Ever wondered who’s behind those premium fishing shorts you see at every marina? That’s AFTCO – and their story might surprise you. What began in a small workshop in Newport Beach in 1958 has become remarkable. It’s now one of the most trusted fishing clothing manufacturer and is still family-owned in California.
The company’s dedication to quality shows through their U.S.-based machine shop in Santa Ana, California. Here, skilled craftspeople carefully assemble tackle items by hand. AFTCO’s impact extends beyond manufacturing. Since 1973, they’ve dedicated 10% of yearly profits to conservation efforts. Their latest contribution reached $434,836 in 2024 alone.
Ready to dive into the real story behind your favorite fishing gear? We’re about to unpack exactly where is AFTCO clothing made, how they do it, and what makes this American fishing legacy tick.
Table of Contents
Where Is AFTCO Clothing Made? The History Behind AFTCO Manufacturing
Are you also curious about where is AFTCO clothing made? AFTCO’s remarkable story started in a basement workshop on Lido Island, Newport Beach. J.C. Axelson founded the Axelson Fishing Tackle Company in 1958.
▶ From Newport Beach beginnings
AFTCO originally stood for Axelson Fishing Tackle Manufacturing Company. The name changed to American Fishing Tackle Company in 2000, after years of natural progression and common usage. The company focused on making roller guides and other big-game fishing components in those early days.
▶ Evolution into global brand
The company’s story took a significant turn in 1973 when Milt and Peggie Shedd bought AFTCO from Mary Axelson. Their son Bill Shedd joined as Sales Manager in 1974, marking the start of a new chapter. His vision led AFTCO beyond fishing tackle with the launch of a clothing division in 1989.
▶ Family ownership impact
AFTCO shows steadfast dedication to marine conservation throughout its history. The company and Shedd family give at least 10% of profits to organizations that protect oceans, waterways, and fish populations. Bill Shedd spends over 500 hours each year on sportfishing and ocean conservation.
AFTCO expanded into Japan in 2023, showing impressive growth from its Newport Beach basement origins. The company builds on its success while staying true to its founding principles of quality, reliability, and conservation.
Suggested Reading
- Where Is Sitka Hunting Clothing Made?
- Where Reyn Spooner Shirts Are Made: A Buyer’s Guide
- Where Are Nike Baseball Uniforms Made?
AFTCO’s Current Manufacturing Locations
Where is AFTCO clothing made? AFTCO’s impressive 117,000-square-foot facility stands in Santa Ana, California. This modern headquarters shows how far they’ve come from their original 2,400-square-foot building. It showcases the company’s remarkable growth and steadfast dedication to American manufacturing.
US-based production facilities
The Santa Ana facility is more than just a headquarters. It’s a bustling manufacturing hub where skilled craftspeople handcraft many of AFTCO’s core saltwater fishing tackle items. The facility operates from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays. This schedule helps them retain control over materials, chemical disposal, and manufacturing processes.
Global manufacturing partners
AFTCO carefully selects international manufacturing partners based on expertise and quality standards. They produce their premium SaikoPro Fluorocarbon fishing line in Japan, recognizing Japanese superiority in fluorocarbon manufacturing. Their fishing filet knives have 4116 German stainless-steel blades. They are finally assembled in Taiwan, which helps keep prices low.
AFTCO has expanded their global presence through strategic collaborations with Sunline Co., Ltd. as their official distribution partner in Japan. This partnership allows Japanese anglers to access AFTCO’s award-winning fishing clothing and gear. They can now get these products through a trusted local distributor.
This balanced approach to manufacturing combines domestic production with strategic global partnerships. It helps AFTCO deliver quality and value to their customers. Their focus on making many products in the United States shows their commitment. They control key production aspects while maintaining high material quality and skilled manufacturing.
“We remain committed to building as many products as possible in the United States where we have absolute control over materials, chemical disposal, and manufacturing processes.”
— Bill Shedd, CEO of AFTCO
How AFTCO Clothing is Made?
AFTCO makes every garment using a careful process. They combine advanced materials with precise manufacturing methods.
Material sourcing process
AFTCO works together with green textile mills worldwide to get premium materials. Their sportswear collection now includes almost 30% recycled materials. The popular Samurai Sun Protection Hoodie and Yurei Sun Protection Shirt are made with more than 80% recycled content.
