USA Love List has reached out to various makers and scoured the Internet to find over 40 sources of men’s jeans made in USA. The list includes men’s denim jeans of various weights, colors, cuts, and styles. We’ll help you choose the best fit for you.
American Made Jeans for Men
When I wrote the USA Love List article about the best women’s jeans made in America, I shared a story about my mom buying me a great pair of made-in-the-USA jeans. Now that I’m talking about the men, I distinctly recall my dad wearing good ole’ Wrangler Jeans to work. Being a blue-collar worker, he would don his warm, thick denim along with his work boots and jacket, and off he would go, metal lunch pail in hand.
My dad owned only a couple of pairs of jeans because he didn’t have to own more. These jeans were solid. They were made of denim woven in the United States, thick but soft, and they held up for months and months. After getting washed and dried, either my dad or mom would iron them, smoothing out the few wrinkles and ironing a nice crease from thigh to ankle.
If you want these same soft but durable jeans today, you can no longer buy quality Wrangler, Lee, or Levi’s because these brands are no longer made in the USA. They are no longer the same quality as they once were, either.
However, you can still find American-made men’s jeans. I happily discovered over 40 different sources of jeans for men. That’s a lot of jeans!
Why Buy USA-Made Men’s Jeans
Here are a few quick reasons for buying made-in-the-USA men’s jeans.
- Designers and crafters pay attention to the details. You’re not buying one of ten thousand pairs of the same jeans. These are handmade from beginning to end.
- These makers love what they do, and they make a fair wage when they do it. You don’t have to worry about your jeans coming from a sweatshop.
- These jeans are made from the best denim on the market.
- They will last you a very long time if you care for them.
- You don’t have to wait on your jeans to be unloaded from a cargo ship.
- Customer service is the best. Try finding great customer service in the big box stores or even at your local Buckle or Abercrombie retailers.
Looking for all things related to men’s apparel made in the USA? Check out Made in USA Men’s Clothing Brands: The Ultimate Source List
Price of American-Made Men’s Jeans
You’ll find jeans that run in price anywhere from $60 to over $300. The higher prices usually involve sourcing the absolute best denim fabric on the planet, boutique-style service, and custom-made jeans. Spend as little or as much as you want. Some of these jeans cost less than the so-called “designer” jeans that come from overseas. Others are actually better.
Types of Men’s Jeans
Since the invention of American jeans in the 1870s, these utilitarian pants have evolved to include different weights and even fabric blends. Denim jeans originally were made for the outdoor working man to keep him warm in harsh elements and to last for a very long time.
Today’s jeans include these original dungarees and more. Since men can now wear jeans in just about any context, including a few formal occasions, these versions vary in fit, rise, cut, and the body type the jeans are made for.
Fit: Fit refers to how the jeans fit your body in the seat and thigh. Look for words such as slim, regular, skinny, and classic.
Rise: Rise refers to how long the jeans are from the waistband to the crotch. Think about high-rise, low-rise, and loose jeans.
Cut: This term references the width of the jean legs. Consider tapered or skinny jeans, straight jeans, boot-cut, or wide-leg jeans.
Body Type
To find a pair of well-fitting jeans, you will need to know your waist size and inseam. Your inseam is the length of your pant leg from the crotch seam down to the bottom of the pant. While off-the-rack jeans come only in a few certain lengths, many of our made-in-the-USA selections offer either hard-to-find lengths, or they’ll hem your jeans to your specified length.
Some fits and cuts fit some body types better than others. For example, straight-leg jeans with a low rise fit nicely on a thin body. The man with a slim waist and muscular legs has a bit more choice, but he can choose slim-fit jeans with straight legs or boot cuts. Someone with broad shoulders and bigger legs should choose regular fit jeans with a little wider leg. The plus-size man should choose high-rise jeans to flatten the midsection. Shorter guys can look for mid-rise, straight-leg jeans that elongate the leg.
