There's a certain comfort in pulling on a hoodie or tee from American Giant. The brand has built a cult following by perfecting high-quality, ultra-durable basics that are made in the USA and designed to be worn for years, not just a season.
If you're hooked on that commitment to quality and want to discover other brands that share a similar vision for well-made wardrobe staples, you’re in the right place. Here are 18 brands worth checking out for quality basics that truly last.
Everlane is a go-to for minimalist, high-quality essentials created with transparency in mind. They offer everything from sleek tees and sweatshirts to modern denim, mostly in the $30-$150 range. Their vibe is clean and simple, focusing on pieces you can wear with anything.
While American Giant champions its American-made roots, Everlane stands out for its "Radical Transparency," showing you the cost breakdown of its ethically made pieces from factories around the world. It's a great choice for understated, responsible basics.
Shop now at everlane.com
Buck Mason creates timeless American staples that feel like they’ve been perfectly broken-in from the first wear. Their specialty lies in durable T-shirts, chinos, and sweatshirts, typically priced between $50 and $150. Everything has a slightly vintage character that feels authentic and effortless.
Much like American Giant, Buck Mason is obsessed with quality craftsmanship and fabrics that are built to last. The main difference is Buck Mason's strong lean into a vintage-inspired Americana aesthetic, making their basics feel both rugged and refined.
Shop now at buckmason.com
When it comes to affordable, reliable basics, Uniqlo is practically unrivaled. Known for their functional and surprisingly high-quality pieces like tees, hoodies, and jackets - mostly under $50 - they are perfect for building a wardrobe on a budget. Their aesthetic is clean, modern, and universally appealing.
Uniqlo distinguishes itself with innovative fabrics like HEATTECH and AIRism that provide high-end performance at a low price point. While American Giant's strength is its heavy-duty, domestic construction, Uniqlo's is accessibility and fabric tech.
Shop now at uniqlo.com
If you're ready to add a touch of luxury to your basics rotation, Naadam is the answer. The brand is famous for ridiculously soft and sustainably sourced cashmere sweaters and loungewear, priced from $100 to $300. Their pieces are designed to be cozy yet sophisticated.
Where American Giant focuses on durable cotton staples, Naadam elevates the everyday with premium, eco-friendly cashmere. It's the perfect brand for investing in luxurious sweaters and knits that feel as good as they look.
Shop now at naadam.co
Todd Snyder seamlessly blends classic American workwear with a sharp, contemporary sensibility. His line includes elevated sweats, chinos, and tees that feel polished and cool, typically priced from $75 to $200. He takes familiar silhouettes and gives them a modern, refined update.
Like American Giant, Todd Snyder prioritizes premium materials and often uses American manufacturing. However, his brand brings a definite designer touch to the world of basics, making it ideal for those who want their casualwear to feel a bit more elevated.
Shop now at toddsnyder.com
Frank And Oak delivers versatile, modern basics with a strong focus on sustainability. Their collection of tees, hoodies, and joggers, priced between $40 and $120, features eco-friendly fabrics and ethical production. The style is minimalist with thoughtful, understated details.
While both brands value quality, American Giant's identity is rooted in American soil. Frank And Oak's DNA is built around a Canadian-born B Corp certification and a stylish, eco-conscious mission that makes feeling good about your clothes easy.
Shop now at frankandoak.com
Rhone is for the person whose "basics" need to perform. Specializing in technical staples like tees, joggers, and hoodies ($50-$150), their pieces are designed with moisture-wicking and four-way stretch fabrics, making them suitable for both errands and gym workouts.
While American Giant focuses on the durable comfort of classic cotton, Rhone gives staples a modern, athletic upgrade. It’s the perfect brand for anyone needing wardrobe essentials that can keep up with an active lifestyle without sacrificing everyday style.
Shop now at rhone.com
Co-founded by surfer Kelly Slater, Outerknown is all about sustainable, durable apparel with a laid-back, coastal vibe. Their tees, hoodies, and famous Blanket Shirts run about $50-$120 and are made from eco-friendly materials like organic cotton and recycled fishing nets.
Both Outerknown and American Giant are committed to producing durable, responsibly made clothes. Outerknown just brings a more relaxed, surf-inspired feel to the table, making it a great pick for those who value rugged quality with an earth-first mindset.
Shop now at outerknown.com
An icon of American style, J.Crew has long been the destination for classic, prep-leaning basics like tees, sweaters, and chinos at an accessible price point ($20-$80). Their pieces are versatile workhorses, easily dressed up for the office or down for the weekend.
While it may feel more mainstream than American Giant’s made-in-the-USA approach, J.Crew offers a wider range of styles and colors. For reliable wardrobe staples with a timeless, preppy twist, it's a can't-miss option.
