Getting to know the Giant
Dubbed ‘the world's greatest hoodie’ more than once, it’s no wonder American Giant is one of our most requested apparel partners in the industry. With a dedication to quality, durability, and ethically sourced materials, it’s easy to love their mission and their products. We connected with American Giant CRO, Loren D Simon, to share more about the brand and what drives them. Catch our Q & A below:
How has your mission as an apparel brand evolved since its early days? What has changed and/or remained the same?
Our mission has always been about producing the highest quality American made apparel. That mission has not changed nor will it. It starts in our cotton fields and carries through to our manufacturing facilities, distribution centers and retail locations.
What is the greatest achievement of American Giant in your opinion?
Identifying a missing piece in the American supply chain and taking a risk, and at times a loss, in order to create a product that will stand the test of time. All of this allows us to help reinvigorate communities and positively impact people while producing a great product.
What emerging trend do you think will cause another shift in the market, in the same way that the rise in consumer preference toward socially responsible and sustainable companies and products has done in recent years?
Being socially responsible and sourcing our materials ethically and with an eye on durability is what sets us apart and continues to set us apart. We haven’t chased that trend… we helped drive that trend, and that is what will continue to draw a more conscious minded consumer to the brand. From that starting point, the quality of the finished product ends up speaking for itself. We believe this will only get stronger as now in the post-COVID world there will be a further push to bring manufacturing back to the United States.
In your opinion, what is one key thing that you would like to see changed in the apparel industry?
Personally, I would like to see more companies focusing more on making things better, longer lasting and how to bring manufacturing back to the US. Of course I understand it’s a profit driven industry, but focusing on that costing someone, somewhere. I honestly love that we are the ones taking on risk as we do more to be better, and to be different. In a perfect world we would all do a bit more in terms of social responsibility. Unfortunately, we don’t live in that world, but I do love that we’re trying to be different in offering an alternative to the throw away nature of fast fashion.
In your opinion, what is the most important way in which American Giant differs from other apparel brands?
Quality. The quality is clearly what sets the product apart, but the customer service and what we believe, and our local impact are what set the brand apart.
What is your favorite piece of clothing, and why?
The Classic Full Zip. It was the catalyst for an entire brand and is so timeless that we were able to build an entire movement around it.
If you’re interested in starting an order with American Giant products, reach out to us at hello@designlikewhoa.com!