American Giant Review: Premium American-Made Basics

American Giant is a clothing brand on a mission to create the world‘s best basics. Founded in 2012 by Bayard Winthrop, this San Francisco-based company is taking a stand against fast fashion, crafting timeless wardrobe staples made to last.

While you won‘t find trendy prints or flashy styles in American Giant‘s catalog, what you will find is a thoughtful collection of sweatshirts, t-shirts, pants and more, all made in the USA from high-quality materials. The company invests in skilled American manufacturing to bring a level of quality that stands out from your typical mall brands.

Whether you‘re looking for a cozy hoodie, the perfect white tee, or a well-fitting pair of joggers, American Giant likely has you covered. Their men‘s and women‘s lines include:

• Hoodies and sweatshirts
• Short and long-sleeve tees
• Joggers and sweatpants
• Dresses and skirts
• Outerwear
• Accessories

In this comprehensive American Giant review, we‘ll take a closer look at the brand‘s story and mission, best-selling products, customer feedback, and more to help you decide if their premium basics are worth the price tag.

The Story Behind American Giant

American Giant was born out of founder Bayard Winthrop‘s frustration with the poor quality and unethical manufacturing rampant in the fashion industry. He set out to create a brand that would restore American leadership in apparel manufacturing, focusing on a small line of carefully considered basics.

In 2012, American Giant‘s first product, the Classic Full Zip hoodie, put the young company on the map. When Slate declared it "the greatest hoodie ever made," the sweatshirt sold out overnight. Since then, American Giant has slowly and intentionally expanded its offerings, partnering with legendary American manufacturers to bring each product to life.

From the cotton fields to the sewing floors, every step of American Giant‘s process keeps jobs in the USA. The company‘s principled, uncompromising approach and commitment to quality over trends has earned them a devoted following, including over 130,000 likes on Facebook and 61,000 Instagram followers.

Materials & Craftsmanship

American Giant‘s dedication to quality starts with the materials they use. The company works with the finest long-staple cotton for ultimate softness and durability. Their signature heavyweight fleece is made from 100% combed ringspun cotton that resists pilling, and their slub tees are crafted from textured cotton jersey that only gets better with age.

Every American Giant piece is expertly sewn by skilled workers in the company‘s partner factories in California and the Carolinas. Many of these factories have been making top-notch clothing for over a century. By prioritizing craftsmanship over cost-cutting, American Giant consistently delivers products with superior fit, feel, and attention to detail.

It‘s the little things that make American Giant stand out, like reinforced elbow pads on their hoodies, metal-tipped drawcords, and doublestitched seams. The company produces clothing in small batches, carefully inspecting each piece to ensure it measures up before leaving the factory floor.

Fit & Sizing

American Giant clothing has a classic, tailored fit that‘s not too tight or too loose. The company offers all the most common sizes for adults:

• Men‘s tops run from S-XXL
• Women‘s tops run from XS-XL
• Men‘s and women‘s bottoms run from XS-XL
• Some specialty sizes like tall are available for certain items

While the fit is fairly slim and streamlined across the board, American Giant provides detailed measurements for each size to help you find the right one for you. Many shoppers find the tops run true to size, although some note they can be a bit snug at first before the 100% cotton fabric relaxes. The bottoms have a moderately tapered fit through the leg.

One thing to note is that American Giant does not currently offer extended sizes outside this core range, so the brand may not work for every body type. They have shared plans to expand their size offerings in the future.

Best-Selling American Giant Products for Men & Women

Now that you have a sense of what American Giant is all about, let‘s take a closer look at some of their most popular products for men and women. We‘ll share what makes them special plus feedback from real customers.

The Classic Full Zip

The hoodie that launched American Giant to fame, the Classic Full Zip remains one of the brand‘s most iconic products. Cut from a beefy 13 oz. heavyweight fleece, it offers unbeatable coziness and stands up to daily wear and endless washes.

We love the premium details like the reinforced elbow pads, heavy-duty zippers, and double-lined hood that help this sweatshirt look new wear after wear. As one reviewer puts it, "This is the most durable, well-constructed hoodie I have ever owned. It is heavy and warm and looks great even after multiple washes."

The Classic Full Zip has a slim, flattering fit and comes in a versatile range of colors. At $108, it‘s an investment piece, but its quality and longevity make it a worthwhile one for many.

The Premium Crew T-Shirt

A great t-shirt is a wardrobe essential, and American Giant‘s Premium Crew Tee aims to be the only one you need. Made from 100% Supima cotton for incredible softness, it features a classic shape that looks good on everyone.

This tee is all about the fabric. American Giant spent a year developing their custom slub cotton jersey that only gets softer with each wash without losing its shape. Throwback details like ribbed sleeves and a chest pocket complete the timeless look.

The Premium Crew has garnered over 300 5-star reviews, with one customer raving, "Finally, a tee that fits well, is long enough to cover the top of your jeans, and comes out of the wash looking like new." At $38, it costs more than your average tee, but its quality makes it a cut above.

The Pima Fleece Jogger

For an alternative to sloppy sweatpants, look no further than American Giant‘s Pima Fleece Jogger. With a slimmer fit, cuffed ankles, and a tailored details, these elevated sweats are polished enough to wear out of the house.

