Wearing your values isn’t about making noise with obnoxious designs or divisive statements. It’s about showing gratitude, honoring sacrifice, and carrying yourself with quiet conviction.
Patriotic clothing is a great way to stay grounded in what matters, whether you served, lost someone who made the ultimate sacrifice, or simply believe in this country and want to represent that belief day to day through simple measures like what you wear.
Grunt Style built a name around that idea, offering bold designs for those proud to represent patriotism loud and clear. But lately, we see more Americans looking for a Grunt Style alternative, so we’ve taken it upon ourselves to introduce the top 5 choices.
Maybe your last order took weeks or never showed up. Or maybe you find the designs cringey and don’t resonate with the “brovet” personality. Either way, you’ll love our men's patriotic clothing and women’s patriotic clothing.
RiserUnited is all about practicing quiet gratitude, as we believe patriotism is not political, loud, or flashy. We produce quality shirts, hoodies, and more, all made with premium fabrics and attention to detail.
You’ll find our gear speaks your language if you value American craftsmanship and subtle strength over gimmicks. Your order is backed by our satisfaction guarantee, too, so you can place your order with peace of mind. Take a look now and see what catches your eye.
“Truly love this hoodie. Feels great and it looks amazing! Get compliments every time I wear it. Especially love the draping on the forearms. Looks very cool.” - Matt
“Product was great. It was a gift and the person loved the quality. Madeline from the support team was exceptional and handled all of my queries with professionalism. A+ for Madeline!” - Teresa
“The company is great to work with. They answer inquiries right away. The quality is very good.” - Shirley
Overview of Grunt Style Apparel
Grunt Style is a well-known name in the patriotic apparel space, especially among military veterans and those who support the armed forces. The brand was born way back in 2009, when Army Drill Sergeant Daniel Alarik set out with a mission and $1,200.
The goal was to bring together pride in self, in military, and in country to everyday clothing. What began as a small-scale operation has since grown into one of the most recognizable names in patriotic lifestyle wear.
The Grunt Style catalog consists of everything from graphic tees to hoodies, hats, and accessories, almost always characterized by loud, in-your-face designs and slogans that make a statement.
Their shirts feature phrases like “This We'll Defend” and “Freedom Isn’t Free,” which resonate with people who want everyone to know they’ve served - or, want people to think they did. Camaraderie, grit, and patriotism all come to mind when looking at Grunt Style gear.
Grunt Style backs its products up with its “Beer Guarantee®,” a lifetime warranty that allows customers to return items for almost any reason - rips, tears, stains included.
It’s not hard to see what originally drew people into the Grunt Style brand. These days, though, we’ve noticed a change of heart, as more and more people are looking for a better Grunt Style alternative. Why is that, though? Is Grunt Style legit?
Is Grunt Style Legit? Why We See More People Looking for Alternatives
If you do some digging into Grunt Style you’ll see quite a bit of controversy. The brand has just a 1.5/5 star rating on TrustPilot, as the vast majority of recent reviews all exhibit a common theme: something has changed with the production process at Grunt Style.
Reviews complain about shipping delays, lost orders, and poor customer service. So while customers still align with the branding to some degree, the fulfillment side of things is falling short. But the truth is, the designs just aren’t for everyone, either!
Designs Don’t Resonate
Grunt Style leans heavily into aggressive, overt messaging. Think skulls, rifles, and slogans that don’t leave much to interpretation. There’s obviously a market for that - people are still buying Grunt Style goods, after all.
However, there’s an even bigger portion of customers who would prefer something more subtle and understated. Some people want to express patriotism in a way that’s thoughtful, respectful, and free from unnecessary bravado.
We know a lot of military folks who look at the Grunt Style brand with disdain and associate it with “brovet” culture. They think a lot of the designs are cringe and don’t want to constantly be asked what they did in the military every time they wear their shirt or hoodie out in public.
Shipping Concerns
Even if you find something at Grunt Style that you love, there’s no telling when you’ll get it. This is the most common complaint we see referenced in reviews over the past 6+ months. Something clearly has gone awry with the shipping process.
Customers say that even when paying for expedited shipping they don’t see their package for weeks. Worse, you can follow the shipment straight from China if you pay close attention to the origin of the shipment.
A patriotic apparel brand that sources its clothing from one of our nation’s biggest rivals today? That’s not something we can get on board with. And we’re clearly not alone.
1.5 Star Rating on TrustPilot
The best way to vet any brand you’re considering shopping with is through 3rd party reviews. This way the brand in question can’t doctor bad reviews or hide them altogether. They can’t incentivize positive reviews, either. TrustPilot is our go-to source for the real deets.
As it turns out, Grunt Style has a 1.5-star rating on TrustPilot. Yet, 80% of their reviews are 5-stars…how is this possible? Because the TrustPilot score takes into account more than just review averages. It looks at the date of reviews to give you the most accurate, timely information.
This makes sense since you’ll see almost exclusively 1-star reviews dating back to 2024. This is when customers started reporting more and more delays or lost orders, along with poor customer service interactions:
“I have ordered many items from grunt style, from when they first becoming a name to now, and I’m done. I have paid for expedited shipping down standard shipping, and either way it seems to take 2+ weeks each time. Their product lines are over priced shirts they have from China. Their customer service if you write them asking a question they just reply stating every thing you said to them back to you. There are many other companies out there that are veteran owned and operated and use American products by only and are also nowhere near as expensive. Just too bad.” - Deryk
“Terrrible product and customer service. I have bought many Grunt Style T's from Scheels and they were great. I have recently bought 3 tees from them directly and one of them has a torn hem on opening the package. I am very disappointed at their product and wanted them to take the bad T Shirt back and refund me. They would do that with a $6 restocking fee. Absolute nonsense. I reached out to their customer service and also to their CEO Glenn. No response from them. The quality of the T Shirts has degraded so much. They are thin like a nylon stocking. I wouldn't advice anyone to buy from these guys. Just hopeless. Shame on the name of patriotism.” - Siddarth
“The worst company. Ordered 4 tee shirts. Order shipped from China. Watched the shipment on some obscure tracking site. After 3+ wks it said delivered but I had nothing. Customer service said they ship it again. Again waited 3 wks and again nothing. Customer service said that they would refund me 70% which I agreed to because I was tired of dealing with them. They said it would take 15 to 25 days to get the refund which I thought was ridiculous. I still have nothing.” - Jeremy
The good news, though, is there is no shortage of options if you’re looking for a better Grunt Style alternative. We’ll help you narrow it down below by highlighting 5 great choices.
