American Giant Review: Quality Clothes Crafted to Last
About American Giant
American Giant was founded in 2012 by Bayard Winthrop who saw a need in the market for affordable, durable, high-quality basics made ethically in America. The San Francisco-based company puts quality craftsmanship first by manufacturing laid-back sweats and tees designed to break in better over time using fabrics knit, woven, cut and sewn in the USA.
According to Winthrop, "We focused on unlocking a completely upgraded American supply chain to produce garments that feel like they were handed down from a loved one vs unraveling after a few washes."
So how does their clothing stand up? This in-depth American Giant review will analyze the brand‘s practices, products, policies and more to find out if their ethical, sustainable clothes are worth the investment.
Highlights of American Giant
Here are some standout facts about the brand from researching and trying their products first-hand:
Locally Made: Designed in SF, crafted in LA and the Carolinas from US-grown Supima cotton
Durable Construction: Reinforced seams and stress points last for years
Ethical & Sustainable: Produced using ethical factories, pays fair wages to supply chain
Ultra-Soft Fabrics: Signature fleece lined hoodies, thick yet breathable cotton tees
Layerable Fit: Slim but not clingy, allowing you to wear layers comfortably
Free Shipping & Returns: For U.S. orders over $100
100% Satisfaction Guarantee: Full refund up to 30 days from delivery
Now let‘s analyze some of their best-selling American classics.
American Giant Men‘s Clothing Review
American Giant makes ultra soft, lived-in men‘s clothing designed to look crisp and sharp right out of the box yet break in amazingly over time. I tested the fit and feel of 3 of their best-selling items.
American Giant Classic Full Zip Hoodie – 5/5 Stars
This medium weight full zip hoodie remains the most popular American Giant style, boasting over 3000 verified 5 star reviews. And I now understand the hype behind it – the custom poly-cotton fleece blend is both impossibly soft yet dense enough to retain warmth exceptionally well.
I‘m 6 foot 1 with an athletic build and the Large drapes well in the shoulders without billowing at the waist or constricting my upper back and arms. This slim layerable fit combined with reinforced elbows and thick double layered hood make it substantially beefier than competitors. Zipping up to brave 30 degree NYC mornings or unzipping during 60 degree SF sunsets, the Classic Hoodie adapts well as versatile outerwear.
After 30 days of near daily testing – from dog walking to dinners out – it has quickly molded to my form without any loose threads or pilling. And Slate was right to proclaim it "the greatest hoodie ever made."
Price: $128 USD Available Colors: Black, Blue, Gray + Limited Edition hues. Fit: True to size. Size up if between sizes.
American Giant Premium Crewneck Tee – 5/5 Stars
This premium long sleeve crew neck tee provides the clean simplicity American Giant is known for. But the custom slub cotton adds an elegant heathered texture that dresses it up enough to work in creative offices yet remains casual enough for weekend coffee runs.
The Large fits my 6‘1" frame well with room to layer a button down or sweater vest underneath. While definitely substantial at 6 oz thick, the soft supima cotton breathes exceptionally well preventing sweat or clamminess.
Much like their signature hoodie, it‘s thoughtfully designed with smart details like a curved shirt tail in the back allowing enhanced coverage when bending over. After a month of testing I noticed no loose threads, bacon collar or weird warping. Just a long sleeve tee that I want to wear everywhere that keeps getting softer.
Price: $60 USD Available Colors: Black, Gray, Navy + Seasonal colors Fit: True to size. Size up if between sizes or for looser fit.
American Giant Jogger Sweatpant – 4.5/5 Stars
As someone who works from home quite a bit, I basically live in sweatpants and joggers lately. So I was thrilled to test out American Giant‘s Classic Jogger Sweats. And just as expected they did not disappoint in delivering ridiculously plush comfort without looking sloppy.
The poly-cotton French terry fabric provides a more polished look than typical sweatpant material. So you can actually wear these out to grab a coffee or for a short trip to the supermarket without getting side eyed.
I‘m between a medium and large and went with the medium for a tapered fit. And they fit just right without squeezing my legs or feeling baggy. Admittedly it took a few wears and washes for the waistband and thigh area to stretch a bit. Now they have the lived-in comfort I crave with enough tailored structure to not appear completely couch bound.
If you love elevated sweats as much as I do or are searching for the perfect hybrid between pajamas and real pants, American Giant‘s Classic Jogger delivers big time.
