The brand American Giant today announced its first line of outerwear, made in the USA ‘every step from seed to you.’
Founded in 2011, American Giant makes some very nice clothing in the USA. We’ve worn and love the Work Shirt For Men (below), noting quality materials, durability, and design.
Everything from design to materials sourcing to final production will be, as the brand name implies, totally American. While the brand has been around for a few years, it’s expansion into more advanced outerwear grabbed our attention.
American Giant: First Outerwear
Yesterday the brand revealed what it calls its first pieces of outerwear. Leading the release is the Mechanic’s Jacket ($228, above). American Giant calls it the “first structured jacket for men.”
Workers in California sew it with DWR (durable water resistant) canvas, a new material for the brand. Cotton lining, inset sleeve panel for mobility, side pockets, adjustable waist, and metal zip closure round out the specs.
There are a handful of USA-made jackets that would compete with it; Carhartt’s Duc Active Jac ($75) comes to mind.
Journeyman Sweater
The Journeyman Sweater ($89) uses Nantucket Fleece, a patented fleece manufactured only in North Carolina. It is ribbed on the outside and soft on the inside.
American Giant Women’s Outerwear
For women, the brand introduced a different type of canvas jacket, the Utility Shell ($198).
The jacket has a fashionable silhouette that falls to the hips. But it also has function. American Giant uses DWR canvas it claims “breaks in and gets better with time.”
Unlined, with metal snaps, deep side pockets, reinforced elbow patches, and a back seam to enhance fit round out a basic but utilitarian jacket. And, like the men’s version, American Giant manufactures it in Oakland, Calif.
American Giant: USA Made
The brand builds a modest line of clothing, from shirts and jackets to blankets, sweatpants, and hoodies. And though the products are a little pricy for non-technical apparel, the ones we’ve used are high quality, domestic, and durable.
We’ve yet to test the new products on the market, but if they are anything like the Work Shirt, they should be worthy investments that last years.