While few of us give it any real thought, underwear is one of the most important purchase decisions that you can make. That’s why we decided to track down all of the men’s underwear made in the USA. Below, you’ll find our full list, tons of additional details about each one, and the factors we considered in our research.
Complete List of Men’s Underwear Made in the USA
Blade + Blue is incredibly dedicated to making its products in the USA (San Francisco, specifically). We spoke with the owner Peter Papas about what he loves most about making his products in the U.S.: “I choose to make products in the USA because it is very important for me to have a personal relationship with the people who are making products for Blade + Blue…I think the most important aspect is that we look out for each other. We can easily voice concerns, make sure both parties are treated fairly & there is a deeper sense of care that I can see in the finished product.”
Most boxers are saggy, but the Blade + Blue Boxer Shorts offer a slim and sleek fit that’s anything but typical with boxers. This product is made to hug right against your body but still allow you to move around freely. The boxer shorts are made of a mix of cotton and lycra, ensuring that they are breathable, but also making them flexible. They come in several different colors and are sized for an exact fit. They feature a dual button closure that gives you a slightly more customizable fit when putting them on. It’s worth noting that those with larger thigh muscles and a thin waist may have trouble getting them to fit properly.
The Heritage boxer briefs from Flint and Tinder are crafted to be supremely comfortable thanks to their brushed cotton construction. The boxer briefs are pre-shrunk to ensure a snug fit and they are made almost entirely out of cotton for better breathability. Each of the Heritage boxer briefs from Flint and Tinder is made in Southern California, and they are designed for a comfortable fit. They are available in sizes ranging from small to XXL and should fit most.
Made in Rancho Dominguez, California, BGreen Organic Cotton Briefs are designed to maximize comfort during wear. They’re made from organic cotton jersey material and designed with a tagless label for maximum comfort. These heavily stitched briefs are crafted to be durable, but silky smooth at the same time. They are available in sizes ranging from small to XL and in Black and Wood color finishes. The whole manufacturing process for BGreen Organic Cotton Briefs occurs in a family-owned factory in the United States. These briefs are also made from certified organic cotton and a special process is used to limit the energy and water used during the creation of these undergarments.
For performance use, the RibbedTee G3 Men’s Boxer Brief is made from a cooler material than cotton, but still wicks moisture away and offers a comfortable fit for long-term use. They are made from a mix of nylon and synthetic materials and have the right level of stretch for a snug form-fitting hold. They feature a pouch for added comfort up front and are designed with a low-profile waistband that has better stretch for a good hold. These boxer briefs are also tag-free and offer real odor resistance. You’ll smell better and feel better with these on compared to more traditional boxer briefs. RibbedTee also educates you about their products, which is something they say that their customers love about them most. We spoke with the RibbedTee Founder, Mike Schwarz, on why he chooses to manufacture in the USA: “We’re committed to building long-term partnerships with our local Los Angeles-based manufacturing partners, who are in many cases family-run boutique businesses themselves. As we grow, they grow.”
These Union House traditional briefs are quality briefs produced by union members. These briefs are made with a 50/50 blend of cotton and synthetic fabrics. These briefs are made to hold their shape over time and offer a sleek performance without too much sag. They are plain and simple and designed for utility and strength. Union House is well-known for its durability, and these underwear are built to last over time. They are available in a wide range of sizes from small up to XXXXL and should fit most men well. These briefs can be had in black, gray, or white colors for even more variety.
When the days grow colder, and you want to cut the chill, Ramblers Way Wool Long Johns are designed to maximize warmth without sacrificing comfort. They’re composed of Rambouillet Merino wool that’s woven in parallel for maximum comfort and strength. These long johns are designed to fit snugly in place all day and feel lightweight while offering some added warmth. These long johns are machine washable and dryable, and easy to maintain. They also naturally resist odors, making them more pleasant to wear over time. They are costly but could be a good investment for warmth during cold months in northern climates.
J. Press has a few pairs of boxers for sale that are made in the USA. Their styles are more traditional, like oxford white or powder blue boxers. Note – not everything that J. Press produces is made in the USA, but this underwear is.
WSI Sportswear has a bunch of great high-performance briefs for active individuals. If you like the compression feel and need moisture-wicking properties, definitely check these out.
Bamboo Boxer Co. is based in Hawaii and makes lots of colorful boxers. Everything is sourced from local textile companies on the islands, although some raw materials they have to ship in because of limited resources on the islands. If you want to support Hawaii, definitely check this company out.