Other Jeans Terms
You’ll find words in our descriptions about the denim itself. While I haven’t strayed from denim fabric (as opposed to twill or corduroy), not all the offerings are 100% cotton denim. These days the cotton is blended with a small amount of flexible fabric.
If you’re a “denimhead,” meaning you’re a connoisseur of denim, you already know some of the other terms, but for those of us who don’t, allow me to highlight other descriptors of our jeans:
Selvage/Selvedge: Selvage/Selvedge refers to the finished edge of the denim fabric. A selvage edge is finished in such a way that the fabric won’t unravel. Many of our selections offer selvage jeans.
Raw Denim: Raw denim is denim that has not undergone any processing or treatment. This denim comes straight off the looms. The longer you wear raw denim jeans, the better it shapes and forms to your body. Raw denim requires special care. For some men, raw denim is the only way to go.
Weight: The weight of the denim is how heavy the fabric is. Lightweight denim is more appropriate for summer wear, while heavier weights are good for cooler weather and outdoor work.
Related: Best Men’s Khaki Pants, All American Made
USA Textile Mills
I can happily report there are two (maybe three?) American mills currently manufacturing denim, and that’s Vidalia Mills in Louisiana and Mt. Vernon Mills in Georgia. Vidalia Mills is located in a former Fruit of the Loom distribution center. This company practices sustainability in its efforts to make its denim on reconditioned looms made in the 1960s. These looms take about two hours to create enough fabric for a pair of jeans. Vidalia Mills also relies on environmentally friendly cotton grown within 500 miles of its facility. Brands such as Imogene + Willie, Left Field NYC, Raleigh Denim, Todd Snyder, and Marine veteran-owned Trinidad3 source much of their denim fabric from Vidalia Mills. Read about these companies in our list below.
Mt. Vernon Mills, in the small town of Trion, Georgia, has a similar story. This mill makes great denim fabric, including fabric for making flame-resistant fabric. Texas Jeans confirmed with me this is where they get their fabric for making their jeans.
Cone Mill Denim kept popping up in my search, which is the name of an American denim mill that closed, and apparently, a small not-for-profit re-opened it. I emailed the company and asked for further clarification on whether or not it's still open in North Carolina, and if so, where its denim is made. As of this writing, I have not received a response.
Other popular mills from where American jeans makers source their denim include mills in Italy and Japan. These mills offer exceptional denim fabric.
What’s the Fuss about Japanese Denim?
I will always cheer on our USA textile industry, especially those who are hanging on for dear life to make denim fabric on American soil.
But I couldn’t help but notice that some of the more expensive brands of men’s jeans highlight Japanese denim. Of course, I had to dig into finding out what’s so special about it.
Many articles support the idea that while many countries focus on making fabric quicker and cheaper, Japan takes the long road to make fine fabrics with age-old techniques. Japan is notoriously known for weaving its denim fabric on antique looms, creating some of the best selvage denim in the world. This country also uses traditional, natural dyeing techniques as opposed to using synthetic dyes
A number of men’s jeans made in the USA sources denim from Japan in order to achieve this quality. I’ve tried to specify where the denim comes from with each brand’s description.
Men's Jeans Made in the USA
3sixteen
3sixteen sews its men’s jeans in Los Angeles, with the denim sourced from Japan. Once known for its heavyweight denim, you now can find lightweight denim options, too. The denim is created for the jeans rather than the other way around, making these jeans soft and long-lasting.
Agave Denim
Agave Denim designs, cuts, and sews its men’s jeans in Los Angeles, and has been doing so since 2002. The denim fabric comes from Italy, Japan, and the USA. You’ll find different cuts, colors, and weights in these selections that feel good and look great. Be sure to refer to Agave Denim’s fit guide for the best fit. Note: Not everything Agave Denim offers is made in the USA. Be sure to reference product details.
All American Clothing Co.
