My Closet Has a Problem

Something I visit every day, often more than once is my bedroom closet. The visit requires a decision that sets the tone for my day - what to wear. Most often my decision is based on what goes together, what’s the weather and/or what’s the occasion. Never had I considered where the article of clothing I intend to wear was produced. That is, until now. I’m vowing to make a change.

A survey of my closet’s contents and their origin was a wakeup call that exposed a truth many Americans ignore - the apparel industry is predominantly sourcing its clothing’s production from outside the United States. Cheap overseas labor in production facilities that have seen better days has created a supply pipeline that many apparel companies have depended on for years to increase profit margins. But at what cost?

The journey I’ve embarked on is to slowly introduce American-made clothing to my closet. It’s not going to happen overnight, but maybe one day the distribution of foreign-made and U.S. made will shift to a level I’m more agreeable with. That distribution today sits at just 9% of USA-made items. Among shirts, dress pants, sportcoats/blazers, jeans, belts, and dress shoes - a whopping 91% were born outside the U.S.

I’m not foolish to believe it will be easy. My style varies and there’s going to be certain items that I’m not able to find here. I am determined.

If your situation is similar to mine and you’re interested in joining me on this journey, get a head start by checking out our collection of U.S. made apparel companies below.