Native Threads: The Rising Voices of Indigenous Fashion
Sustainable style is getting a powerful, culture-rich upgrade. Native American-owned clothing brands are weaving tradition, eco-consciousness, and bold design into every stitch. From upcycled materials to natural dyes and slow fashion ethics, these small businesses are demonstrating that fashion can honor the Earth and Indigenous heritage simultaneously.
4Kinship
About The Brand: Founded by Amy Denet Deal, who believes fashion can be a force for change. 4Kinship is a brand rooted in community, sustainability, and the power of indigenous storytelling. They honor land, art, and kinship while creating economic opportunities for indigenous communities. The brand's initiative is building the Dine Skate Garden Project, a space for Navajo youth to gather, create, and heal.
They’re redefining what it means to make a positive social impact through blending upcycled materials, slow fashion practices, and community-led projects. Each piece of clothing reflects a commitment to sustainability, cultural pride, and the revitalization of native artistry. Their sustainable practices reflect their connection to the native land.
4Kinship offers a diverse collection, including vintage items, upcycled vintage pieces, well-worn vintage garments, and artisanal and original works.
Heritage Honoring Piece: The Wide-Leg Pant in the rodeo print is a small-batch, meticulously crafted pant made by a small sewing circle. Made from Cotton fabric, the print is inspired by the vibrant Southwest. Featuring a paperbag high elastic waist and a higher rise vintage fit, these pants provide both comfort and style. Designed to be genderless, making them perfect for everyone.
Thunder Voice Co.
About The Brand: Known for their handmade hats and upcycled clothing, Thunder Voice Co. makes everything to the highest standards of quality, sustainability, and ethical craftsmanship. Their reclaimed items are thoughtfully crafted from hand-selected vintage materials. These ethically made products prioritize fair labor practices, sustainable sourcing, and responsible production. The company strives to have a positive impact on people and the planet throughout the creation process. Thunder Voice Co. makes products that are timeless and built to last.
Heritage Honoring Piece: The Surviving the American Dream T-Shirt, made from 100% cotton and made by indigenous hands. Thunder Voice Co. shirts are crafted from high-quality, ethically sourced cotton. Also, they are being constructed to last three to four times longer than standard tees. This is an investment in a t-shirt that ensures you stay stylish without the constant need for replacements. Designed to be a wardrobe staple, remaining as fashionable a decade from now as it is today. All of the cotton used in their tees is sourced from ethical producers, providing you with a guilt-free purchase.
Ginew
About The Brand: Ginew fuses contemporary Native American style with Ojibwe, Oneida, and Stockbridge-Munsee design elements in heirloom-quality garments and goods. Their durable materials include Vidalia Mills' raw selvage denim, all-cotton fabric, wax canvas outerwear, and Pendleton woven wool. These pieces are meant to last, meant to be handed down to the next generation. Ginew incorporates family symbols and teachings into each of its garments. The company's focus is on construction in the USA, uplifting Native Americans, and, in the process, creating a collection to be worn by all. Their items are produced in quantities of 100 or fewer globally. Leaning into longevity and durability with the use of selvage denim, brass hardware, and commercial-grade buttons.
Heritage Honoring Piece: The Indigo West Fork Selvedge Jean. These jeans, in an indigo wash that is hand dyed locally, feature a hidden thunderbird chain-stitching that appears with continuous wear. The interior pockets are decorated with Oneida Sky-dome and Ojibwe Lodge symbols, traditional designs of their respective tribes. These symbols can also be found on the buttons and hardware on the jeans.
B.Yellowtail
About The Brand: B.Yellowtail is a Native American, women-owned fashion and lifestyle brand dedicated to sharing authentic Indigenous design with the world. Founded by Bethany Yellowtail, who is a citizen of the Northern Cheyenne Nation and proudly hails from the Mighty Few District of the Apsaalooke (Crow) Nation. Bethany was driven to start B.Yellowtail by the desire to see herself and her communities authentically and equitably represented in mainstream fashion. She is an active organizer in her tribal nation, having a passion for using fashion as a tool to uplift women and young girls.
In a world where Indigenous images are often stolen and misappropriated, Bethany serves as an unapologetic arbiter of authenticity. She is a genuine voice who seeks to empower through design and equitable representation.
Heritage Honoring Piece: The Pleated Midi Skirt in navy features a blue star quilt motif. B.Yellowtail’s star-quilt capsule collection is a nod to their Montana roots. Featuring striking hues, this luxurious collection boasts a voluminous silhouette in pleated satin. The star quilt motif is at the center of their collection, a Native American cultural icon. This is original artwork designed by Bethany.
Anne Mulaire
About The Brand: At the heart of Anne Mulaire, you’ll experience a commitment to sustainability, to crafting with intention, and to honoring the legacy of those who came before them. They are on a mission to create fashion that respects both people and the planet. Founded by Adreanne Mulaire in her parents' basement, she drew from her Anishinaabe/French Metis roots. She effortlessly blended sustainability with indigenous design, using eco-friendly fabrics and honoring her ancestor, seamstress Catherine Mulaire. Anne Mulaire produces all its garments locally, focusing on zero waste and circular fashion. They’re also a B Corp-certified brand with inclusive sizing, from XXS to 6X. They embody the core values of resilience and resourcefulness by embracing challenges and turning obstacles into opportunities for growth. They also demonstrate planet-first thinking and innovation with integrity, continuously learning while remaining grounded in respect, transparency, and collaboration.
Anne Mulair offers products that are carbon-neutral and zero-waste. They also have a resale market and offer alterations.
Heritage Honoring Piece: The Spirit of the North design celebrates the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis indigenous peoples in Canada. The design focuses on creating the will of their people. Eagle feathers are used in ceremonies as a symbol of respect and healing. To the Inuit people, the polar bear is regarded as the embodiment of the spirit of the North, an animal that possesses ancient wisdom. The Spirit of the North design captures the essence of both symbols.
Urban Native Era
About the Brand: Urban Native Era strives to recruit and highlight inclusive Indigenous talent in all aspects of their modeling, set design, and photography. As a company, they also frequently support indigenous organizations with monetary and product donations. Founded by Joey Montoya, aiming to design and redesign an inclusive world. Urban Native Era crafts minimal yet powerful designs to create timeless garments. Joey wanted to increase the visibility of indigenous people through social media. Urban Native Era products are made for everyone.
Heritage Honoring Piece: The Native Land heavyweight hoodie is made from 100% organic cotton, making it their softest sweater yet. This hoodie features intricate chainstitch embroidery, with the Native Land design standing out for its durable, raised texture finish and handcrafted feel. The message behind the hoodie is that Urban Native Era believes it is the responsibility of all people to care for the land beneath their feet, to know and name the original inhabitants of that land, and to uplift the stories and relationships that make the places we call home. This hoodie is made in a Fair Trade Certified factory, meaning that products were grown, harvested, crafted, and traded in ways that improve lives and protect the environment. They’re also Oeko-Tex certified, so no toxic dyes, chemical fertilizers or pesticides, or formaldehyde were used in production.
Native American-owned sustainable clothing brands aren’t just making fashion, they’re making statements. By honoring tradition, protecting the planet, and supporting Indigenous communities, these small businesses are setting a powerful example for the entire industry. So next time you shop, consider supporting brands that look good, feel good, and do good.
