The denim industry just got a little bigger.
Seattle-based heritage apparel brand Filson, known for its expertly crafted outerwear, is continuing its 123-year tradition of fashion manufactured in the U.S. with a collection of three jeans styles for men.
Filson’s debut denim collection includes the rail-splitter straight-leg jeans, which are made from Italian denim and sewn in the U.S. Featuring a metal shank-button waist closure and double-layer pocket bottoms, they remain true to its heritage, heavy-wear roots.
The style also comes in a limited-edition selvedge, featuring the same classic 5-pocket design as the original, but crafted from Japanese selvedge denim made on vintage shuttle looms. The collection also features the bullbuck double-front jeans, which features reinforced double-layer leg-fronts, a metal shank-button waist closure and double-layer pocket bottoms. The straight leg style is made of 14.5-oz., 100 percent cotton denim.
Jeans retail for $145-$225.
Despite the industry still reeling from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, now may be a strategic time for the brand to expand into new apparel categories. The pandemic has triggered a demand for locally produced goods, with new data from the Reshoring Institute showing nearly 60 percent of Americans would pay more for American-made products.
Domestically made labels have seen success amid a year of hardships, gaining traction from celebrity mastermind Kanye West, who recently set out to jumpstart U.S. apparel and footwear manufacturing. Parts of his partnership with Gap will reportedly be produced in the U.S. to further his goal.
Filson’s heritage label began with outerwear items for miners, hunters, anglers, engineers and explorers. By using “the finest available materials” and manufacturing limited runs in the U.S., Filson ensures premium quality and minimal waste—factors that now place a denim brand high in the minds of the modern consumer. Its traditional outerwear continues to garner support from new demographics.
“True to tradition, these items have become instant best-sellers that have crossed over into mainstream popularity,” the brand notes on its website.