The Workshop Score

Made in USA Verification — 25%

The most important factor. We verify every manufacturing claim against the brand's own disclosure and FTC Made in USA guidelines.

• Fully domestic (materials and manufacturing in the USA): full marks
• Assembled in USA with imported materials: partial marks
• Mixed manufacturing (some products made overseas): lowest marks

If a brand won't disclose where they manufacture, they score low here. Period.

Quality and Durability — 25%

Materials, construction, stitching, hardware, warranty. Does this thing hold up? Will it last years or months? We look at what it's made of, how it's made, and what happens when something goes wrong.

Value — 20%

Price relative to comparable products and expected lifespan. A $200 pair of boots that lasts 10 years is a better value than a $60 pair that falls apart in one. We use cost per wear as a guiding principle.

Everyday Usability — 15%

Is this something you'd actually wear or use every day? Some American-made products are beautiful but impractical. We rank things you'll reach for on a Tuesday morning, not things you'll hang in a closet and admire.

Brand Transparency — 15%

Does the brand disclose factory locations? Do they list materials sourcing? Do they explain their supply chain? Brands that are open about how and where they make things score higher than brands that hide behind vague "American heritage" marketing.