Handbags & Purses Made in the USA

We took the time to track down all of the handbags and purses made in the USA. Check out our full list below, along with a ton of details about each one, where to get them, and the factors we considered in our research.

Complete List of Handbag and Purse Brands Made in the USA

Stephanie Dawn


Headquarters: Van Wert, OH

States manufacturing in: OH



For lightweight style and long-term storage durability, the Stephanie Dawn cotton handbags are designed to be beautiful accessories for any occasion. The bags come in a wide range of shapes, styles, and colors giving you plenty of options to choose from. This lineup of bags is produced exclusively in America and the founding company has more than 30 years of manufacturing experience with quilted cotton bags. “We feel strongly about providing high-quality American-Made products and for providing jobs to those in our Van Wert, OH community,” says the team at Stephanie Dawn. “Our customers love the high-quality of our washable, quilted fabric products, the fact that they are made in the USA and that they not only help to support our business, but jobs to our wonderful production team of employees!”

Sea Bags


Headquarters: Portland, ME

States manufacturing in: ME



Bring a piece of American history with you to the beach with one of these one-of-a-kind sail bags from Sea Bags. These bags are hand-crafted from recycled sails taken right from boats in Maine. Material for each bag is sourced from Maine or other locations around New England when possible, and always from the United States. President and COO Beth Shissler explains it well: “We built the company around making our product here out of recycled sails. Every time a customer buys a Sea Bag, they are not only saving a sail from the landfill, they are supporting jobs. From the people who sew the bags, to the people who make the ropes in our handles – there’s a ripple effect of support. I think our customers appreciate the authenticity of our product and our mission.” These bags have an array of unique designs and styles, made to give you a stylish, hand-stitched look made right here in America.

Cinda b


Headquarters: Fort Wayne, IN

States manufacturing in: IN



Made for women on the go, these bags are made by Cinda Boomershine – the on-air design expert for 8 years on TBS’s Movie and a Makeover. Looking for an American-made chic yet functional bag whilst running from client to client, Cinda looked at making handbags that offered just this. Whether you’re running to the supermarket or looking to catch a flight, Cinda B aims to make bags that will fit everything you could need whilst being stylish. They offer bags for accessories and cosmetics, everyday bags, travel bags, and even tennis bags. These bags are made from a blend of polyester and nylon, making them lightweight yet durable and also means that they’re machine washable as well as water and stain-resistant.

Duluth Pack


Headquarters: Duluth, MN

States manufacturing in: MN



As the name suggests, Duluth Pack is known for its packs, of which you can get outdoor packs (made for hiking), canoe packs, lifestyle packs (everyday ones), kids packs, and pack accessories (such as organizational pouches). However, they also sell bags including purses, totes, briefcases, bookbags, duffels, laptop bags, and conceal & carry bags.

Since 1882, Duluth Pack has been manufacturing outdoor gear in the northern forests of Minnesota and is the “oldest canvas and leather bag and pack manufacturer in the USA.” Their packs are older than penicillin and sliced bread and have lasted two World Wards, the Great Depression, and a global pandemic. Duluth’s goal is to create quality USA-made outdoor wear that will be handed down through generations. They stand by their handcrafted products so much that there is a lifetime guarantee on all craftsmanship and hardware used. Each pack comes with a “handcrafted by” tag, signed by the maker who sews it from start to finish and so you can learn more about the person who crafted your pack on their website.

Colonel Littleton


Headquarters: Lynnville, TN

States manufacturing in: TN



Colonel Littleton (also known as the Great American Leather Company) handcrafts full-grain American leather goods that are designed to traditional Western patterns as well as minimalist styles. Their bag range includes travel bags, briefcases, handbags, and laptop & iPad bags. Colonel Littleton takes great pride in honoring his American forefathers who made things and looks to create heritage products that have a nostalgic feel to them and that will be passed down through families.

J.W. Hulme


Headquarters: Paul, MN

States manufacturing in: MN



J.W. Hulme was a leather goods manufacturer based in St. Paul, Minnesota. They recently closed their doors in 2023, but you can still find some of their old American made inventory on retailers like Amazon and Walmart.

Lifetime Leather Co.


