Where to Buy American-Made Suits—and What the Distinction Actually Means

There is a certain artistry to American-made suits, and it's one that's becoming harder and harder to find due to economic changes, rising tariffs and a lack of artisans in the field. Even some of the most notable American brands have moved production outside of the US.

Joseph Abboud is not one of them; the New England-based brand prides itself on suits made in the USA, and has recently tapped former NFL player and Army veteran Nate Boyer as its brand ambassador. We spoke with Bespoke Joseph Abboud head stylist Stuart Smith about what it actually means to be made in America, and what grooms should look for in an American-made suit. Because even despite the challenges, today's grooms are showing an interest in USA-made suits. If that describes you, keep reading: We've got the scoop on six places to buy suits made in America.

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In this article:

• Are American-Made Suits Really Made in the USA?
• What Do Suits Made in the USA Cost?
• 6 Brands to Know for American-Made Suits

Are American-Made Suits Really Made in the USA?

There is a notable distinction between products and garments that are designed in the US and those that are manufactured in the US, and buyers should know how to read between the lines. Designed in the USA could mean any number of things: that a brand's designer lives here, that the company headquarters are here, or that the suit or garment was indeed created here in America. But even when a suit is designed here, it is often produced overseas.

On the other hand, a suit that is truly made in the USA was likely produced, sketch to stitch, by one of a few American suit manufacturers, if not sewn by hand by a skilled artisan on American soil. However, note that even made-in-USA suits may be crafted using fabrics from overseas, so they may not be entirely immune to tariff impact either. "All pieces in Joseph Abboud's Made in the USA collection are proudly crafted in New Bedford, Massachusetts, of globally sourced materials," Smith says. "This includes suits, separates, pants, sport coats and custom suiting."

How can the buyer know? Brands might have their own unique indicators—Joseph Abboud uses a flag-inspired ribbon to denote its American-made pieces, for instance—but if they don't, a buyer can (and should) feel free to ask specific questions about manufacturing, sourcing and labor before making a purchase.

What Do Suits Made in the USA Cost?

Almost without exception, a suit or tuxedo made in the USA is going to cost more than one manufactured elsewhere. Regardless of where it's made, the materials, first and foremost, play a huge role in costs. "Fabric quality is a factor influencing the cost of a suit, with premium textiles commanding higher prices for their feel, durability and drape," Smith says. "Craftsmanship, construction and design details also play a key role in the overall value."

However, here in the United States, there are some additional costs. The cost of labor (plus benefits and taxes) is much higher in the US. Plus, since manufacturing here has been decreasing for some time, production is usually done on a smaller scale, and a smaller scale means higher costs.

So, what's the number? Based on averages from some of our favorite American-made suiting vendors listed below, American-made suits may cost upward of $1,200, whereas those mass-produced overseas hover in the $500–$800 range (note that there are outliers in either direction; Joseph Abboud's American-made suits ring in around $600). That said, the craftsmanship, heritage and artisanal details can make USA-made suits worth the price.

6 Brands to Know for American-Made Suits

Men's suiting has a robust history in America, with many brands dating back 100 years or more. US production, however, has slowed considerably over the past century. These six labels and ateliers are holding strong, keeping at least a small section of their offerings fully American-made.

Joseph Abboud

Photo: Joseph Abboud

Since 1988, Joseph Abboud has operated the largest tailored clothing facility in the United States in New Bedford, Massachusetts; the facility is one of the only remaining major suit manufacturers in the USA. Here, more than 400 local artisans come together to create sophisticated suiting pieces. "Our skilled American artisans bring unmatched expertise to every garment, ensuring quality that reflects the brand's heritage," Smith says. "Joseph Abboud suits are designed, cut and sewn in the USA using world-class textiles from the world's most renowned mills—bringing together the best of American craftsmanship and global luxury." The brand's Made in the USA garments are clearly labeled online and in stores, so there's no question about what you're buying, and they're perfectly suited for the modern groom. "Joseph Abboud creates menswear with a sense of refinement, elegance and impeccable style," Smith says.

