Are you looking to add some new clothes and accessories to your wardrobe? This might be your chance to consider some union-made apparel and accessories. Union-made clothes are made by workers belonging to different labor unions which gives them more job protection and welfare rights. Buying from these businesses helps support these workers and their families. So next time you come across union-made products, don’t hesitate to add them to your cart.
Below we have listed ten union-made clothing and accessories that you can add to your wardrobe to support a union-made fashion brand.
Jeans
Jeans are perhaps the most-worn clothing item in your wardrobe. A good pair of jeans can last you quite a few years. They’re durable and low maintenance, and come in various styles and color options. Next time, you can buy a pair of union-made jeans that come in styles such as straight leg, skinny, flare, boot cut, relaxed fit, and more. You could choose from high-rise, mid-rise, and low-rise styles depending on your taste and level of comfort. Different brands offer different styles and cuts, so check the brand properly to find your best fit.
Jacket
Jackets are predominantly worn to stay warm, but they can also add a touch of style to your outfit. Union-made jackets come in various styles, such as parkas, pea coats, bomber jackets, denim jackets, leather jackets, trench coats, windbreakers, and puffer jackets. These styles also come in different variations, such as cropped bomber jackets, distressed denim jackets, biker leather jackets, and lightweight trench coats.
The exact style and material depend on the weather, season, and brand. But you’ll have enough union-made options to choose from.
Hat
A union hat can be a great addition to your wardrobe. This USA-made headwear can come in various styles, materials, and colors. Knit caps, structured caps, baseball caps, derby caps, camper caps, bandanas, and skull caps are some of the common union-made hats and headwear. They also come in their variations. Some also have colors and prints to cater to your taste. Choose the material and shape of the headwear while keeping the weather and comfort in mind. Adjustable, low profile and medium profile are the most preferred styles when it comes to these hats and headwear.
Socks
Socks are undoubtedly our best buddies during winter. They keep our feet warm and comfortable in the cold and also protect our feet from blisters, chafing, and other injuries. You can buy socks as necessities or fashion accessories. Apart from soaking sweat and odor, good-quality union-made socks can add a hint of style and a pop of color to your outfit.
Socks can be of various styles, such as knee-high, ankle socks, crew socks, athletic socks, and dress socks. The material can vary, and the design will depend on the brand. Always focus on comfort when buying socks. The fit is also important, as buying too tight or too loose socks can create discomfort or hamper steady blood circulation in your legs.
Underwear
Various popular union-made brands also manufacture underwear alongside other clothing items. Check the brand’s stores and website to find styles and materials that cater to your taste and preferences.
Underwear stays the closest to your skin. So buy a material that is comfortable and can easily soak up sweat. Briefs, boxers, boxer briefs, and trunks are common styles for men’s underwear. And briefs, boy shorts, bikinis, and thongs are the most common styles for women’s underwear.
To find the right fit, learn to measure underwear size correctly or read the size chart made available by the brand. A wrong fit can provide discomfort and also cut off blood circulation in the body.
T-shirts and Shirts
Union-made t-shirts and shirts are common clothing items and are very popular among people of all ages. If you’re a fan of t-shirts and buy them frequently, chances are you’ve purchased from a union-made brand at least once. The most common styles for t-shirts are basic crew neck, fitted, V-neck, Henley, midweight, heavyweight, and long sleeve. The shirts come in a button-down and polo style. Tank tops are also available under various union-made brands.
Even though cotton t-shirts and shirts are the most common, the material can depend on the season, style, and weather.
Sportswear
This type of clothing is worn during sporting events and workout sessions. The niche is slowly becoming popular and many new union-made brands are entering the market. Athletic shorts, leggings, shoes, runner jackets, performance tops, and sports bras are some common types of sportswear. Their material is usually lightweight and easily soaks sweat.
Sportswear can be long or short-sleeved. Every item comes with its variations. Even the shoes can be of different types, such as running, hiking, or cross-training shoes.
Sneakers
Sneakers are more common and casual footwear. Due to their variety in design and color, they are also considered fashion accessories. Various popular sneaker brands are dominating the market and bringing out sturdy and stylish designs every season, so you have many options to choose from. Many of these brands use sustainable materials such as eco-friendly fabric and recycled rubber for the soles. Thus, they leave a positive impact on the environment.
Boots
Union-made boots brands are also focusing on sustainable materials, such as eco-friendly leather. Work boots, dress boots, and hiking boots are the most common types of boots in the market. Apart from picking a good brand, always find the right fit for your boots, as buying the wrong size can create discomfort and hurt your feet. They can also cause back pain and other backbone complications. Leather is a common choice of material, although some also prefer synthetic boots. Colorful boots can add a dash of color to your look, so pick options that match your taste.
Workwear
Various union-made brands are manufacturing comfortable yet trendy workwear. They need high-quality material and build to withstand heavy usage and last longer than regular wear. Work pants, jackets, overalls, and shirts are the most common workwear. The materials used to manufacture these clothing items are canvas, twill, or denim.
Buying workwear doesn’t require a lot of fashion knowledge. However, pay attention to the quality and finishing of the item, and find your right fit to prevent workplace mishaps.
Even if you know how to get the best deals when shopping, you can end up buying from the wrong brands or products. Buying union-made apparel is a great way to support workers’ rights and enable a system that provides its workers with better pay and benefits. There are various union-made clothing and accessories items and brands out there to choose from. So, make an ethical choice and positive impact on this community by purchasing from them.
Lynn Martelli is an editor at Readability. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University and has worked as an editor for over 10 years. Lynn has edited a wide variety of books, including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and more. In her free time, Lynn enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her family and friends.
