Indigenous peoples manage an impressive 20-25% of Earth’s land surface, despite representing only 5% of the world’s population. Their profound connection to land and tradition now makes waves in the fashion world, where native american clothing brands redefine style with purpose.
Native american designers create collections that honor their heritage while expanding fashion’s horizons. The Indigenous fashion scene has grown way beyond traditional crafts into high-end jewelry and contemporary streetwear. This transformation unfolds before our eyes as Indigenous designers make notable debuts at prestigious events like Australian Fashion Week 2024.
My extensive research reveals 12 authentic native owned clothing brands that truly make a difference. These indigenous clothing brands create beautiful pieces and prioritize ethical production. They employ fellow Indigenous peoples and preserve traditional artistic practices. Ginew stands out as the only Native-owned denim brand in existence. Other brands like B.Yellowtail have caught Vogue’s attention. Each brand weaves a unique story of heritage and breakthroughs into their creations.
B.Yellowtail: Bridging Traditional and Contemporary Fashion
Image Source: byellowtail.com
Founded in 2014, B.Yellowtail shows evidence of Indigenous artistry in modern fashion. Bethany Yellowtail, a citizen of the Northern Cheyenne Nation and Apsáalooke (Crow) Nation, has built a brand that naturally blends traditional Native American design with contemporary fashion sensibilities [1].
B.Yellowtail’s Cultural Heritage
Bethany’s designs reflect her upbringing on the Crow reservation in Montana and her rich cultural heritage. Her artistic vision comes from ancestral teachings, where art and cultural craft have helped tribal communities thrive [2]. The design elements connect to the land, ancestors, and future generations that carry important teachings and histories within cultural patterns [2].
Signature Collections and Design Elements
The brand’s collections blend traditional and modern esthetics uniquely. B.Yellowtail goes beyond typical geometric patterns of Native American tribes and includes botanical elements from Montana’s indigenous medicines [3]. The Heritage Collection features distinctive blouses and blazers that honor ancestral designs [4].
Sustainable Production Practices
B.Yellowtail follows green practices through several initiatives. The brand makes its products by hand to reduce climate impact [5]. The company uses traditional craftsmanship methods that keep cultural authenticity while minimizing environmental impact.
Community Impact Initiatives
The B.Yellowtail Collective, launched in 2016, has changed how Indigenous artists work across North America. What started with 10 creators has now grown to support over 50 artists [2]. Artists receive 70% of profit from retail sales, which creates substantial economic opportunities for Native communities [2].
The brand’s influence goes beyond fashion through several programs:
- The Rez Girls Mentorship Fund provides workshops and retreats for young Indigenous women
- Direct support for MMIWG (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls) preventative resources
- Economic growth through fair compensation for traditional artistry
Bethany wants to move production facilities to reservations to create jobs in economically marginalized areas [6]. These initiatives have made B.Yellowtail more than just a native american clothing brand – it strengthens cultural preservation and community growth.
Ginew: America’s First Native-Owned Denim Brand
Image Source: Ginew
Ginew (pronounced Gih-noo) stands as the world’s first Native American-owned denim brand. Their story beautifully blends tradition with modern style [7]. Two physicians, Dr. Amanda Bruegl and Dr. Erik Brodt, started this Portland-based brand with a heartfelt touch – they crafted belts from their wedding buffalo [8].
Ginew’s Indigenous Inspiration
Ginew means “brown eagle” in Ojibwe, showing the brand’s roots in heritage [9]. The founders’ Ojibwe, Oneida, and Stockbridge-Munsee heritage shapes their designs. Family stories and tribal symbols find their way into every garment [7]. They stay true to their own family histories rather than borrowing from other tribes. This approach brings Indigenous identities to life through today’s fashion lens.
Premium Denim Collections
Their Heritage Coat tells a powerful story of design excellence. A simple coffee shop sketch turned into this masterpiece that honors Brodt’s great-great-grandfather’s life change from hunter-gatherer to farmer [9]. Japan’s Nihon Menpu mill provides the premium selvedge denim, showing the brand’s dedication to quality materials [9].
Traditional Craftsmanship
Ginew blends ancestral wisdom with modern production techniques. USA-based facilities in Los Angeles, Portland, and Seattle carefully craft each piece [9]. Deerskin, hunted and prepared using age-old methods, adds authenticity to their creations [9]. These traditional elements do more than look good – they keep cultural teachings alive through modern fashion.
Pricing and Accessibility
Ginew’s collection offers options at different price points:
- Playing cards start at USD 25, while wild rags cost USD 58 [10]
- The Wax Rider Coat, their premium outerwear piece, sells for USD 525 [10]
- Women’s pieces range from USD 50 to USD 550 [11]
Raven Indigenous Capital Partners invested USD 500,000 in Ginew during 2022 [11]. This funding helped them add women’s wear to their men’s collection. The brand continues its mission to boost Indigenous visibility in modern fashion [9].
