Off The Cuff

Yeah, I’ve been following a coupla American companies who are in touch and have the cool factor going. Outerknown is a clothing company founded by surfing legend Kelly Slater. Slater says Outerknown is the first clothing brand founded on a total commitment to sustainability. The product line is created with materials that are both long lasting and high in quality. It’s also beautifully designed. The standout in the mix is the Blanket shirt. It’s as soft as it sounds and has great colorings. I’ve got three of those hound dogs. I’m a longtime fan of L.L. Bean’s chamois shirt, but these blanket shirts are even better.

Another company that’s on the beam is American Giant. They have a simple model which really worked during the pandemic: Make your products in the United States. That also means sourcing everything local. Only 3% of apparel sold in this country is made here. During the pandemic when most brands were scrambling to stay afloat with all kinds of supply chain problems. American Giant took off. Famous brands like Brooks Brothers and J. Crew went bankrupt. American Giant’s most iconic product is the cotton hoodie. Best made sweatshirt I’ve ever owned. Thick as a brick. Funny, I’ve also heard the Irish described that way. I also have their Mechanic’s Jacket, not that I can fix anything, and their Buffalo Vest. Again, rough and tough. 

So check out Outerknown and American Giant websites and ask for their catalogs. Really good design and storytelling. I think the future for the country is to make it here, Satch Johnson.

Another brand I get a kick out of is Happy Dad hard seltzer. I don’t drink the stuff, I drink Coors Banquet out of a can, but I hear it’s the GOAT of all hard seltzers, that it tastes better and has the perfect amount of carbonation and electrolytes. Great name, really good logo and packaging, and good messaging. Check out this Father’s Day video they did. 

And, whatever the hell you do, keep your dukes up.     

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