22 Inspiring Native American-Owned Clothing Brands to Support Now
Celebrating contemporary Indigenous style and heritage through ethical, authentic, and innovative fashion brands.
The fashion industry has long appropriated Indigenous designs and symbolism without supporting Native communities. In response, a vibrant wave of Native American and First Nations-owned clothing brands has emerged, offering authentic, ethically made alternatives that honor both heritage and contemporary expression. These labels do more than create clothing—they tell stories, uplift their communities, and redefine the boundaries of Indigenous style.
Why Support Native-Owned Fashion Brands?
- Authenticity: Each piece is thoughtfully designed within the community, rooted in lived experiences, and reflective of real culture—not stereotypes.
- Empowerment: Your purchase directly supports talented Indigenous artists, artisans, and entrepreneurs.
- Ethical and Sustainable: Many Native-owned brands prioritize eco-friendly materials, slow fashion, and traditional techniques that are both beautiful and kind to the earth.
- Cultural Appreciation—not Appropriation: Supporting authentic Native businesses ensures traditions are honored, not exploited.
Outstanding Native American Clothing and Accessory Brands
B.Yellowtail
B.Yellowtail, founded by designer Bethany Yellowtail (Northern Cheyenne/Crow), champions Indigenous storytelling through edgy, Native-inspired designs. The brand collaborates with a collective of Native artists, offering everything from hand-beaded jewelry to contemporary clothing. Every piece feels like wearable art, crafted using time-honored techniques and with heirloom quality in mind.
- Signature: Understated chic, wearable art, and stylish homewear.
- Notable: All textiles and garments by Indigenous designers; accessories handmade by Native artisans.
Urban Native Era
Urban Native Era (“We Are Still Here”) is a movement-driven brand started by Joey Montoya (Lipan Apache) to increase the visibility of Indigenous peoples. Known for their iconic statement hats, graphic tees, loungewear, and accessories, the label merges activism with casual street style.
- Signature: Street-ready apparel with powerful messages and clean lines.
- Focus: Amplifying Indigenous movements and issues through fashion.
SheNative
Created by Devon Fiddler (Cree), SheNative emphasizes empowering Indigenous women and telling authentic narratives. The brand features handbags, minimalist tees, and statement jewelry, blending tradition with modern sensibility.
- Signature: Sleek accessories and ethical basics handcrafted by Indigenous women.
- Highlight: Uplifting young Indigenous designers and artisans.
Redberry Woman
Founded by Norma Baker-Flying Horse (Mandan/Hidatsa/Arikara), Redberry Woman offers couture gowns and custom regalia seen on red carpets and beauty pageants. Combining intricate beadwork, traditional fabric, and contemporary flair, each piece is a showstopper.
- Signature: Glamorous one-of-a-kind dresses with deep cultural resonance.
- Highlight: Custom gowns for celebrities and pageant winners.
Section 35
Section 35, founded by Justin Louis (Okanagan, Nehiyaw), is recognized for its premium streetwear and graphic-driven designs. Their mission is “creating for the future while honoring the past,” resulting in limited-edition collections that balance Native iconography and urban aesthetics.
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- Signature: Bold graphics on tees, hoodies, and outerwear.
- Focus: Reclaiming representation and rewriting the narrative of Indigenous street style.
Ginew
Ginew is the only Native American-owned denim brand in North America. Built by Amanda and Erik Brodt (Ojibwe, Oneida, and Stockbridge-Munsee), it seamlessly infuses Ojibwe and Oneida patterns into rugged, Americana-inspired jackets and jeans.
- Signature: High-quality denim and heritage outerwear featuring Native motifs.
- Notable: Heirloom-quality craftsmanship, made in the USA.
ThunderVoice Hat Co.
ThunderVoice Hat Co., led by designer Loren Aragon (Acoma Pueblo), is revered for its sustainable, custom hats that blend Indigenous artistry with modern, high-fashion silhouettes. The team repurposes antique materials and uses eco-conscious vegetable dyeing processes.
- Signature: Wide-brim hats crafted from reclaimed beaver and rabbit felt, each featuring hand-burned, etched, or painted designs.
- Notable: Earth-friendly production with traditional handcrafting.
4KINSHIP
4KINSHIP, founded by Amy Yeung (Navajo), upcycles vintage clothing to create new, limited-edition pieces with Navajo flair. The brand operates as a social enterprise, funding food sovereignty and mutual aid initiatives on Navajo reservations.
- Signature: Boho-inspired patchwork shirts, upcycled denim, and hand-embellished festival wear.
- Community benefit: Proceeds support Navajo relief projects.
Osamuskwasis
Also known as Land Back Studios, Osamuskwasis is led by the Cree-Métis artist and features contemporary ribbon skirts, cozy sweats, and powerful beaded jewelry, all designed with Indigenous sovereignty in mind.
- Signature: Rainbow-ribbon banded skirts and message-driven apparel.
