6 Best Indigenous & Native American Menswear Brands in 2024

Last Updated on September 18, 2024 by Shavy Jain

Native American fashion has a rich history that spans thousands of years, with each tribe having its own unique designs, materials, and techniques. Today, Native American designers continue to push boundaries, blending traditional designs with contemporary styles and incorporating sustainable and ethical production practices.

In this blog, we will inspect top Native American menswear brands that celebrate the talent, creativity, and cultural heritage of indigenous tribes. From streetwear to formalwear, these brands offer a diverse range of styles and products rooted in traditions and values.

Whether you’re looking to support indigenous businesses, discover new styles, or celebrate Native American culture, these brands are definitely worth checking out.

6 Best Native American Menswear Brands to Flaunt

What You Need To Know About Native American Menswear Brands?

Native American brands offer a unique perspective on fashion, blending traditional designs and materials with contemporary styles and techniques. Here are some things you should know about native clothing brands-

Diversity

Native American brands are not a monolith – there is a great deal of diversity in terms of the tribes, designs, materials, and techniques that are represented. Each tribe has its own unique traditions and values that are reflected in their clothing and accessories.

Sustainable and Ethical Production

Many Native American brands prioritize sustainable and ethical production practices, reflecting traditional indigenous values of respecting the earth and its resources. This includes using natural and biodegradable materials, minimizing waste and pollution, and supporting fair labor practices.

They are Culturally Significant

Native American clothing brands are more than just clothing – they reflect cultural identity and heritage. Many Native American brands incorporate traditional designs, materials, and techniques into their products, celebrating and preserving indigenous cultural heritage.

They Stimulate the Community’s Economic Growth

Supporting Native American brands can help to empower indigenous communities economically, creating jobs and economic opportunities within these communities. By supporting these businesses, consumers can help to promote greater economic equity and sustainability.

Overview Of The History And Significance Of Native American Fashion

Native American fashion has a rich history that dates back thousands of years, with each tribe having its own unique traditions, designs, and materials. Traditional clothing was made using materials like hides, fur, feathers, and quills, and incorporated intricate beadwork, embroidery, and weaving techniques.

Europeans in the 16th century brought changes to Native American fashion, as tribes incorporated new materials like cloth, glass beads, and metal into their designs. Trade with European settlers also introduced new styles and techniques, which were blended with traditional Native American designs to create new forms of clothing.

In the 20th century, Native American fashion gained recognition outside of indigenous communities, as designers like Lloyd Kiva New and Virgil Ortiz showcased their work in mainstream fashion shows.

The 1970s and 80s saw a resurgence of interest in Native American fashion, with designers like Wendy Ponca and Patricia Michaels incorporating traditional designs and techniques into contemporary clothing.

Today, modern Native American clothing continues to evolve and adapt to changing trends and cultural influences, with many designers incorporating sustainable and ethical production practices into their work.

Indigenous fashion shows and events, like the Santa Fe Indian Market and the Indigenous Fashion Week Toronto, provide platforms for Native American designers to showcase their work and celebrate their heritage.

Why Should You Support These Indigenous Businesses?

Supporting Native American-owned businesses is important for several reasons. Here are some of the main reasons why:

Economic Empowerment

Supporting Native American-owned businesses can help to empower indigenous communities economically. Historically, Native American communities have faced significant economic challenges, including poverty and unemployment rates that are higher than the national average. By supporting Native American-owned businesses, consumers can help to create jobs and economic opportunities within these communities.

Cultural Preservation

Native American-owned businesses often incorporate traditional designs, materials, and techniques into their products. By supporting these businesses, consumers can help to preserve and celebrate indigenous cultural heritage. Many Native American-owned businesses also prioritize sustainable and ethical production practices, which align with traditional indigenous values of respecting the earth and its resources.

Representation and Visibility

Supporting Native American-owned businesses can help to increase the representation and visibility of indigenous peoples in mainstream society. By opting for such apparel, consumers can challenge stereotypes and promote a nuanced understanding of indigenous cultures.

Political Empowerment

Native American-owned businesses can play an important role in advocating for the rights and interests of indigenous peoples. By supporting these businesses, consumers can help to amplify the voices of indigenous communities and promote greater political representation and participation.

Social Justice

Supporting Native American-owned businesses can also be a way to promote social justice and address the historical injustices that indigenous peoples have faced. Many Native American-owned businesses donate a portion of their profits to support causes like tribal sovereignty, land rights, and cultural preservation. By supporting these businesses, consumers can help to contribute to these important efforts.

Overall, supporting urban native clothing is an important way to promote economic empowerment, cultural preservation, representation, political empowerment, and social justice for indigenous communities. By prioritizing these businesses, consumers can help to create a more just and fair society for all.

FAQs

What makes Native American menswear brands different from other fashion brands?

Native American menswear brands differ from other fashion brands in that they incorporate traditional techniques and materials from indigenous cultures into their designs. This gives their clothing a unique and authentic look and helps to promote the cultural heritage of Native American communities.

Are Native American menswear brands sustainable?

Many Native American menswear brands prioritize sustainability in their production methods and use of materials. They may use eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton, hemp, or recycled fabrics, and may also use traditional techniques that require less energy and resources than modern manufacturing methods.

What kind of designs can I expect from Native American menswear brands?

Designs from Native American menswear brands can range from traditional styles, such as Navajo blankets and beaded jewelry, to more modern, contemporary designs that incorporate indigenous motifs and patterns. These designs may include jackets, shirts, pants, and accessories such as hats, belts, and bags.

The Ecowiser Take on Native American Menswear Brands

Native American menswear brands are making a significant impact in the fashion industry by showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the indigenous peoples of North America. These brands incorporate traditional techniques and materials into their designs, creating unique and authentic pieces that are both stylish and meaningful. By promoting the use of sustainable materials and fair labor practices, these brands are also contributing to a more ethical and responsible fashion industry.

The emergence of these brands has helped to raise awareness about the cultural significance of indigenous fashion, and the importance of recognizing and respecting the cultural heritage of Native American communities. Through their designs, these brands are challenging stereotypes and promoting a more inclusive and diverse representation of indigenous peoples in the fashion world.

Interested in making eco-friendly choices? Visit our Brands page to discover which brands are committed to sustainability. Make a difference with every purchase!