Ginew’s “Native Americana” style combines Native American heritage with classic American design elements [9]. Their thoughtful approach creates pieces that celebrate Indigenous traditions and reach a wide audience. Quality craftsmanship paired with cultural preservation makes Ginew a powerful voice in today’s Native American fashion world.
Urban Native Era: Modern Streetwear with a Message
Image Source: Urban Native Era
Launched in 2012, Urban Native Era grew from the Indigenous-led Idle No More movement in Canada [12]. A simple Facebook page that shared rallies and flash mob round dances has now become a powerful voice for Indigenous visibility through fashion and design.
Brand Philosophy and Mission
Joey Montoya, a twenty-five-year old Lipan Apache from San Francisco [13], created Urban Native Era to expand fashion boundaries. The brand creates timeless pieces that showcase Indigenous visibility through fashion and design [14]. Montoya wanted to strengthen Indigenous communities by giving them visibility and belonging, especially in urban settings [13].
Popular Collections
The Spring/Summer 2024 collection shows the brand’s progress with signature designs including:
- The timeless “You Are On Native Land” series
- Organic cotton pieces with large monochrome embroidery
- The distinctive hummingbird logo collection [15]
The SOVEREIGN collection features 10 carefully selected items that bring a fresh take on traditional sovereignty. These range from oversized plaid flannels to high-fashion long-sleeve tees and detailed custom print silk scarves [16].
Indigenous Activism Through Fashion
Urban Native Era shows its activist spirit through several key initiatives:
The brand stays environmentally conscious by using 100% organic cotton, recycled fabrics, and toxic-free dyes [17]. Their steadfast dedication to sustainability includes recycled packaging and carbon-neutral shipping on all orders [18].
The brand has created meaningful community impact through various projects:
- Working with Sogorea Te’ Land Trust to support Indigenous land return initiatives [19]
- Running the Indigenous Red Market in Oakland’s Fruitvale neighborhood monthly [13]
- Building platforms for Indigenous expression through fashion shows and cultural events [12]
Small manufacturers in Los Angeles create their products, as the brand looks for ways to produce closer to their homelands [17]. Customers often praise the brand’s quality, especially their YAONL hoodies and dedication to Indigenous representation [20].
Urban Native Era has grown from a social media platform into a fashion powerhouse that connects with both Indigenous and non-Indigenous audiences. Montoya’s design approach uses subtle yet meaningful statements that make pieces available while keeping their cultural significance [12]. This balanced approach helps the brand boost Indigenous visibility in today’s fashion scene while staying true to its activist roots.
Beyond Buckskin: Celebrating Native Artistry
Image Source: BEYOND BUCKSKIN
Dr. Jessica R. Metcalfe of the Turtle Mountain Chippewa tribe started Beyond Buckskin in 2009. What began as a blog has now become a groundbreaking platform for Native American fashion [21]. The platform aims to advance Indigenous artistry through education and by creating economic opportunities.
Artisan Collective Overview
Beyond Buckskin works with over 40 Native American and First Nations fashion designers and artists [22]. The North Dakota-based collective connects rural and urban creative communities by offering both traditional and contemporary designs [21]. Their success led them to open an online boutique in 2012. A physical store followed in 2016 on the Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation [1].
Traditional Materials and Techniques
Artists in the collective blend ancient designs and natural materials with modern fashion. Yvonne Jobin, a Cree First Nations artist, creates jackets using smoked tanned hide that preserve traditional Cree practices [23]. Artists like Jamie Okuma show their dedication through historically accurate and expertly crafted pieces, particularly in traditional beadwork [23].
Featured Designers
The platform highlights talented artists from Indigenous communities:
- Wabanoonkwe Irick crafts bold accessories for glamorous occasions
- Shandiin Wood creates organic, modern styles inspired by street art
- Tessa Sayers specializes in modern Ojibwe floral design
- Maggie Thompson produces contemporary knitwear with traditional elements [22]
Shopping Experience
The online boutique offers carefully selected items that blend diversity, beauty, utility, and tradition [21]. By working exclusively with verified Native American artists, the platform maintains high standards for cultural representation [24]. Customers can support Indigenous creators directly, which ensures profits return to Native communities [25].
Beyond Buckskin does more than retail. They organize fashion shows and arts events that showcase Indigenous talent [1]. Dr. Metcalfe gives workshops and presentations about challenges and successes that help people better understand Native American fashion in today’s culture [1]. This educational focus supports their main goal: promoting cultural appreciation and authenticity in fashion design [24].
