Freenote Cloth - American Workwear

Freenote Cloth stands as one of the strongest modern examples of American-made craftsmanship, rooted in heritage workwear and refined for contemporary wear. Founded in 2013 in San Juan Capistrano, California, by brothers Matt and Andrew Brodrick, the brand is built on a clear philosophy: to create long-lasting menswear using traditional construction methods, premium fabrics, and uncompromising attention to detail.

Denim sits at the heart of Freenote Cloth. Their jeans are made in the USA using Japanese selvedge denim, combining old-world textile production with skilled American manufacturing. The collection spans a wide range of classic fits, from western-inspired bootcut jeans like the Wilkes, to 1950s-style straight and loose silhouettes such as the Belford, and wider workwear cuts like the Modesto. For those seeking a cleaner modern shape, the Trabuco offers a timeless straight fit, while the Portola delivers a contemporary tapered profile. Each fit is designed with wear, movement, and longevity in mind.

Beyond selvedge denim jeans, Freenote Cloth has earned a strong reputation for its jackets and shirts. Their waxed canvas outerwear, most notably the Riders Jacket, has become a modern classic and is recognised for its durability, functionality, and distinctive character. The brand’s shirt offering is equally considered, ranging from rugged flannel shirts like the Benson to traditional Western shirts such as the Calico, Sinclair, and Modern Western, all drawing from classic Americana and ranchwear traditions.

Freenote’s collection extends further into authentic workwear staples, including military- and naval-inspired garments like the Deck Pant, Deck Sweater, Utility Shirt, and Scout Shirt. These pieces reflect the brand’s broader design language, one that draws equally from western wear, U.S. military clothing, and mid-century motorcycle culture.

A defining element of Freenote Cloth is its dedication to fabric development. By working closely with respected Japanese mills such as Kaihara and Yoshiwa Mills, the brand sources textiles known for their texture, depth, and durability. Once in the USA, every garment is hand-cut and sewn by skilled craftspeople, maintaining the tradition of true American-made clothing.

The result is a collection of jeans, jackets, shirts, and workwear garments designed to age with character and purpose. Freenote Cloth creates clothing meant to be worn hard, lived in, and appreciated over time, offering a balance of heritage, functionality, and modern fit that defines the brand today.

Freenote jeans and Denim Made in the USA

The search for quality American made denim these days is tough, but there are some standouts. Freenote jeans is an exceptional example of when high quality Japanese made selvedge denim meets the skilled hands of American craftsmanship to produce some of the best jeans which are made in the USA.

Freenote - Kaihara Mills fabric

Freenote Cloth is widely regarded as one of the finest denim brands in the United States, and it’s a clear favourite among the team at Hepcat Store. Known for their exceptional fabric development, Freenote creates truly distinctive jeans across a wide spectrum of colours, slubs, weights, and silhouettes. From straight to slim fits, their range covers it all. A cornerstone of the collection is their custom made selvedge denim from the renowned Kaihara Mills in Japan, used across multiple fits and styles. The 14.5oz fabric, in particular, stands out. It breaks in beautifully over time, moulding to the wearer with every wear and wash. These are jeans you don’t need to overthink: built to be worn hard, aged naturally, and made to stand the test of time. The Styles in which Freenote Cloth carries the 14.5 oz denim from Kaihara Mills are: 

Rio (slim fit), Portola (tapered), Trabuco (straight tapered), Belford (straight fit), Wilkes (bootcut), Modesto (loose fit). 

We highly recommend choosing this fabric in the fit that suits you best, both comfort and personal preference are key. These are, without question, some of the best-fitting men’s jeans available. Beyond the raw selvedge denim itself, the true quality lies in the details: reinforced back pockets, 1/8” double-needle stitching, and custom rivets and button tacks, all made in the USA. One of our favourite details is Freenote’s approach to pocket bags. Each season brings something new, depending on what fabrics they can source. Ranging from Japanese herringbone to beautifully striped materials left over from previous shirting runs. It’s this thoughtful use of exceptional materials that sets them apart. A big shoutout to the team behind Freenote Cloth.

Freenote Cloth Wilkes Bootcut Western Denim

The western cowboy jean gets an upgrade. The Wilkes from Freenote Cloth features a full rise western top block, regular thigh and knee for movement and a modern bootcut opening to accommodate cowboy boots or engineer boots. This modern take on the classic western jeans makes it a bit more slim in the opening, to avoid the 70’s style flair that bootcut jeans may conjure up in the mind. We think they are a perfect balance of the cowboy yee-haw style, but adapted for the modern man. Whether on the ranch, at the honky tonk, or the office, you will feel right at home in these jeans which are available in several different denim options.

Freenote Cloth Belford Straight fit jeans

The Belford Jeans from Freenote Cloth are a faithful reproduction of this 1950’s biker style denim jeans. Full rise, generous room in the thigh down to the leg opening, make for a perfect 50’s style denim jean. The Belford has instantly become a favorite for us at HepCat, because we all kind of wish we were James Dean. Cruising around on a motorcycle, in a leather jacket and white t-shirt, but what really made his look was the loose straight jeans that stacked over the top of his engineer boots.