All American Clothing Co. was born when its founder discovered the jeans he proudly sold were being made in a different country. Today, All American Clothing Co., located in Ohio, supports USA families and jobs by producing high-quality clothing, including men’s jeans. The company also offers free shipping on orders $99 or more, plus free returns and exchanges.
All USA Clothing
All USA Clothing is an online retailer of made-in-the-USA products, including men’s denim jeans. Although the company partners with manufacturers who make items both stateside and overseas, you’ll only find American-made products on its website. All USA Clothing offers a variety of discounts, along with free shipping on orders $99 and up. All USA Clothing is headquartered in Michigan.
American Giant
American Giant makes apparel that’s “durable, not disposable,” sourcing its denim from Georgia’s Mount Vernon Mills. Everything the San Francisco company offers is made possible by a supply chain of individuals from American towns and communities. Dissatisfied with the low quality of fast fashion apparel, American Giant started with a hoodie and has branched out into other clothing lines, including its men’s jeans made in El Paso, Texas. The company offers free shipping on orders $100 and up.
Aviator
Aviator jeans are made in the USA for both men and women. The company values American craftsmanship, fair labor, and sustainability. While the textile industry is notorious for its high water use, this company works hard to use only a fraction of this necessary resource. Aviator has the reputation for being the best jeans to wear for traveling; one reason is that deep pockets are sewn into the jeans for carrying passports and wallets. Zippers are hidden in the back pockets as well. The denim itself is a blend of cotton, polyester, spandex, and rayon. You’ll not find these jeans in stores, but only on the Aviator website. This brand has frequent online sales.
Blue Delta Jeans
Blue Delta Jeans are custom-made jeans located in Mississippi. The company proudly uses raw denim to make some of the best jeans available to you. The company works with tailors throughout the US to measure you for the perfect fitting pair. of jeans, but if, by chance, one of these tailors isn't available to you, Blue Delta Jeans offers a Fit Match service. "One size fits one" is the slogan of this company.
Brave Star Selvedge
Brave Star Selvedge sources its selvage denim from Japan and makes its jeans in Los Angeles. It sources its hardware from Kentucky. The fabric weights vary among the styles, from 13.5 ounces to 18 ounces. The jeans are “sanforized,” meaning they’re pre-shrunk, and the fabric is smoother-looking.
Bridge and Boro
Bridge and Boro makes its men’s jeans in New York City, sharing on its website where it sources its fabric. Their website says their denim comes from Cone Mills in North Carolina. Bridge and Boro focuses on fit and tailored details that highlight high-quality fabrics and local artisan craftsmanship. This is a family-run business rooted in the history of the founder’s father, a pattern-maker who immigrated from Italy to the USA in 1970.
Bullet Blues
The company “Bullet Blues” gets its name from a trip its founder and son made to the American Cemetery and Memorial in Normandy. The name serves as a reminder of all the many service people who guard and fight for American freedom. The Florida-based company offers well-fitting, comfortable men’s jeans 100% made in the USA. Most of the denim is made in North Carolina, and the buttons and rivets are made in Kentucky. Bullet Blues offers several sales throughout the year.
Ciano Farmer Denim Co.
Ciano Farmer Denim Co. jeans are custom-made in Texas using vintage techniques. Each pair of jeans is hand drawn from a pattern, then hand-cut, then sewn on 12-15 vintage sewing machines to get the best seams on jeans that last a lifetime. Just reading about this company makes me want to buy a pair of jeans for the people I love. Note: Production time takes 11-15 weeks, so plan ahead!
Crawford Denim Co.
Crawford Denim Co. uses USA-made materials for making its small-batch jeans in California. Some of the denim comes from soft, deadstock fabric runs repurposed into well-fitting jeans. You’ll like the several styles this company offers.
