Made in America: The short list

By Emanuella Grinberg, CNN
updated 3:52 PM EDT, Mon July 23, 2012

Over the course of a century, the classic Stormy Kromer trapper hat has established itself not only as a reliable winter hat, but a part of American folklore and pop culture as well. The fact that all the hats are still made in Ironwood, Michigan -- supporting the local labor force -- contributes to its status as a symbol of the American dream, Stormy Kromer CEO Bob Jacquart said.
Pierrepont Hicks began as a way for Katherine McMillan to bring in extra income when she was pregnant. Now, it's a full-time labor of love backed by a commitment to manufacturing in the U.S. The name is synonymous with simple yet elegant ties and bowties; but stay tuned for the launch of women's footwear.
All American Clothing makes jeans, shirts and accessories for men and women ranging from $20 to $70. It uses denim from Plains Cotton Cooperative Association, a collective of nearly 10,000 American farmers.
Steven Alan might be best known for his signature reverse seam shirt but his collections also include dresses and skirts made in America. The Steven Alan Showroom represents 20 designers of clothing, handbags and other accessories.
From his apartment in Queens, New York, Christan McCann has made a name for himself in high-end menswear based on the concept of making quality clothing in the United States. His commitment is prominently etched into each pair of Left Field jeans and chinos, which bear an exterior label that says "Still Made in the USA." Tags inside sweatshirts like this one proudly declare its origin in big letters: NEW YORK CITY.
McCann says the inspiration for Choctaw Ridge came from a vintage underwear box, recalling a time when people paid more for clothes that were built to last and, as a result, bought less. With prices north of $100 for boxers and long johns, McCann says Choctaw Ridge is for the man willing to pay extra for a product on which "no expense has been spared," from materials to construction and packaging.
Hanky Panky has been manufacturing lingerie in the United States since its inception 1977. While many apparel designers source materials abroad, 100% of the fabrics and trims used to make Hanky Panky's Signature Lace thongs and panties are knitted in the United States.
Rancourt & Co. Shoecrafters has been producing shoes in twin cities Lewiston and Auburn in Maine since 1964. Rancourt describes its shoes not only as comfortable, but "uniquely American."
Eunice Lee wants to continue manufacturing UNIS apparel in New York and Los Angeles because that's where her boutiques are. Having a short distance between the supplier and the showroom allows her to respond more quickly to customers' wishes, she said.
Bollman Hat Company started out in 1868 as a manufacturer of black felt hats in Adamstown, Pennsylvania. It continues to make wool felt, fur felt, and straw hats and caps from its employee-owned factory in the same town.






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STORY HIGHLIGHTS

  • CNN commenters provide picks for brands that manufacture in America
  • Products manufactured in America may seem hard to find, but it's not impossible



(CNN) -- The slow death of American manufacturing and the trend toward outsourcing overseas has made it hard to find American-made goods, but not impossible. A host of small businesses are still dedicated to manufacturing goods in America, and, thanks to a few diligent bloggers, they're easier than ever to find.
"Buying Made in USA is not just a passing trend. It truly is something we as consumers, business owners and even government can do to support small to mid-size businesses," said Julie Reiser, president and co-founder of Made in USA Certified, which audits supply chains for businesses that want their products to bear their seal.
"Small businesses are responsible for two out of every three new jobs created in the U.S. We need these small to mid-size businesses to flourish and grow as they are our innovators, our makers and job creators. Making it in America, supporting U.S. manufacturing and buying American is one thing we can all do today to help keep the American dream alive and well."
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Here's a short list of websites and Facebook groups dedicated to helping consumers find products made in the United States, along with a few brands known to manufacture most or a substantial portion of their goods stateside. Read the list and help us grow it by adding your suggestions in the comments.
Resources:
The Made in America Movement
USA Love List
American Made Matters
A Continuous Lean: The American List
Things Made in America
made in usa challenge
Hickorees: Made in the USA
Haute Americana
Accessories:
- Arne Mason: Leather carrying cases
- Blackbox Case: Wooden laptop cases
- Fox River Mills: Socks
- Makr Carry Goods: Bags, stools, wallets, belts
- NATIVE(X): Totes, scarves, jewelry, mugs
- Pierrepont Hicks: Ties, bowties
- Randolph Engineering: Glasses, sunglasses
- Summit Creek Dry Goods: Wallets, key chains, belts
- Estex Mfg. Co.: Tool sheaths, aprons, buckets, holsters
Bags:
- Archival Clothing
- Duluth Pack
- GORUCK
- J.W. Hulme
- Maptote
- Mountain Ridge Gear
- Tom Bihn
- Tough Traveler
Clothes:
- All American Clothing
- American Apparel
- Beverly Hills Basics
- Black Halo
- C&C California
- Emerson Fry
- Hanky Panky
- Imogene and Willie
- Kate Boggiano
- Left Field
- Pendleton
- Pointer Brand
- Raleigh Denim
- Taylor Stitch
- Todd Shelton
- UNIS
Footwear:
- Alden
- Allen Edmonds
- Capps Shoe Company
- Munro Shoes
- Oakstreet Bootmakers
- Quoddy
- Rancourt and Company
- Red Wing Heritage line
- Russell Moccasin Co.
Headwear:
- Bollman Hat Company
- Stormy Kromer
- Walz Caps
- BUZZLINE
- Stetson
Random:
- Audio Research: Audio products
- Braun Corporation: Manufacturer of wheelchair lifts and ramps, transit vehicles
- Case Knives: Pocket and hunting knives
- Colgate: Crib mattresses and pads
- Council Tool: Hand tools
- CUTCO Cutlery
- Edelbrock: Specialty vehicle parts
- Excel: Hand dryers
- Grado Labs: Headphones and phone cartridges
- Litespeed Bicycles
- Pacific Hospitality Design: Furniture
- K'NEX: Children's toys
- Geneva Manufacturing: Modular garage organizing gear
- Lodge Cast Iron Cookware
- MAK Grills
- Malpaca: Pillows and bedding
- Purrfectplay: Pet toys
- Simplicity Vacuums
- Sterilite: Plastic Housewares
- Steelman Cycles
- Stonebridge Upholstery: Furniture
- Tervis: Tumblers, drink ware
- USA Flag Supply: American, Gadsen, specialty flags
- Vandersteen Audio: Speakers
- Wholesome Hide: Rawhide dog chews
Where do you shop for products made in the United States? Share your resources in the comments!

Made in America: The short list - CNN.com