How to Find Men’s Underwear Made in the USA
When it comes to men’s underwear manufacturing in the USA, our goal is more than just listing brands. We’re here to arm you with knowledge so you can shop smarter. Let’s take a closer look at the industry: from material sourcing to labeling and strategies for finding top-notch American-made underwear brands. First, let’s unravel the “made in the USA” label and understand its significance.
What Does “Made In The USA” Mean?
Before proceeding with your search, it is essential to understand what “made in the USA” means. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), “made in the USA” means all or virtually all the product’s components are made, manufactured, and assembled here in the United States. This means that all materials, labor, and processes used to make the product must be domestic. A company that only does some of its production work in the USA cannot legally label its goods as “made in the USA.”
For American-made men’s underwear, that means the raw materials, fabric, and manufacturing methods must all be from the US. As a result of these restrictions, it is crucial to research and verify the origin of each product you’re considering.
If you need more information, check our FTC labeling guide.
Materials and Their Source
The quality of any garment is dependent on the materials used. That includes underwear, which often contains fabrics like cotton and nylon.
Cotton
Cotton is an excellent choice for underwear as it is lightweight, breathable, and comfortable. Cotton is a huge 21-billion-dollar industry in the United States. But despite this vast number, the USA ranks third in the world’s cotton production. Instead, China and India are leading producers of this material. However, since the USA still grows and produces a significant amount of cotton, finding cotton men’s underwear made in the USA should not be too difficult.
Nylon
Another material commonly used in men’s underwear is nylon. Nylon is a synthetic material that is durable, stretchy, and breathable. It’s often used to add structure and shape to underwear. Nylon is also produced in the USA, with around 2.4 million tons of nylon produced each year in the country. As with most other materials, China is the leading producer of nylon, so it’s worth double-checking the country of origin of the nylon underwear before purchasing.
Spandex
Spandex is another material used in the construction of men’s underwear. It’s a synthetic material that is lightweight and flexible, making it perfect for form-fitting underwear. Spandex was invented in Virginia, USA, but much of the production is now located in Asia, namely China, which produces roughly 75% of the world’s spandex. However, some US-based companies still produce spandex in the USA. Make sure to research and read label information carefully when purchasing spandex underwear.
Labeling
The next step for finding men’s underwear made in the USA is to check the label. There are a couple of laws that help us here. The first is the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act. This act makes it a legal requirement for companies to use standardized language for the fiber used on their textile products. It also states that companies must mention the percentage weight of the fibers used and the country of origin.
The second law is Title 19 Chapter 4 Section 1304 of the US code, which states that all products made abroad must be appropriately labeled as such. So, when finding men’s underwear made in the USA, you should look specifically for the FTC-protected “made in the USA” label.
However, keep in mind that there is no pre-approval process for the “made in the USA” label. So, this is why it’s recommended to do some additional research to ensure the product is truly made in the USA.
It’s also important to note that some companies may use misleading phrases such as “assembled in USA,” “designed in the USA,” or “made in the USA with imported materials.” But none of these labels are synonymous with “made in the USA.” In fact, they mean only a portion of the manufacturing takes place in the United States.
You should also watch out for the usage of the American flag on labels. Just because you see the American flag does not necessarily mean the product is made in the USA.
Other Tips
Here are some other tips that will help ensure that your men’s underwear is genuinely American-made.
Go Online
Most companies have a website and social media accounts. These can be great sources of information about their production processes, sourcing practices, and much more. Check the website’s About Us page and any related media channels for details.
If you can’t find the country of origin, it’s best to assume it’s made abroad. Companies are not legally required to state the country of origin on their websites, so silence says a lot in this case.
Go Online Shopping
Often, online shopping websites, like Amazon, will state the country of origin on the Product Description section of the product page. If you can’t find the country of origin there, check out the FAQ section to see if someone else has already asked a question.
Call the Company
If you still have doubts, don’t hesitate to call the company and ask them questions. This is the best way to determine if a product is American-made before you make your purchase.
Men’s Underwear Not Made in the USA
We found several big brands that are not making their men’s underwear in the USA when doing our research. Take a look at the list below – we’ll continue updating this as we find more.
- Derek Rose – Made in the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, and Thailand.
- UNIQLO – “Imported” – we’ll dig in more to find out where.
- Sunspel – Made in Portugal.
- CDLP – Made in Portugal.
- Everlane – Made in Sri Lanka.
- Calvin Klein – Predominantly made in China, but also in Kenya and Bangladesh (just underwear).
- Organics Basics – Made in Portugal, Turkey, Italy, Austria, and Scotland.
