An Iconic Clothing Brand You Thought Was Made In America Is Mostly Made In China
L.L.Bean is known for its roots. The company started in Freeport, Maine in 1912, and still makes some signature products in its own factories in Brunswick and Lewiston, Maine. However, most of its clothes and gear are made outside the US. L.L.Bean is open about this.
On its supplier page, the company says, whether its products are made in Maine or across the globe, everyone in the supply chain helps create the brand's quality. L.L.Bean's factory list shows what "across the globe" means. The most recent list from January 2024 covers eight pages, and names partner factories in Asia and other regions. The company updates this list two times a year to reflect its current and near-future factories. L.L.Bean is not the only US fashion brand that outsources production; Levi's has over 500 factories in more than 40 countries.
L.L.Bean also has several factories in China, like Taicang Bibliogem Sporting Products Co., Ltd. and Huai An Yuan Tong Headwear Mfg. Co., Ltd. in Jiangsu, and Qingdao Pinnacle Archery Co., Ltd. in Shandong. There are factories in Cambodia, such as Outdoor Gear (Cambodia) Co., Ltd. in Takeo and Leading Star (Cambodia) Garment Co., Ltd. in Phnom Penh. About 75% of L.L. Bean's products are made overseas. If you wonder what other US-based products have ties to China, Manhattan's Waldorf Astoria and Smithfield Foods, one of the largest hog producers in the US, are owned by China.
How to tell what is made in the USA
L.L.Bean still makes a few products in the US, and these are items shoppers may recognize. The Original Bean Boot is one of them. It's still made by hand in Maine, as are the Boat and Tote bags, which have been handcrafted there since 1944.
If you want to buy American-made L.L.Bean items, start with Bean Boots and Boat and Tote bags. Then you can opt for its washable wool throws, made exclusively by Pendleton for L.L.Bean. Each holiday season, L.L.Bean also sells fresh balsam wreaths and centerpieces that are handcrafted in Maine using local greenery.
It's easy to find American-made L.L.Bean items on its website. In the Bean Boots section, use the Features filter and choose "Made in Maine" or "Made in USA." On each product page, look in the Details or Additional Features section. These on-page filters and product details help you quickly find US-made L.L.Bean products without guesswork.