What American Giant is known for

San Francisco-based apparel maker founded in 2012 by Bayard Winthrop, built entirely around U.S.-manufactured basics; its Classic Full Zip Hoodie became known after a 2012 Slate article called it 'the greatest hoodie ever made,' selling out within 24 hours and going on to sell over 1 million units.

American Giant was founded in San Francisco in February 2012 by Bayard Winthrop, formerly head of bag maker Chrome Industries, who set out to build a clothing brand manufactured entirely in the United States. Winthrop spent about eight months and dozens of prototypes developing the brand's signature Classic Full Zip Hoodie, working with creative director Philipe Manoux and pattern engineer Steve Mootoo. Early sales were slow until a Slate article carried the headline 'This is the greatest hoodie ever made'; the company reportedly sold out its entire inventory within 24 hours of publication. The hoodie has since sold more than a million units, all made in U.S. factories.