Headquarters: San Tan Valley, AZ

States manufacturing in: AZ



Crafted from full grain leather, Lifetime Leather has several handbags and tote bags designed to be tough, stylish, and a reliable everyday carry for women who value style and reliability. Lifetime Leather handcrafts every bag in their San Tan Valley, Arizona workshop. Most of their bags come in 6 color varieties – including Oxford brown, lighter brown, red, black, green, and blue. You can also personalize their bags with your initials via a firebrand or a more traditional shield monogram. The leather color doesn’t rub off on your clothes and this bag is made to last a lifetime as well as be comfortable.

Jenny N


Headquarters: Dallas, TX

States manufacturing in: TX



Jenny N Design handcrafts amazing totes and handbags with incredible care. Most of their bags are made from full-grain cowskin leather and lined with a water-resistant canvas inside, which helps protect the bag against unexpected spills or moisture. The style is made to be simple and timeless. Jenny N Design bags come with a clasp or zipper, and have plenty of exterior pockets.

Blair Ritchey


Headquarters: Cleveland, OH

States manufacturing in: OH



Blair Ritchey is a bag manufacturer based in Cleveland. For lightweight carrying, the Origami Envelope bag from them is one of my favorites and is made to be a high-quality option that’s durable and classy. The bag is made from vegetable-tanned leather, and it has been designed to have a smooth, but tough feel to it that will hold up through years of use. The bag has a bright brass snap closure that firmly locks into position. Use this compact bag to carry credit cards and cash, or slip it into a larger purse to neaten up a little bit. Add on a D-ring or pom pom accessory to change the look and function of this bag.

K. Slade


Headquarters: Evansville, IN

States manufacturing in: IN



K. Slade has great clutches made in the USA. Their Brooklyn Foldover is a standout for me – it’s classy and compact, but also functional. This lightweight bag is ideal for carrying credit cards, cash, and other essentials. The foldover is just a single pouch with pebble black leather on the outside and a light cream-colored liner on the inside. It features a contrast between the deep black leather exterior and the brilliant gold zipper and pull. The bag is 100% made in the USA, and it can be customized with a small monogram in the lower right corner during purchase for a small added cost. This bag could work well for everyday carry inside a larger bag or for lightweight use when you want to travel light.

Beau & Ro


Headquarters: Charleston, SC

States manufacturing in: SC



If you want something a bit more artsy, Beau & Ro Bag Company has beautiful Artists Collabs bags. Each of these unique bags features a piece of art to really demonstrate their style. The bags are actual collaborations with local artists but are still made to offer ample storage space for most everyday carry needs. Some of these bags come made from a water-resistant nylon material that’s ideal for use at the beach or the pool. Some of these art-bag options are also made from durable canvas for tough performance.

Kamen Road


Headquarters: CA

States manufacturing in: CA



Kámen Road is a wonderful small leather goods manufacturer based in California. Their Weekender bag is the perfect tote for a weekend away. We talked to Kathleen Murphy at Kámen Road, who summed up their production process well: “Natural material is what we search with fair trade suppliers now. Our goal is to work with regional supply chains across the United States that includes artists, artisans, and small scale producers.” Now that’s a message we can get behind. 

“We want each bag to carry what you love the most. ‘Made Here. For You’ is what we say and what we’re so very proud of,” says Murphy. Be sure to check our full Kamen Road interview as well.

Exclusive Discount: Use the code ALLAMERICANREVIEWS to get $100 off the Coyote Thunder Field Bag.

Artifact


Headquarters: Omaha, NE

States manufacturing in: NE



“In 2010, Artifact was started in my basement with one sewing machine,” says Chris Hughes, founder of Artifact. Artifact aims to put a ton of care into the construction of these bags, which was a big consideration for Hughes when he decided to make his bags in America. “I chose to make our products in my hometown of Omaha because I needed to ensure everything is made to our standards,” says Hughes. In addition to cross-body bags, they also sell a compact bag that works well for carrying your cards, wallet, and phone, but should be paired with a larger bag for all-day use. It comes with an adjustable leather strap for a comfortable carry position for everyone.

We also have an exclusive discount code with Artifact! Use the code ALLAMERICANREVIEWS20 for 20% off your entire purchase.

