Indigenous Fashion: The Brands, Creators, and Styles You Should Be Wearing
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For too long, Native fashion has been reduced to fringe, feathers, and those fake Pendleton prints you see at overpriced vintage stores. But real Indigenous designers have been setting trends for generations—blending tradition, modern streetwear, and high fashion in ways that the mainstream is just now catching onto. If you want to level up your wardrobe (and not accidentally buy something that belongs in a museum gift shop), here are the Native-owned brands that are making waves and why you should be paying attention.
Native-Owned Brands That Are Changing the Game
1. OXDX Clothing
If you’re into streetwear that actually has something to say, OXDX Clothing by Diné designer Jared Yazzie is for you. The brand is all about unapologetic messaging, with bold graphics calling out appropriation, uplifting Indigenous resistance, and celebrating culture. Think hand-printed hoodies, sharp color palettes, and the kind of statement pieces that turn heads and start conversations.
2. B. Yellowtail
Bethany Yellowtail’s brand is where high fashion and Indigenous craftsmanship meet. Rooted in Crow and Cheyenne heritage, her designs take traditional patterns and beadwork and turn them into modern silhouettes. If you’ve ever wanted to wear a dress that feels like a work of art—or rock a statement jacket that tells a deeper story—this is where you go. Plus, she actively collaborates with other Native artists, making her brand a hub for authentic representation.
3. 4KINSHIP
Sustainability and Indigenous fashion go hand in hand, and 4KINSHIP nails it. This Diné-led brand is all about reclaimed vintage, slow fashion, and pieces that feel effortlessly cool. If you want something one-of-a-kind, handmade, and environmentally conscious, this is the move. Their jackets and outerwear, in particular, bring that perfect mix of nostalgia and forward-thinking design.
4. Ginew
The first Native American-owned denim brand, Ginew takes classic American workwear and infuses it with Ojibwe, Oneida, and Mohican heritage. Their jackets and jeans aren’t just high-quality—they tell stories through intricate embroidery, lined fabrics with traditional designs, and construction built to last. This is the kind of clothing you invest in, knowing it’s going to age beautifully and carry meaning for years.
5. Eighth Generation
This Seattle-based brand, founded by Louie Gong (Nooksack), is known for high-quality wool blankets designed by Native artists—but they also bring that same artistry into apparel and accessories. Eighth Generation is all about reclaiming Indigenous design from the hands of corporate knockoff brands and giving power back to Native artists. Their stylish graphic tees and statement outerwear are perfect for anyone who wants to support real Native craftsmanship.
Essential Pieces That Always Hit
Not everything needs a label to be iconic. Some pieces have been staples in Native wardrobes forever, and they’re not going anywhere.
- The Ribbon Skirt – Not just a fashion statement, but a symbol of resilience and cultural pride. Every pattern tells a story, and if you don’t own one, it might be time to change that.
- Turquoise Everything – Rings, cuffs, earrings, bolo ties—you can never have too much. Bonus points if it’s heirloom jewelry passed down in the family.
- The Perfect Moccasins – Soft-soled, hard-soled, beaded, or minimalist—whatever your style, a solid pair of mocs elevates any fit.
Why Supporting Native Designers Matters
Fast fashion and major brands love to ‘borrow’ Native designs while cutting out the artists and communities they come from. Supporting Indigenous-owned brands isn’t just about style—it’s about putting money back into the hands of real designers, real artists, and real communities. So next time you need to refresh your wardrobe, skip the mass-produced knockoffs and check out the people who’ve been innovating in fashion long before it was trending.