Authentic, made-in-Vermont lifestyle brands?

Submitted by MouseManManny t3_zh5ne6 in vermont

I've posted this question in some other New England subreddits and gotten awesome responses:

Pretty much asking if anyone knows any LL Bean-style brands (clothing, decor, blankets, etc) that actually make their goods in Vermont or New England more broadly? Looking for brands that cater to the outdoors/rural/mountain/lodge style that LL Bean does.

Moving back to New England after a few years in Florida (thank god) and am going to need to buy new winter clothing as well as blankets and other home goods. The Florida vibe won't feel at home in New England. Looking for both practical outerwear, cozy at-home clothing, and decor/blankets/home goods.

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I would like to support small businesses and domestic manufacturing

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Comments

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Hipko75 t1_izlhprm wrote

Darn tough socks are a must! Lifetime warranty just bring them to any retailer when you wear them out (if you can/do) and they’ll replace them for free

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sugarbush94 t1_izm5jep wrote

They don't do the "any retailer" anymore, you need to go to them directly. But still, Darn Tough is a great brand and certainly worthy of support.

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coopaliscious t1_iznt66u wrote

They do any retailer that supports it, you can call to find out if your local shop does or not.

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smellyshellybelly t1_izlwczk wrote

Can also just go to the website, fill out a form, and mail them back for credit.

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syphax t1_izmcx17 wrote

I am very fickle about my socks. Darn Tough are The Best.

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SharkyCJ t1_izkd9gm wrote

Skida! They make high quality hats, headbands, neckwear and other items for the winter (and fall). I went to college with the founder in VT, their shop is in Burlington, and most of their products are sewn in the NEK (I believe only their cashmere items are produced outside of VT).

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whaletacochamp t1_izlocbp wrote

Skids is probably the “lifestyle” brand for people who are trying to fit an aesthetic.

I’m looking at you upper middle class VT soccer moms from November to April.

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bennyblanco2022 t1_izkm089 wrote

skida hats are ugly though

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Twombls t1_izlrs2k wrote

You just angered every single outdoorsy upper middle class mom in the state.

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Goldbo06 t1_izopcr0 wrote

I call Skida the Lula Roe of the headband/hat world because of their busy and colorful patterns.

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AdministrativeGas123 t1_izl6ebs wrote

My sister has had to do shows with the owner. Apparently she's an a-hole. I've been discouraged from buying any more of their stuff for that reason. Unfortunate.

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SharkyCJ t1_izvciwl wrote

I’m sorry to hear that. I always liked her and did not find her to be like that at all, but obviously I can only speak to my own experience.

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Snoo_1143 t1_izkkirs wrote

Skida is the best! I might be biased though, living in the NEK :)

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tossawayintheend t1_izkd20k wrote

Darn Tough socks

Vermont Flannel

Johnson Woolen Mill

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[deleted] t1_izkh512 wrote

[deleted]

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Rare_Message_7204 t1_izktsqw wrote

Who cares.... My God, if the products are good just support local....

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8valvegrowl t1_izl9ttl wrote

The stuff they make is a laugh compared to a generation ago, and the owner is a shitbird, so…

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Rare_Message_7204 t1_izlczbu wrote

13 downvotes. Imagine the reddit meltdown if local liberals were treated the same. Sad people can't practice what they preach and put politics aside

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Websters_Dick t1_izmrcet wrote

He built his portfolio of businesses by taking money from the working class as a landlord. Oh goody, using working class wages to pay for shit you own, what a selfless man. If he wants my business, let the companies form a cooperative or at bare minimum a union. And he donates to far right wing candidates because further eroding the social safety nets benefits him. Fuck that noise

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Accomplished_Scar717 t1_izlgvt4 wrote

I went to their twitter and I find the ideas repugnant, but I agree with you and would buy their products. This is because we actually have no idea about the horrible views held by the factory owner in Pakistan, the dyer in Bangladesh, or the manufacturer in Xinjiang. This dude is producing in Vermont, where labor standards and environmental standards apply. Fire trucks and hospital access are nearby. Unless this person is actively doing harm to people, buying from him is always going to be far better than buying from unknown foreign suppliers.

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Conflict_Main t1_izmguqa wrote

Would you consider someone financially backing local MAGA politicians active harm to people?

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Accomplished_Scar717 t1_izmh4gm wrote

I would say no. I was thinking about personally sending out hit men or sexually assaulting folx or kidnapping, those are the kind of harms that many textile factory owners are doing in many places in the world.

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Conflict_Main t1_izmislc wrote

There’s other options out their besides buying overseas and buying from MAGA hateful American companies. It’s really not that difficult

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Accomplished_Scar717 t1_izml164 wrote

In Vermont? That’s where we started this conversation. If there was a competitor in Vermont, manufacturing and selling wool products, who had the right politics, I would shop at their place first.

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Rare_Message_7204 t1_izlvy55 wrote

Exactly! He is producing in Vermont! People need to put views aside and start to actually act like local matters. Doesn't help anyone to pick and choose based on politics.