Lauren Good Day: Authentic Indigenous Designs
Image Source: Tribal Business News
Lauren Good Day, a multi-award winning artist, brings her rich heritage as an Arikara, Hidatsa, Blackfeet, and Plains Cree designer to contemporary fashion. She lives in North Dakota’s rolling hills, her traditional homeland, where she takes part in cultural celebrations and tribal ceremonies [26].
Artistic Heritage
Good Day’s artistic experience started at the time she turned six as she learned beadwork from her mother and grandmother [27]. Her talent comes from a remarkable lineage – she is a descendant of Bloody Knife, an Arikara warrior artist whose ledger works are part of the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collections [3]. She made a significant difference by becoming one of the first contemporary female ledger artists and was among six artists chosen for the Smithsonian’s Unbound, Plains Narrative Art exhibition [3].
Collection Highlights
The Autumn 2023 collection features Good Day’s signature ledger drawings and traditional plains regalia elements like Elk Ivory [28]. Her Enduring Legacy collection presents Plains-powered wearable art adapted from original ledger and beadwork, including:
- Form-fitting dresses adorned with Plains florals
- Versatile everyday blouses featuring warbonnets
- Skirts embellished with elk teeth [29]
Cultural Symbolism in Designs
Good Day’s work represents Plains Indigenous esthetics distinctly through her unique approach to floral designs. “Plains florals are more boxy, unlike the curly or abstract Woodland florals, and are crafted using lane stitch rather than appliqué,” she explains [29]. Her designs pay tribute to her tribes’ matrilineal traditions, where bloodlines and lineage pass through women [29].
The Indigenous Collection showcases digitally composed beadwork prints and signature Indigenous iconography, created for the culturally confident collector [30]. Each piece holds deep meaning and incorporates prayers and personal experiences of womanhood and motherhood [3]. Good Day works with the Three Affiliated Tribes to preserve language and culture, ensuring these artistic traditions live on for future generations [31].
Thunder Voice Hat Co.: Sustainable Native Fashion
Image Source: thundervoiceco.com
Thunder Voice Hat Co. sits at the heart of Long Beach, California. This unique family business crafts distinctive hats that celebrate Native American heritage through green practices. Lehi Thunder Voice Eagle Sanchez founded the company to turn vintage headwear into artistic masterpieces that honor Navajo traditions.
Sustainable Practices
Native roots run deep in Thunder Voice Hat Co.’s steadfast dedication to sustainability. The company’s care for Mother Earth connects naturally with community well-being [32]. They carefully source vintage hats from antique shops, boutique thrifts, and Facebook Marketplace [4]. This strategy matches their mission to cut consumer waste while preserving timeless craftsmanship.
Signature Hat Collections
The team scrutinizes each hat’s details from crown shaping to custom embellishments. Traditional Navajo high-rounded shapes and flat brim designs trace back to early trading years [33]. The company crafts 8-10 hats weekly [33]. Prices start at USD 875 for standard pieces and reach USD 4,000-6,000 for premium collections [4].
Upcycling Initiatives
The No-Waste Collection shows their commitment to sustainability. These reclaimed pieces feature:
- Hand-shaped premium crowns
- Reclaimed leather ammo bands
- Custom TVHC liners for comfort
- Thoughtfully chosen design elements [34]
Limited Edition Releases
The Legend Hat series marks their fifth anniversary milestone. These collector’s pieces showcase their finest craftsmanship with vintage silver and turquoise conchos from the 1900s [33]. Their innovative gunpowder design technique creates unique patterns on the hat’s brim through thin lines of gunpowder [33].
Thunder Voice Hat Co. plans to expand beyond headwear in 2024. Their ethical production practices make them leaders in sustainable fashion, an industry projected to reach USD 10 billion by 2025 [4]. They prove how traditional Native American design principles can guide fashion toward a greener future.
Section 35: Contemporary Indigenous Streetwear
Image Source: www.sectionthirtyfive.com
Named after Section 35 of the Canadian Constitution that protects Indigenous rights, this streetwear brand started from humble beginnings in Alberta back in 2014 [5]. Justin Jacob Louis, a member of the Samson Cree Nation, leads the brand’s creative direction and has transformed it into a powerful voice for Indigenous expression through fashion.
Brand Story
Louis identified a gap in Canada’s Indigenous fashion world by recreating hockey logos and t-shirts on his reserve [5]. The brand’s first website launched on March 8, 2016 [35]. What began as simple t-shirts grew into sophisticated outerwear and headwear collections. Section 35’s growth led to its first brick-and-mortar store opening in Chilliwack, British Columbia [36].