Need something more formal? Check this out! Made in USA Suits and Tuxedos for Every Style
Dearborn Denim
Dearborn Denim brings America-made men’s jeans to the market at mainstream prices. Skip the lines at the big box stores and shop here instead! You’ll find men’s tailored fit, relaxed fit, slim fit, classic fit, commuter jeans, and boot cut jeans in classic blues, greys, and blacks. The ethically manufactured apparel company was established in 2016. All design, cutting, sewing, and finishing is performed at its Chicago facility.
Related: Favorite Things Made in Illinois
Detroit Denim Co.
Detroit Denim Co. is on a mission to make the world’s most sustainable jeans by using a made-to-order production model. Detroit Denim Co. uses clean, unharmed deadstock denim fabric from mills across America, along with in-stock, US-milled standard denim. The company waits until it receives an order to make its jeans. It employs Detroit artisans who craft jeans that get better over time. Choose from selvage and stretch fabrics with zipper or button fly.
Freenote Cloth
We’ve reached out to Freenote Cloth several times, and each time we’re greeted with the best customer service! We also highlighted this particular company in our Flannel Shirts article, and we’re confident you’ll be very happy with its jeans, as well. Sourcing the finest materials and craftsmanship, Freenote Cloth currently offers six different styles of jeans that are sewn in Los Angeles.
Related: Best Flannel Shirts Made in the USA
Gap
Search “Made in the USA” on the Gap website, and you might strike gold with a few selections, including men’s jeans. (We still recommend reading the description to ensure you’re buying American-made.) These are limited-run jeans made from Vidalia Mills denim, then sewn in Los Angeles. If Gap can offer these jeans, why don’t other companies?
Ginew
Ginew is a Native American-owned denim jean company located in Portland, Oregon. The company carries just a couple of unisex jeans selections. The denim is salvaged from Japan. Ginew goods are responsibly made in Native America.
Glenn's Denim
Master craftsman Glenn Liburd makes Glenn’s Denim jeans in New York City from USA-milled denim fabric. Liburd, originally from Trinidad, spent most of his life in America as a pattern-maker, designer, and craftsman of denim. At the age of 62 in 2019, he launched his first collection in his name. Choose from raw or washed denim, selvage or non-selvage. Shop at Glenn’s Denim or at Bergdorf Goodman.
Gusset
Gusset, also known as Diamond Gusset Jean Company, was founded in 1987 and claims to be the maker of the original gusset jean for better comfort and durability. Today the Tennessee company sources its denim from Georgia and Mexico, then cuts, sews, trims, and finishes each pair in the USA. Not only will you find everyday jeans, but you also can shop for motorcycle jeans and workwear. Gusset also carries big and full-fit jeans.
Gustin
Gustin is for the entrepreneur who knows what he wants. The company works via a crowdfunding model: you contribute to a product “campaign,” and when the goal is reached, Gustin begins custom-making each boutique-style clothing piece, including some pretty incredible men’s jeans with denim fabric hailing from North Carolina. These products take six-eight weeks to make and ship. The great thing is you get exactly what you want at no risk. If the campaign goals are not met, you don’t get charged. The best thing of all? They’re made in the USA, in San Francisco.
HardenCo.
HardenCo., also known as Hartford Denim Co., makes men’s jeans in Hartford, Connecticut from Japanese Selvage denim. The company offers both lightweight jeans for everyday wear, it also offers heavier, work jeans. Both are high-quality jeans that last a long time.
Imogene + Willie
Imogene + Willie is the popular brand of jeans made by high school sweethearts Matt and Carrie Eddmenson. Housed in a Nashville former service station, they make selvage jeans loomed on a vintage shuttle loom machine at Vidalia Mills. These jeans are really special! The company offers complimentary custom hems upon request.
Men's Jeans
Kimes Ranch men’s jeans are made in the United States from heavyweight denim. The company uses ring-spun denim for twice the durability of other jeans. Shop stylish boot-cut jeans in dark, indigo, faded, black, and more. Kimes Ranch also works to offer great customer service.
L.C. King Manufacturing Co.
