Since 2017, Manresa has steadily grown a loyal following for its classic American workwear—think hardy chore coats, stiff selvedge jeans, and burly fleece pullovers. The Bridgeport, Connecticut label’s new summer collection of tees, flannels, sweats, and shorts retains the brand’s signature New England-inspired look and feel, but the clothes themselves are fundamentally different than before. That’s because for the first time ever, all of Manresa’s clothing (with the exception of its Canadian-made rugby shirts) is now made in the USA.
With trade wars and tariffs wreaking havoc on fashion supply chains, and a growing community of folks looking to keep the once-vibrant American apparel industry from disappearing, it’s a timely move. For founder Mike McLachlan, however, it’s just the latest step towards building the brand he’s always wanted to run. Here, the designer explains why now was the right time to make this move, the difficulties of producing clothing in America, and what Manresa’s customers can expect following the change.
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