Replies

Yes, I know what calico fabric is; my mother used it to make curtains and skirts in the 1950s. I sent the link as an example of “Made in the USA” fabrics that are still available (but expensive). The broader point I was trying to make is that we still manufacture many goods in the U.S. (in fact, more in inflation-adjusted value terms than we ever have). But it is relatively expensive for us to make labor-intensive goods (like shirts and blouses) so we “outsource” them to low-wage countries. This is no different, really, than what the Northern states did throughout most of the 20th century when they “outsourced” textile production to the South where labor was cheaper.

We've become used to buying relatively inexpensive clothing, towels, etc. that are now mostly produced outside the US. The inflation-adjusted prices of such items have fallen considerably over the past 50 years, precisely because they are made with low-cost labor in unregulated factories overseas. It is still possible to buy a Made in the USA, all-cotton Sero shirt like I wore in the 1960s, but it would cost me about $90.00. I now prefer to buy a Columbia shirt of similar quality, made in Honduras, for about $50.00 and spend the difference on other things.

Wow, you have deep knowledge of the textile industry. Thanks for the informative post.

I still find a few fabric treasures at thrift stores and remodel them, such as making felt out of old all-wool items; but they are getting few and far between.

PS

Another U.S.-based apparel maker... discussion of the business model:

American Giant: Successful American Manufacturing

The Internet’s Most Famous Hoodie Is Back — But What Took So Long?