Local Threads: Lake Tahoe Clothing Companies

By Shanie Matthews | Tuesday, October 4, 2022

Tahoe's imaginative entrepreneurs create fun and interesting companies. One such category of entrepreneurialism is clothing brand companies that are dedicated to this beautiful region in the world. From hats to hoodies, t-shirts to sweatpants, Lake Tahoe clothing is a great addition to any wardrobe.

Keep reading to learn more about eight companies that are dressing people Tahoe style.

Photo courtesy of BigTruck 

BigTruck

A company that has revolutionized the baseball hat, BigTruck is a literal fashion statement in the basin. Born from the love for the contrast that the peaks and Lake Tahoe create as well as the beach life that is intermixed with skiing and snowboarding, BigTruck is the embodiment of a counterculture based on rebellious, youthful energy. The trucker hat is now an infamous brand that stands for the enjoyment that comes from this special place, whether in the form of dropping cliffs, climbing granite peaks or enjoying a stellar sunset over Big Blue.

Tahoe Basics

With a decade of creation under its belt, Tahoe Basics has proven that a local mom-and-pop business can make it. With its roots connected to satisfying a need for Lake Tahoe beverage napkins, Tahoe Basics found a niche that showcased their expertise. The beverage napkins slowly grew into a full-blown merchandise and design company offering a magnitude of items that pay homage to Lake Tahoe. Their website shows the various designs they have created through the years. If you have a custom idea, they are happy to help. Beyond unique Tahoe gear, another great aspect to Tahoe Basics is that for each dollar earned, they give a percentage back to local charities.

Tahoe Basics merchandise makes any age look cool. Photo courtesy of Tahoe Basics

The Tahoe Life Brand

Dedicated to casual clothing, The Tahoe Life Brand is all about keeping things laid back as long as it involves a Lake Tahoe theme. Offering exclusive clothing that is designed by true Tahoe locals, they have a great assortment of shirts, hoodies, tank tops, mugs and stickers. Keep in mind, you won't see their merchandise in any store as they only sell their wares online.

tahoemade

Just as much as BigTruck hats are a part of Lake Tahoe fashion, so is tahoemade apparel. Clothing from this local company, formed in 2007, is worn far and wide. Their recognizable Lake Tahoe-shaped logo makes their t-shirts, sweatshirts and hats a thing to be worn with pride. Not to mention, it's the perfect clothing to wear while creating the memories in this special region of the world.

Tahoe Nevada Love

Created by born-and-raised locals Adam and Ashley Sayre, Tahoe Nevada Love is an aptly named business. Built on the foundation of the mission statement — "to contribute our growth to keep Tahoe healthy and blue. We strive to create recognition of the beautiful Nevada side of Lake Tahoe and awareness for the conservation as well as appreciation of Lake Tahoe as a whole" — it's obvious that the company is based on positivity. That translates to their huge catalog of merchandise that includes fun hats, t-shirts and hoodies that are adorned with stunning photography of the region. They also offer stylish ball caps and classy mugs, perfect for showing off your Tahoe love.

Tahoe Nevada Love's mascot showing everyone how it's done. Photo courtesy of Tahoe Nevada Love

Truckee Love

Truckee Love is a company dedicated to the adoration of Tahoe's neighbor, Truckee. With humble beginnings based on the idea of selling locally inspired clothing and accessories to underscore the importance of making local, buying local and shopping local and sharing the love of Lake Tahoe and the Truckee area, Truckee Love is another local brand that has created a huge following of adoring fans. With an entire community supporting this small company, it has grown into an example that together we can create the reality we desire. Their products include sweatshirts, t-shirts, sweatpants and hats for both children and adults. All items are proudly designed and printed in Truckee.

Deso Supply

Built out of the time enjoyed in the great Desolation Wilderness of Lake Tahoe, Deso Supply is dedicated to creating clothing that helps people get out and enjoy the great outdoors. All of Deso's designs are versatile, with the option for being fantastic for times spent with loved ones around a campfire or spending time in your favorite city. In fact, the purpose of Deso Supply is function-driven style. With their meticulous attention to detail, their goal of creating unique garments that will make you happy is a success that is making their company a global brand.

Tahoe Blue Gear

The sun in Lake Tahoe has an intense strength to it, and this was the guiding force for the creation of Tahoe Blue Gear. Built by the Arntson family, the company focus is to help people celebrate the outdoor lifestyle. To help make this happen, they designed incredible sun hats that are created by hand under the pines of Lake Tahoe. Their impressive Tahoe Boonie hats have 29 points of innovation. For example, they float, are able to stay put in strong winds, have a custom fit and shape, include a detachable chin strap, offer an adjustable fit system, have a UPF rating of 50+ and are a guaranteed original from the fabric that is woven from to the patterns that are handcrafted in Tahoe.

The amazing floating hat by Tahoe Blue Gear, otherwise known as the Tahoe Boonie. Photo courtesy of Tahoe Blue Gear

Be sure to wear your Tahoe apparel to one of the great events happening around Lake Tahoe. Learn more at either our Daytime or Nightlife pages.

About the Author Shanie Matthews
A longtime Lake Tahoe local, Shanie is a freelance writer, Vinyasa Flow yoga teacher and positivity warrior. A true lover of the the gorgeous Tahoe region, she connects with the serenity of the mountains via skiing, biking and backpacking. She also believes in the gift of yoga and its way of allowing one to become his or her true best self, a passion she shares with the world with her online yoga studio.
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