Contents
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Introduction
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Sustainable Activewear
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Everyday Eco-Friendly Essentials
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Bamboo-Based Brands
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Organic Cotton Brands
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Ethical Manufacturing Champions
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Veteran-Owned Sustainable Brands
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Sustainable Accessories
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The Importance of Eco-Friendly Apparel
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Tips for Choosing Eco-Friendly Clothing
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How to Care for Sustainable Apparel
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Final Thoughts
Introduction
Here is a complete list of all the eco-friendly American clothing names you need to know about. As people become more aware of how their purchases affect the environment and how workers are treated fairly, it's important to find clothes companies in the USA that use eco-friendly materials and clear production methods. When you buy American-made goods, you help local economies, lower the carbon footprint of shipping goods abroad, and support workers' rights to fair wages.
This list is proudly kept up by Bamtech, an American company run by veterans that makes performance clothing out of bamboo.
Sustainable Activewear
1. Bamtech
Location: Pasadena, CA
What They Offer: High-quality performance lifestyle apparel from sustainable bamboo fabric
Why They’re Eco-Friendly: Bamtech is veteran-owned and prioritizes reducing its environmental footprint by using bamboo, a renewable resource known for its breathability, moisture-wicking properties, and rapid regrowth. The brand’s manufacturing is fully in the USA, ensuring ethical labor standards.
What Makes Them Stand Out: Founded by a Navy veteran, Bamtech’s ethos revolves around durability, functionality, and environmental responsibility. Their bamboo fabric is incredibly soft, odor-resistant, and ideal for high-intensity or everyday wear.
2. Duckworth
Location: Bozeman, MT
What They Offer: Merino wool performance clothing
Why They’re Eco-Friendly: Duckworth sources and crafts its garments entirely in the USA, focusing on merino wool from sheep raised on Montana ranches. Wool is a natural fiber that’s biodegradable, durable, and effective at regulating body temperature.
What Makes Them Stand Out: They manage every step of the supply chain, from raising sheep to spinning and knitting, ensuring transparency, quality, and minimal environmental impact.
3. American Giant
Location: San Francisco, CA
What They Offer: High-quality activewear and everyday basics
Why They’re Eco-Friendly: American Giant is known for robust fabrics and classic designs that reduce the need for frequent replacements—thereby cutting overall consumption. They manufacture everything in the USA, prioritizing ethical labor and quality craftsmanship.
What Makes Them Stand Out: Nicknamed the maker of the “Greatest Hoodie Ever Made,” American Giant invests in premium materials and skilled domestic labor, promoting fair wages and strong local supply chains.
4. Yoga Democracy
Location: Arizona
What They Offer: Activewear crafted from recycled materials
Why They’re Eco-Friendly: Yoga Democracy uses a domestic supply chain and sustainable fabrics—often made from recycled plastics—to reduce waste and lower carbon emissions.
What Makes Them Stand Out: Their prints and designs stand out in the yoga and athleisure space, showcasing how eco-conscious clothing can still be stylish and vibrant.
Everyday Eco-Friendly Essentials
1. PACT
Location: Boulder, CO
What They Offer: Everyday apparel for men, women, and children, often in classic silhouettes
Why They’re Eco-Friendly: PACT uses certified organic cotton and partners with fair-trade factories that ensure ethical conditions for workers. Though some of their items are globally sourced, they also offer American-made lines and remain transparent about all manufacturing locations.
What Makes Them Stand Out: PACT’s items are soft, durable, and free from toxic pesticides or harsh chemicals commonly used in conventional cotton farming.
2. Mate the Label
Location: Los Angeles, CA
What They Offer: Basics such as tees, sweatshirts, and joggers made with organic fabrics
Why They’re Eco-Friendly: Mate the Label employs non-toxic, natural dyes and locally sources materials whenever possible. By keeping production in Los Angeles, they cut down on emissions associated with long supply chains.
What Makes Them Stand Out: Their minimalistic, modern designs pair easily with various looks, making them perfect for capsule wardrobes.
