Taylor Johnston, gardener extraordinaire, started Gamine Workwear in 2014 because like many women working in manual labor, she couldn’t find a decent pair of Carhartts that fit her like they should.
So she made them herself, and she made them well.
“In an ever more disposable world, our hope is that each Gamine Workwear garment is treasured, personalized, and reflective of our hardworking, graceful, good-humored sisters,” it says on the site.
That’s what makes her product special––form and function aren’t mutually exclusive factors. Her pants reflect an investment in longevity, professionality, and several stitches of style.
“I wanted to make something that felt like it contributed to the conversation of the proud character of American-made workwear.”
The results? It’s hard to keep their shelves stocked. Even so, Taylor refuses to go overseas to increase production. In fact, some of the hands sewing this clothing are the same ones that used to make Levi’s jeans before they went overseas.
So when anyone asks how we bring back jobs to America, tell them Taylor and Gamine figured out. DIY.
