What to do about American made clothing?

[matt819]

I really have to get some work done, but I'm procrastinating.

Over the past few years I have made a conscious effort to buy American-made clothing when I can. By "when I can," I mean when it's affordable, good quality, etc. I have bought jeans from All American Clothing, Diamond Gusset, and Carhartt (at least I think the Carhartt jeans were American made). These were all good quality, reasonable price. Diamond Gusset has gone up in price dramatically, but they have the sizing I need. I saw another website that sells the size I need, again at a reasonable price.

Well, All American Clothing, Diamond Gusset, and the company I just saw online last night are all in the deep South. At least two of them have been promoted by ultra RW politicians. (And, yes, I know that 1791 jeans is Glenn Beck's company, so I haven't even looked at that.)

My spouse and children think I'm silly to buy American, especially when this means send money to the pockets of radical RW extremists, aka Republicans. I'm at the point now where I think they're right. If I'm going to spend money, why shouldn't I spend it on Levi's, where at least some of my money is going to employ people in developing countries, who, although they are paid badly, are more in need of jobs.

There are Union-made clothing sites, but to be honest I haven't liked the look of the jeans on these sites. They seem designed for people working in construction or driving heavy equipment. I work in my own office. I don't need something that a logger would wear.

Socks are easier since there are good quality socks made in the northeast, where the odds are that the owners and workers share my political views, or something close (and yes, it is a shame that buying everything from a pair of socks on up has become a political decision). Shirts are impossible because American made dress and casual shirts (not polo shirts) are just too damned expensive, as are your average pair of khaki pants.

So, unless you folks have some good recommendations, my next purchase is going to be a pair of Levi's.

[frazzled]

1. From 2 years ago, but perhaps relevant

10 American Made Denim Brands That Aren't Owned by Glenn Beck.

http://www.complex.com/style/2012/10/10-american-denim-brands-that-arent-owned-by-glenn-beck/raleigh-denim

[ChisolmTrailDem]

2. Bordering on regional bigotry. I'm sure there are liberals who work at those companies and

who need their jobs.

From All American Clothing, located in Arcanum, OH (not deep south though, granted, in a red district):

"Our mission is to support USA families and jobs by producing high-quality clothing in the USA at an affordable price. By keeping our production in the USA we provide jobs and a tax base that supports our communities."

"We care about our country and the people in it; if we were only in it for money we would move our production overseas. We will NOT trade USA jobs for foreign profits..."

http://www.allamericanclothing.com/ABUS.html

Sounds rather noble to me, no matter their political beliefs, which is undetermined here as I can't find any political affiliation. However, the founder of All American Clothing, Lawson Nikol, may be the owner of the following facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/lawson.nickol ... And, according to this page, Nikol may be a fan of The Ed Shultz Show (under Other at the bottom of the page.)

More on, and from, Lawson Nikol here:

Part Two: The True Cost of Foreign-Made Jeans {A Conversation with Lawson Nickol} - http://chinaatemyjeans.com/?p=381

Interview with Lawson Nickol Pres. of All American Clothing - http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thematthewbrowershow/2012/10/16/interview-with-lawson-nickol-pres-of-all-american-clothing

[Laelth]

9. Nice post. Thanks. n/t

-Laelth

[politicat]

3. Try flint & tinder

Prices aren't target/old navy, but they're reasonable and their quality is incredible. All US made, liberal, exists because of kick starter.

http://www.flintandtinderusa.com

[madokie]

5. I'm a 32 x 36 kind of guy

they didn't have anything close to that.
When I graduated from high school I was a 30 x 34 and thats been 48 years ago.

[politicat]

7. Okay... Have you tried bdu surplus?

Spouse is in same boat. (F&t socks, shorts & tees work on his frame; he's a bit bigger than you in circumference and same length.)

He wears mil spec surplus bdu trousers in black or navy for just about everything. They wear well, look both professional and casual, and are US made and sourced. Also, inexpensive, being surplus. They do have cargo pockets and they aren't jeans, and use buttons all over, but they're an option.

Last set we bought was manufactured in Illinois. The contracts change from time to time.

[madokie]

4. I gave in and bought a pair of levi 501 recently

I remember when I wouldn't wear anything but. Then they closed down their last manufacturing plant here in the states and I quit buying them.
It seems that everything I used to hold dear is not to be anymore. I'm old and getting older and tired, tired of fighting the same fights all over again, just wore out with it all.
I wish I had answers but none from me anymore

[Laelth]

10. Peace, and thanks for fighting ... for us all. n/t

-Laelth

[WillowTree]

6. Why would people in other countries.......

......."developing" or otherwise, be "more in need of jobs" than unemployed Americans?

[matt819]

8. Personal

I've lived in Africa and my sympathies lie there.