L.C. King Manufacturing Co., located in Bristol, Tennessee, has been manufacturing men’s jeans and jackets in the USA since 1913, including the well-known Pointer Brand jeans (named after his favorite dog breed). Although those first jeans were tough, durable workwear, today’s designs include those and more. You’ll find five-pocket jeans styles in several colors for going outside or just going out. As part of its men’s jeans line, L.C. King Manufacturing Co. features a pair of selvage jeans made from USA cotton denim, dyed and woven by Cone Denim Mills in North Carolina. This company has a long, storied history rooted in the American industry.
Left Field NYC
Rooted in a love for well-made American clothing and grown in small shotgun Brooklyn apartments, Left Field NYC offers jeans made in the USA, with cotton sourced globally. We like the fact that many, if not most, of the company’s offerings, come from American textile mills. These are not one-size fits all jeans. Be sure to read the measurements guide for the best fit.
Made in USA Forever
Made in USA Forever endeavors to make buying American-made products easy, and the website features men’s jeans, among other items. Current brands include Texas Jeans and Round House. You’ll also find made-in-the-USA denim shorts and overalls.
Mark Nelson Denim
Mark Nelson Denim is a small-batch denim jeans brand, with storefronts in Knoxville and Lakeland, Florida. Visionaire and designer Marcus Hall grew up in the Knoxville area where Levi’s factories once existed. He now endeavors to restore the American denim industry with his fine brand. He sources his denim from Cone Mills and Italy’s Candiani. Hall and I exchanged a couple of emails, and I found him to be very approachable and helpful.
MOTHER
MOTHER is a Los Angeles-based denim brand that proudly partners with local businesses and manufacturers to make its men’s jeans. The company boasts that all of its denim products are made within a 14-mile radius of its design studio, thereby significantly reducing its carbon footprint.
Origin USA
Origin USA makes its men’s jeans in Maine in honor of all American servicemen and is inspired by innovation, heritage, and freedom. These jeans are raw denim that fits true to size. Each pair is made to order within 7-10 business days. These jeans feature strong rivets and zippers, reinforced belt loops, and pocket binding for extra durability.
Railcar Fine Goods
Railcar Fine Goods has been around since 2010 and operates from El Monte, California. This small team makes everything in-house from start to finish. Doing so offers you, the buyer, the best service and product possible since you’re dealing directly with those who are making your jeans. Railcar Fine Goods provides free hemming to your length specifications. They even invite you to stop in and see where your jeans are being made! Free shipping on orders over $100.
Raleigh Denim Workshop
Raleigh Denim Workshop uses vintage denim-making machinery the owners purchased from former textile factories. Hearing from men and women who worked in factories that no longer exist, they created a strong team and partnered to bring men’s jeans that are made to last and fit like a glove. You have many selections to choose from, each one distinct in its strong, masculine way. Denim is sourced from within the USA and in Japan. Each jeansmith signs his/her name on the inside pocket, personalizing the pride and love taken to create each pair of jeans. It's located in Raleigh, North Carolina, where the co-founders and designers Sarah Yarborough and Victor Lytvinenko reside. Take 20% off your first order.
Rogue Territory
What started as a custom denim workshop is now a ready-to-wear retailer who finds the best fabrics and then sews their men’s jeans in Los Angeles. You’ll find a variety of styles, colors, and fits on the Rogue Territory website. It uses primarily raw denim, so if you’re drawn to the idea of having the clothes move, change, and form to your body, you’ll like this selection.
Round House
Round House is America’s oldest manufacturer of jeans and overalls, made originally for railroad workers making America’s westward expansion possible. This Oklahoma company is still in the business of making affordable, well-fitting jeans for hard work and hard play. The brand remains an authentic symbol of American workmanship. You’ll find a few celebrities donning these jeans and overalls, too.
Rustic Dime
Rustic Dime makes its men’s jeans in Los Angeles, California. Find jeans in different cuts, fits, and colors.
