BOB'S LIST
A few years ago my son Alan wanted a new jacket for Christmas. Then he added “Please, no sweatshop clothes”. “ OK. This should be easy,” I thought. When we lived in Greensboro, NC in summers past, the area was filled with the hum from textile and clothing factories. Due to the trade policies of our country, most of those same factories are gone and the work moved: first to Mexico and then to China and Vietnam in the Free Trade “race to the bottom”. Since most of the work is subcontracted to local management firms, the corporate brand no longer bears any responsibility for the treatment of the human beings who actually make our clothing. The following list of clothing that does not unfairly exploit the person who made the clothes was compiled based upon my upon my personal experience with a few added suggestions from friends.
** If anybody would like to contact me with questions or to suggest further additions, here is my e-mail address: bob.yeats@gmail.com
Sources of Union Made Clothing
Formed in Maine by a former Punk Band Bass Player.
Nice dress shirts for men.
Local manufacturer located in Galesburg IL. Catalogue online has only a fraction of what they make. They always call when you place an order. They sell company uniforms which are actually very high quality casual clothes. They are not marketing geniuses, but are always more than helpful. I have a feeling that they don't really trust the Internet. Maybe it is best to just call them.
UNIONLABEL.COM
In Minnesota. Great source of union made mens' undies and shirts and jackets for men and women. Service can be a little slow.
A family farm that grows organic cotton, makes the cloth and the garments all on the farm. Mostly tee-shirts.
http://www.nbwebexpress.com/information/madeinusa.asp
New Balance makes some shoes in the US. The above link goes to a list of their USA made shoes.
Good socks make happy feet which makes happy me! High quality, made in Wisconsin.
Nothing like messing up your feet to make you appreciate great socks. Deborah's favorite. Made in Osage, IA.
|
|
|||
|
|
|||
|
|
|
||
|
|
Natural Reflections Leather GoodsIf you would like some more information on our company you have come to the right place. We started making leather goods on a full time basis in 1975, in the basement of our suburban home. Our first projects were leather belts and leather handbags. It wasn't until a couple of years later that we called our creations "Fine leather handbags and leather belts". In 1979 we moved to our present rural location of Naples, NY. Our goal has always been to be able to supply people with the finest quality leather goods at the fairest price we could afford. We specialize in "Real leather belts" and leather handbags. We have expanded our product line over the years to include men's and ladies leather wallets, leather fanny packs and a large assortment of small leather goods. |
|
|
|
|
|||
Good stuff-very fast.
An underwear company that makes comfortable custom made underwear in Seattle for women. They have also expanded to casual clothing, swimsuits and even a few items for men! We have years of experience dealing with this company. These folks are great to work with.
Jonna's suggestion! She appreciated that they have dressy clothes as well as the usual casual. Mostly imported clothing made to fair trade standards. They have a store in Madison, WI