American Giant crafts them from their signature heavyweight fleece made from 100% pima cotton. A touch of spandex ensures you can move freely, while smart details like deep pockets and a hidden drawstring keep the look streamlined.

Reviewers rave about the Pima Fleece Jogger‘s fit and quality, noting they‘re "extremely well made" and "fit like a glove." Priced at $118, they‘re an easy way to step up your casual wardrobe. As one customer put it, "I was tired of sweats that always looked frumpy or fell apart – these are the perfect combo of comfort and style."

The Tie-Back Midi Dress

One of American Giant‘s most popular women‘s styles, the Tie-Back Midi Dress is the ultimate in laidback femininity. With a relaxed fit, side pockets, and a waist-defining sash, it‘s an easy one-and-done outfit for warm days.

Crafted from American Giant‘s soft, 100% cotton slub jersey, this dress only gets better with age. The adjustable back tie lets you customize the fit, while the midi length works for a variety of heights. Dress it up with sandals or down with sneakers – this piece is all about versatility.

With an average rating of 4.6 stars, reviewers call the Tie-Back Midi "so comfortable and very flattering" and rave that "the material is extremely soft." While some wish it had more colors and prints, most agree it‘s a quality basic they reach for again and again.

The No-BS Pant

A woman‘s version of the Pima Fleece Jogger, the No-BS Pant is a wear-everywhere essential. The slouchy slim fit looks equally cool with a fitted tee and sneakers or a crisp button-down and loafers.

Like all American Giant‘s basics, the No-BS pant prioritizes comfort and quality. The heavyweight, 100% cotton twill is durable yet soft, with a touch of stretch. An elastic waistband and ankle cuffs give it a sporty feel, while the trouser-style front pockets add polish.

Customers praise the No-BS Pant as "very comfortable without looking sloppy" and love that the fabric is "so soft inside." If you‘re looking for an alternative to jeans or leggings, these pants are a great option to take you from couch to coffee date in style.

What Customers Have to Say

One of the best ways to assess if a brand lives up to the hype is to go straight to the source: customer reviews. American Giant currently has over 7,000 reviews on their website, with an impressive average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Here‘s what real customers have to say about American Giant‘s quality, fit, customer service, and more:

• "I can‘t say enough great things about this company and the clothes they make. The quality is outstanding, the materials are so soft and comfortable, and the fit is always spot on." – Sarah S.

• "American Giant has become my go-to for basics. I know I can always count on their tees, sweats, and hoodies to be well-made and last forever." – Mike T.

• "I love supporting a company that manufactures in the USA. You can tell they really care about their products and put a lot of thought into every detail." – Lisa P.

• "Their customer service is top-notch. I had an issue with an order and they resolved it quickly with no hassle. You can tell they stand behind their products." – David W.

• "As a taller guy, I love that American Giant offers tall sizes in some of their shirts and sweatshirts. I wish more brands did this!" – Chris L.

• "The only downside is that American Giant is not cheap. But in my experience, you get what you pay for – these are quality clothes that last." – Amanda K.

While no brand is perfect, the vast majority of American Giant‘s reviews are glowingly positive. Customers consistently praise the premium fabrics, flattering fits, and durability. Many comment that American Giant pieces are their most-worn clothing and only get better with time.

The few complaints tend to mention the lack of plus sizes, limited color options, and slower shipping times. But overall, American Giant has built a loyal following of customers who appreciate their commitment to quality over quantity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions about shopping American Giant? We‘ve rounded up answers to some of the most common queries.

What is American Giant‘s return policy?

American Giant offers free returns and exchanges within 30 days of purchase on unworn items in new condition. You can return items by mail with the included prepaid return label.

Does American Giant have sales?

American Giant rarely has sales, but they do release limited-time collections and color drops to keep their catalog fresh. You can also get free U.S. shipping on orders of $100 or more.

Where can I buy American Giant?

The best place to shop American Giant is on their official website, www.american-giant.com. They also have a few flagship retail stores in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York.

What is American Giant‘s Cyber Monday sale?

American Giant typically offers a site-wide sale for Cyber Monday, which is a great opportunity to score their pieces at a discount. They announce the details via email ahead of time, so be sure to subscribe to their list or check back here for updates.

The Final Verdict

For shoppers who appreciate American craftsmanship, quality materials, and a commitment to ethical manufacturing, American Giant is hard to beat. While their prices are higher than fast fashion brands, you‘re investing in premium basics that are built to last.

With their focus on perfecting wardrobe essentials like tees, sweats, and hoodies, American Giant is a great option when you want to simplify your closet and spend less time chasing trends. Their pieces have a timeless yet modern aesthetic that works for a range of personal styles.

While American Giant doesn‘t work for every shopper or budget, if you‘re able to invest in a few of their thoughtfully-made basics, you likely won‘t be disappointed. Their 30-day return policy makes it easy to try the brand with confidence.

For our part, we‘re impressed by American Giant‘s principled approach to manufacturing, their focus on slow fashion over fast trends, and the obvious care put into each item. The rave reviews from customers show that when you prioritize making quality clothing, people notice.

If you‘re ready to trade your stretched-out sweatshirt or pilling tee for a piece that will look great and last for years to come, head to American-giant.com to see their latest collection. We think you‘ll be pleasantly surprised by the difference quality makes.