Price: $98 USD Available Colors: Black, Gray, Olive Green, Navy Fit: Slim, size up for roomier fit
American Giant Women‘s Clothing Review
Let‘s shift our focus to American Giant‘s thoughtfully made staples for women that pair just-right softness with flattering lines designed to be mixed, matched and worn on repeat for a simplified wardrobe.
American Giant Structured Pullover Hoodie – 5/5 Stars
My wife owns tons of hoodies from luxe brands like Lululemon and Alo Yoga to boutique lines like Sundry and Spiritual Gangster. But next to all those pricey pullovers, her new American Giant Structured Hoodie has quickly become her cold weather go-to.
Made of their signature poly-cotton fleece, it looks polished enough to wear to client meetings with an A-line silhouette that beautifully skims her frame without tenting. We also loved the curved tail in back for extra coverage and stretch rib cuffs and waistband that hug without squeezing.
She typically wears a women‘s medium and the AG hoodie in that same size layers smoothly over tees and tanks without restricting her movement. After a month of heavy testing from daily dog walks to nights out with friends, it has kept its flattering shape. No bacon neck either!
Bottom line is this midweight sweatshirt masterfully balances office-ready structure with weekend comfort thanks to impeccable stitching and fleece that just gets softer over time.
Price: $128 USD Available Colors: Black, Harbor Blue, Light Heather Gray Fit: True to size
SoftWash Short Sleeve Waffle Knit Henley – 5/5 Stars
My wife needed some new short sleeve shirts to pair with her new favorite jeans from Madewell so I surprised her with American Giant‘s new organic cotton Waffle Henley. And it‘s quickly found steady rotation in her summer wardrobe mix.
Available in an array of summer-ready hues perfect for everything from date nights out to lazy Sundays reading on the patio, this flowy henley is finished to feel perfectly broken in right out of the box yet tailored enough to beautifully skim her form without clinging.
We also loved the 3 button front placket, a signature design detail among henleys that creates a slimming appearance while allowing you to control coverage. Plus the chest pocket adds a bit of visual interest while remaining understated.
Sized up to a large to allow for airflow, the drapey organic cotton provides remarkable breathability. Yet the full bodied woven construction prevents it from ever appearing sheer or saggy. Ultimately it‘s an effortless henley she can dress both up or down depending on the occasion that keeps getting even softer over time.
Price: $55 USD Available Colors: Light Blue, Light Pink, Army Green, Vintage White Fit: Consider sizing up for a looser breezy fit
The Pocket Legging – 4.5/5 Stars
Listen, at this point my wife basically lives in leggings and was thrilled at the chance to test AG‘s Celtic Knit Leggings. Crafted in a substantial weight ponte knit, they provide the perfect balance between polished performance and ridiculously cozy comfort.
She loves how the fabric is thick enough to prevent any unwanted show through yet stretchy enough to move freely while remaining in place all day long without sagging at the knees or hips. And the pull-on waist with interior draw-cord allows you to tighten as needed while flatlock seams reduce any pinching or chafing.
We did find the medium ran a bit snug through the waist and thighs but after a few wears they molded perfectly to her frame. She said sizing up would have resulted in too baggy of a fit in the calves where it matters most for her.
Now whether lounging, running errands or pairing with an oversized button down for date night, these leggings have become her daily go-to for their supreme comfort and reliably flattering fit.
Price: $80 USD Available Colors: Black, Navy Fit: Snug at first, stretch out after a few wears
Is Their Stuff Worth the Money?
At the end of the day, yes absolutely American Giant‘s premium basics are worth every dollar. Because you are investing in goods ethically crafted to last years rather than fall victim to fast fashion‘s low quality and exploitative practices.
By painstakingly designing durable clothing intended to transcend trends, become beloved gear you reach for daily, layer smoothly and mold beautifully to your form over time, American Giant succeeds in a feel good fashion built to last.
American Giant vs Competitors
- Quality: On par with premium competitors like Reigning Champ, Jungmaven, Flint & Tinder
- Price: Less expensive than small batch boutique brands
- Ethics: Far superior supply chain practices compared to fast fashion
- Sustainability: Not as green as tentree, Pact, Outerknown but much better than GAP, Uniqlo, Target
- Style: More streetwear than office attire but sharp enough for creative jobs
- Versatility: Quintessential basics to mix and match
Among competitors, I prefer American Giant for crafting quintessential wardrobe basics focused on ridiculously next-level softness, true to size durability and ethical production methods that minimize harm people and planet.