Shop now at jcrew.com
Public Rec designs ridiculously comfortable basics that don't look sloppy. Primarily known for their best-selling joggers, tees, and hoodies ($50-$120), they focus on creating athleisure pieces with a tailored, sleek silhouette perfect for any casual setting.
While American Giant’s pieces feel like traditional heritage essentials, Public Rec gives wardrobe staples a modern, tech-fabric makeover. They are laser-focused on fit and comfort, making their clothes ideal for travel, lounging, or working from home in style.
Shop now at publicrec.com
Although the brief mentioned "Everest" with a defunct link, a far better comparison is Flint and Tinder, Huckberry's highly popular in-house brand. They produce rugged, American-made essentials like waxed truckers, flannels, and heavy-duty tees, priced from $50-$130. Their aesthetic is all about durable, timeless workwear.
Like American Giant, Flint and Tinder is committed to premium materials and American manufacturing. However, they lean more into an outdoor, adventure-ready vibe, perfect for anyone who wants their closet staples to be as tough as they are.
Shop now at huckberry.com
Originating from the Netherlands, Kuyichi is a denim-first brand committed to sustainable and ethically produced clothing. Their lineup includes high-quality jeans, organic cotton tees, and sweatshirts ranging from $50 to $150. Everything has a clean, European sensibility.
Unlike American Giant's focus on domestic production, Kuyichi's mission is rooted in European sustainability standards and pioneering eco-friendly fabrics. It's a fantastic alternative for shoppers who want their basics to have a strong social and environmental conscience.
Shop now at kuyichi.com
For trend-aware basics on a serious budget, H&M Conscious line is a surprisingly good option. Offering tees, joggers, and hoodies generally under $50, this collection is made using recycled or more sustainably sourced materials. It allows you to feel a bit better about fast-fashion prices.
While a world apart from American Giant’s investment-piece approach, the Conscious collection is perfect for trying out new styles without a big financial commitment. It’s the go-to for affordable, style-forward basics with an eco-friendlier spin.
Shop now at hm.com
Mott & Bow started with a simple mission: to make premium-grade denim affordable. They’ve since expanded to super-soft casual basics like tees and sweatshirts, priced from $50 to $120. Their aesthetic is modern and streamlined, with an obsessive focus on great fits.
While American Giant is big on durability, Mott & Bow's claim to fame is exceptional comfort and fabric innovation. They offer a slightly more fashion-forward take on everyday staples, making them a great fit for someone who values a truly perfect-fitting tee.
Shop now at mottandbow.com
Kotn creates beautiful, minimalist basics from authentic Egyptian cotton. Their collections of ethically made tees, sweats, and loungewear ($40-$100) are incredibly soft, well-designed, and transparently sourced. Every purchase also helps build schools in the Nile Delta.
Kotn's key differentiator is its powerful combination of premium material and social impact. While both brands believe in quality products, Kotn’s identity is tied to the communities that grow its cotton, offering a luxurious-feeling staple with a story you can feel good about.
Shop now at kotn.com
Pact is a leader in organic, fair-trade certified apparel that’s surprisingly affordable. They specialize in super-soft tees, leggings, and loungewear, with most pieces costing between $50 and $80. Their mission is to be Earth's favorite clothing company, and their quality lives up to the promise.
While American Giant focuses on US manufacturing, Pact partners with fair-trade factories globally to produce their simple, reliable organic cotton basics. They are an amazing choice for eco-conscious shoppers looking for accessible, feel-good staples for the whole family.
Shop now at wearpact.com
Vetta is best known for its versatile capsule wardrobes, but they also offer premium, sustainable basics. From tees to loungewear ($60-$150), their muted color palettes and sleek silhouettes make mixing and matching seamless. Their whole ethos revolves around buying less and wearing things more.
Like American Giant, Vetta creates timeless, durable clothing. Vetta's unique twist is their focus on über-versatile designs, often offering multi-way pieces that redefine the term 'staple'. It's minimalist essentials elevated through brilliant design and smart, sustainable materials.
Shop now at vettashop.com
Richer Poorer specializes in elevated basics that are born in California and known for their unbeatable comfort. Their lineup of tees, fleece, and loungewear ($30-$80) brings a relaxed but refined West Coast style to your daily uniform. The textures and fits are designed for ultimate coziness.
Where American Giant’s vibe feels sturdy and classic, Richer Poorer leans more into soft materials and silhouettes perfect for casual living. If everyday comfort with a slightly more fashionable, laid-back edge is your goal, Richer Poorer gets it right.
Shop now at richer-poorer.com
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