Beargrass Leather


Headquarters: Lakeside, MT

States manufacturing in: MT



These leather handbags that are artisan-made in Montana come in a variety of sizes, styles, and fabrics. From modern boxy minimalist styles to quirky, colorful patterns, there’s bound to be something for everyone with Beargrass Leather. These products aren’t machine-made and are actually hand-stitched by either Samantha or Benjamin in Montana. They can line their bags and purses by hand and offer custom-made bags.

It’s worth noting that Beargrass Leather is over 90% American-made using American goods, most of their leather is from American tanneries, and the bulk of their thread comes from Maine. They aim to source all their materials domestically, but cannot verify that they’re 100% American-made.

Frost River


Headquarters: Duluth, MN

States manufacturing in: MN



Frost River sells bags across three categories – red plaid, bushcraft, and hunting. Built from scratch in Duluth, Minnesota, these bags are made for the extreme outdoors but are versatile enough to be worn as everyday wear and indoors too. They used waxed canvas, 100% solid brass, and leather from the SB Foot Tannery in Red Wing, Minnesota, to make their bags. As part of their range, they offer packs (day, bushcraft, computer & canoe), luggage, and shoulder bags (messenger, briefcases, totes, purses, handbags, satchels & haversacks) as well as accessories. Frost River has been handcrafting heritage-worthy bags for outdoorsmen for over 250 years but now uses sustainable methods and work from solar-powered headquarters.

Lotuff Leather


Headquarters: Providence, RI

States manufacturing in: RI



Made in “America’s Creative Capital” – Rhode Island, Lotuff Leather has been making leather bags since 2013. This mostly female-operated business is home to graduates from some of the finest art institutions in the world. Lotuff Leather aims to bring handmade back to the United States and create quality leather bags that are made to be functional but also age beautifully over time. Each bag is made deliberately and methodically using the best materials, and every step is done in-house.

Lotuff Leather sells bags for both men and women. The women’s bag range includes handbags, totes, travel & business bags, and backpacks, while the men’s range features these plus briefcases. The No.12 Weekender bag was picked by GQ as the “Best Leather Duffle” in 2017, 2019, and 2020. It’s worth noting that while everything is handmade in the USA, their leather is sourced globally.

R. Riveter


Headquarters: Southern Pines, NC

States manufacturing in: NC



Military spouses often find employment difficult – they move on average every 2.9 years and are often relocated to remote military bases, where they sometimes need to juggle work and raising a family while their partner is away. After struggling to find employment, two military spouses joined together to create a career for themselves – and so R. Riveter (named after Rosie the Riveter, who represented the contribution women made to the war) was born.

A Kickstarter campaign in 2014 and an appearance on Shark Tank in 2016 led to big growth for R.Riveter, who grew their company to include military spouses across the country. They sell backpacks, cross-body bags, tote bags, and small, medium, and large bags as part of their bag collection. Their bags are also sold in a range of materials, including leather, canvas, and nylon, depending on your needs.

Urban Southern


Headquarters: Narvon, PA

States manufacturing in: PA



A brand driven by women and giving women a place to be seen, heard, and valued, Urban Southern creates leather handbags for women that are handmade using full-grain leather in Pennsylvania. Urban Southern is also committed to slow fashion, making each of their bags one at a time by hand and using leather that isn’t processed or sanded down, meaning it’s at its max strength when used for your bag. Urban Southern offers both bags and totes; their designs are quite simplistic, with no patterns except for brass ring accents on the bags. Their bags are typically available in black, honey, and chestnut brown. They also strive to make these bags as practical as possible, including pockets and slots inside for items such as credit cards, phones, and earphones.

Vinarmour


Headquarters: Illinois

States manufacturing in: IL



If you’re looking to take a bottle of wine out on a picnic or gift it to someone, Vinarmour makes protective wine carriers. Inspired by military body armor, they use a combination of protective textiles in their bags to resist punctures and leaking. It’s supported by a protective foam that absorbs 90% of impact energy while also reducing thermal changes. The exterior is made from Scottish waxed cotton and American leather that is used to be highly durable. These wine carriers are made in small quantities in Seattle with a limited production, so if you wanted one, you’d need to be quick. It’s worth noting that though they’re manufactured in the US, due to using Scottish cotton, these wine carriers are not 100% made in the USA.