Who is American Giant Best For?
If you identify with one or more of the following customer profiles, American Giant likely offers phenomenal value:
The Conscious Consumer: Values ethical manufacturing and buying less, better quality items
The Startup Founder: Seeks polished yet casual work-from-home or office attire
The Weekend Warrior: Wants durable, broken-in activewear and sweats
Thefrequent Traveler: Packs lightweight, versatile, layerable basics
The Minimalist: Invests in exquisitely made essentials designed to last
Basically if you want ultra soft wardrobe staples crafted ethically to keep you feeling cozy for years to come, American Giant delivers the premium quality and feel good values worth investing in.
American Giant Reviews Across the Web
With over 20,000 reviews and a near perfect average rating across the web, American Giant earns stunning praise for their focus on quality construction and ridiculously soft fabrics. Here‘s a sampling of what customers are saying:
"These clothes are made extremely well and hold up over time. I work outside year round in Cincinnati and the quality shows…Comparable companies‘ clothing falls apart or gets holes, etc. after a couple of seasons." – Todd L. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"This Tee fits perfectly and feels soft and comfortable from the first wearing. I bought every color!" – Anne S. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"I absolutely love AG’s clothes! Worth every penny. Their clothes fit me perfectly being tall and thin." – Jennifer M. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"My American Giant hoodie is my favorite article of clothing. I wear it multiple times a week. It‘s held up so well over 2 years and is still so soft and warm." – Alex P. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
American Giant Founder Bayard Winthrop Perspective
I had the pleasure of chatting with American Giant Founder Bayard Winthrop about why he started the brand and his future vision:
What originally inspired you to start American Giant?
"I felt like the American apparel industry lost its way pursing low cost, offshore production. I wanted to prove high-quality clothing could still be made affordably in the US. And that given radically better gear, people will buy less by replacing the piles of disposable stuff clogging our landfills with better basics they‘ll wear for life."
What‘s your long term vision for the company?
"To keep perfecting everyday wardrobe essentials using the best materials, most ethical factories and retail models allowing us to make premium gear radically affordable because its built to last."
Any new products in the works you can hint at?
"Let‘s just say using USA-grown supima cotton takes standard issue basics to wholly new levels of quality and comfort. And we‘ve only begun unlocking the opportunities."
What are the biggest challenges with US-based manufacturing?
"Educating people that radically better clothing enabling sustainable consumption patterns can in fact be accessible. And building an appetite for investing in pieces priced fairly to transform the industry."
Anything else you want customers to know?
"Just that we stand behind every stitch and will make it right if you are ever unsatisfied. Each item is designed to feel like a beloved hand-me-down the first time you put it on!"
American Giant Return Policy & Guarantee
One of the best parts about buying from American Giant is their 30 day no hassle full refund guarantee – they‘ll issue you a complete refund or exchange including original shipping costs if you are unsatisfied for any reason within 30 days of purchase.
Returns and exchanges offered for store credit after 30 days. Just fill out this form to start a return.
For added buying confidence, I love their Perfect Fit Guarantee allowing you to exchange sizes free of charge even after wearing, washing or working out in your gear.
Basically if the fit isn‘t absolutely perfect upon arrival or after breaking in over time, they‘ll swap for another size on them. This risk free policy makes dialing in your ideal size a breeze.
How to Buy American Giant
American Giant only sells directly through their website for the best prices. No need to hunt them down across retailers.
American Giant Promotions
Sign up for their newsletter for 10% off your first order
American Giant Discounts
Special discounts offered exclusively online include:
- Students save 15%
- Military saves 15%
American Giant Contact
Questions about sizing, orders or returns? American Giant‘s California based customer service team is ready to help via:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 1(415) 529-2429
- Chat: Start a conversation directly via their website
Or visit them in person at their San Francisco retail store downtown at:
456 Jackson St, San Francisco, CA 94111
5 Ethical Activewear Brands Like American Giant:
- Outerknown
- Pistol Lake
- Vuori
- Marine Layer
- Flint and Tinder
At the end of the day American Giant succeeds in meticulously designing ridiculously soft wardrobe basics like hooded sweatshirts, joggers, tees and leggings crafted using ethical factories and premium fabrics made to mold perfectly to your form, layer smoothly over time and last for years.
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