As the chill of winter sets in and you’re considering adding to your winter wardrobe, there’s no better time to embrace cozy, sustainable, and stylish options from small American brands. These small businesses combine ethical craftsmanship with timeless design, making them perfect for refreshing your wardrobe while supporting independant brands, local artisans and makers. Instead of succumbing to fast fashion, consider these thoughtful brands as an investment in quality and sustainability that you can enjoy for many winters to come!
Here are a few of the small American brands I have my eye on:
LA Relaxed – Los Angeles, CA
LA Relaxed is redefining sustainable fashion with their commitment to local craftsmanship and ethical practices. Each garment is made in Los Angeles with a “fewer than 100 footsteps” process, ensuring quality and minimizing environmental impact. They use natural fibers like GOTS-certified organic cotton and often source deadstock materials, breathing new life into fabric that would otherwise head to a landfill. te. By operating with limited runs and fostering a “people first” approach, LA Relaxed prioritizes both sustainability and ethical production. Their minimalist designs are perfect for layering or lounging. Shop LA Relaxed here.
First Rite – Portland, OR
For those who love versatile, effortless basics, First Rite is a dream come true. As a Maritimer, I’m particularly drawn to the brand’s coastal aesthetic. Founded in 2015 by designer Nikki Garcia, the brand emphasizes minimalism and ease, creating collections from 100% natural fibers like linen, organic cotton, and alpaca. They prioritize sustainability by sourcing undyed yarns and using azo-free, OEKO-TEX certified dyes. First Rite partners with fair labor-certified workshops in Los Angeles, New Delhi, and Lima to produce their garments, ensuring ethical production practices. Their soft and easy designs seamlessly integrate into any wardrobe, creating a foundation for layering all season long. Shop First Rite here.
EITHER/OR – Portland, OR
Either/Or, a Portland-based footwear brand, creates timeless shoes that combine sustainable materials with ethical practices. The team works with small workshops in Colombia, Portugal, and Peru, ensuring fair wages and high craftsmanship. Plus, their designs use vegetable-tanned leather and are sent using plastic-free packaging to lower their environmental impact. Either/Or’s designs are effortlessly versatile, making them an excellent addition to your winter wardrobe. Since Texas winters are usually snow-free, I’ve got my eye on the West Boot in Moss. Shop Either/Or here.
Micaela Greg – Alameda, CA
Micaela Greg blends timeless design with ethical craftsmanship. Founded by sisters Marie and Karen Potesta, the brand specializes in textural knits and ready-to-wear pieces made from natural, sustainable materials like alpaca, cotton, and wool. They source 90% of their denim from deadstock fabrics and partner with women-owned workshops in Peru, supporting local artisans. With a focus on thoughtful production and high-quality materials, Micaela Greg offers stylish, eco-conscious options for your winter wardrobe. Shop Micaela Greg here.
Maria Stanley – Minneapolis, MN
Launched in 2016, Maria Stanley’s perfectly styled capsule pieces are a winter wardrobe dream. She works with partners in Delhi, India, and Lima, Peru, to offer thoughtfully crafted garments that embrace materials and methods steeped in each country’s artisan traditions. Every item feels timeless yet modern, blending sophistication and practicality. Shop Maria Stanley here.
Wol Hide – Philadelphia, PA
For the sweater enthusiast!! Wol Hide offers thoughtfully designed garments crafted from organic, natural, and deadstock fibers, ensuring softness and sustainability. Based in Philadelphia, they emphasize low-impact production and partner with regenerative farms for climate-beneficial wool. I especially love that you can choose items by the textile process: regenerative, undyed, USA made or artisan made. Their cozy loungewear and knitwear are perfect for winter’s coldest days. Shop Wol Hide here.
This winter, let’s embrace the opportunity to slow down and make intentional choices. By supporting these independant American brands, you’ll not only enhance your wardrobe but also align your actions with values that prioritize craftsmanship, sustainability, and mindful living.
These are just a few of the small American brands I have on my radar. Any others you love? Let me know in the comments!
All images courtesy of the brands.
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