Wear Jeans? Why Made in America Matters to You

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.aflcio.org/Blog/Economy/Wear-Jeans-Why-Made-in-America-Matters-to-You

10/24/2012

Celeste Drake

"Wear Jeans? Why Made in America Matters to You" is a cross-post from the Youth Monument blog, by Celeste Drake, trade and globalization policy specialist at the AFL-CIO.

“Buy American.” “Made in America.” In today’s interconnected world, those ideas might seem more like leftovers from the Cold War—not important maxims for America’s future. After all, young Americans are drinking Colombian coffee in the morning, skyping with friends in the U.K. at lunch, buying a made-in-China iPhone in the afternoon and drinking Italian wine in the evening. The idea of “Buying American,” or economic patriotism, might seem quaint, if not outright ridiculous.



Fact is, making things in America isn’t an obsolete idea. It’s how we built this country into the largest economy the world has ever seen. And it’s imperative for America’s future.

In 2011, the United States had a trade deficit of nearly $560 billion, fully $295 billion of which was a deficit in goods trade with China. These deficits are not just about dollars; they represent our ability as a nation to make the things we consume and the products and technology we need to defend ourselves. The iPhone may represent itself as proudly “designed in the USA,” but for how long? Eventually, the designers and engineers want to be close to the production lines—it’s simply more efficient. And if none of those production lines are in the United States, the good design and engineering jobs soon won’t be either. And for those of us concerned about job creation, giving up on manufacturing is simply silly—there’s not a one-to-one relationship between designers and those who physically make the product anyway.

FULL story at link.

[limpyhobbler]

1. Sorry I never spend any more than $5 for a pair of jeans. nt

[bunnies]

18. Same here. Goodwill RULES!

[limpyhobbler]

21. exactly.

We've got a little place called

[trailmonkee]

2. i would by more American made if i had more choice

Tv? Computer? Phone? Most clothing, appliances.... I would gladly pay a premium of about 20% for American made..... Problem is i like to try before i buy and it is very hard to find American made goods, and as we solo know, impossible top find electronics and like items

[RebelOne]

3. I buy the Pajama Jeans.

I like just being able to slip them on after washing instead of having to lie down and hold my breath to zip them up.

[surrealAmerican]

4. If you need to "lie down and hold ...

your breath" to zip them, you're buying the wrong size.

[LeftofObama]

5. I buy Wrangler jeans

cause they make my butt look good!

[Glamrock]

7. Used to love me some levi's!

Now, they suck. A brand new pair might last 6 months before holes appear at the back pockets. Once that happens, you don't want to bend over. Did it at a gig, one o' me band mates had to apply duct tape for me. Funny thing is, the levi bell bottoms I've bought on ebay have lasted me years.

[Lifelong Protester]

6. I am and do try to buy American and Union

I appreciate posts like this with direct links to view to see if you can't add some American-made products to your shopping list.

[Omaha Steve]

8. Jeans and Shorts Made in USA: All American Clothing Co-

http://www.allamericanclothing.com/made-in-usa/jeans.html




Our denim jeans are an American icon that can be worn with pride. Each jean is handcrafted right here in the USA with USA made materials. In fact, You can trace our All American Brand jeans all the way back to the farmers who grew the cotton used in your jean!

You can even see the farm your cotton was grown on.

Traceability is all about the truth of where your jeans come from and offers some recognition for the hard working Americans who are involved in making your jeans. We are the first jean company in the world that can trace your jean all the way back to the American farmers who grew the cotton that was used in your jean.

Each jean comes with a 'Certificate of Authenticity' that includes a traceability number. Enter the traceability number on our website and we will tell you exactly which farmers and mill were involved in producing your jean!

How Does Traceability Work? Please watch the video below or Click Here to Learn More!

[LeftofObama]

9. Thanks for posting that!

I'm definitely going to give them a try. I'm a jeans and t shirt kinda guy.

[Lifelong Protester]

22. I have this bookmarked (or added to my favorites)

Thank you!

[Honeycombe8]

10. I usu. buy Levi's, which are made in USA, I think. nt

[Art_from_Ark]

12. Not any more, they aren't

I knew the end was near when Levi's announced closures of plants in low-wage states like Arkansas and New Mexico back in 1997.

http://www.cbsnews.com/2100-201_162-575172.html

[Honeycombe8]

14. Oh, bummer. I can understand the why....once one co. goes overseas,

the others have to, to stay competitive.

Darn it. I love the way Levi's fit me. I'll look for American, though.

[Brickbat]

19. Take a look at everything you wear for a week.

You'll be surprised.

[felix_numinous]

11. Thanks for the info!

I spent decades in levis--but I will check out these brands too

[REP]

13. For Labor Day, I gave myself a set of US- and Union-made All-Clad cookware

I'd been buying myself a piece here and there of All-Clad, and the salespeople were very happy that I knew its not only US made but UNION-made as wel (and really good, tough stuff)l. I put aside some money for a bit, waited for a sale (and an event that benefitted AmFAR) and got a complete set.

[sharkman25]

15. Love to buy made in America products

When I can find them.

[Chan790]

17. I'm a big fan of the Made in America store.

They currently have one location in upstate NY but they're scouting for a second store-location nationally...their goal is to eventually go national. They only sell American-made goods.

http://www.madeinamericastore.com/

They also do online sales.

[Jennicut]

16. Here is a good website to find American made jeans.

http://www.stillmadeinusa.com/jeans.htm

[yellowdogintexas]

20. another good link

http://madeinusaforever.com/

[Lifelong Protester]

23. Also added to favorites

Thank you