Born from Olympic rowing and Philadelphia workmanship, Boathouse has made American-crafted athletic apparel since 1976. Founded by Olympian John Strotbeck, the company still operates its own Philadelphia factory, where 200 full-time craftspeople, designers and graphic artists produce clothing for athletes, teams and everyday wear. Its Fair Labor Association certification reflects the company’s effort to keep production close, visible and ethically managed.
Philly Express AthleticsA South Philadelphia institution, Philly Express Athletics grew from Frank Ristagno’s one-room tailoring shop, founded in 1976, into a second-generation apparel manufacturer. Since Michael Ristagno took over in 1996, the company has become known for custom hockey jerseys made in Philadelphia for teams ranging from local professionals to organizations overseas. Its staff also provides on-site customization for team apparel.PHILADELPHIA, PA
Rolling Otter WearRolling Otter Wear makes Jiu Jitsu and MMA grappling apparel by hand in its small family-run factory in Northeast Philadelphia. Founded by David Whitehurst after years as a custom clothing manufacturer, the brand produces each order in the United States rather than outsourcing overseas, drawing on Whitehurst’s own training in Jiu Jitsu since 2003. Its made-to-order approach also uses upcycled packaging and helps avoid unsold inventory and wasted materials.BENSALEM, PA
Sparta Luxe, LLCFor more than 35 years, Sparta Luxe, LLC has been a Baltimore-based, made-in-USA apparel factory serving both domestic and internationally known brands. It provides contract cut-and-sew production for activewear and sportswear, with projects ranging from customer concepts to finished garments.ESSEX, MD
Elite Sportswear, L.PFounded in 1981 and based in Reading, Pennsylvania, Elite Sportswear makes sports apparel for gymnastics, cheerleading, and swimming through its GK Elite, GK Cheer, Omni Cheer, and Dolfin brands. It describes GK Elite as the world’s leading gymnastics apparel brand and says a large portion of its manufacturing remains in the United States.READING, PA