Saving Money on American-Made Clothing: Tips and Strategies
5 days ago
8 min read
“The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.”
— Benjamin Franklin
In 2016, when I first started looking for clothing made domestically, I quickly began to tell my friends about the American brands I found. The immediate response was about the high prices, which I couldn't deny. However, I made an effort to highlight the advantages and distinctions between slow and fast fashion. In time, my tenacity led me to find ways to save money and still keep things domestic. Here’s what I’ve learned:
Holiday Deals
Stockists
Other Methods
Honorable Mention
Holiday Deals
Typically, companies tend to reduce prices on American and traditional holidays.
My strategy involves researching a specific clothing item and waiting for it to go on sale. One suggestion is to purchase items off-season during sales.
Delaying your winter jacket purchase until May, for instance, could lead to substantial discounts, even if it means waiting until the next season before use. Some stores might also offer seasonal sales during Summer/Winter to assist you in getting the items you want at the appropriate time.
Below are some holidays to consider that offer Holiday Deals:
Memorial Day (May: Last Monday)
American holiday to remember those fallen. You can generally expect 15-25% discounts. This may be a time to look for out-of-season styles like outerwear, jackets, etc.
Fourth of July (July 4th)
This is a perfect time to celebrate American manufacturing and typically companies dish out the savings in the heat of summer. Typically you can expect 15-25% discounts towards summer or out-of-season items like outerwear, jackets, etc.
Labor Day (September: 1st Monday)
A holiday to honor the progress of the American labor movement. Usually you can expect 10-20% discounts. This may be a good time to buy for the incoming colder weather.
Veterans Day (November 11th)
American holiday to remember those that served. Expect around 10-20% off. This may be a good time for out-of-season items like shorts, t-shirts, etc.
Black Friday (November: 3rd Friday)
This may seem obvious, but it’s still a great time to shop. Though, in my experience a few companies opt out of the craze - generally attesting to sales/deals throughout the years or solid prices in general. You can expect some wild deals during this time, as many are buying gifts for the upcoming Christmas celebration.
Christmas (December)
As mentioned above, Christmas pretty much takes up from Black Friday until Christmas Eve. I have even seen companies run sales all December to the New Year. This is a sure fire time to look out for sales, discounts and deals.
Other Holidays
Even holidays like New Years, MLK, Valentines, Presidents’, Earth Day, Easter, and Halloween are times to score deals. Usually around 10-15% off. Some companies align differently to each holiday and event, so some may offer more or less accordingly.
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Stockists
As I found more and more American made companies, I would find stores and online retailers that would sell the brands. I found that stockists are an excellent way to save money on American made goods. In most cases, it’s an online retailer. Though, if you’re lucky enough to live near a menswear or denim shop, chances are you’re familiar with the savings, the education and the addiction that can occur. I have learned a lot by getting my hands on fabric in a shop to gauge the thickness or trying something on to get the fit just right while finding out about new brands. Even boutique thrift shops can be excellent sources for deals. We were told of a local shop and the day we walked in we found Red Wing heritage Chelsea’s for $100 - they looked hardly worn. We also found a Free Note work shirt for $60.
Sometimes, clothing companies will even feature footwear, headwear, or other accessories from another brand. I have noticed that in most cases they are marked down in price after some time. In some cases, they may offer discount codes or sales on marked down items. This is where the savings become pretty remarkable. Keeping up to date with these stockists is a good way to save some dough, in my experience.
Huge shoutout to Redemption Shop in California - they source ALL of their items, clothing and accessories for sale from California manufactures. Not only do they have great taste, but they have a treasure trove of trusted brands they support and are constantly educating their followers about the products. They provided a bunch of companies (especially women's clothing) for our Brand Spotlight too.
Companies & Stockists
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Other Methods
Emails/Texts
To utilize most of these methods, you need to keep yourself updated with the latest information from the companies. Consider yourself as a detective investigating a case, with the piece of clothing being the case itself. It's essential to monitor the case and everyone associated with it. While this approach may not suit everyone, if you aim to save money, subscribing to text and email notifications can prove to be highly advantageous.
Usually, when you visit a website, a notification will appear prompting you to subscribe to their emails. By doing so, you can receive a discount code of 10-20% off your first purchase. This is a straightforward way to obtain a quick discount. Additionally, you may also have the option to sign up for text notifications for an extra discount. I have observed that these notifications have been particularly useful for staying informed about sales, upcoming releases, and new styles.
Sample/Seconds Sales
Some companies may provide samples or "second quality" items that did not pass full inspection. These samples could also include items used in photo shoots or those produced in very limited quantities. I have taken advantage of this opportunity multiple times without encountering any problems. Typically, you can enjoy significant discounts (up to 60% off) during seconds sales. This is an excellent method to evaluate a brand's quality control measures and assess factors like fit, fabric, and craftsmanship without paying full price. Ultimately, you can acquire high-quality American made pieces at a fraction of the original cost. It is important to note that these sales may not always be available.