American-made suits starting at: $649, separates from $190; Bespoke Joseph Abboud offers a fully custom, concierge experience with suiting priced from $1,500 to $2,800.

How to shop: Online or in-store at Menswearhouse.com (which has more than 630 locations nationwide); for Bespoke Joseph Abboud, the brand sends a head stylist to a location of your choice for a fully custom experience.

Brooks Brothers

Photo: Brooks Brothers

American design is part of the core identity of Brooks Brothers, a label that has been around since 1818 and dressed 39 presidents in the past 200 years. And though "designed in America" and "made in America" are two quite different things, the label does indeed have a collection of pieces that are manufactured here. "Producing in the USA is part of our longstanding heritage and history," says VP of merchandising Lindsay Sword. "We've partnered with makers who share the same dedication and passion for product and quality." The collection includes dress shirts, suspenders and suits in wool or herringbone and checked fabrics, plus a classic double-breasted blazer dubbed the 1818. "Brooks Brothers is here to help our customers celebrate milestone moments; we've been dressing grooms and groom parties for generations," Sword says. "A Brooks Brothers groom appreciates timeless, elegant formalwear with impeccable fit and exceptional quality."

American-made suits starting at: $1,398

How to shop: In-store and online

J. Press

Photo: J. Press

J. Press was first founded at Yale in 1902 and, as such, has become known for its "Ivy League" look. It's also become known for its commitment to history and heritage; a Made in the USA search on the label's site brings up nearly 250 items, from chunky knit sweaters and chinos to a full American-made tuxedo (grosgrain, peak lapel), dress shirts and suiting. Grooms could easily outfit themselves for the entire wedding weekend—down to the socks and belt—with attire made in America from this retailer.

American-made suits starting at: $1,298; separates at $748

How to shop: Online or at one of the J.Press flagships in New York, New Haven and Washington, DC.

Hart Schaffner Marx

Photo: Hart Schaffner Marx

Many made-in-America suiting brands have a long history, and Hart Schaffner Marx is no exception. The label was founded in Chicago in the late 1800s and is credited with some of the past century's biggest suiting advances, such as zippered pants and the use of tropical-weight wool. The brand categorizes its suiting into three unique fits: the Chicago Fit (comfortable and long-lasting), the New York Fit (slimmer, shorter and more modern), and the Brooklyn Fit (the most tailored and contoured).

American-made suits starting at: $695; separates starting at $125

How to shop: Suiting is carried at Bloomingdale's, Dillard's and Nordstrom and in specialty boutiques nationwide

Hardwick

Photo: Hardwick

Cleveland, Tennessee-based Hardwick has an impressive stat to boast: Founded in 1880, it's the country's oldest continuously operating made-in-America clothing company—it even manufactured military uniforms during World War II. Today, its pieces reflect that heritage: Classic suiting and separates made from high-quality fabrics with timeless cuts and silhouettes. In addition to the classics, grooms can find a sweet selection of Southern staples like seersucker and beat-the-heat fabrications ideal for destination weddings.

American-made suits starting at: prices upon request

How to shop: In-person at the Tennessee flagship or at one of many retail partners across the country

Alan David Custom

Photo: Alan David Custom

Fit is of utmost importance at Alan David Custom, a Midtown Manhattan clothier. "Every new client gets a full throwaway garment to gauge the fit and comfort," says owner Alan Horowitz. "We use scrap fabric to assemble the garment to avoid causing damage or altering the existing cloth purchased." It's why an in-person fitting is paramount for that first appointment, but when it comes to placing orders and reorders, delivery is a point of pride. "In my 20-plus years running the company, we have never missed a time-sensitive delivery. Not after 9/11, not after Hurricane Sandy and not even during and after Covid," Horowitz says. Though the atelier's knit and jean collections are made in China, all made-to-measure suits are produced in the USA; garments are made in Rochester, New York. It's no easy feat, and Alan David even explored moving production elsewhere—but decided to keep its suiting proudly American-made.

American-made suits starting at: $1,295

How to shop: In-person at the 9,000-square-foot showroom at 515 Madison Avenue in New York