- Focus: Centering cultural resurgence and land back movements.
Even More Must-Know Native-Owned Brands
- Beyond Buckskin Boutique: A pioneer in Native-made, not just Native-inspired, fashion—offering clothing, jewelry, and more from over 40 Indigenous artists. Average price point remains accessible for most shoppers.
- Orenda Tribe: Modern boho designs with Navajo roots, using upcycled and eco-conscious materials. Each one-of-a-kind garment supports Indigenous artisans and Navajo communities.
- Eighth Generation: Based in Seattle and founded by Louie Gong (Nooksack), this label blends traditional patterns and modern goods, with wool blankets, scarves, and gifts designed by Native artists.
- Trickster Company: Northwest Coast design collective known for graphic apparel, skateboards, jewelry, and everyday accessories that celebrate Tlingit and Athabascan heritage.
- Thunder Voice Eagle: Luxury heritage hats, upcycled vintage items, and signature desert-cowboy chic.
- Sequoia Soaps & Apparel: Operated by a Mohawk woman, offering handmade bath products and vibrant moccasins, reflecting Indigenous botanical wisdom.
- Alaska Native Arts Foundation: Specializes in stunning parkas, jewelry, and beaded accessories all handmade by Alaska’s first peoples.
Rising Stars: Innovative Native Designers to Watch
- N8V Ace: Streetwear label with skateboard influences, intricate beadwork, and bold statement tees.
- Ginew: The only Native-owned American denim brand, championing traditional weaving in its collections.
- Sheila Tucker: Anishinaabe Ojibwe designer elevating couture with beaded fedora hats and meticulous, timeless pieces.
- Ocean Kiana: Modern-wear focused on beadwork and ribbon detailing rooted in Anishinaabe heritage.
- Ganvhida Designs: Cherokee-owned label that incorporates ancient basketry and symbolism into wearable fashion for everyday life.
What Sets Indigenous Fashion Apart?
| Feature | Indigenous Fashion | Mainstream Fashion |
|---|---|---|
| Cultural Significance | Deeply rooted in heritage, symbolism, and community storytelling | Often trend-focused, rarely linked to tribal histories |
| Production | Handcrafted, small-batch, and collaborative processes | Mass-produced, sometimes ethically ambiguous |
| Materials | Eco-sensitive, upcycled, or natural fibers; artisan methods | Primarily synthetic or nonrenewable sources |
| Community Impact | Direct support for artists and cultural preservation | Limited or indirect social benefit |
How to Shop Respectfully from Native-Owned Brands
- Buy directly from Native-owned online stores or reputable retailers with clear partnerships.
- Research the brand’s founders and team—look for transparency about Indigenous ownership and artist involvement.
- Appreciate the work as you would any luxury or designer piece. Indigenous labor, skill, and storytelling are invaluable.
- Learn about the meaning behind designs—a ribbon shirt or a particular motif may have deep cultural relevance.
- Always credit the makers if you share your fashion finds online.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What defines a Native American-owned fashion brand?
A Native American-owned fashion brand is majority-owned, operated, and designed by individuals who identify with an Indigenous nation or tribe. These brands integrate tradition, storytelling, and lived experiences into their work.
Q: How is this different from “Native-inspired” brands?
Native-owned brands feature authentic design and oversight from within the community, while “Native-inspired” interpretations are often made by non-Natives and may misrepresent, stereotype, or appropriate Native cultures.
Q: Are these clothes only for Indigenous people?
No. Many Native-owned designers welcome everyone to support, wear, and appreciate their creations—provided it’s done with respect, proper attribution, and an understanding of the cultural context.
Q: How do I know if a Native fashion brand is authentic?
Look for clear disclosure about Indigenous ownership, and be wary of mass-produced “Native style” items with no information on the artists or nations involved. Reputable brands spotlight their designers, story, and sourcing.
Q: Are Native-owned fashion brands environmentally friendly?
Many of these brands lead in sustainability by using organic and recycled materials, upcycling, and slow fashion techniques. Indigenous stewardship traditions often inspire these choices.
Explore, Celebrate, and Support Native Fashion
Native American and First Nations-owned apparel brands are redefining what fashion means: it’s not just about trend, but about connection, story, and honoring the land. As these designers gain well-deserved global recognition, supporting their work creates a more ethical industry—where tradition and trend exist side by side.
References
- https://eluxemagazine.com/fashion/fashion-brands-by-indigenous-peoples/
- https://newmexico.tablemagazine.com/blog/designers-native-fashion-week-santa-fe-2025/
- https://urbannativeera.com/collections/spring-summer-2025
- https://ginewusa.com/collections/new
- https://fashionista.com/2025/05/native-fashion-week-santa-fe-designers-highlights
- https://www.service95.com/native-fashion-week-2025
- https://nativenorthwest.com/apparel-fashion/
- https://www.oxdxclothing.com
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