Our Story
The Wingfield Company weaves into its shirts the experience of four generations of American textile engineers. From the sourcing of fiber, through the spinning of yarn, weaving, finishing and sewing, the company's passion is to deliver an American produced shirt of unparalleled fit, quality, and style.
The Beginning
Our story begins at the turn of the twentieth century when company founder, M.A. McKinnon, was born in rural Georgia to Scottish immigrant farmers. Cotton growing and textile manufacturing were the lifeblood of his community and the backbone of his southern upbringing. His Uncle Wingfield, an executive of the Eagle & Phenix Cotton Mill, gave M.A. his first job and instilled in him how the depth and breadth of the cotton business was deeply woven into the American dream.
The Cotton Mill
Never destined for college, and looking to follow in his Uncle's footsteps, M.A. went to work at The Swift Textile Company at aged 17. A quick learner, he rose rapidly through the mill ranks to become the youngest manager in factory history, and then ultimately, to the challenge of a sales & marketing position at Swift's New York City headquarters.
The Family
After struggling to adapt to a corporate life, M.A. realized he was ready to head out on his own. His ethics, natural appeal and textile intelligence earned him the trust needed to start his own company. It became clear that textiles ran in the family blood when, in the 1960's, his two sons followed in their father’s footsteps. The boys shared their father’s talent for sales and innovative engineering, but also demonstrated a keen manufacturing skill set. When the family acquired certain assets of Cannon Mills Group in 1984, the firm became a vertically integrated manufacturing business.
Fabrics Made the USA
The late 1990's and early 2000's were a difficult time for textiles in America. As a result, and with the family now in its third generation, the company reinvented its business model and began designing, weaving and marketing yarn-dyed shirting fabrics for the manufacturing, farming, energy production, education, and communications technology fields. The company engineered its fabrics to be comfortable, breathable, stain-resistant, and strong enough to last through multiple industrial washes. With this experience, the company soon realized that the same philosophy could be carried through into making a well-designed, high-quality and fashionable sport shirt.
Today
America is characterized by acceptance of this nation's opportunities for accomplishment regardless of social class or circumstance of birth. M.A., a poor southern boy who took up that challenge, understood that textiles were a bedrock staple in our pursuit of that opportunity, and sought to weave into his family's history the achievement of this quest. His legacy of insistence on excellence is defined in Wingfield products. We proudly tailor our products in the USA and invite you to join us by weaving our story into your own American dream.