Filson

Outfitting the Klondike from Seattle

C.C. Filson Company was founded in Seattle in 1897, during the Alaska Gold Rush, when prospectors passed through the city on their way north. Filson still describes its Made in USA goods as "produced in our Seattle factory and in partnership with select U.S. manufacturers." In 2021 the Seattle Times reported that Filson cut factory staff at its Seattle and Kent plants, while its CEO said the company would keep making its core heritage styles in Washington.

Reading a Filson label

Filson labels each product, and the wording tells you what you are getting:

"Made in USA": the Coldfoot and Pioneer Pocket T-shirts.

"Made in USA with imported material": Mackinaw Wool outerwear such as the Cruiser Jacket, vests and Packer Coat, and Rugged Twill bags such as the Original Briefcase, duffles and Dopp Kit. They are sewn in the US, but some fabric, like the British Millerain cotton in Rugged Twill, comes from overseas. The bridle leather is tanned in Pennsylvania.

"Imported": nylon bags such as the Dryden Briefcase, and footwear made with outside partners, such as the Filson x Blundstone Chelsea boot from the Australian bootmaker.

Filson's Made in USA collection page lists the domestic pieces in one place.