- Some American clothing brands have been around for more than a century.
- Brooks Brothers is the oldest American clothing brand, founded in 1818.
- Other clothiers, such as Carhartt and Sperry, have a history of making garments and shoes for US military soldiers.
- Visit Insider’s homepage for more stories.
Whether it’s a trusty pair of Vans or a collared Polo shirt, many garments from American clothing brands have a rich history.
Among the oldest American clothiers that are still around today are Brooks Brothers, Woolrich, Johnston & Murphy, and Levi Strauss & Co. Other American clothing companies with rich histories include Ralph Lauren, who has dressed first ladies and Team USA athletes; and Nike, which continues to innovate in the athletic wear space.
Here are 30 of the oldest American clothing brands that are still around today.
Brooks Brothers is America’s first and oldest existing clothing brand, having been founded in 1818.
Founded in New York City in 1818, the brand Brooks Brothers was the first American clothing company that’s still around today.
One of its most famous clothing items, the trench coat, has a history that dates back to World War I. The brand outfitted men serving in the war, equipping them with their uniforms, including the buttoned and belted coats, which became a popular military-inspired style among Americans.
The brand continues to sell clothing that aligns with its traditional roots and rich history, from button-up shirts, suits, ties, and other high-quality dress wear.
Woolrich, recognized for its black and red Buffalo Check fabric, was founded in 1830, and has been crafting heavy-duty outdoor clothing ever since.
Woolrich calls itself the original American outdoor clothing company. Founded in 1830 by English immigrant John Rich in Plum Run, Pennsylvania, one of Woolrich's first offerings was the Buffalo Check shirt, a black and red checkered shirt allegedly named after the herd of buffalo the designer owned.
Today, the brand continues to specialize in high-quality parkas, down coats, wool shirts, and other heavy-duty outdoor staples.
Johnston & Murphy was founded in 1850, and has not only remained a popular retailer, but has also designed custom shoes for every US president since.
Johnston & Murphy launched in 1850 in Newark, New Jersey, originally as the William J. Dudley Shoe Company. The brand has specialized in shoe- and boot-making since its inception.
In 1850, the shoe company custom-designed shoes for President William Filmore, which started a tradition of the brand creating a custom pair of shoes for each US president.
Johnston & Murphy became the official brand name in 1886, and the company expanded to clothing in 1998, and launched its first women's collection in 2008.
Founded in 1853, Levi Strauss & Co basically invented jeans as we know them today.
Levi's history dates back to 1853, when Levi Strauss, an immigrant from Bavaria, opened a store in San Francisco to make clothes for workers in the California Gold Rush.
Working with a tailor named Jacob Davis, Strauss created pants made of denim with copper hardware, which became the first pair of waist "overalls," which are now known as blue jeans, according to Levi's timeline.
From the brand's well-known 501 jeans, perhaps its most popular design, to its Vintage Collection of higher-priced jackets and pants made of premium materials, Levi's continues to create new styles and be a brand beloved among various generations.
The Frye Company was founded in 1863, and crafted its first boot in 1888.
In 1863, John A. Frye opened the first Frye shop in Marlboro, Massachusetts, and in 1888, the first Frye boot was crafted. Frye quickly became known for its handmade leather boots.
From its 1940s Rancher cowboy boots to the Harness boot of the '60s, which features the brand's signature ring design, Frye has been known for its shoes for more than a century. Today, the brand sells clothing and accessories as well, but continues to specialize in its suede and leather footwear.
Carter's has been selling clothes for babies and children since 1985.
Carter's has been outfitting babies and kids since 1865, and remains in business today, offering a wide range of clothes for kids - from onesies to toddler-sized denim jackets.
The brand was was founded in Needham, Massachusetts, by William Carter. It was a family business based in Massachusetts until 1990, when the Carters sold the company. In 2005, Carter's acquired OshKosh B'gosh, a children's apparel brand founded in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
Carhartt was founded in 1889 to provide uniforms for men working in the steel and railroad industries. It continues to be a popular choice for durable overalls, coats, and more.
In 1889, designer Hamilton Carhartt created the bib overall, a one-piece garment made specifically for railroad workers who worked in harsh environments and had specific needs in terms of the ideal work ensemble.
The Carhartt overall became a staple for blue collar workers, and Carhartt expanded to clothe the US military. Today, the brand offers clothing in fabrics that are flame-resistant and able to withstand extreme weather conditions.