Popular Collections
The brand’s latest collection shows their progress with:
- A distinctive bomber jacket
- Two signature hoodies
- Chrome tee designs
- Custom cargo pants
- Exclusive headwear including caps and beanies [37]
Cultural Integration
Section 35’s designs thoughtfully blend Indigenous heritage with contemporary streetwear esthetics. The brand stays authentic by incorporating traditional elements while maintaining modern appeal [5]. Their most iconic piece, the “Fuck Colonialism” shirt, released in multiple versions, appeals beyond Indigenous communities [5].
Community Impact
Section 35 secured important funding from Raven Indigenous Capital Partners in 2023, marking a milestone in their growth [36]. This investment shows their dedication to changing perceptions of Indigenous fashion and creating opportunities for Indigenous artists and creators [2].
The brand runs many annual fundraising campaigns that support various organizations [35]. Based in unceded territories of the Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, and Sel̓íl̓witulh Nations [37], Section 35 works together with Indigenous artists and designers to build a supportive creative community. Their approach shows how Indigenous entrepreneurship can successfully combine culture-driven design with commercial success [36].
Eighth Generation: Native-Owned Wool Products
Image Source: eighthgeneration.com
Seattle-based Eighth Generation has revolutionized the Indigenous fashion world as the first Native-owned company to produce wool blankets commercially [6]. The Snoqualmie Tribe owns this game-changing brand that has transformed how Native American art reaches global markets.
Indigenous Ownership
Artist Louie Gong (Nooksack) started the brand in 2008, and the Snoqualmie Tribe took ownership in 2019 [6]. This historic acquisition made them the first tribe to own a lifestyle brand. The Snoqualmie Tribe’s ownership actively protects cultural heritage and promotes authentic Native artistry.
Product Range
Eighth Generation’s signature collection includes:
- Signature Series Wool Blankets with 100% wool pile and microsuede edge bands [38]
- Gold Label Collection of wool textiles, made at their Seattle studio [6]
- North Winds Series crafted from 100% Norwegian wool [39]
- Waymaker Series utilizing 100% UK wool [39]
Ethical Production
The brand’s Decolonizing Partnership Model leads the industry in artist collaboration standards [40]. This framework provides:
- Artists retain ownership of their cultural art
- Fair pay for creative work
- Direct retail sales participation
- Industry knowledge access
- Story control
Artist Collaborations
Jamie Okuma (Luiseño and Shoshone-Bannock) joined forces with Eighth Generation in 2022. Her work has earned six Best in Show awards from prestigious Native art markets [41]. Their collaborative pieces highlight geometric esthetics from the Plateau/Great Basin/Plains region. The brand works exclusively with verified Native American artists who must provide tribal enrollment proof [6].
The company’s eco-friendly practices go beyond production. A groundbreaking partnership with Starbucks in 2021 created new standards for global corporations working with Native businesses [7]. Eighth Generation became the first non-Starbucks store to carry Starbucks Reserve logo products, which changed how major brands connect with Indigenous businesses.
4kinship: Sustainable Artwear
Image Source: Native Max
“Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect.” — Chief Seattle, Leader of the Suquamish and Duwamish Native American tribes
Amy Denet Deal, a corporate fashion industry veteran, leads 4KINSHIP, a Diné-woman-owned brand that turns found fabrics into modern wearable art [8]. This sustainable fashion pioneer runs her Santa Fe store while supporting Native communities through innovative design.
Sustainable Fashion Philosophy
4KINSHIP believes in conscious consumerism and reciprocity. The brand employs Native people and trains young artists to give them tools for future success [8]. This small but influential brand has put a quarter-million dollars back into Indigenous creatives over the last several years through heart-led decisions [42].
Upcycled Collections
The brand’s signature collections showcase thoughtful design through:
- Up-cycle Atelier with reimagined vintage pieces
- Hand-dyed treasures using traditional techniques
- Upcycled Artwear collaborations with Steven Paul Judd [43]
Design Process
4KINSHIP’s creative process follows natural rhythms instead of traditional fashion calendars. This approach lets the brand dive deeper into research and seasonal inspiration [42]. Their strict production standards have earned a “Great” rating for environmental policies [44]. The manufacturing process focuses on:
- Low-impact materials that reduce chemical use
- Limited production runs to minimize waste
- Local manufacturing to reduce shipping impact [44]
Environmental Impact
4KINSHIP shows its dedication to sustainability through several initiatives. The brand actively reduces fashion’s environmental footprint by using upcycled materials and low-impact production methods [44]. These efforts tackle vital industry challenges, as fashion creates 10% of humanity’s carbon emissions [45].
4KINSHIP’s work goes beyond environmental concerns into community initiatives. The brand has joined forces with singer Jewel’s Inspiring Children Foundation to create the 4KINSHIP Indigenous Futures Fund [46]. Deal shows how small brands can make big changes, pushing larger fashion houses to rethink their approach to Native collaborations [46].