The company works with specialized suppliers like:
- ECONYL® for regenerated nylon from rescued fishing nets
- REPREVE for fiber made from ocean-bound plastic bottles
- LABTEX for technical fabrics
- GRS Certified Suppliers for green materials
The finest cotton for AFTCO’s t-shirts comes from Central American regions like Peru and Mexico. El Salvador is their trusted partner for making performance shirts. They use advanced technology for performance fabrics.
Production technique
AFTCO’s highly specialized machining and finishing processes deliver exceptional quality. Apparel production needs skilled human touch, unlike automated industries. Skilled craftsmen use traditional sewing machines to place collars, attach buttons, and finish hems perfectly. AFTCO partners with manufacturers in busy Asian countries like China, Taiwan, and Vietnam. This work shows why these partnerships matter.
Quality control measures
Quality starts with carefully picked materials and continues through specialized manufacturing. AFTCO makes sure their vendors hold at least one of these certifications:
- OEKO-TEX STeP
- WRAP
- SA8000
- BSCI
- SMETA
- BetterWork
Pro Tip: AFTCO wants 90% of their sportswear line to use recycled, organic, or green materials by 2025. They believe that durability and long-lasting performance are most important. They won’t sacrifice these for sustainability goals.
If you want to know what material is fishing shirts made of or want to consult the best fishing clothing brands, you can send a message to our professionals.
AFTCO’s Commitment to Quality
Quality is the life-blood of AFTCO’s manufacturing philosophy. You can see this in their thorough approach to product development and testing. Each step, from specialized machining to detailed finishing, will give exceptional performance when conditions get tough.
Testing procedures
AFTCO puts their clothing through standardized waterproof testing for 24 hours straight. They test fabrics in a controlled setting. They pump water through a 1″ x 1″ sealed tube. This helps measure how resistant the fabric is to water. Their rain gear has waterproof ratings from 5K to over 30K. This keeps you dry in light drizzles and heavy downpours.
Durability standards
AFTCO shows their steadfast dedication to durability through fabric selection and blend ratios. Their signature fishing shirts feature:
- 60/40 cotton-polyester blend to get optimal softness and longevity
- Polyester-spandex combination in premium styles like Samurai and Air-O Mesh
- UV-resistant materials that handle long sun exposure
Polyester components resist fading, wrinkles, and shrinkage while handling heat well. Of course, cotton elements keep their shape after many washes and let your skin breathe.
AFTCO uses multi-layer construction techniques for outerwear. Their waterproof clothing includes:
- Nylon shells with Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating
- Multiple protective layers to last longer
- Premium jackets with triple-layer construction
They focus on durability, which shows their commitment to the environment. They pick textile mills that maintain high economic and environmental standards. AFTCO’s focus on quality has made it a favorite among outdoor lovers. They want dependable performance even in tough conditions.
Recommended Reading: Water Resistant Fabric: What Outdoor Experts Don’t Tell You
Conclusion
I believe you already have the answer to the question where is AFTCO clothing made? AFTCO stands as proof of American manufacturing excellence that keeps its core values while adapting to global market needs. The Santa Ana facility produces high-quality fishing tackle, and their carefully selected international partners help meet growing customer demands.
Quality remains the top priority in every AFTCO product. The company showed this through strict testing procedures and manufacturing standards. Their steadfast dedication goes beyond production – AFTCO gives 10% of profits to conservation efforts that protect waters their customers love.
As a professional t-shirts manufacturer in China, our mission and values are highly consistent with AFTCO. Customers who want custom sportswear solutions can reach out through leelinesports.com or email [email protected].
Related Resources
People Also Ask About where is AFTCO Clothing Made
1. Where is AFTCO clothing primarily manufactured?
AFTCO is based in Santa Ana, California. Their clothing is made in various places. This includes Taiwan, China, Indonesia, and some Central American countries.
2. Is AFTCO clothing made entirely in the United States?
No, AFTCO is an American company. They source manufacturing from different countries. This helps them balance quality and cost.
3. Why does AFTCO manufacture clothing in different countries?
The company chooses manufacturing sites carefully. This helps them use specialized skills, keep high-quality standards, and reduce production costs.
4. Does AFTCO use ethical manufacturing practices in their international production?
AFTCO works with factories that meet ethical standards. They focus on sustainable production and fair labor practices.
5. How long has AFTCO been in the clothing manufacturing business?
Founded in 1958 as the American Fishing Tackle Company, AFTCO has over 60 years of experience in producing fishing and outdoor apparel.