3. American Giant
Location: San Francisco, CA
What They Offer: Everyday staples including hoodies, tees, and lounge pants
Why They’re Eco-Friendly: American Giant’s domestically made garments emphasize high-quality construction and longevity, thereby reducing overall clothing waste.
What Makes Them Stand Out: Their sweatshirts are iconic, praised for durability and timeless aesthetics.
4. Amour Vert
Location: Los Angeles, CA
What They Offer: Sustainable essentials ranging from dresses to tees
Why They’re Eco-Friendly: Amour Vert uses eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton, TENCEL™, and responsibly sourced wool, often partnering with American mills.
What Makes Them Stand Out: Their name translates to “Green Love” in French, reflecting their mission to produce garments with minimal environmental impact. They also have a tree-planting initiative with every purchase.
Bamboo-Based Brands
1. Bamtech
Location: Pasadena, CA
What They Offer: Performance apparel for various activities, from workout tops to hoodies Why They’re Eco-Friendly: Their entire production happens in the USA, and they harness bamboo—a quickly regenerating resource with minimal water requirements—reducing ecological strain.
What Makes Them Stand Out: Bamtech highlights military precision in its designs and manufacturing, ensuring every stitch meets high-performance standards.
2. Tasc Performance
Location: New Orleans, LA
What They Offer: Bamboo-organic cotton blends for activewear and loungewear
Why They’re Eco-Friendly: Tasc uses sustainable bamboo viscose and organic cotton to create their signature “BamCo®” fabric, prioritizing comfortable, chemical-free garments. They focus on reducing their carbon footprint through local distribution channels.
What Makes Them Stand Out: Their apparel is known for its ultra-soft feel, four-way stretch, and natural odor-fighting properties.
3. Cariloha
Location: USA-based with a focus on bamboo-based goods
What They Offer: Clothing, bedding, towels, and home textiles
Why They’re Eco-Friendly: Cariloha focuses on bamboo’s low-impact cultivation. By controlling their supply chain processes, they ensure sustainable production and high product quality.
What Makes Them Stand Out: They combine comfort, style, and environmental consciousness, expanding beyond apparel to deliver a bamboo lifestyle brand.
Organic Cotton Brands
1. Groceries Apparel
Location: Los Angeles, CA
What They Offer: Essentials like tees, hoodies, dresses, and leggings
Why They’re Eco-Friendly: Groceries Apparel uses 100% organic cotton and locally sources materials to reduce carbon footprint. They’re transparent about each step, from farm to finished product.
What Makes Them Stand Out: Their vertical integration within L.A. means they oversee dyeing, cutting, and sewing processes under one roof, ensuring fair wages and minimal waste.
2. Harvest & Mill
Location: Berkeley, CA
What They Offer: Organic cotton basics such as tees, joggers, and lounge sets
Why They’re Eco-Friendly: Harvest & Mill’s cotton is grown in the USA, and their entire production cycle—from spinning to sewing—happens domestically. This reduces transportation emissions and supports American farmers.
What Makes Them Stand Out: Their garments are simplistic yet high-quality, appealing to those who appreciate minimalistic design and local supply chains.
3. SOS From Texas
Location: Texas
What They Offer: Sustainable, American-grown organic cotton apparel
Why They’re Eco-Friendly: By growing and sewing their cotton locally, SOS From Texas ensures minimal resource waste, water conservation, and a smaller overall carbon footprint.
What Makes Them Stand Out: Their unwavering commitment to “seed to shelf” production fosters a new level of transparency and authenticity.
4. Maggie’s Organics
Location: Michigan
What They Offer: Organic cotton socks, tights, and apparel
Why They’re Eco-Friendly: Maggie’s Organics is a pioneer in fair-trade and organic sourcing, working closely with farmers to ensure fair wages and earth-friendly farming practices.
What Makes Them Stand Out: Known primarily for their extensive line of ethically made socks, they also carry stylish and comfortable clothing for everyday wear.