Jamie Okuma: Luxury Indigenous Fashion
Image Source: WWD
Jamie Okuma started her creative experience in luxury Indigenous fashion at age five on the La Jolla Indian Reservation in Pauma Valley, California [9]. She made history as the first Native American designer to join The Council of Fashion Designers of America in 2023 [9]. Her heritage includes Luiseño, Wailaki, Okinawan, and Shoshone-Bannock roots.
Designer Background
Jamie learned beadwork from her mother Sandra Okuma. She made dance regalia for powwows and earned money by sewing for others [9]. Sandra’s influence shaped Jamie’s artistic vision – she worked as a graphic designer at MCA Records and created iconic album artwork for bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd [10]. Jamie studied graphic design at Palomar College before attending the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe [9].
Collection Highlights
Jamie’s signature pieces showcase exceptional craftsmanship through:
- Hand-beaded Christian Louboutin shoes with antique Venetian beads as small as size 22° (about the size of a salt grain) [9]
- Contemporary native fashion that combines traditional beadwork with modern silhouettes [10]
- Italian viscose blazers drawing inspiration from traditional animal hide designs [10]
Her newest collection features innovative elements like bamboo knit hoodie dresses with elk teeth shaped zipper pulls, which represent wealth and fertility [10]. Each piece requires months to complete, reflecting her belief in quality over quantity [47].
Artistic Influences
Jamie’s multicultural heritage shapes her creative vision. She shares, “I am a part of multiple tribes… it is who I am and I know my culture’s esthetics, it is what I know best” [48]. Her work has gained recognition from prestigious institutions worldwide, including the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, Heard Museum, and The Minneapolis Institute of Art [10].
Jamie sketches her prints and develops them in downtown Los Angeles, where her clothing is manufactured [10]. She serves on the Indian Arts and Crafts Board under the Bureau of Indian Affairs to prevent false claims of Indigenous-made products [10]. Her pieces sell out within 15 minutes on her website [10], showing strong interest in authentic native american clothing brands.
Warren Steven Scott: Modern Indigenous Accessories
Image Source: Warren Steven Scott
Warren Steven Scott runs a contemporary accessories brand from Toronto that blends Salish artistry with modern design [49]. Since launching his label in 2018, this Nlaka’pamux Nation member has carved out a unique space in Indigenous fashion [50].
Design Philosophy
Scott weaves Western luxury fashion concepts with his ancestral perspective on ethics, craft, and esthetic sustainability [50]. His work views fashion through an Indigenous lens and honors cultural elements without copying specific artifacts [51]. “My jewelry represents a way for me to connect to Indigeneity, to explore that identity,” Scott explains [52].
Collection Overview
The brand stands out with its laser-cut acrylic earrings that showcase Coast Salish forms [53]. Scott creates his designs in Adobe Illustrator before laser cutting them in downtown Toronto [54]. His recent collections feature:
- S-shaped feather earrings with innovative layering techniques
- Clear chandeliers and colorful organic shapes
- Mini-sized versions of original runway pieces [51]
Cultural Elements
Scott finds inspiration in Salish carvings of bears, eagles, and salmon at UBC’s Museum of Anthropology [51]. His designs highlight the ovoid, the ‘mother shape’ in Salish design – widest at the top, equal width on sides, and thinnest at the bottom [52]. These elements take on contemporary forms while preserving their cultural significance [51].
Pricing
The brand keeps its prices accessible to customers. The collection ranges from mini-sized earrings to statement pieces, while new additions include tops, dresses, and skirts priced between USD 200-700 CAD [55]. Scott uses 100% recycled raw materials for acrylic pieces [55], creating designs that resonate with both Indigenous and non-Indigenous customers [51].
Lesley Hampton: Size-Inclusive Native Fashion
Image Source: Fashion Takes Action
Lesley Hampton, an Anishinaabe artist and fashion designer, leads her namesake brand with a powerful focus on size inclusivity and mental wellness. Her Indigenous-owned, women-led fashion house in Toronto, Ontario has set new industry standards through thoughtful design and authentic representation [56].
Brand Mission
Hampton’s creative vision reaches beyond traditional fashion limits. She emphasizes body neutrality and mental wellness through an Indigenous worldview [11]. Her global upbringing and Anishinaabe heritage shape her unique view on socio-cultural causes. The brand has gained recognition at Milan Fashion Week and London Fashion Week [11].
Size-Inclusive Collections
The Signature 2024 Collection features ethereal gowns and eveningwear that fit sizes XS to 3X [57]. Hampton’s design philosophy creates garments that complement a variety of body types, instead of just scaling up smaller patterns [58]. Their made-to-order approach reduces wasteful production and strengthens their Indigenous-owned, women-led business model [59].