Remade USA


Headquarters: Brooklyn, NY

States manufacturing in: NY



Remade USA takes recycled leather jackets and makes very unique handbags from them. You can check out some of their pre-made styles or order something custom in their online store.

Pingree Detroit


Headquarters: Detroit, MI

States manufacturing in: MI



Pingree Detroit makes unique handbags from recycled leather that they gather from the scraps of the Detroit automotive industry – a very cool way to recycle! Because of the way they source materials, no two bags are the same.

Halia Hawaii


Headquarters: Mililani, HI

States manufacturing in: HI



Halia Hawaii is a cool bag maker that uses vintage fabric from the 50s, 60s, and 70s to make unique handbags and tote bags.

Parrott Canvas


Headquarters: Greenville, NC

States manufacturing in: NC



Waxed canvas bags can last you a lifetime, and Parrott Canvas is making some amazing ones out of their facility in Greenville, North Carolina. They have a bunch of styles to choose from and also offer other great home goods and accessories.

Molly G


Headquarters: Los Angeles, CA

States manufacturing in: CA



Molly G has a huge selection of great handbags, purses, totes, and more made from high-quality leather in women-owned factories across the country. Take some time with their inventory – there is a lot to choose from.

Sailbags Maui


Headquarters: Maui, HI

States manufacturing in: HI



Sailbags Maui makes super creative and colorful tote bags from recycled kitesurfing sails! Check out all the colors and designs in their store – every one is a little bit (or a lotta bit) different.

Holtz Leather


Headquarters: Huntsville, AL

States manufacturing in: AL



Holtz Leather has a lot of amazing leather handbags and purses made from 100% full-grain American leather. They put a ton of care into hand-stitching every piece of each bag, and they can even personalize it for you.

Buffalo Billfold Company


Headquarters: Worthington, MN

States manufacturing in: MN



Buffalo Billfold Company makes a wide variety of handbags and purses from 100% American bison leather. Their clutches, crossbody bags, and other items have timeless style and will last you a really long time if they are taken care of.

Aloha Bonnie


Headquarters: O’ahu, HI

States manufacturing in: HI



Aloha Bonnie is a handbag and purse maker on the island of O’ahu. She has one-of-a-kind totes, pouches, handbags, purses, and more – all with really cool styles and great functionality.

Persona Grata


Headquarters: Charlotte, NC

States manufacturing in: NC



Persona Grata is a unique organization in North Carolina that helps refugee women get back on their feet, handmaking custom carpet bags that are truly unique. They are very focused on sustainability as well, using deadstock and other eco-friendly materials whenever possible.

Pranzo Bags


Headquarters: Shelby Twp, MI

States manufacturing in: MI



Pranzo Bags are stylish, insulated handbags that will keep food or drink hot or cold for up to 72 hours. They are great for carrying your lunch to work if you don’t want to haul a bulky cooler with you. All of their bags are made in Michigan.


Mike’s YouTube Video on American Made Handbags


How to Find Handbags Made in the USA

Handbags are not just a necessity for many women but also a fashion statement. While there are plenty of designer labels and knock-offs, finding one made in the USA can be quite challenging.

There are several reasons why you might want to buy a handbag made in the USA. Perhaps you want to support the American economy, or you may be looking for a higher-quality product. Whatever your reasons, there are a few tips you can follow to help you find the perfect American-made handbag.

What Does “Made In The USA” Mean?

When finding products made in the USA, it’s important to know what the label actually means. In order for a product to be considered “made in the USA,” it must be entirely or almost entirely made within the country. This includes almost all parts of the product, from start to finish. However, since it’s up to the companies themselves to determine whether or not their product is “made in the USA,” it is worth doing additional research to ensure that what you are getting is truly a quality American-made product.

For more information on products that can and cannot be labeled “made in the USA,” you can check out the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) guidelines or our guide on made-in-the-USA labeling.

Materials

Now that we’ve cleared up what “made in the USA” actually means, let’s move on to some information regarding materials commonly used in handbags and where they’re sourced from. Doing research on the source materials is the first step in finding American made handbags.

