This Is What 'Made in the USA' Actually Means

The Phrase ‘Made in the USA’ Explained

We know what you’re thinking. You’re probably thinking that you already know what ‘Made in the USA’ means and we don’t blame you. The phrase practically spells it out. However, if you think that this simple definition is all that there is to this phrase, well, you might want to think again.

Since we’re a Made in USA clothing company, we want to explain the depth of the phrase 'Made in the USA' and what it means to us. We have been manufacturing clothing in the USA since 1983 so we thought we would help you learn about the benefits and efforts that go into manufacturing clothing in the USA.

What Made in the USA Actually Means

The phrase ‘Made in the USA’ is more than the fine print on a tag of a piece of clothing. In fact, it speaks volumes and symbolizes a whole lot more than you probably thought. When you dive deeper, you will discover that Made in USA clothing is helping shape a positive future for how we shop for clothes. 

If you didn’t already know, fast fashion is destroying our planet. To sum this up quickly, all fast fashion brands manufacture their clothes overseas in a careless way and often without consideration of the environment and labor conditions. Fast fashion is cheap, disposable and is the reason why the clothing industry is responsible for around 10% of the world’s carbon emissions. 

Made in USA clothing can be described as the complete opposite of fast fashion. Simply put, Made in USA clothing is synonymous with quality craftsmanship, sustainability for our planet, fair labor practices, and a kind of precious sentimentality. Made in USA clothing brands are going the extra mile to provide consumers with top quality threads that will last much longer in your closet and strive to have a low environmental impact. 

Below, we list three things you didn’t know about Made in USA Clothing. Discover the true defining elements behind the phrase 'Made in the USA'. 

3 Things You Didn’t Know About Made in USA Clothing

1) Higher Quality Clothes Are Made in the USA

When you purchase a product made in the USA, you’re guaranteed quality. High quality, superb craftsmanship, and a superior product are three defining elements behind the phrase 'Made in the USA'. But why? Made in USA brands care about creating quality products.

Typically, made in USA clothing brands have a higher quality control and a more intimate design process. They will not opt for the cheapest materials to make their clothes in order to increase their profit margins. Their top priority is making the highest quality product. This closely curated form of operation produces well-made and long lasting clothes. This type of curation is the main reason why Made in USA clothing typically costs a little more. 

Though competitively priced, you’re paying a little extra for the quality and durability of a made in USA product. Instead of a cheap t-shirt lasting you a year, a made in USA t-shirt will last you for years. This allows you to waste less and enjoy the timelessness and wear of your clothes. Ultimately, it's better to invest in higher quality clothes because they will last you longer, let alone the other benefits of overall comfort, fit, and style.

2) Fair Labor Practices Are A Standard in America

Brands that are manufacturing their clothes in America ensure that fair labor practices are met within their business. The sad truth is that clothing made overseas does not have the same level of control and transparency as America. This is because the United States has set in place federal laws to ensure that unfair labor treatment, unfair wages, or unhealthy labor conditions do not exist.

Remember that when you choose to purchase a 'Made in the USA' product, you’re supporting fair labor practices and are completely avoiding contributing to unfair child labor, unhealthy working conditions, and unfair wages that could be occurring in the factories overseas. 

3) It Helps Reduce The World’s & Your Own Carbon Footprint

It's a pretty simple concept -- when you shop local, you’re reducing your carbon footprint. Why? Because you’re avoiding the impact of carbon emissions from overseas shipping and unregulated factories. 

Buying clothes made overseas means the brands have to ship their products thousands of miles to America by ship or plane. This process burns a high amount of fossil fuels and spews greenhouse gases into the air every second they travel. 

On top of the air and water pollution from shipping, the factories overseas producing these clothes are not properly regulated causing a negative impact on the environment. Overseas factories are regularly spewing large amounts of toxic chemicals into the air, polluting the air, water, and soil. China's poor air quality is a perfect example of this. 

Wrapping Up: What Does Made in the USA Actually Mean?

Made in the USA can not be simply defined as just a product made in the USA. The phrase is synonymous with high quality goods, a low environmental footprint, and fair labor practices. These three positive characteristics are what make up the phrase 'Made in the USA'. Next time you shop for new clothes, be sure to do some research and find a Made in USA clothing brand that you dig.