What is Union made?

“Union Made” was once a defining mark of American clothing. Beginning in the early twentieth century, union labels certified that garments were produced by skilled workers under fair wages and safe conditions. These small tags—often printed in simple red or blue ink—became symbols of quality, integrity, and the proud tradition of domestic manufacturing.

RRL draws inspiration from this heritage. While not union-made, the brand uses reproduction-style labels, lot numbers, and archival typography that echo the look of early union tags. These details serve as a tribute to the craftsmanship and culture of vintage American workwear, preserving the visual language of an era when every stitch carried the story of the hands that made it.

RRL reinterprets the distinctive style of vintage “Union Made” buttons across its workwear. The left image features an RRL version, while the right displays the original historical button.

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