Our founder, Chris, was raised in Maine, a land of rugged humility, white pine forests, and rocky coastlines. His professional career began in Maine’s largest city, Portland, a town rich with small businesses, seafood, and salty air.
Maine has long been a haven for artists and craftspeople drawn to its quiet, rhythmic lifestyle and the natural splendor of the state, but it has also suffered from the offshoring of American manufacturing. Any drive to a hike or lake will likely take you past shuttered mills and factories that once bustled with skilled workers.
It is from this ecosystem that First Principles Clothing was born. We make clothing rooted in nature, that tells the stories of the people and places that shaped us, and which help support our incredible regional manufacturing partners.
ABOUT US:
Our Partners:
American Woolen Company
AWC is a story of resilience and perseverance, and just so happens to make some of the finest woven and worsted woolen fabrics in the world. Based in Stafford Springs, CT, AWC was formerly owned by Italian luxury fabric manufacturer Loro Piana, before Jacob Long purchased the factory in 2014 in an attempt to revive domestic manufacturing.
AWC is a fully vertically integrated mill, meaning that once the raw wool fiber arrives in CT, it is processed entirely in house before making the 140 mile trip to our cut-and-sew partners in New York City. They are a key partner in making our dream of local luxury a reality!
Goldrush Stardust
Goldrush Stardust is the textile studio run by textile savant James Kimura-Green. When GS says “100% Good Taste,” they mean it, as evidenced by their incredible Made in the USA collection of fabrics.
You can see their work in our Stationery Shirt and Overjacket, and can be assured that we will feature many more of their fabrics in collections to come.
Emmelle Manufacturing
Located in the heart of the Garment District in New York City, Emmelle Manufacturing was founded by Mi Jong Lee, a designer with over 40 years experience in manufacturing apparel in New York.
Lee one the David Prize in 2024 for her investment in New York’s garment industry, and is a cheerleader for the talent and quality of our domestic workforce.