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[deleted] t1_izl6gzr wrote

I’ve heard from multiple sources that the owner of Vermont flannel is a big ol jerk face

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mystifyingfermi t1_izl9m6a wrote

There’s a whole thread on the fact that Vermont Flannel sucks.

https://www.reddit.com/r/vermont/comments/sks90k/unpopular_opinion_vermont_flannel/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf

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faceswithfires t1_izpk0ib wrote

Ex employee here, can confirm that they are assholes AND most of their stuff is not actually made in VT.

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hamburgerbear t1_iznimek wrote

One more comment for fuck Vermont flannel and the owner is a douche bag

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Practical-Intern-347 t1_izki8kb wrote

I can't get myself to justify the expense, but I'll throw out Vermont Glove as well.

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hucklecat721 t1_izkko9o wrote

They are worth it! They outlasted many other pairs of gloves, and the pattern is a better fit than any other leather glove I've tried. It's great to see young entrepreneurs saving old Vermont businesses and making a superior product.

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disposablesocial t1_izl1x0s wrote

To help justify the price: they are socially conscious. since the pandemic, they are doing a lot to help the town they are based in. And before the pandemic, at least, I heard they were paying a decent wage…

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8valvegrowl t1_izlaaf6 wrote

Nicely made product, I just wish they fit me better. Hard to justify when a set of $25 Kincos fit better and hold up for a few seasons, or if you spend cash, a set of Hestras are superior all around.

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No-Menu-5104 t1_izlurn5 wrote

Buy once, cry once… my VG’s have last a whole year now, whereas a pair of Kinco’s would last me MAYBE 2 weeks. My Kinco’s would always wear through the fingertips. I bet I’ve saved a couple hundred dollars by now, no kidding. There’s a reason that they are standard issue to GMP linemen.

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jamaica_70 t1_izlydt7 wrote

Mine have been going strong for 4 years, best work gloves ive ever bought, wear with liners for xc skiing and winter chores too

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Outrageous-Outside61 t1_izkk4ew wrote

For any leather goods please support Pete and Amanda over at bergamot amor. They just opened a new retail space in Williamstown!

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VermontAintUgly t1_izkvgrb wrote

Their bags are so beautiful and well-made. I love mine so much and I always get a ton of compliments on it.

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thegreenleaves802 t1_izlmxou wrote

Did xmas shopping for the hubs there this year, I can't wait till he opens it!!!

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justsomeguyVT t1_izqwk3a wrote

I came here to say this. Went to college with Amanda. Those two are making great products.

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Smilerly t1_izl3gmx wrote

Thuja Outdoor Clothing in Hinesburg. Just fleece pullovers right now as far as I know, but very cool. Reminds me of Melanza out of Colorado.

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Detritus_AMCW t1_izlrmo1 wrote

Not clothing, but if you need some exercise gear, Concept 2 is the world's gold standard for rowing machines (Ergs) . They also make ski ergs and bikes.

Made in Morrisville, Vermont.

Concept 2

Also, if you need clover seed or wildflowers for future landscaping American Meadows out of Williston, VT is a great company.

American Meadows

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IAmBoring_AMA t1_izligmu wrote

Not clothing but bag balm is amazing for humans and animals.

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Nutmegdog1959 t1_izke449 wrote

There's plenty here, just be prepared to pay up!

Want the best socks you'll ever own? Darn Tough, starting at $20/pr. (sometimes on sale)

Best flannel you'll ever wear? Vermont Flannel. Shirts start around $80, blankets $125. I got two of their beautiful bathrobes for $6/ea. at GW.

There's plenty here, bring a fat checkbook, and welcome back to civilization.

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BrokenAsFu t1_izkszpx wrote

>Want the best socks you'll ever own? Darn Tough, starting at $20/pr. (sometimes on sale)
>
>Best flannel you'll ever wear? Vermont Flannel. Shirts start around $80, blankets $125. I got two of their beautiful bathrobes for $6/ea. at GW.
>
>There's plenty here, bring a fat checkbook, and welcome back to civilization.

$80 for a flannel shirt is cracked.

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Master_Elderberry368 t1_izl3sq0 wrote

Wouldn’t you rather pay $80 for a flannel made in Vermont and help the local economy rather than shit from LL Bean that’s made overseas?

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Twombls t1_izlsvhq wrote

The bean ones hold up longer in my experience.

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[deleted] t1_izma49r wrote

[deleted]

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Twombls t1_izmua6h wrote

I thought bean flannels were always cotton? Same as vt flannel co.

I the ones that have held up for years for me are definitely cotton. I cant wear wool because it makes my skin break out in hives lol.

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12throwaway510125 t1_izl4aoc wrote

it's a REALLY good flannel shirt and supports the local economy

it may be a $80 purchase but it's a buy-it-for-life purchase for sure, plus it's high quality, fabric is great, and it'll last

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Twombls t1_izlstas wrote

Where can you find a quality flannel for less than $80 in this economy though.

