American Giant has earned a reputation as one of the top clothing manufacturers in the nation with a commitment to American jobs, durable materials, and classic designs that stand out. Their signature hoodie has become a household name, but at $150 it’s hard to justify.
Not every shopper finds the right fit at American Giant, figuratively and literally. Whether it’s the limited variety, premium price tag, or designs that lean a little too plain for your taste, you might be looking for a better American Giant alternative. You’ve come to the right place.
RiserUnited shares a lot of the same values as American Giant, like our commitment to quality and local craftsmanship. Where we differ, though, is in adding deeper purpose, more variety, and sharper design - without the expensive price tag.
Check out our patriotic apparel if you want premium-made gear that reflects what you stand for. From shirts and hoodies to long-sleeves, polos, blankets, and more - get the essentials today.
Overview of American Giant Apparel
American Giant launched in 2012 with a mission to make better clothing by rethinking two things: how and where it’s made. More than a decade later, the brand is known as one of the best for American-made basics, from hoodies to shirts.
The Classic Full Zip hoodie helped American Giant make a name for itself, dubbed the “greatest hoodie ever made.” The same attention to detail and premium fabrics used to earn that reputation are utilized across the brand’s catalog, from tees and joggers to outerwear.
You probably look at American Giant as a clothing brand - and it is. But the company itself thinks it holds a higher significance - a force for economic revitalization. It invests in US factories and workers, creating jobs in places where production had long since disappeared.
We really do appreciate the brand’s commitment to local supply chains and community growth. American Giant produces some exceptionally long-lasting gear that delivers great value for the money. So why are so many customers looking for an American Giant alternative?
Is American Giant a Good Brand?
We want to be clear - American Giant deserves credit for its manufacturing transparency, commitment to American jobs, and resistance to disposable fashion. This is something every American should be able to get behind.
But no brand is without its shortcomings. Whether American Giant is the right brand for you is another story entirely. Let’s look at some of the reasons we’ve had customers switch to RiserUnited from American Giant.
Why Are American Giant Hoodies So Expensive?
The biggest complaint we see made about American Giant is how expensive its hoodies are. At nearly $150 for a single hoodie it’s definitely a lot to stomach for more practical shoppers.
There’s a reason these hoodies cost so much, though. USA manufacturing isn’t cheap, nor are the premium materials used to bring these to life.
But you don’t have to break the bank to shop with an American brand or get high-quality hoodies built to last. There are better options that fit your budget without compromising your values or standards.
Limited Style Variety or Design Aesthetic
There’s nothing wrong with keeping things simple and subtle in your wardrobe. In fact, there are plenty of times and places where you want something basic that won’t make a statement or command attention when you enter a room.
That said, American Giant is all about basics. Some people find the clothing is too minimal and neutral. Maybe you want something a bit more exciting, be it a patriotic graphic or bold colors. You probably won't find it at American Giant.
Fit Issues or Sizing Limitations
We’ve seen a common theme in digging into reviews from real customers - American Giant’s garments run small or have a slimmer athletic fit. This is obviously no good for certain body types.
Just like the designs themselves, the sizing range can feel a bit restrictive and limiting compared to brands that offer more inclusive or relaxed fits. So, what’s the best American Giant alternative?
What’s the Best American Giant Alternative?
The good news, if you’ve felt that American Giant misses the mark in one way or another, is there are plenty of options that check all your boxes: American quality at a fair price. Comfortable, stylish apparel that aligns with your values and that you feel good about wearing.
But of all the alternatives at your fingertips, RiserUnited is the #1 choice, because our men’s patriotic clothing and women’s patriotic clothing is unlike anything else on the market - in all the right ways.
RiserUnited
We’re an American-owned brand passionate about patriotism - but that means something different to us than it might other brands.
We’ve built our brand on a foundation of gratitude, not gimmicks. So, you can expect clothing that reflects what matters most: integrity, craftsmanship, and values.
Our men’s and women’s collections are designed for real use. You get comfortable clothing for everyday wear, refined styles for meetings or date nights, and across all the various styles, quality that’s tough enough to last years - not just a few seasons. In fact, our US Navy Hoodies are actually built to last a lifetime.
Every product is designed with purpose, from heavyweight fleece hoodies to tailored quarter-zips and buttery-soft tees. Take our quarter zips, for example. Our customers love the clean lines, sueded fabric, and functional details like a gunmetal zipper and leather pull.
Our Damn Nice Tee is soft, breathable, stretch-knit performance you can actually rely on. Take a look at all our patriotic shirts for men and patriotic shirts for women to see what catches your eye and learn more about the details.