Freenote Cloth Modesto Loose fit Jeans

The denim of yesteryear, when workers wore jeans in their day to day work. Be it in the railyards, the mines, or atop a towering skyscraper construction over New York City in the 1930’s, people who were working manual labor wore jeans. The Modesto fit from Freenote Cloth is a testament to those hands that built America. Featuring a period rise that sits high on the hip, and wide loose legs that fall there from, the Modesto balances a modern interpretation of this vintage style of workwear jeans.

Freenote Cloth Tops - Jackets, Shirts, T-Shirts & Sweatshirts

Freenote Cloth is as renowned for its tops as it is for its denim, offering a carefully curated collection of jackets, shirts, t-shirts, and sweatshirts that combine heritage American workwear with modern functionality. Every piece reflects the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship, quality fabrics, and timeless style, making them essential for any wardrobe built to last.

Jackets and Outerwear

Beyond denim, Freenote Cloth excels in durable outerwear inspired by western, motorcycle, and military traditions. Jackets are designed to withstand everyday wear while aging beautifully with time. Whether crafted from rugged waxed canvas, heavyweight cotton, or sturdy twill, each jacket balances practicality with classic Americana styling. Key features often include reinforced stitching, shoulder gussets for mobility, multiple functional pockets, and custom hardware. Aall made in the USA.

Freenote Riders Jacket - Western inspired workwear

The Freenote Cloth Riders Jacket RJ-1 is one of the brand’s most iconic pieces, a modern classic rooted in American workwear, western wear, and vintage riding jackets. Built to handle hard use, changing weather, and everyday wear, it perfectly reflects Freenote Cloth’s commitment to durable, functional garments made the traditional way.

Constructed from American-made 10oz Martexin waxed canvas, the Riders Jacket offers excellent protection against wind and rain while remaining breathable and comfortable. Waxed cotton jackets like this were historically favored by ranchers, motorcyclists, and workers because they could be easily maintained, repaired, and re-waxed over time. True to that heritage, the 100% cotton outer shell is designed to age beautifully and be worn for decades rather than seasons.

Inside, the jacket is lined with a soft Japanese blanket lining featuring a Native-inspired pattern, adding warmth without bulk. The fit is inspired by classic denim jackets: slightly cropped, tailored through the body, and designed for movement. Thoughtful workwear details such as front pleats, shoulder gussets for mobility, and custom Freenote metal hardware elevate both function and durability.

The Riders Jacket has gained wider recognition after being worn by Kayce Dutton in the TV series Yellowstone, but its appeal goes far beyond the screen. This is a true crossover piece, equally at home on the ranch, on a motorcycle, or in everyday life. Heavy, rugged, and built to perform, it’s a waxed jacket that improves with age, developing character through wear, weather, and time.

Available in several colorways, the RJ-1 Tobacco remains a standout, offering a timeless look that pairs effortlessly with raw denim, western shirts, and classic work boots. For anyone searching for a waxed canvas jacket, a western-inspired workwear jacket, or a long-lasting alternative to modern synthetics, the Freenote Cloth Riders Jacket RJ-1 sets the benchmark.

Shirts - Western, Flannel & Workwear Staples

Freenote’s shirt collection draws heavily from traditional American workwear and western heritage. From rugged flannels to refined Western shirts, each style combines durability with a thoughtful nod to vintage designs. Popular models include the Calico, Sinclair, and Modern Western, featuring signature details like western yokes, rounded sawtooth pockets, pearl snaps, double-needle stitching, and custom buttons. Flannel shirts like the Benson provide warmth and texture, making them perfect for layering over tees or under jackets for a classic workwear-inspired look.

T-Shirts and Sweatshirts

Freenote Cloth also offers a range of high-quality t-shirts and sweatshirts that embody the brand’s ethos of simple, durable, and functional design. Soft yet robust fabrics are used, ensuring these pieces can be worn daily and layered with jackets or shirts. Classic crew-neck t-shirts, often in neutral or heritage-inspired colors, pair effortlessly with denim, while sweatshirts provide warmth and comfort for cooler days without compromising on style. Each piece is designed to complement the rest of the Freenote wardrobe, offering versatility and long-lasting wear.

Drawing Inspiration from the Wild West to World War 2

Freenote Cloth takes inspiration from the Golden Age of American history, blending classic design with durable craftsmanship. The influence of western wear is evident in pieces like the Sinclair Shirt, featuring rounded sawtooth pockets, a western yoke, pearl snap buttons, double-needle stitching, and custom horn buttons. Other standout western shirts include the Modern Western, Calico, and Rancho, each staying true to traditional styling with a refined touch.

Beyond western shirts, Freenote incorporates elements of service and military wear from the U.S. Army and Navy. Their collection nods to classic Navy attire with pieces like the Deck Pants, CPO Wool Shirt, and Deck Sweater, garments that wouldn't look out of place on a 1940s aircraft carrier in the South Pacific.

The brand also pays homage to the 1950s, a defining era when denim and motorcycle culture became iconic. This influence is clear in Freenote’s denim jeans, classic white tees, and Shifter combo t-shirts.

There is a timeless appeal to these kinds of garments, as they remind us of better days. Freenote Cloth perfectly encapsulates this feeling of nostalgia in their clothing and makes garments with the utmost attention to detail utilizing the best in fabrics and hardware, all while maintaining a position to produce all their goods and garments solely in the USA.