Ethical Manufacturing Champions
1. Elizabeth Suzann
Location: Nashville, TN
What They Offer: Simple, elegant pieces like dresses, tops, and pants
Why They’re Eco-Friendly: Elizabeth Suzann embraces a made-to-order approach to reduce overproduction and waste. Their curated, timeless designs transcend fast fashion.
What Makes Them Stand Out: Each garment is produced in small batches by skilled artisans in Nashville, ensuring high quality and fair wages.
2. Hackwith Design House
Location: Minneapolis, MN
What They Offer: Limited-edition, ready-to-wear pieces and custom-made garments
Why They’re Eco-Friendly: By producing items in small batches, Hackwith minimizes leftover materials. Their local production ensures ethical labor practices.
What Makes Them Stand Out: Their aesthetic is timeless and versatile, encouraging you to invest in staple pieces that resist fleeting trends.
3. Vetta Capsule
Location: Los Angeles, CA
What They Offer: Capsule collections designed for mix-and-match outfits
Why They’re Eco-Friendly: Vetta focuses on minimizing textile waste and shipping materials, utilizing local factories and eco-friendly fabrics.
What Makes Them Stand Out: Their approach to micro-wardrobes (often just five pieces that can create up to 30 looks) helps reduce consumption and clutter.
4. Eileen Fisher (Renew Collection)
Location: Headquartered in New York, with operations in the USA
What They Offer: Timeless clothing designs, plus a Renew program that refurbishes and resells pre-loved garments
Why They’re Eco-Friendly: Eileen Fisher is committed to slow fashion, using organic linens and cotton, recycling fabrics, and paying fair wages. The Renew initiative helps keep garments out of landfills.
What Makes Them Stand Out: Their classic, minimalist aesthetic is perfect for those seeking longevity in their wardrobes, supported by a thoughtful business model that extends garment life.
Veteran-Owned Sustainable Brands
1. Bamtech
Location: Pasadena, CA
What They Offer: Bamboo-based performance apparel
Why They’re Eco-Friendly: Bamboo grows quickly with minimal pesticides, and Bamtech’s domestic production ensures reduced environmental impact.
What Makes Them Stand Out: Founded by a Navy veteran, Bamtech emphasizes reliability, practicality, and sustainability, giving back to local communities.
2. Sword & Plough
Location: Various locations, assembled in the USA
What They Offer: Repurposed military surplus bags and accessories
Why They’re Eco-Friendly: By upcycling military surplus, Sword & Plough reduces textile waste and extends the life of high-grade materials.
What Makes Them Stand Out: Owned by veterans, the brand supports veteran employment and donates a portion of proceeds to veteran-focused charities.
3. Combat Flip Flops
Location: Based in Washington
What They Offer: Flip-flops and casual footwear, along with accessories made from repurposed materials
Why They’re Eco-Friendly: Combat Flip Flops manufactures their products and partners with artisans in conflict areas, encouraging upcycling and conscious material sourcing.
What Makes Them Stand Out: Veteran-founded with a mission to empower those in war-torn regions, they transform battle areas into business zones while minimizing waste.
Sustainable Accessories
1. R. Riveter
Location: Various workshops across the USA
What They Offer: Handcrafted handbags and accessories
Why They’re Eco-Friendly: R. Riveter employs military spouses nationwide, stitching unique bag components that are later assembled in a central location. By using domestic manufacturing and high-quality materials, they reduce waste and carbon footprint.
What Makes Them Stand Out: They empower military families through portable employment while crafting durable, stylish bags.
2. United by Blue
Location: Philadelphia, PA
What They Offer: Bags, backpacks, apparel, and drinkware
Why They’re Eco-Friendly: For every product sold, United by Blue removes one pound of trash from waterways. They also use organic cotton and recycled polyester.
What Makes Them Stand Out: Their business model directly ties sales to tangible environmental cleanup, making consumer impact easily measurable.
3. Flowfold
Location: Gorham, ME
What They Offer: Wallets, bags, and outdoor gear from reclaimed sailcloth and technical fabrics
Why They’re Eco-Friendly: By upcycling tough materials like sails, Flowfold keeps valuable textiles out of landfills. Their entire production process is domestic, ensuring lower emissions.
