Sockwell’s Favorite “Made in the USA” Brands: Part 1

Written By: Kelsey Chernak, Marketing Coordinator

A product stamped with a “Made in the USA” label has always been a sign of quality craftsmanship. But now more than ever, this mark also indicates the resilient work from local businesses who care about providing jobs and making a positive influence in their communities. In fact, local businesses account for nearly 1.8 million new jobs in the United States each year.

Since the very beginning, Sockwell has promised to make our socks in the USA. Always. From our fine merino wool farmed in the Rocky Mountains and our southeastern knitting mills to our distribution center in Chattanooga, TN, we are committed to making high-quality and sustainable products in the USA. When feeling the support of our Lifestyle Compression socks or getting cozy in our Essential Comfort socks, you can wear them with pride knowing you contributed to the local economy and fed your neighbor dinner that night.

I always think about how supporting our local economies is more important than ever. It’s become so apparent that my individual choices to shop small, shop American, and shop local can make a tremendous difference in my community. Supporting American-made businesses is like giving a big hug to your neighbor.

Here are some of our Sockwell team’s favorite Made in the USA brands that we love to support:

Jim, Partner - The Pillow Bar

The Pillow Bar makes personalized, handmade pillows based on your sleep style and needs. The idea started in a small Texas town back in 2008—when having a pillow that was someone else’s idea of soft, medium, and hard just wasn’t providing the amazing night’s rest we all deserve. Merrimac Dillon, President of The Pillow Bar, went to work in her garage to build a pillow making machine that could be the answer to everyone’s individualized comfort dream.

“I love The Pillow Bar because they use the finest goose down, which has no allergens, and is custom built to my unique sleep style, size, and age. My favorite pillow is the Dr. Mary Side Sleeper.” - Jim

Christopher, Director of Marketing - Indie Coffee Roasters

The Indie Coffee Roasters started in 2013, when they roasted their very first batch of coffee *for fun* in a Whirlypop Popcorn machine. This kind of mad scientist method embarked these roasters on an incredible journey, which led to having their own coffeeshop and online small batch coffee sales.

“I moved to Chattanooga just over a year ago, and though I’ve fallen in love with so many local, USA-made brands here in Chattanooga, I’d love to give a shout out to one of my favorite coffee roasters from my home state of Indiana: Indie Coffee Roasters. My personal favorite is their Murago Station roast. But hurry—they roast different varieties on a seasonal basis!” – Christopher

Megan, Customer Service Manager - Lodge Cast Iron

Lodge Cast Iron has been making heirloom-quality cookware for more than 120 years. The company created their first durable and versatile cast iron in South Pittsburg, TN and has operated under two foundries there ever since. Lodge Cast Irons don’t just make delicious meals, they make long-lasting family memories.

“These products have become a staple in my kitchen. My husband’s grandmother gave us our first Lodge Cast Iron skillet, and we’ve been building a collection ever since. My favorite items are the 12” Seasoned Cast Iron and the Dutch Oven, which I use to make some of my favorite recipes: breaded okra and teriyaki fried rice.” – Megan

Thomas, Partner - Berle

After World War II in 1946, the Berlinsky brothers opened their own trouser manufacturing company in Charleston, SC to deliver fashion-forward, sophisticated menswear without sacrificing comfort. They shortened the company name to Berle, and the rest is history.

“The reason I love Berle is because the company has been run by the same family for 4 generations. They are dedicated to serving high quality, comfortable menswear and offer complimentary hemming on all of their trousers.” - Thomas

Kelsey, Marketing Coordinator - ColourPop

ColourPop is a California-based company that set the bar for manufacturing USA-made makeup. Back in 2014, ColourPop launched their first line of 31 eyeshadow colors and has since expanded to offer *literally* every other type of makeup you can think of. All of their products are formulated, manufactured, tested, and packaged under one roof to be sold only online and recently in all Ulta stores.

“I’ve used ColourPop for years. Not only are these products made with incredible quality and have a very wide range of color options, they are also vegan and cruelty-free. To offer such remarkable products at extremely affordable prices will have you saying, “Add to cart.” I would personally recommend the Super Shock Shadows and the Lippie Stix.” – Kelsey

Travis, Graphic Designer - L.C. King

L.C. King is a durable, workwear brand that has been family-owned and proudly made in Bristol, TN since the dawn of the 20^th century. In 1913, Landon Clayton King saw the need for work attire that was tough and could withstand the rigors of tracking quail or a long day on the farm. So, he committed his work to making strong and sturdy attire. To this day, L.C. King is a brand that embodies high-quality, perfectly stitched clothing with a rugged character.

“I love this family-owned manufacturing company because they are committed to quality and producing workwear that lasts. L.C. King produces classic styles that have become a staple in the apparel industry.” - Travis

Emily, National Sales Manager - Pendleton

For more than 150 years, Pendleton has been a family-owned business and masters of making blankets with intricate patterns inspired by Native American designs and legends. They started in Oregon and now have multiple mills in Northwestern United States, where they extended their breadth of products and continue to weave their world class apparel.

“Pendleton is one of my favorite iconic American-made brands because of their legacy of quality. Just like Sockwell sources merino wool from the USA, Pendleton is committed to using raw material and mills in the Northwestern part of the United States.” - Emily