Indigenous Representation
Hampton boldly challenges industry norms with her demand for diverse runway representation. Her steadfast dedication to authentic representation earned her the 2023 Young Aboriginal Entrepreneur Award [11]. She continues to support Indigenous visibility by giving guest lectures at prominent institutions like Parsons School of Design [11].
Green Practices
The brand welcomes slow fashion principles through several key initiatives:
- Made-to-order production minimizing waste
- Integration of sustainable materials
- Focus on timeless designs over trends [59]
Hampton’s impact reaches beyond the fashion world. She creates designs for prominent Indigenous talents like Lily Gladstone and Devery Jacobs [11]. Her work sparks meaningful conversations about body image, mental health, and cultural representation. She values internal happiness and healthy relationships more than conventional success metrics, creating new benchmarks for Indigenous fashion entrepreneurs [14].
Feature Comparison
| Brand Name | Founder/Designer | Tribal Affiliation | Year Founded | Product Focus | Sustainability Practices | Notable Features/Initiatives |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B.Yellowtail | Bethany Yellowtail | Northern Cheyenne & Crow | 2014 | Contemporary fashion with traditional elements | Small-batch manufacturing to reduce environmental effects | B.Yellowtail Collective supports over 50 Indigenous artists |
| Ginew | Dr. Amanda Bruegl & Dr. Erik Brodt | Ojibwe, Oneida, Stockbridge-Munsee | Not mentioned | Premium denim & heritage wear | Production facilities based in USA | Pioneering Native American-owned denim brand |
| Urban Native Era | Joey Montoya | Lipan Apache | 2012 | Modern streetwear | Organic cotton, recycled materials, carbon-neutral shipping | Regular Indigenous Red Market events each month |
| Beyond Buckskin | Dr. Jessica R. Metcalfe | Turtle Mountain Chippewa | 2009 | Multi-designer showcase | Not mentioned | Works with more than 40 Native designers |
| Lauren Good Day | Lauren Good Day | Arikara, Hidatsa, Blackfeet, Plains Cree | Not mentioned | Plains-inspired contemporary fashion | Not mentioned | Showcased in Smithsonian’s Unbound exhibition |
| Thunder Voice Hat Co. | Lehi Thunder Voice Eagle Sanchez | Navajo | Not mentioned | Restored vintage hats | Eco-conscious hat restoration, waste-free approach | Handcrafts 8-10 unique hats weekly |
| Section 35 | Justin Jacob Louis | Samson Cree Nation | 2014 | Contemporary streetwear | Not mentioned | Takes its name from Section 35 of Canadian Constitution |
| Eighth Generation | Louie Gong (founder) | Nooksack | 2008 | Wool products & textiles | Not mentioned | Pioneer in Native-owned wool blanket production |
| 4kinship | Amy Denet Deal | Diné | Not mentioned | Upcycled fashion | Eco-friendly materials, small batch production | Reinvests $250,000 in Indigenous creative projects |
| Jamie Okuma | Jamie Okuma | Luiseño, Wailaki, Okinawan, Shoshone-Bannock | Not mentioned | Luxury fashion & accessories | Local production | Pioneering Native American CFDA member |
| Warren Steven Scott | Warren Steven Scott | Nlaka’pamux Nation | 2018 | Contemporary accessories | Fully recycled materials | Creates Salish-inspired laser-cut jewelry |
| Lesley Hampton | Lesley Hampton | Anishinaabe | Not mentioned | Inclusive fashion for all sizes | Custom order production | Offers sizes from XS through 3X |
Closing Remarks
Native American fashion has developed beyond traditional crafts into a powerful movement that celebrates heritage while redefining the limits of creativity. These 12 brands showcase Indigenous fashion’s incredible diversity – from Ginew’s premium denim to Thunder Voice Hat Co.’s sustainable headwear.
The brands bring unique strengths to the fashion world. B.Yellowtail enables more than 50 Indigenous artists through their collective. Jamie Okuma makes history as the first Native American CFDA inductee. Eighth Generation leads the wool industry as the first Native-owned commercial producer.
Green practices form the core of these brands’ identity. Thunder Voice Hat Co. restores vintage hats to their former glory, and 4KINSHIP creates wearable art from found fabrics. Urban Native Era chooses organic materials and carbon-neutral shipping to prove that style and environmental responsibility work together naturally.
The brands create valuable economic opportunities in their communities. Their fair compensation, employment, and mentorship programs build lasting pathways for future Indigenous designers and artists.
People who support these authentic Native American clothing brands help preserve cultural heritage and will give Indigenous communities direct benefits from their artistic traditions. Questions about these brands and sustainable fashion choices can be sent to support@trendnovaworld.com.
These brands show how fashion can be beautiful and purposeful. Their soaring wins prove that staying true to cultural values while accepting new ideas creates lasting effects beyond the fashion world.
