Non-Sweatshop companies?

[michaeljkrell]

This is an interesting little read from BCG which basically says that within the next five years manufacturing will make a come back in the US, but just items that have modest production runs; clothing will still be made overseas for the foreseeable future. I still think there is a niche for more pattern-making, sample production, and small-run production manufacturers in the US... http://www.bcg.com/media/PressReleas...d=tcm:12-75973

 

[KitAkira]

There has been a push towards African production (new frontier, I suppose) and I haven't seen any drop in quality in those pieces. Morocco and Tunisia seem to be the up-and-comers

 

[michaeljkrell]

Originally Posted by KitAkira

There has been a push towards African production (new frontier, I suppose) and I haven't seen any drop in quality in those pieces. Morocco and Tunisia seem to be the up-and-comers

I had never heard of the country of Lesotho until I saw it on the tag of a t-shirt...

 

[pickpackpockpuck]

If you're looking for some companies to feel good about, check out UNIS and Baron Wells. And have a look at this blog: http://well-spent.com/

Rag&Bone does make a lot of stuff in China and other countries now, and you'll notice that's reflected in the price and the tags inside the garment. A lot of their pieces now have a tag that just says "Tailored workwear" (as opposed to the "Handmade in New York" tag that you used to see more frequently on their stuff) and from what I can tell those tend to be made in China or other developing nations. The price is also lower on those pieces. Their Chinese-made, "Tailored workwear" denim, for instance, is generally $195, while the denim that still has "Handmade in New York" on the interior waistband is generally $295. I think R&B does still make some great stuff, but you have to check the label.

Incidentally, I think it's funny that Levi's, the quintessential American brand, was recently listed among companies caught manufacturing their garments in third-world sweatshops. In a way, that's as American as apple pie (which is originally German).