American Giant

Founded: 2011
Founder: Bayard Winthrop
Headquarters: 165 Natoma St, San Francisco, California, 94105, USA
Phone: 415-618-0706
Number of employees: 125
Website: www.american-giant.com

Overview

American Giant is a San Francisco-based apparel company founded in 2011 by Bayard Winthrop. The company’s mission is to create high-quality, durable clothing made in the United States. By focusing on local manufacturing, American Giant aims to contribute positively to the U.S. economy and create jobs for American workers.

Company History

Bayard Winthrop started American Giant with a simple goal in mind: to create the best hooded sweatshirt in the world. Winthrop had previously held executive positions at Chrome Industries and other apparel brands, giving him the experience and industry knowledge to create a successful clothing company.

Winthrop’s vision for American Giant was to create clothing with high-quality materials and construction, which would lead to longer-lasting products. He also wanted to avoid the pitfalls of overseas manufacturing, such as low wages and poor working conditions, by producing his products in the United States. Winthrop found a partner in North Carolina, where he was able to source high-quality cotton and establish a manufacturing facility.

Product Offering

American Giant began with a single product, the Classic Full Zip Hoodie, which garnered significant attention for its durability and comfort. It was even referred to as the “greatest hoodie ever made” by a review in Slate magazine. The company’s product line has since expanded to include a variety of apparel items for men and women, such as t-shirts, sweatpants, jackets, and more. All of their products are made from high-quality materials and are designed to be comfortable, stylish, and long-lasting.

Over the years, American Giant has been committed to expanding its product line while maintaining its focus on quality and durability. In 2015, the company introduced its first line of women’s clothing, including a women’s version of the popular Classic Full Zip Hoodie. The following year, in 2016, American Giant expanded further by launching its first line of outerwear. The company’s product offerings continue to grow, as they are always developing new designs and exploring new materials to enhance the durability and comfort of their clothing.

Funding Rounds

American Giant has had several funding rounds since its inception in 2011. The company raised a total of $14.8 million in funding over four rounds.

Seed Round (2012): American Giant raised $1.2 million in a seed round of funding in 2012. Investors in this round included Donald Kendall, a former CEO of PepsiCo, and Emil Capital Partners, an investment firm.

Series A Round (2013): In 2013, American Giant raised $5.6 million in a Series A funding round. This round was led by Emil Capital Partners, with participation from other investors, including Donald Kendall and Greg Longstreet, former CEO of Del Monte Foods.

Series B Round (2015): The company raised $3.6 million in a Series B funding round in 2015. Participants in this round included previous investors, such as Emil Capital Partners and Donald Kendall, as well as new investors like iD Ventures America.

Series C Round (2017): In 2017, American Giant secured $4.4 million in a Series C funding round. The round was led by iD Ventures America, and other participants included existing investors like Emil Capital Partners and Donald Kendall.

These funding rounds have allowed American Giant to expand its product offerings, invest in research and development, and strengthen its commitment to domestic manufacturing. The company has used these investments to grow its business and continue producing high-quality, American-made clothing.

Partnerships

American Giant has formed partnerships with various organizations and businesses over the years to support its mission and expand its reach. One notable partnership is with Cotton Incorporated, a research and marketing company that represents U.S. cotton producers and importers. Through this partnership, American Giant is able to source high-quality, U.S.-grown cotton for its products, supporting the domestic cotton industry and ensuring the materials used in its clothing meet the company’s high standards.

Additionally, American Giant has partnered with various U.S.-based manufacturers to produce its products. This commitment to domestic manufacturing has allowed the company to create jobs and contribute to the American economy while ensuring that its products are made under fair labor conditions.

Awards and Recognitions

American Giant has received several awards and recognitions for its commitment to quality and American-made products. In 2013, the company’s Classic Full Zip Hoodie was awarded “Best Hoodie” by Men’s Health magazine. The following year, the company was included in Fast Company’s list of “The World’s Top 10 Most Innovative Companies in Style.”

In 2015, American Giant’s sweatpants were featured in GQ magazine’s “Best Stuff of the Year” list. The company has also been featured in various publications, such as Forbes, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal, often highlighting its commitment to producing high-quality, American-made clothing.

Social Impact

American Giant has a notable social impact through its commitment to American manufacturing and job creation. By producing its products in the United States, the company contributes positively to the local economy and creates employment opportunities for American workers.

Domestic Manufacturing: American Giant works with U.S.-based manufacturers for its entire production process, from sourcing cotton to sewing the final garments. This approach supports local industries and helps ensure that the company’s products are made under fair labor conditions. By partnering with organizations like Cotton Incorporated, American Giant is able to source high-quality, U.S.-grown cotton, further supporting the domestic cotton industry.

Job Creation: American Giant’s focus on domestic production has created jobs in the United States, particularly in the textile and apparel manufacturing sectors. By maintaining its production facilities in the U.S., the company is able to employ American workers and contribute to local economies. For instance, American Giant’s manufacturing partner in North Carolina employs hundreds of workers, providing them with stable jobs and contributing to the local economy.

Economic Impact: The company’s commitment to American manufacturing has a positive ripple effect on the U.S. economy. By sourcing materials, labor, and other resources domestically, American Giant helps to support various sectors and businesses throughout the country. This approach contributes to economic growth and stability, as the money spent on production remains within the United States.

While American Giant may not have specific social impact initiatives or partnerships with charitable organizations, its commitment to domestic manufacturing and job creation has a significant social and economic impact in the United States. The company’s focus on American-made products and support for local industries demonstrate its dedication to contributing positively to the country’s economy and workforce.

In conclusion , American Giant is a successful apparel company that has garnered attention and praise for its commitment to producing high-quality, durable clothing in the United States. With a focus on domestic manufacturing and partnerships with organizations like Cotton Incorporated, the company has been able to create jobs and support the American economy. Through its product offerings, which include the well-known Classic Full Zip Hoodie, American Giant has built a strong reputation for quality and innovation. Although it remains a private company and has not been involved in any significant acquisitions, American Giant continues to grow and make a positive impact on the U.S. apparel industry.

Disclaimer: Please note that the names and positions of employees mentioned may be subject to change, as individuals may move to different roles or organizations. While we make every effort to keep our information accurate and up-to-date, we cannot guarantee that all employee details are current or complete. We encourage you to verify the identity and positions of any individual mentioned and check their Linkedin Profile before taking any action based on their role.