Vt flannels are more like $100 now. I still refuse to buy them. They dont hold up.

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vtramfan t1_izls5g0 wrote

That eighty dollar shirt will last a long, long time.

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Nutmegdog1959 t1_izl1vrv wrote

I got two at GW $5/ea. One was new, the other looked to be worn once or twice. The XL is fairly proportioned after washing. I'm 6'1" 195 lbs.

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mrs_kravitz_77 t1_izkxpqw wrote

Vermont Teddy Bear - the nice jointed bears are indeed made in Vermont.

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hotpieismyking t1_izlbqkp wrote

Orvis still makes their fly rods in Vermont, their HQ is in Sunderland, but obviously most of their clothes are made overseas.

Vermont Gloves are worth the price

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Sporin71 t1_izlmegs wrote

Vermont Glove, Darn Tough Socks

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goatbleat t1_izmdx6f wrote

Ursa Major for skin products! Their face wash is amazing for my sensitive skin

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disposablesocial t1_izl1ch3 wrote

Off the top of my head I think Burton, Orvis, Fat Hat, Salaam are all Vermont based for clothes?

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CityPickin t1_izlc7iv wrote

Alpine Luddites for backpacking or bike packing gear.

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sicknutley t1_izllv1j wrote

I've been eyeing up vermont house shoes. I can't pull the trigger yet because of the price but damn are they appealing.

https://queencitydrygoods.com/collections/house-shoes

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nickrac t1_izlyzh9 wrote

Thank you for this. Just picked up a pair - definitely more than I would have normally spent but I’ve been looking for something like this for this winter

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slightlyTartLemon t1_izlomop wrote

Blue Moon Pottery has an Etsy storefront selling their local homemade pottery. I’d also recommend shopping at Art Hound in Essex! That place is chock full of local art, home decor, and kitchen pieces

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TwoCanSee t1_izlrwoy wrote

It’s a stretch for what your looking for. But Cabot Cheese is as Vermont as it gets. They have great gift packages for the holidays too.

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mountainofclay t1_izmjkpn wrote

Hubbarton Forge makes nice hand forged iron lamps and things.

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MistressOfGallifrey t1_izmdbzk wrote

Darn Tough Socks, Living the Dream Alpacas. And for skin stuff Vermont Soap Organics. Dakin Farm for some tasty cob smoked bacon.

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ohjeeze_louise t1_izmdrjo wrote

In terms of decor and home goods, Bennington Potters has gorgeous stoneware! Just got my mom a set for Christmas.

My favorite hiking gear was made by a VT company, Isis, but they got bought out and now the brand is caput.

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Swantini t1_izmu5qp wrote

Turtle Fur in Morrisville..Ahhyup!

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sgt_josh t1_iznc0hw wrote

American Roots is based out of Maine and makes everything in-house from US materials. I found out about them because the employees are fellow union members of United Steelworkers District 4. I’ve been rocking one of their Defender hoodies for a few years now and it’s still my go-to. Check them out. Not quite Vermont, but close enough in my book.

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SarcasticOldPerson t1_izla3hb wrote

Is Vermont Country Store/Orton considered sound? I have some good flannel from them.

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whaletacochamp t1_izlnyrp wrote

Johnson woolen mills if you want to look “vermont” while also having an incredibly high quality wool garment.

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brainzilla420 t1_izlvids wrote

Idk if making maple syrup in your dooryard counts as a home good, but Vermont evaporator company makes some pretty awesome products!

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OakBelly t1_izmebpj wrote

Super Snowflake has warm hoodies and sweatshirts that are designed and hand made in Southern Vermont. They have an Etsy shop too.

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adhdmamallama t1_iznmyvv wrote

Not at all outdoorsy stuff, but Fat Hat in Quechee makes great everyday womens clothing. Everything made and designed in Vermont. If they don’t have the color or size you want, they’ll make it for you at no extra charge. I know it’s not the type of brand you requested, but keep them in mind when it’s time for buying gifts for the women in your life.

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SnooKiwis2580 t1_izlrtt0 wrote

thuja makes great warm pullovers!!! I love mine :)

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cflanders26 t1_iznejjs wrote

Red House VT makes beautiful wax, canvas bags

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zifnabhaplo t1_iznor56 wrote

Ski the east. Burton is still vermont based.

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backwoods-barbie_ t1_izy9106 wrote

Not clothing - but as far as skincare, I love Tata Harper. I believe they source the majority of the ingredients in their products from their farm in Bridport.

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elpvtam t1_izl6np1 wrote

Ski the east makes great stuff. Some of it is more ski focused and some is less. Not actually made in Vermont unfortunately though.

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vtramfan t1_izlrmq4 wrote

Vermont flannel.

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skook1986 t1_izm4gun wrote

Vermont Flannel is amazing

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Unique-Public-8594 t1_izl45ph wrote

Johnson Woolen Mills. Thanks for buying local.

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Beardly_Smith t1_izm6fcv wrote

Lived in Vermont my whole life. Clothes from Walmart etc. seem to work just fine

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