Schaefer Outfitter
Schaefer Outfitter in Texas makes a few selections of men’s jeans, mainly durable work denim that also looks great even for everyday wear. The company makes traditional high-rise, boot-cut jeans using American Denim™ and makes them in the USA. Schaefer Outfitter has been in business since 1982.
Sebastian McCall
Sebastian McCall makes premium men’s jeans in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The maker offers skinny and straight-cut jeans in light and dark blue denim as well as black.
Shockoe Atelier
Located in the Shockoe Bottom neighborhood of Richmond, Virginia, Shockoe Atelier makes men’s jeans from the best denim available from Italy, Japan, and the USA. The company is so sure its men’s jeans are well made, that the company offers a free lifetime repairs guarantee on its clothing. It also offers free hemming on its raw denim jeans.
Related: 10 Things We Love – Made in Virginia
Tellason
Tellason founders (and friends) Tony Patella and Pete Searson source their denim from Japan and makes their sanforized, raw selvage jeans in San Francisco, California. The styles are timeless, and the construction is top-notch. Care is taken throughout the entire process to make some pretty great men’s jeans.
Texas Jeans
Texas Jeans evoke the Texas attitude while interestingly, being made in North Carolina. The denim is woven with American cotton at the historic Mt. Vernon Mills, making these jeans 100% American-made. The company has been in business for over 45 years and prides itself on staying American-made during a time when other denim companies outsourced its products. Texas Jeans makes both everyday jeans and workwear jeans. Buy any two jeans for $99; that’s a deal you just can’t beat! The company and I exchanged some emails, and I found its customer service helpful.
Todd Shelton
Todd Shelton is a popular men’s brand that manufactures men’s jeans and dress shirts in New Jersey. The company sources its denim from Japan. They have always prioritized long-term customer relationships and personal customer service. The brand’s in-house factory creates the flexibility
to offer industry-leading size and fit options.
Todd Shelton also makes great dress shirts, too. Check out our entire list here: Made in USA Men’s Fashion Dress Shirts & PoloShirts: The Ultimate Source List
Todd Snyder
The Todd Snyder name might be familiar to many of you, but you may not know this designer and NYC flagship store owner carries a select number of jeans made in the USA. Using denim from Louisiana’s Vidalia Mills, Snyder calls these selvage jeans his “most premium jeans” and likens them to “cutting a soul album at Muscle Shoals.” The denim is rope-dyed in indigo and then sewn in Los Angeles. Note: Not all Todd Snyder men’s jeans are made in the USA. These limited edition jeans are clearly labeled “Made in USA.”
Trinidad3 Jeans
Marine Veteran Trinidad Garcia has an interesting story, so at the very least, I encourage you to visit his website to be inspired by it. His shop includes men’s jeans made in the USA, with some of the selections made from Vidalia Mills American selvage denim. Another line, the Tango3 by Trinidad, also features men’s jeans made in Southern California but at a lower price point. Trinidad3 gives back to the veteran community.
Union Label
Union Label has a brick-and-mortar store in Minnesota, but you also can shop online for men’s jeans and other items. Union Label has been selling American and/or American union-made products for over 30 years. On their website, you’ll find men’s jeans brands from Round House, Carhartt, and Union. Most of these selections focus on work wear. Free shipping on orders $119 or more.
Williamsburg Garment Company
Specializing in raw denim American-made jeans, Williamsburg Garment Company manufactures both stocked and custom-made jeans inside its small studio in Brooklyn, New York. With larger-scale productions of stocked jeans made in Los Angeles, California sold at slightly lower prices, all of its styles have been made in the USA since late 2013 using denim made in North Carolina. Shop regular, tall, and big men’s sizes.
Check out these other articles about jeans made in the USA.
- Where is Carhartt Made?
- Where are Wrangler Jeans Made?
- Where Are Levi’s Made?
- American Made Jeans: A Made in USA Source List
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