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Meet the Makers Who Have Taken L.L. Bean Behind the Woodshed

Maine’s mega-brand is certainly not alone in suggesting a misleading narrative when it comes to American craftsmanship, so shoppers are embarking on a new quest for authenticity. Check out the quality coming out of these workshops and factories:

CLOTHING
American Giant
Duckworth Co.
Ramblers Way

KIDS’ CLOTHING
American Adorn
Two Crows for Joy
grUVywear

FOOTWEAR
Bedrock Sandals
Redwing Shoes
Oak Street Bootmakers

BAGS
General Knot
Buck Products
Lone Peak Packs

HOME
American Blanket Company
Steele Canvas
By the Yard

GIFTS
Amana Shops
Under the Tree
Little Colorado

It pays to do a little digging before buying into the illusion used to keep historically American-made brands from resting, or selling, on their laurels. Of course L.L. Bean is not the only retailer taking advantage of consumers with loyalist branding. Try finding an American Apparel t-shirt or a Pendleton sweater that was actually fabricated in this country. 

Some big names are trying to beat the system by misstating a product’s country of origin. Williams-Sonoma, along with their Rejuvenation and Pottery Barn brands, were recently fined one million dollars by the FTC for doing just that on high-end merchandise. 

Caveat emptor.

For more home-grown finds, check out our Guide.