Tariffs on imported goods have gone up. That means the price of imported clothing, footwear, and accessories has also gone up. And that changes the math on buying American.
For years, the knock on American-made products was simple: they cost too much. An imported jacket costs $60. An American-made jacket costs $120. Double the price. Hard to justify for a lot of people.
But tariffs are closing that gap. And in some categories, they have closed it almost entirely.
What Is Happening
Tariffs on imported clothing and footwear have increased significantly over the past two years. Rates vary by product category and country of origin, but many imported goods now carry tariff rates of 15-25% or more. U.S. International Trade Commission - Tariff Database These tariffs are paid by importers and passed along to consumers in the form of higher retail prices.
The result: imported products that used to be cheap are getting more expensive. American-made products, which are not subject to import tariffs, have stayed roughly the same price. The gap is shrinking.
The Math
Let me walk through a real example. A pair of imported boots that retailed for $120 two years ago might now cost $150 after tariff-driven price increases. U.S. Customs and Border Protection - Duty Rates Meanwhile, a comparable pair of American-made boots that cost $200 has stayed at $200.
The gap went from $80 to $50. And when you factor in that the American-made boots can be resoled and will last three to four times longer, the cost-per-year gap has essentially disappeared.
Here is how it breaks down across several categories:
Boots. Imported work boots now run $130-170 after tariff increases. American-made options from brands like Thorogood and Red Wing run $180-350. The upfront gap has narrowed to $50-100 — and the American boots last five times longer.
Jeans. Imported denim from major brands now costs $50-80. American-made jeans from brands like Round House and All American Clothing start at $52. In some cases, the American option is now the same price or cheaper.
Workwear. Imported work jackets that were $60-80 are now $75-100. American-made options from brands like Filson and LC King start at $95. The gap is $20 or less in many cases.
Where the Gap Has Closed the Most
The categories where tariffs have had the biggest impact on competitiveness:
Boots and footwear. Footwear tariffs have historically been high, and recent increases push them higher. American-made boots are now more competitive than they have been in decades.
Denim and workwear. The combination of tariffs and the natural durability advantage of American-made workwear makes domestic options the smarter buy in most cases.
Canvas and leather goods. Bags, belts, and jackets made with imported materials now carry meaningful tariff costs that close the price gap with domestic alternatives.
Where Imports Are Still Cheaper
Tariffs have not leveled the playing field everywhere:
Fast fashion basics. A $12 t-shirt from a fast fashion brand is still cheaper than a $35 American-made t-shirt, even with tariffs. The quality difference is massive, but the price gap remains real.
Athletic wear. Performance fabrics and athletic clothing are still largely made overseas at prices domestic manufacturers cannot match. The American-made gym shorts market is thin for a reason.
What This Means for Your Wallet
The bottom line: buying American is no longer the "expensive" choice in many categories. When you factor in durability, resolability, and the narrowing price gap from tariffs, domestic products often cost less per year of ownership than imported alternatives.
This is not about patriotism or politics. It is about doing the math. The numbers increasingly favor American-made products for anyone who buys on value rather than sticker price.
For more on why American products cost what they do, read why American-made costs more. For the cost-per-year breakdown, see our cost per wear guide.