Lee was founded in 1889, and from pioneering the one-piece overall to releasing its mass-market "Riders" line, the denim brand has remained an American staple.
Founded in 1889 in Kansas, the Lee company began packaging and distributing dry goods and groceries. In 1912, the H.D. Lee Mercantile Company opened a garment factor in Salina, Kansas, and began manufacturing overalls and jean jackets.
Its original one-piece overall with sleeves and long pants, known as the Lee Union-All, was created in 1913 and kicked off many decades of growth and new denim products.
From denim made for the US military to bell bottom jeans in the '70s, Lee has a long history in the denim world and is still a mainstay in American clothing brands.
Founded in 1906, New Balance continues to deliver with its wide range of athletic wear and shoes in vibrant colors.
With fun colors, notably comfortable styles, and classic details like the shoe model numbers, New Balance, which was founded in Boston in 1906. has been popular for decades.
Some New Balance models, like the 2009 New Balance 993, are regarded as "dad shoes," a trend that has resurfaced in recent years. Other designs were created with comfort for athletics and outdoor use in mind, such as models that were released in the later 2000s, according to the brand's timeline.
Converse was founded in 1908, and its canvas sneakers have become some of the most-recognizable shoes in the world.
Sneaker brand Converse has been around since 1908. Originally known as the Converse Rubber Shoe Company, the brand was founded by Marquis Mills Converse in Malden, Massachusetts.
In 1917, the brand released its now-iconic Converse All Star shoe. In 1932, the All Star shoe was adorned with the signature of Chuck Taylor - a name many Converse-lovers are familiar with - who was a salesman and ambassador for Converse shoes since 1921, according to BBC.
Since then, the All Star has arguably become one of the most universally recognizable shoes, with its signature circle emblem and canvas design. Converse continues to innovate with other shoe styles, including customizable options.
L.L. Bean's outdoor-oriented clothing and durable Bean Boots have kept the brand going strong since 1912.
Known for its durable outerwear and clothing items made for the outdoors, L.L. Bean has been around for more than 100 years.
It's hard to think of L.L. Bean - originally a brand that specialized in clothes and shoes for hunting - without picturing the iconic Bean Boot, which is still popular today. The waterproof shoe made of leather and rubber was designed to withstand the elements and was crafted in 1911 in Freeport, Maine, by the company's namesake, Leon Leonwood Bean.
L.L. Bean's CEO Steve Smith previously told Business Insider that the Bean Boot set up the company for success. "Even though it's a historic, heritage product, they can continue to move up, continue to be trendy, continue to be cool. That has carried the success," Smith told Business Insider.
Champion was founded in 1919, and is still a successful clothing brand, selling minimalist sportswear and sports team-themed apparel.
Founded in 1919 in Rochester, New York, the Champion brand became a staple in college bookstores in the 1930s, selling sweatshirts, t-shirts, and athletic socks.
Champion's iconic "C" logo has evolved slightly over time, but the current design that adorns most of its clothing dates back to the 1950s.
Today, the brand is still known for its basics like socks and underwear, and its branded sweats and sports team-themed apparel are also popular.
Founded in 1920, Eddie Bauer continues to be a go-to clothier for people who love the outdoors.
In 1920, Eddie Bauer opened a shop in his name in Seattle, Washington, and later created a quilted goose down jacket, called the "Skyliner," which would become a patented item in 1940.
The brand continues to produce innovative outerwear and clothing made in warm, durable fabrics, as well as luggage and gear for traveling, hiking, and other outdoor adventures.
Dickies was founded in 1922 and has been selling simple, durable clothing for all ages.
Founded in Bryan, Texas, by C.N. Williamson and E.E. Dickie, the Dickies brand originally focused on heavy-duty work uniforms. Its classic bib overall was highly sought-after by railroad workers, but Dickies has since expanded with collections for kids and accessories like shoes, belts, and backpacks.
The brand recently collaborated with the trendy retailer Madewell on an exclusive line of clothes, proving its signature industrial style has truly transcended generations.
Cole Haan has been making leather shoes and accessories since 1928.
Founded in 1928 in Chicago, Cole Haan originally specialized in men's footwear with a line of handcrafted loafers and other dress shoes. In the '70s, the brand launched its women's footwear line, then moved into accessories and outerwear.
Today, Cole Haan continues to design men's and women's shoes, as well as bags, belts, and sunglasses. The brand recently branched out with collaborative collections, including footwear lines with Rodarte and street wear brand Chinatown Market.