Companies who offer Samples/Seconds sales
Mystery Bags
Mystery Bags are similar to Seconds/Sample sales though you will select your size and get a random selection usually at a steep discount. Goodwear has ran Mystery Bag specials in the past. The Mystery Bag includes 5 random items in your selected size. I have done this for myself and friends numerous times. It honestly is a fun way to shop, and at $10 per garment it feels very affordable and low risk for what you pay. It’s a great way to introduce yourself to the company. I recently just picked up some Mocs from Easy Moc as a gift for 50% off. They call it the “You Get What You Get” factory special. Please note, these sales are not always active.
Companies who offer Mystery Bags
Pre-Orders
Some companies offer pre orders. I have seen a few boots, and footwear companies offer this. It’s a great way to get a perfect product at a discount.
Gustin, for instance, crowdsources all their clothing orders to ensure ordering only what is needed. This results in excellent prices though (possibly) months of waiting before receiving your order with updates every step of the way. The prices are typically very good plus Gustin offers unique fabrics in a variety of fits. I have a lot of respect for Gustin’s business model and the transparency they offer. The wait may not be for everyone but I would encourage people to consider it.
Companies that offer Pre-Orders
Military Discount
If you have served or are active military, most companies will honor your service with a discount in some cases. In most cases you’ll want to reach out to verify with the company if you are looking for the discount count.
Companies that offer Military/Vet Discount
1620 - 20%
American Giant - 20%
Origin USA - 10%
Refuge Medical - 20%
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Honorable Mention
Here we highlight some brands that help alleviate the high cost of American-made products by providing competitive prices, discounts, and exceptional value that deserves recognition.
All American Clothing
The classic yet simple styles at All American Clothing are consistently offered at seriously competitive pricing.
Blade & Blue
I am adding Blade & Blue for honorable mention as they seem to be always running a sale. They have incredible basics at really affordable prices. Between all the color options and the constant sales, its easy to get what you want.
Brass Tacks Provisions
Brass Tacks is one of the only all American made stores on my radar. They are the only one who offers sales often. Give em' a look over. They have an excellent and trusted selection.
Dearborn Denim
Dearborn Denim, out of Chicago, has some of the most affordable prices for denim usually under $100. They also have very reasonable priced basic shirts and tank tops, with frequent sales or markdowns.
East Fork Pottery
Be on the look out for East Forks annual seconds sale with savings around 40-50% off.
Gustin
Gustin has consistently been a source of excellent value on my journey into American Made. Gustin has always made it extremely easy to feel confident when making a purchase. They offer “true wholesale” in the sense that you order, pay in advance and then wait for your products to arrive. Sometimes several weeks. This allows you to take advantage of fabrics, fits and denim at an amazing price. They have a in stock section as well.
Highway Robery
Beyond just having a great business model, Highway Robery has a seconds sale every so often. They only have one sale a year: Robesgiving. Be sure to follow them if you wanted save an extra buck on some excellent robes.
LC King
One of the oldest workwear clothing manufacturers in the country and they always seem to be having some sort of piece discounted. You may have to look closely but there are some heavily discounted pieces at times. Always my go-to for heritage quality gifts (pants, jackets, etc.) that I can purchase without overextending my wallet while still feeling good about introducing family & friends to quality clothing.
Loyal Stricklin
Has some of the best heritage products, hands down. Lucky for us, they seem to run deals on their denim occasionally. Be on the look out.
Okabashi Sandals
Sustainable flip-flops, clogs, and American-made comfort shoes - under $30.
Use ‘SOUTHLANDHERITAGE’ for 15% off your purchase.
Origin - Factory Outlet
Factory Seconds, discontinued gear and more - all at a solid discount. Good place to look first if you are looking for workwear (especially the boots).
Sidio Crate
Check the ‘bundle pack’ section or sign up for the latest on warehouse sales. Always a good time to pick up some really functional gear at a discount.
Tellason - Item of the Week
Tellason is a legend for their denim and blue jeans. They are kind enough to offer an ‘Item of the Week’ each week. Honestly, one of the best values out there. Highly addictive.
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All and all, my journey has been personal to me. Historically, I may have been easily coined as “impatient”. Slow Fashion has helped foster my love for slow changes.
“It may not be cold enough today to wear this winter coat that is on sale but I will be glad I have it during winter.”
“It may take a long time to crowd source these jeans but it produces less waste than traditional methods.”
“It may take a while to break in these raw denim jeans but I love how personal the fades will turn out.”
“It may take longer to dry by hanging my clothes but it will help them last even longer.”
So there you have it.. some massive tools to go out and be the Don of deals. Stalk the sales, slay the sales. You predator of the prices, you. Keep it domestic and keep voting with your dollar!
"A rising tide lifts all boats." - J.F.K.
