Why Your Next Henley Should Be American-Made

There’s just something eternally cool about the henley: Sure, modern-day icons like Daniel Craig and Ryan Gosling wear ‘em (and look damn stylish doing so). But it’s also the kind of piece that—like a white tee and jeans—has an air of timeless style to it. It’s not too on-trend, it’s not stuffy, and it’s just more interesting, stylish, and rugged than a straightforward crewneck tee. It might have sprung forth from the banks of the River Thames as a sporting shirt eons ago, but it’s been co-opted across the pond—in the best way possible. 

A choice few brands are going the extra mile, dialing things back down to the basics and making this iconic shirt right in the United States. These skilled craftspeople are paid fair wages, materials are often sourced domestically, and these staple pieces are made or finished by hand to get the fit and fabrication just right. There’s a throughline for many of these companies: We’re talking unheralded but high-quality brands with a fierce dedication to quality. These companies won’t make wares destined for the bargain bin, but will last for years of wear. 

You can see the fruits of that labor, and the quality is evident in every stitch. In the winter, the henley can be found in long-sleeve thermal designs, and in the spring and summer, breezy short-sleeve cotton options tend to be a wise move—we like variations of both. 

Another bonus to scouring the market for one of the best USA-made henleys? Since you’re not necessarily shopping with a global retailer, you’ve got a leg up on the competition – or at least, an edge over your buddies. You just might start to feel “in the know” — a possessor of style secrets that’ll garner some compliments and some second looks. Keep an eye out for your new favorite henley below. 

There’s an element of toughness to the henley tee—and even in its very name, Steel City seems to epitomize that toughness. That being said, its Pima Cotton Henley Tee is actually super-soft, featuring peach-finished, pigment-dyed pima cotton in a substantial (but not overly hefty) weight. It’s got rugged good looks to spare, especially when paired with dark blue jeans and broken-in leather boots—lean into the vibe when wearing a henley tee, folks. 

Buy at Steel City

Devium USA is so focused on American-made production of its tough-as-nails workwear, the company was founded on Flag Day back in 2015. It makes perfect sense that they’d hang their hat on something as quintessentially strong as the henley T-shirt. The three-button placket offers a customizable fit (button it up or unbutton it and show off a necklace), but it’s the vintage slub jersey cotton and double-needle construction that gives this tee its hard-working substance. Color options dubbed “Cigar” and “Pale Ale” are a fun touch, too. 

Buy at Devium

When a certain style keeps popping up on the shoulders of a cultural icon, it tends to take on a pedigree all its own. You could say that about the Anthony Bourdain-approved chukka boot, sure, but the man also loved his henleys. 

His globetrotting take on life, food, and art gives this California-made shirt plenty of inspiration and substance, while 100 percent organic cotton delivers real-world softness and style. Plus, the brand draws heavily from travel and from moto culture (one of its henleys is named for Brazil’s Leblon neighborhood). This option comes in no-nonsense, flattering color options like Olive, Black and crisp White—Tony would likely approve. 

Buy at HNLY

Since his days working at J. Crew and Ralph Lauren, Todd Snyder has had a vision for how American men should dress. A touch more elegant, a touch more considered and refined, with a sense of panache… and of course, a healthy respect for heritage styles, like the henley. It’s what led the Iowa-born Snyder to make a selection of tees, denim, and more in Los Angeles, and the quality, softness and durability of this henley shirt practically speaks for itself. 

Buy at Todd Snyder

Just like the T-shirts that make up your wardrobe, there’s a range of fabric options out there when it comes to the best USA-made henleys—there are thermal weaves and stretch cotton blends, but soft slub cotton seems to be a prized option. The difference with this American Giant version? USA-made sourcing and production, specifically a custom-made fabric designed to hold its shape over time. With a classic three-button placket, consider this a layering option in at least three, if not four, seasons. 

Buy at American Giant

When you buy USA-made, you’re almost buying into a way of life: The way your T-shirt, blue jeans or leather boots are made really does matter. Imogene + Willie levels up the basics in every way, resulting in a handsome and utterly classic waffle henley. A substantial 15oz. 100 percent cotton fabric gives this henley style and distinction, especially when worn beneath a denim trucker jacket. The extended three-button placket is also an eye-catching touch we can’t help but appreciate. 

But at Imogene and Willie

At its core, the henley is a sporting shirt—the placket can be buttoned or unbuttoned depending on the temperature and the pursuit, while the style also proves useful for undershirts. You’ll find some of those same design cues in this henley, including an elongated four-button placket that looks plenty crisp and cool—enough to wear underneath a soft-shouldered blazer, in fact. Double-stitched seams add some weight and visual heft to the arms and waist (think Jeremy Allen White’s T-shirt in The Bear, but in henley form). 

Buy at Wies Made

In the fashion world, smoke and mirrors can play too much of a role —there’s not much space for overly flashy brands when it comes down to making a USA-made henley, though. Goodwear keeps things simple in terms of design, presentation and construction—just a sturdy, hard-wearing henley made from heavyweight jersey cotton that’s sewn in the U.S. of A. And at under $60 per shirt, it’s a fairly price-conscious offering. 

Buy at Goodwear