Sperry was launched in 1935 with the birth of the iconic boat shoe, which is still a staple in closets across the country today.
The idea for the Sperry boat shoe came about in 1935, after the company's founder, Paul Sperry, slipped on the deck of a boat. Sperry was inspired by watching his dog trot around on icy surfaces in the Connecticut winter, so he designed a shoe with rubber soles that were similar to those of his dog's paws.
Officially named the Sperry Top-Sider, the shoe became popular in the late '30s and early '40s, and Sperry was named one of the official shoemakers of the US Navy.
Worn by members of the military, the Kennedys, and athletes alike, Sperry has a long history as an American brand and continues to make durable shoes with a preppy, nautical touch.
Coach was founded in 1941 and is still known for its high-quality accessories.
Founded in 1941 in New York City,the brand Coach has been championed for its luxurious leather accessories.
Though Coach is synonymous with its signature "C" pattern that's present on many of its accessories, the brand continues to evolve, and is now moving away from the flashy logo.
"As we write our next chapter, we're building on our heritage of craftsmanship and confident New York style to deliver a complete lifestyle brand for modern lives," said Joshua Schulman, Coach's CEO and Brand President, as quoted on the Tapestry website.
Original Penguin has been delivering menswear with its signature retro, whimsical take since 1955.
Original Penguin, which specializes in crafting golf and polo shirts and other dress wear, evolved from Musingwear, a Minnesota-based underwear brand, in the mid '50s.
The brand's signature garment, the Musingwear Golf Shirt embroidered with its logo, Pete the Penguin, was worn by icons like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Clint Eastwood.
Original Penguin now also offers a women's collection, denim, and accessories, in addition to its classic golf and button-down shirts.
Since launching in 1964, Nike has become one of the most successful and recognizable brands in American history.
Founded in 1964, Nike was originally named Blue Ribbon Sports. It opened as a distributor for a Japanese shoemaker named Onitsuka Tiger, now known as Asics. In 1971, Blue Ribbon Sports became Nike Inc., and creators Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight got to work creating innovative footwear.
In 1974, Bowerman made the Nike Waffle Trainer, a shoe made using his wife's waffle iron that had a grooved pattern on the soles, which Bowerman thought would help athletes' grip running tracks. The 1980s saw many styles of Nike shoes- from the Air Jordan to the Air Force 1 - become instant classics.
In 1988, Nike launched its first "Just Do It" campaign with its now-ubiquitous slogan, and the brand remains popular worldwide. In fact, according to reporting by Business Insider and a survey by Piper Jaffray of 6,000 US teens and their spending habits, Gen-X shoppers view Nike as their No. 1 brand.
Vans was founded in 1966, and has been making iconic sneakers ever since.
Founded by brothers Paul and Jim Van Doren, along with Gordon Lee and Serge Delia, the shoe company Vans - originally known as Van Doren Rubber Company - launched in 1966 in Anaheim, California.
In the '70s, Vans became popular among California skateboarders, who found it easy to skate in the Vans #44 Deck Shoes, which the company now calls the Authentic style.
Ralph Lauren, founded in 1967, is known for the creation of the polo shirt, as well as for dressing icons like first ladies and Team USA athletes.
From outfitting US first ladies like Hillary Clinton and Melania Trump to designing Team USA's Olympic ensembles, Ralph Lauren, which was founded in 1967, is a quintessential American brand.
Inspired by the aesthetics of polo (the sport), Lauren debuted the Polo pony and jockey logo that is now a recognizable image of the brand. The line's most famous product is undoubtedly the collared shirt that originally came in 24 colors and prominently featured the pony and jockey logo - now known as the polo shirt.
Calvin Klein launched in 1968, and still sells classic pieces like loungewear and denim.
Fashion brand Calvin Klein was founded in 1968 by Calvin Klein and Barry Schwartz. In 2003, Calvin Klein was acquired by PVH Corporation, which also owns Tommy Hilfiger, according to the brand's website.
Calvin Klein has been championed for its minimalist clothing designs, undergarments, and fragrances, which rose in popularity during the late-1990s, according to Business of Fashion.
The brand has evolved with the times, as it announced in March 2019 that it would do away with its runway collections and focus more on its ready-to-wear clothing lines and undergarment collections.
Founded in 1972, Patagonia is still going strong as a beloved outerwear clothing and equipment retailer.
Patagonia started as a hiking catalog called Chouinard Equipment, which was released in 1972.