Grunt Style Alternative: Patriotic Clothing Brands You Might Consider Instead
Just like in choosing an American Giant alternative, you need to do your due diligence and find a Grunt Style alternative that checks all your boxes: high-quality patriotic apparel that fits well, looks good, and resonates with your values. Customer service is obviously a must, too.
This is why RiserUnited sits at the top of any list highlighting the best patriotic clothing brands.
RiserUnited
We create patriotic apparel that honors this country with integrity, craftsmanship, and substance. Never expect loud slogans or gimmicks when you shop with us. Our clothing reflects gratitude, unity, and timeless American values without compromising comfort, style, or message.
Every item we make is built to last. Our hoodies are double the thickness of anything you’ll find in a department store. Our t-shirts are USA-made, feature a proprietary no-ink print process, and feel buttery soft right out of the box. You’ll also find polos, long-sleeves, and more.
Unlike other brands, we don’t outsource production overseas or slap logos on cheap blanks. We don’t change our mission to follow trends. We’re committed to standing for the flag, supporting American workers, and making garments that earn a place in your rotation for years to come.
But beyond the products themselves you’ll find deep meaning in everything in our catalog. Our designs represent principles, not politics. From our “Gratefully American” FIRSTEE to our US Navy hoodies, each piece is rooted in quiet strength and enduring purpose.
This is where you belong if you’re looking for a brand that reflects what you believe without shouting it obnoxiously. With world-class customer service from A to Z, RiserUnited is the #1 Grunt Style alternative. See what others had to say:
“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
“The quality can’t be beat! Highly recommend everyone to checkout Riser United.” - Jeffrey
“The product was wonderful. Just a bit small. The support staff was a pleasure to work with to get my return sent in. I will be buying from them again.” - Carey
Freedom Fatigues
Freedom Fatigues is a veteran/LEO-owned brand based outside Detroit, focused on American-made clothing with strong patriotic and pro-First Responder messaging.
The brand has a comprehensive catalog featuring all the different types of apparel you could need, including graphic tees, hoodies, and accessories - many of which support nonprofits combating veteran suicide and PTSD.
Their style leans toward bold graphics, distressed flag motifs, and strong Second Amendment themes. If you’re looking for overtly patriotic designs with a personal tie to military causes, Freedom Fatigues offers a purpose-driven approach.
That said, their designs can sometimes feel niche and heavily message-forward, which may not appeal to customers looking for versatility or subtler pieces. If you felt turned off by Grunt Style as the apparel was a bit loud or obnoxious for your taste, you may feel the same way here.
Red White Blue Apparel
As you’d expect from a brand with this name, Red White Blue Apparel makes a point to produce all their gear in the USA from fabric weaving to final stitching.
The company was founded with the mission to preserve American manufacturing, and we appreciate them walking the walk rather than just talking the talk, as so many brands do these days.
Their messaging is proudly rebellious, referencing early American values like liberty, personal responsibility, and anti-tyranny sentiment. Again, though, these designs can sometimes be a bit tactless for some people who want something more subtle.
Nine Line Apparel
Nine Line is one of the most recognized names in the patriotic clothing space. It was founded by Army veterans, similar to many other Grunt Style alternative brands.
Their offerings span tees, hoodies, outerwear, and gear, usually featuring military and pro-Second Amendment themes. They’re also known for raising funds for veterans and first responders through limited-edition apparel campaigns.
Nine Line’s branding is assertive and unapologetic. That resonates with plenty of people - but definitely not everyone. It can feel aggressive or overbranded for those who like to practice quiet gratitude as a more subtle expression of patriotism.
Plus, not all of their apparel is domestically made - so you’ll need to do some digging into the specific product you’re eyeing before you make your purchase to confirm its origins.
Born Primitive
Last but not least, there’s one more Grunt Style alternative to consider: Born Primitive. This brand blends patriotic values with fitness-forward design, as the Navy veteran founder decided to create a company just for athletes and CrossFit enthusiasts.
Today, though, Born Primitive has evolved with broader offerings, offering everyday wear with military-inspired messaging and support for veteran causes.
This is definitely a catalog worth exploring if you’re active and want performance fabrics with patriotic undertones. Their product quality is solid, and they give back through various charitable initiatives - something we’ll always be able to get behind.
But, their focus on gym and training wear may not translate to the broader lifestyle needs that RiserUnited covers. They don’t necessarily have gear you can wear to the office or a nice dinner, for instance. In contrast, RiserUnited has patriotic outfit ideas for any occasion.
Wrapping Up Our Grunt Style Alternative Guide
There’s a seemingly endless list of patriotic clothing brands out there, but finding one that aligns with your values, delivers consistent quality, and treats your order with care is another story. This is why we see so many customers in search of a Grunt Style alternative.
You deserve better service, tasteful designs, and quality that stands the test of time. We offer all this and more here at RiserUnited. Get premium quality, subtle strength, and unwavering commitment to American ideals in every stitch of every product in our catalog.