Leather

One of the most common materials in handbags is leather. Cowhide is the most popular type of leather used in handbags and is easily sourced from the United States. In fact, the majority of cowhides used in the American leather industry come from within the country.

On the other hand, other exotic leathers are often imported, as there is a limited supply in the United States. Lambskin, for example, is not as commonly found in the US and is thus often sourced from Australia, New Zealand, and Europe. So, when in doubt, look specifically for cowhide regarding leather.

Canvas

Canvas is another popular material used in handbags, especially those made for a more casual look. It’s a sturdy fabric that can be easily sourced from the United States. Although China is the largest producer and exporter of the product, most of the canvas used in the American textile industry is produced domestically. Asia and Central America are also major producers of canvas, so be sure to double-check that your handbag is not made from imported fabric.

Cotton

Cotton is often used in lining handbags. The USA is one of the world’s leading cotton producers, with 3,181,000 tons of this raw material produced annually. However, most of the world’s cotton is produced in China and India, so it is important to research where a company sources its cotton.

Zippers

Zippers are another common component in handbags. Most zippers made worldwide are by YKK brand, a Japanese company. However, YKK also has manufacturing facilities in the United States, so it’s possible that your handbag’s zippers were made domestically. There are also some other zipper brands that are based in the United States, such as Coats & Clark and Talon.

Labeling

The second step in finding American-made handbags is to check the labeling. Specifically, you should look for the label that says “made in the USA.” Companies are required to label the origin of their products on the packaging or the product directly. So, labeling can be a big help in finding an American-made handbag.

In the FTC act of 1914, the Federal Trade Commission was given the power to prevent companies from using false or misleading advertising practices. As a result, the FTC has specific guidelines that companies must follow when labeling their products. These guidelines state that a product can only be labeled “made in the USA” if it is “all or virtually all” made in the United States.

This means that all significant parts and processing must take place in the U.S. The FTC also looks at how much of the product’s final assembly or processing takes place in the United States. Even if a product isn’t completely assembled in the United States, it may still be labeled “made in the USA” if its parts and assembly processes are predominantly of U.S. origin.

However, keep in mind that FTC cannot police every product on the market, and companies can still make false claims about their products. So, even if a product is labeled “Made in the USA,” it’s always a good idea to do additional research on the company to ensure they are being truthful about their product.

You should also keep a look out for tricky verbiage that may be used to confuse potential customers into thinking that a certain product is made in the USA when it is not. Words like “assembled” may be used in place of “made,” but “assembled in the USA” means that only the assembly of the product took place in the United States. Similarly, companies may use a phrase like “made in America,” but America can also refer to Canada or Mexico. So, be sure to look at all labeling with a sharp and critical eye.

Other Tips

In addition to looking for the “made in the USA” label, there are a few other things you can do to ensure you’re buying an American-made handbag.

Check the Company Website

First, check the company’s website or contact customer service to find out where the handbags are made. If a product is genuinely made in the United States, this fact is likely to be advertised loudly and proudly by the company. You should be able to find this information on their About Us page or on the product description page. If you can’t find anything written on the website, it’s likely that their products are not made in the USA.

On websites, companies are not required to label their products, stating where their products are made. So, silence speaks volumes if you can’t find the country of origin stated anywhere.

Ask Questions

If you’re still unsure if a handbag is American-made, the best thing to do is ask the company directly. They should be able to give you a straight answer and put your mind at ease. You can also check their social media accounts or look for customer reviews to see if anyone has asked the question before.


Handbags and Purses Not Made in the USA

Here are some of the major brands we found that are not made here. We’ll keep adding to this list over time as we find more.

  • Kate Spade – made in various Asian countries
  • Filson – assembled here, but with imported materials
  • Lilly Pulitzer – imported
  • Brynn Capella – leather all from Italy and South America
  • FOUNT – all Italian leather
  • Frank Clegg – leather sourced from Europe

Related Research


About The Author

Kristen

Kristen

Kristen does research on everything you need to turn your house into a home. All made in the USA, of course. She also writes on behalf of Hodor, one of our lead pet product researchers and Chief Barketing Officers.