The brand is now synonymous with its colorful outerwear, but this was a rarity back when the brand launched. Back then, outer- and active wear tended to have dark, muted shades.
Patagonia's founder, Yvon Chouinard, was inspired by the colorful clothing he saw worn by hikers in Scotland in the early '70s, which led him to design a multicolored rugby shirt. It sold out almost immediately, and the brand continued to produce colorful outerwear and hiking staples.
From its cozy fleece jackets to various layered shirts that make for comfort even in extreme temperatures, Patagonia continues to deliver innovative outdoor garments.
Timberland released its first boot design in 1973, and its classic shoes are still beloved today.
When Timberland's Original Yellow Boot hit the shelves in 1973, it took the world by storm, and the iconic shoe design has been a mainstay for the brand ever since.
The brand launched other shoe designs following the success of the original boot, such as casual styles, boat shoes, and designs made for professional sled dog racers. Today, it continues to be a go-to brand for durable cold weather boots - or simply for a nostalgic style.
American Eagle has catered to the 15-to-25-year-old market with jeans, hoodies, and casual clothing since 1977.
Since 1977, American Eagle has catered to the 15-to-25-year-old market with jeans, hoodies, and casual clothing, according to the company's website. Its sister store, underwear brand Aerie, has amassed a large following of fans who support its inclusive, body-positive messaging, which is perhaps one reason why the retailer is so widely popular today: In fact, the president of Aerie says it is defying the retail apocalypse and "opening stores as fast as we can."
According to reporting by Business Insider and a survey by Piper Jaffray of 6,000 US teens and their spending habits, Gen-X shoppers view American Eagle and Aerie as the No. 2 most popular brand, after Nike.
Founded in 1981, Guess is still known for its form-fitting denim.
Founded in 1981 by brothers Paul, Maurice, Georges, and Armand Marciano, the brand Guess is popular for its denim, specifically its women's jeans that, in the '80s and '90s, were more form-fitting than other blue jean trends of the time.
With its flashy marketing and models known as Guess Girls, the brand amassed a following of people who wanted to be seen in jeans with the brand's iconic triangle logo.
Through the years, faces of Guess have included Anna Nicole Smith, who rose to fame after being featured as a Guess Girl in the '90s, as well as Gigi Hadid, actress Drew Barrymore, and singer Camila Cabello.
Michael Kors was also founded in 1981, and is known for its logo-printed purses and accessories, plus women's and men's lines of luxurious clothing.
American designer Michael Kors launched his women's fashion line in 1981, and the brand has become well-known for crafting glamorous clothes and accessories.
Perhaps best-known for its handbags and wallets adorned with the iconic "MK" initials in neutral colors, the Michael Kors brand and Kors' other lines, MICHAEL Michael Kors and Michael Kors Mens, are synonymous with celebrity style and luxurious but accessible fashion.
J.Crew has been redefining preppy since 1983, specializing in classic silhouettes made with whimsical patterns and colors.
With its launch in 1983, J. Crew started as a catalog that offered preppy staples like khaki pants, button-downs, and sweaters designed to be layered over collared shirts.
Over the years, J. Crew became known for turning once-formal items like blazers and dress pants into pieces that could be worn during the day and to the office, creating a geek-chic or "wear-now-and-later" aesthetic.
Like all successful clothing brands, J. Crew has adapted over the years with new styles, but it has retained its image as a classic American clothing company that puts a whimsical spin on traditional wardrobe staples.
Marc Jacobs launched in 1984, and the brand is still well-known for its runway collections, as well as its less-exclusive accessories, beauty products, and fragrances.
Designer Marc Jacobs launched his eponymous clothing line in 1984 in Manhattan. The high-fashion brand, Marc Jacobs International, now also includes Marc by Marc Jacobs, which was founded in 2001.
Aside from its luxury, high-fashion collections, Marc Jacobs offers beauty products, fragrances, and accessories, some of which can be found at affordable prices.
Tommy Hilfiger launched in 1985 and continues to inspire a sense of Americana with its red, white, and blue aesthetic.
The brand's red, white, and navy blue logo exemplifies the patriotic spirit of Tommy Hilfiger, which took the fashion world by storm after it launched in 1985.
Britney Spears, Gwen Stefani, and Destiny's Child, are just a few stars of the '90s who wore memorable outfits with the Tommy brand name in the form of crop tops, athletic wear, and denim, and the brand remains an American classic today.