To find out more
https://www.flair.trendnovaworld.com/17-slow-fashion-brands-that-wont-break-your-bank-in-2025/ 7-hidden-gem-sustainable-activewear-brands-for-2025/ 7-teen-approved-sustainable-fashion-brands-you-need-to-try-in-2025/
FAQs
Q1. Is it appropriate for non-Native people to wear Native American-inspired clothing? While most everyday Native-inspired clothing is generally acceptable, it’s important to be respectful and avoid sacred or ceremonial items. Supporting authentic Native-owned brands is the best way to appreciate the culture through fashion.
Q2. How are Native American clothing brands promoting sustainability? Many Native American clothing brands prioritize sustainability through practices like using organic materials, implementing low-waste production methods, and upcycling vintage items. For example, Thunder Voice Hat Co. restores vintage hats, while 4KINSHIP transforms found fabrics into new designs.
Q3. What types of products do Native American clothing brands offer? Native American clothing brands offer a wide range of products, from traditional-inspired pieces to contemporary streetwear. This includes accessories like jewelry and hats, as well as clothing items such as t-shirts, dresses, and outerwear. Many brands also produce home goods like blankets and textiles.
Q4. How do Native American clothing brands support their communities? Many of these brands actively support their communities through initiatives like employing Native artisans, providing mentorship programs, and reinvesting profits into Indigenous causes. For instance, B.Yellowtail’s collective supports over 50 Indigenous artists, while Urban Native Era hosts monthly Indigenous markets.
Q5. Are Native American clothing brands size-inclusive? Some Native American clothing brands, like Lesley Hampton, are leading the way in size inclusivity. Hampton’s brand offers sizes from XS to 3X and focuses on body neutrality and mental wellness through an Indigenous worldview. However, size ranges may vary between different brands.
References
[1] – http://www.beyondbuckskin.com/p/about_16.html
[2] – https://retail-insider.com/retail-insider/2024/10/significant-investment-for-streetwear-brand-section-35/
[3] – https://laurengoodday.com/collections/ledger-art
[4] – https://tribalbusinessnews.com/sections/entrepreneurism/14555-hats-and-heritage-thunder-voice-hat-co-crafts-navajo-narratives-and-sustainable-style-with-upcycled-headwear
[5] – https://www.straight.com/living/know-your-local-justin-jacob-louis-takes-a-streetwise-approach-to-indigenous-fashion
[6] – https://eighthgeneration.com/pages/about-us?srsltid=AfmBOopboXc4RhKo-60RG7NvUBctXdwGly0Aytl6YpaONAfRzwTP8_NP
[7] – https://eighthgeneration.com/blogs/blog/when-a-collab-is-more-than-a-collab-our-decolonizing-partnership-with-starbucks?srsltid=AfmBOopeo_XhIBeXgK4SEBfKQ5AAn-5-eGjM9kjty9vCb21wUhuX7k9B
[8] – https://www.4kinship.com/
[9] – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamie_Okuma
[10] – https://wwd.com/fashion-news/fashion-features/jamie-okuma-more-than-native-designer-1235770335/
[11] – https://lesleyhampton.com/pages/our-brand
[12] – https://nativenewsonline.net/arts-entertainment/urban-native-era-to-make-fashion-show-debut-in-san-fransisco
[13] – https://openspace.sfmoma.org/2019/06/dressed-for-an-urban-native-era/
[14] – https://matriarchmovement.ca/the-future-of-indigenous-fashion-and-design-with-lesley-hampton/
[15] – https://urbannativeera.com/collections?srsltid=AfmBOorwi0fZMbmtO0kIGjuCTvrgjfw-EQvY32n7Z6-yxVmqW6hKEmsw
[16] – https://urbannativeera.com/collections/sovereign-collection?srsltid=AfmBOoqWCNfWjGncq2GQnt3E8ra-uDJE7lMY7m3xGVBqMcvJ_Ap1QuP_
[17] – https://urbannativeera.com/pages/sustainability?srsltid=AfmBOor5xjuzEKdOvAMdaMyVQbicYjaJofJDqZq2duvAM_MWFSRCh7F6
[18] – https://urbannativeera.com/?srsltid=AfmBOor5YHKWoLKCjInZzsx3j_qj1eSoLFG_T0DJDyWkhly6S9ZIsAwA
[19] – https://urbannativeera.com/collections/you-are-on-ohlone-land?srsltid=AfmBOopBp55cJYxzE2cbUtbHs-fbWJFzV7vmmfnm1ckYsaSV5EZ5mIki