What Makes Them Stand Out: In addition to eco-friendliness, Flowfold’s products are ultralight, water-resistant, and extremely durable—perfect for outdoor adventures.
4. Darn Tough
Location: Northfield, VT
What They Offer: High-quality, lifetime-guaranteed socks for hiking, running, and everyday wear
Why They’re Eco-Friendly: Darn Tough knits all socks in Vermont with merino wool and advanced knitting techniques, minimizing waste. They’re also known for fair treatment of employees and a commitment to local production.
What Makes Them Stand Out: Their unconditional lifetime warranty and strong made-in-USA heritage.
The Importance of Eco-Friendly Apparel
Conventional apparel manufacturing often involves harsh chemicals, massive water usage, and global supply chains that rack up huge carbon footprints. By prioritizing American-made eco-friendly clothing, you:
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Support Ethical Labor Practices: Domestic production in the USA upholds more stringent labor laws, creating safer working conditions and fair compensation.
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Stimulate Local Economies: Your purchases help sustain American farms, mills, and factories, preserving jobs and local industries.
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Reduce Carbon Footprint: Shorter shipping distances and fewer outsourced components significantly lower environmental impact.
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Ensure Product Longevity: Many eco-friendly brands emphasize durability and high-quality materials, reducing the amount of discarded clothing.
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Encourage Innovation: Sustainable brands often invest in research and development for new materials and processes, driving positive change in the fashion industry.
Tips for Choosing Eco-Friendly Clothing
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Look for Certifications: Seek out labels like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), Oeko-Tex, or Fair Trade to confirm genuine commitment to responsible practices.
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Read Up on Materials: Natural fabrics like bamboo, organic cotton, linen, and wool are often more sustainable than synthetic, petroleum-based textiles.
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Evaluate Brand Transparency: Trustworthy eco-friendly brands disclose where and how their products are made, as well as the origins of their raw materials.
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Embrace Timeless Designs: Opt for pieces that can be styled for years. Classic cuts, neutral colors, and versatile items reduce the urge for frequent replacements.
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Choose Quality Over Quantity: Investing in fewer high-quality garments lessens waste and saves money in the long run.
How to Care for Sustainable Apparel
Properly caring for your eco-friendly clothes prolongs their lifespan, reducing the need to buy replacements. Here are some best practices:
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Wash in Cold Water: This saves energy and preserves fabric integrity, especially for delicate natural fibers.
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Use Eco-Friendly Detergent: Harsh chemicals can harm both your garments and the environment. Biodegradable and fragrance-free detergents are gentler on fabrics.
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Avoid Overwashing: Many garments, especially wool or bamboo-based items, can be worn multiple times before laundering. Spot-clean when possible.
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Skip the Dryer When Possible: Air-drying on a clothesline or drying rack prevents shrinkage and extends a garment’s life.
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Repair & Reuse: Learn basic mending techniques or use local tailors to fix small tears, replace buttons, or patch holes.
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Recycle or Donate Responsibly: When a garment is truly beyond repair, look for textile recycling programs or donation centers.
Final Thoughts
Choosing eco-friendly American-made apparel isn’t just about fashion; it’s about casting a vote for sustainable business models, community empowerment, and the health of our planet. The brands mentioned here: ranging from bamboo-based performance wear to organic cotton staples - demonstrate that style, comfort, and ethics can thrive together.
By seeking out domestic manufacturers, you encourage transparency, fair wages, and minimized transportation emissions. Moreover, adopting mindful consumer habits - like washing your clothes in cold water, repairing items, and opting for timeless designs—further complements your investment in eco-friendly clothing. Every step you take is part of a larger movement toward sustainability.
We hope this guide has inspired you to explore these American eco-friendly apparel brands. By supporting them, you champion a future where fashion no longer comes at the expense of the environment or human rights. Thank you for reading—and let’s keep making conscious choices that uplift our communities, protect our ecosystems, and redefine what it means to look and feel good in our clothes.
