks to your name then they’re an investment worth making.
What’d we miss? Leave your favorite Made in the USA picks in the comments section below.
My first reaction after seeing the Harley bike was “Damn!”…and then I read your caption…
Anything from Saddleback Leather is highly recommended. I’ve got the $600.00 briefcase. At $600.00, you could create a complete interview outfit (suit, briefcase, shoes) with the tips Joe gives on this site.
Anything from Saddleback Leather is highly recommended. I’ve got the $600.00 briefcase. At $600.00, you could create a complete interview outfit (suit, briefcase, shoes) with the tips Joe gives on this site.
Possibly that’s the only Harley that I’ve ever wanted to look twice at, and been unable not to.
Damn, indeed… indeed!
Cheers,
Ben
The Harley is quite pleasing to the eye. Any suggestions on insulated duck boots? Just as an option.
After looking at this list, I want one of everything.
This is a great post Joe. Except of course for the Harley, as we all know more than half of the parts on any Harley now comes from China.
Gee whiz, thanks Butch 🙂 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yFSpml8oSw&feature=related
The LL Beans Boots, Cuff Links, and Frost Duffle bag are some great items.
@C – I bought a pair of bean thinsulate lined 10 inch boots in 1993, they are on their last legs but worth every cent in upstate NY. FYI, wore them this morning to walk the dog in -11f degree weather.
Thanks for getting this post out there. Its nice to finally see some things to look out for other than American Apparel gear that’s still made in the US.
Personally, I’m keeping my eye out for sales on those Allen Edmonds as well as that Boss suit.
I’ve had a Schott peacoat for 15 years. It’s finally getting a little too weathered to wear to the office. I just relegated it to weekend duty and bought a Barbour 6 pocket Revere for daily winter wear. Hope it lasts as long.
Joe, great, great list. I’ve got one of the Frost River bags and love it. Can’t recommend the Allen Edmonds enough. I’m surprised BOSS is still US for some.
Great post Joe. Here is some more:
http://www.acontinuouslean.com/the-american-list/
I’ve seen Frost River on this site a couple of times, I will say I am partial to Duluth Pack. Similar setup (made in Duluth, etc). They come at a bit more of a cost, but have great design and are lifetime guaranteed. I can personally vouch for the medium duffel (khaki), great size, great design.
http://duluthpack.com/luggage/luggage-bags/duffels-bags/sportsmans-duffels.html
OkAlright folks the boss is a good quality cheap suit looks great but very overpriced the pasolini is the better of the two as it fits very true to size and has a very classic lapel width wheras the jam sharp and boss’ other slim model “the who” fit extremely fitted and often cause the wearer to go up a size and also have a drastically slim lapel often seen too trendy for business attire
Just some FYI. Though Saddleback Leather is based in Texas, their products are manufactured in Mexico.
Dig it: http://www.saddlebackleather.com/19-saddleback-story
I recently got a Frost River bag but I opted for the duffel. It has a little but more details to it like the straps that attach at the bottom of the bag. It is with me right now on my trip to France and I am loving it so far. The color and feel of that waxed canvas has the perfect rugged look to it: http://www.frostriver.com/luggage/explorer_duffels.html
I can also vouch for the Saddleback Slim Briefcase. That is my computer case and it has been a great one. If you don’t want to get stopped at airports by curious passengers don’t get this bag. It is a looker as well as being indestructible.
I recently got a Frost River bag but I opted for the duffel. It has a little but more details to it like the straps that attach at the bottom of the bag. It is with me right now on my trip to France and I am loving it so far. The color and feel of that waxed canvas has the perfect rugged look to it: http://www.frostriver.com/luggage/explorer_duffels.html
I can also vouch for the Saddleback Slim Briefcase. That is my computer case and it has been a great one. If you don’t want to get stopped at airports by curious passengers don’t get this bag. It is a looker as well as being indestructible.
Interesting… thanks for that Oswald, post updated.
Just picked up those Club Room brass collar stays, good and hefty. I’m thinking of picking up another set to give as a birthday present.
I’ll look into those as well, thanks!
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Hi,
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Thank you,
Hi,
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http://www.tallmansclothing.com/
Bangkok
I will have to give that gin a shot if I can find it in PA’s liquor stores. Bluecoat is a gin made in Philadelphia – fantastic stuff if you can find a bottle.
There are quite a few additions I would have added: JPress, Hickey Freeman, Southwick, Johnson and Murphy, LL Bean, Patagonia, Ralph Lauren
Isn’t Ralph Lauren from out of the country? I’m pretty sure I’ve got a polo somewhere around here from Bangladesh.
I finally picked up a pair of those Todd Sheltons. Easily my favorite jeans. Also the customer service was great.
check out randolph engineering for sunglasses, earnest sewn for denim, and 66-to-cali for route 66 themed tee’s…all made in the good old usa
Although I haven’t picked up their jeans, I did buy a TS dress shirt recently. Second the comment on customer service – after wearing and washing the shirt several times, I exchanged it for a smaller size. I corresponded directly with Todd repeatedly, the shipping both ways was fast and free, and there were no problems with returning a used shirt (even though he can obviously never re-sell it.) This is a company that truly understands the value of a pleased customer. Return logistics went like this: “You need a new size? You want a different shirt style, too? No problem. We’ll ship you the new shirt and a return label for the old one immediately.”
On top of all that, it is the highest-quality shirt I’ve ever seen (trumping the also-made-in-America Brooks Brothers luxury dress shirt hanging beside it in my closet.)
Since this article first appeared, the Schott peacoat’s price has gone up to $220. Still not bad. I bought a similar coat made by Sterlingwear (manufactured in East Boston, MA) instead, mainly because I don’t care for the button positioning on the Schott—the columns are too close together, doesn’t look right to me.
Which dress shirt did you buy. I’m thinking of getting one.
Another great option for an American watchmaker is Bernhardt Watch. Bernhardt is a small, family company out of North Carolina that produces high-quality watches in limited runs. The most interesting thing about Bernhardt is that the owner/founder, Fred Amos, was an internet-goer with an interest in watches before he decided to make his entry into the watch business a few years ago.
I recently got a red Bernhardt Sea Shark (#440 of 500) and it is a really beautiful, interesting watch with tons of great features. Reliable Miyota mechanical movement, both automatic and hand-wind capable, sapphire crystal, solid links and endlinks, 200m water-resistance. At $239, it’s a bit outside the usual Dappered watch budget, but it’s well worth the extra expense for a watch that goes above and beyond your average Seiko.
I’m personally waiting for their Binnacle Anchor model to come back in the white/orange combo. I wouldn’t hesitate for a moment to recommend these watches to anyone interested in a quality watch and looking to support an outstanding small business.