[20] – https://www.trustpilot.com/review/urbannativeera.com
[21] – https://shop.beyondbuckskin.com/about
[22] – https://shop.beyondbuckskin.com/artists
[23] – http://www.beyondbuckskin.com/2012/02/
[24] – https://indigenous-sme.ca/beyond-buckskin-showcasing-the-indigenous-fashion-to-the-world/
[25] – https://www.thegoodtrade.com/features/native-owned-brands-to-support-on-indigenous-peoples-day/
[26] – https://laurengoodday.com/pages/about-the-artist
[27] – https://www.thecut.com/article/how-lauren-good-day-gets-it-done.html
[28] – https://laurengoodday.com/products/lanes-bodycon-dress
[29] – https://tribalbusinessnews.com/sections/entrepreneurism/13339-mha-artist-lauren-good-day-infuses-ready-to-wear-fashion-with-plains-style
[30] – https://laurengoodday.com/collections/the-indigenous-collection-athleisure-wear
[31] – https://laurengoodday.com/
[32] – https://thundervoiceco.com/pages/sustainablility
[33] – https://www.nhonews.com/features/thunder-voice-hat-company-stays-true-to-traditions-with-vintage-designs/article_25dd0254-47ad-52ff-b750-f5cbcfdde5f9.html
[34] – https://thundervoiceco.com/collections/no-waste-hats-thunder-voice-co
[35] – http://astepintothebatashoemuseum.blogspot.com/2020/11/indigenous-fashion-week-justin-louis.html
[36] – https://impactalpha.com/indigenous-led-streetwear-brand-section-35-lands-funding-from-raven-indigenous-capital-partners/
[37] – https://www.complex.com/life/a/erik-leijon/section-35-interview
[38] – https://eighthgeneration.com/collections/signature-series-wool-blankets?srsltid=AfmBOopcy5wdgNNn36LCMaD1gxAWNag2pbO5GPREJz6EaEtPQIi5iOW2
[39] – https://eighthgeneration.com/pages/faqs?srsltid=AfmBOopONqJP6Fj6IMLPGsqik2j5IdJ03nI4S1nD7kz-2P7pTHXsxhQp
[40] – https://eighthgeneration.com/pages/decolonizing-partnership-model?srsltid=AfmBOoqG56AX36YKTRygcJ9xHoDupsBWrZD-lEUgfXKIk7AnFxopbH7K
[41] – https://eighthgeneration.com/blogs/blog/collaboration-with-jamie-okuma?srsltid=AfmBOorJSXIeC8sYA13y2hHkUapXtu7W653BWvFVnho5LFMj5eXTB1Pc
[42] – https://www.marieclaire.com/fashion/small-business-spotlight-4kinship/
[43] – https://www.4kinship.com/collections/clothing-up-cycle-atelier
[44] – https://directory.goodonyou.eco/brand/4kinship
[45] – https://www.watsonwolfe.com/2022/01/06/the-environmental-impact-of-fashion/?srsltid=AfmBOoqmVcVYLzQF4gLDEkrKjuHuRFyhNZwi7hdpzOQ-tjQnnPil99Mg
[46] – https://wwd.com/fashion-news/fashion-scoops/cnn-champions-for-change-2024-amy-denet-deal-4kinship-indigenous-fashion-1236383891/
[47] – https://enspiremag.com/2021/11/jamie-okuma-preserves-her-culture-through-fashion-design/
[48] – https://cfda.com/news/how-jamie-okuma-explores-fashion-art-through-multicultural-identities
[49] – https://indigenousfashionarts.com/collections/warren-steven-scott/
[50] – https://shopadhoc.com/collections/warren-steven-scott
[51] – https://www.vogue.com/vogueworld/slideshow/warren-steven-scott-statement-earrings-indigenous-fashion
[52] – https://buyfrombipoc.wordpress.com/portfolio/warren-steven-scott/
[53] – https://indigenousfashionarts.com/profiles/warren-steven-scott/
[54] – https://www.cbc.ca/life/style/meet-the-young-indigenous-designer-making-the-accessory-of-the-summer-1.5185300
[55] – https://www.vogue.com/article/warren-steven-scott-indigenous-earrings-clothing
[56] – https://lesleyhampton.com/pages/sustainability
[57] – https://indigenousfashionarts.com/profiles/lesley-hampton/
[58] – https://www.utoronto.ca/news/authentic-inclusive-body-positive-lesley-hampton-makes-her-mark-fashion-world
[59] – https://www.truenorthliving.ca/community/qa-with-lesley-hampton-indigenous-artist-fashion-designer/
Discover more at:
Zyntra | Trend Nova World | News| Tech| Free Tools| Flair
For more information, contact us at support@trendnovaworld.com
Saiqa Khan is an award-winning researcher with 16+ years of experience in AI, technology, finance, health, sustainability, and digital marketing. With dual master’s degrees, she delivers expert, research-driven insights across multiple fields.