Founded in 1918 as an importer of sewing needles, American Needle has evolved over four generations into a world leader in headwear manufacturing. Upon its inception as a family-owned business, the company quickly progressed into manufacturing headwear and millenary styles of all types. The factory, located on the North side of Chicago, hired skilled tailors, pattern makers, sewing machine operators and seamstresses. Their passion was for making new hat styles for new markets.