We back every piece with a satisfaction guarantee, unlike brands that just talk the talk. We walk the walk. Count on us to make it right anytime we fall short of your expectations, though that’s not going to happen.
RiserUnited is your one-stop shop for comfortable, stylish, long-lasting loathing that aligns with your values. Get your first order placed and see why we’re the #1 American Giant alternative today.
“If warmth is what you're about, you will never wear another sweatshirt EVER. Just incredibly made, and is all I need to wear going out in winter.” - Gerald
“Probably the best material I’ve ever felt in 1/4 zip! Then to top it off, they have the best customer service! Ordered two of the same size and color so I texted their customer service number and within minutes they had a return label sent and a replacement in another color on the way. American made is the best way to go.” - Brent
“Item is made with the highest quality materials and incredible attention to detail. Most definitely made to last. Extremely comfortable and keeps me warm no matter the weather.” - Anthony
Reigning Champ
Reigning Champ is another American Giant alternative to consider. We actually see comparisons made between Reigning Champ vs American Giant all the time, and it’s not hard to see why. Both brands produce similar styles and a fairly comparable price point.
Reigning Champ was founded in 2007 in Vancouver, Canada. It creates high-end basics like heavyweight fleece hoodies, sweatpants, and technical outerwear.
Its minimal, sports-driven aesthetic resonates with athletes, but any active individual who prioritizes attention to detail and quality can appreciate the high-standards Reigning Champ sets for its apparel.
There’s a catch for US customers seeking to support the American economy, though. This Canadian brand produces their garments up north of our border and in some cases, overseas.
Plus, its hoodies are priced between $125 and $135 - they might be slightly cheaper than American Giant, but you’re still paying twice what you’d pay for a hoodie at RiserUnited.
Huckberry
There’s another comparison we see made all the time: Huckberry vs American Giant. Or more specifically, a series Huckberry has made famous: its Flint and Tinder lineup.
This lifestyle retailer curates quality apparel for modern adventurers. The company’s famous 10-Year Hoodie is made here in the USA from premium heavyweight cotton with a burly construction that lives up to its name.
Flint and Tinder also offers waxed canvas jackets, jeans, and polos designed for everyday use. There’s something for everyone in Huckberry’s Flint and Tinder lineup - to a certain extent, at least.
The styles can be a bit rustic or rugged for some preferences, and aren’t ideal for daily wear outside of casual or outdoor environments. While we can resonate with their dedication to craftsmanship, you might not find this is the right American Giant alternative for your needs.
Carhartt
This legacy name in American workwear has been producing durable clothing since 1889, and its popularity today is a testament to what happens when you consistently do things the right way.
Carhartt hoodies and jackets are known for being tough yet affordable at $60-$70. These garments deliver solid warmth and longevity for the cost. These days, though, Carhartt also produces premium casualwear too, like t-shirts, jeans, and accessories.
The only reason you might not feel that Carhartt is the best alternative to American Giant is if you want something other than “workwear,” be it in terms of cut or function.
Carhartt doesn’t create hoodie that transitions from jobsite to date night or more upscale pieces like polos and performance quarter-zips. We also know that not all products are American-made. A lot of its basics are imported.
So, although Carhartt does play an important part in the American economy with its Michigan-based facility, is this really the right choice for someone seeking American-made apparel that reflects personal values and fit versatility? Probably not.
BaerSkin
BaerSkin Tactical Supply takes a rugged, utility-first approach to fleece apparel. Its flagship fleece hoodie is packed with unique features like extra pockets, reinforced seams, and water-resistant materials.
It’s a good middle ground between workwear and outdoor performance, and it’s not too expensive at $100, considering the value you’re getting for that money.
These hoodies are all about functionality. If you want something that doubles as field gear, this could be a fit. But it’s likely not the best American Giant alternative when you want something you can throw on at home, in town, or while traveling. The style and weight are a bit much.
RiserUnited offers more versatility and polish without sacrificing strength. So from polos and quarter zips to durable hoodies and comfortable t-shirts, get the quality apparel you deserve today and discover the best American Giant alternative.
Parting Thoughts on Picking an American Giant Alternative
It’s no secret that American Giant set a high bar for quality, but there are plenty of worthy alternatives - whether you’re looking for better style versatility or a more affordable price point.
We hope this guide has helped you weigh your options and feel more confident about where you can shop for the best of both worlds. The key takeaway is no brands balance everyday comfort, refined design, and shared values quite like we do at RiserUnited.
We make gear that works hard, looks sharp, and reflects what matters most - at a conservative price point that won’t break the bank. What more could you ask for? Explore our collection and wear your values without compromise.