Thread Hippie: Thoughtful fashion with a free-spirit twist

By: Ashley Arax, for The Dirt

In a world filled of fast fashion, Davis-based clothing brand Thread Hippie is bucking the trend. Since launching in 2023, founders Angela & Will Deaton have had both style and sustainability in mind. With a deep respect for craftsmanship, and a commitment to production in the United States, the duo’s brand delivers vintage-inspired graphic tees and clothing that blend creativity with everyday comfort.

It all started with a desire to make T-shirts that were cool, wearable, and well-made.

Angela’s background in fashion merchandising gave her an eye for what works—and what was missing in the market. She introduced Thread Hippie at a craft fair in Los Angeles, and quickly connected with women looking for stylish, high-quality graphic tees that didn’t feel mass-produced or trendy for the sake of it. The brand’s signature tiger design remains a bestseller.

Since then, the brand has grown, landing in select boutiques like Fog City Flea in San Francisco’s Ferry Building, while maintaining its primary focus on direct-to-consumer sales online. Angela and Will handle everything—designing, sourcing, photographing, shipping, and marketing—building a truly hands-on, family-run business.

Made in LA, Inspired by the Past

Thread Hippie is committed to keeping production in the U.S.—a rarity in today’s clothing industry.

“In 1980, 70% of the clothes we wore were made in the U.S. Today, it is down to 2%,” Angela said. “It was never a thought for us to [offshore production] and see how cheaply we can make this.”

Most Thread Hippie items are crafted in Los Angeles using cotton and recycled cotton, with screen printing done by a woman-owned printer. The brand is also experimenting with upcycled vintage military jackets, adding unique details like hand-dyed wool lightning bolts for a fresh take on heritage pieces. 

Where to Find Thread Hippie

For now, Thread Hippie is primarily available online, with occasional in-person markets in LA and the Bay Area. Locals in Davis who shop the website can even opt for local pickup.

Looking ahead, Angela and Will are excited to expand the brand while keeping the focus on clothes that last, feel good, and remind people why quality matters. 

Shop Thread Hippie online at threadhippieca.com, and stay updated on new drops and market pop-ups by following @threadhippieca on Instagram.