Labour union clothing

Author：HAIYUAN TIME：2025-09-16Read：

"Labour union clothing" (or "labor union clothing" in U.S. spelling) refers to apparel that shows support for the labor movement and union solidarity. This isn't standard workwear for safety; it's clothing with a message. This type of clothing is worn to express pride, solidarity, and identity. It includes items featuring:

Specific union names and logos (e.g., IBEW, UAW, Teamsters, AFL-CIO)
General pro-union slogans ("Union Strong," "Solidarity Forever," "Everyone Benefits from Unions")
The "shop" or "union" label often found on the back collar of made-in-USA clothing

Here’s a breakdown of where to find it and what to look for.

1. Official Union Stores (Best for Specific Unions)

If you are a member of a specific union or want to support one, the best place to start is that union's official website. Most major unions have an "Store" or "Merchandise" section. Examples:

AFL-CIO: Their store sells a wide range of clothing with general pro-union messages.
- Website: store.aflcio.org
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW): Has a large online store with hats, shirts, hoodies, and more featuring the IBEW logo.
United Auto Workers (UAW): Sells UAW-branded apparel.
Teamsters: Offers a variety of clothing for members.
Many smaller and local unions also have their own stores, often managed through a third-party vendor like Uni-Source or MyLocker.

How to find them: Search for "[Your Union Name] official store" or look for a "Store" link on the union's main website.

2. General Pro-Union & Solidarity Clothing

These retailers sell apparel with broader pro-union slogans and imagery, not tied to one specific union. They are great for allies and anyone who wants to show support for the movement. Popular Retailers:

Union House: A very popular online store with a huge selection of pro-union and vintage-style union logos. They are known for their "union made" labeled sweatshirts and tees.
- Website: unionhouseusa.com
The Solidarity Shop: Offers clothing with classic labor and solidarity designs.
Etsy: A fantastic source for independent designers creating unique union solidarity t-shirts, stickers, and patches. Search for terms like "union strong t-shirt," "solidarity t-shirt," or "labor union patch."
Redbubble & TeePublic: Similar to Etsy, these platforms host thousands of independent artists who design union-themed apparel. You can find very creative and modern designs here.

3. "Union Made" Clothing Brands

This is a different angle. Instead of buying a shirt with a union logo on it, you can buy a shirt that is itself union-made. This means the garment was produced in a factory where the workers are represented by a union. This is a powerful way to "put your money where your mouth is" and support union labor directly. Brands known for being union-made (often in the USA):

Carsons: A major supplier of union-made apparel, often featuring the classic "union label."
All American Clothing Co.: While not all their items are union-made, many are, and they are very transparent about it.
Bayside Apparel: Offers a range of union-made t-shirts and sweatshirts.
Bootstrap Clothing: Specializes in union-made and USA-made workwear and casual wear.
Dual Union Made: A brand focused exclusively on creating 100% union-made apparel.

Look for the label: The definitive mark to look for is the UNITE HERE label or the specific union label of the manufacturer.

Key Things to Know:

"Union Bug": This is a small printer's union logo, often found on the inside seam of a t-shirt. It certifies that the garment was also printed by union labor. For full solidarity, look for a union-made garment with a union bug.
Vintage & Workwear: The classic "blue collar" workwear brands like Carhartt and Dickies have a strong historical connection to labor. While not all their current products are union-made, their image is deeply tied to the working class. Vintage pieces from these brands are very popular in this style.

In summary:

For a specific union's logo, check that union's official store.
For general "Union Strong" apparel, check Union House, Etsy, or Redbubble.
To support union labor with your purchase, seek out brands that are "union-made" like Carsons or Bayside.