Market to Market: american-Made Clothing Makes a Comeback
Table of Contents
- 1. Market to Market: american-Made Clothing Makes a Comeback
- 2. A Century of Change in U.S.Apparel Manufacturing
- 3. How are American apparel manufacturers like Round House and Fox River Mills adapting to compete in a global market dominated by lower-priced imports?
- 4. Market to Market: American-Made Clothing Makes a Comeback
- 5. A Century of Change in U.S. Apparel Manufacturing
- 6. David Antosh, Co-owner, Round House
- 7. Bobby warren, CEO, Fox River Mills
- 8. Thoughts from the archyde Desk
This week on Market to Market, we examine the resilience of America’s apparel industry.
While offshoring led to a dramatic decline in domestic garment manufacturing, a few companies have persevered, and there are signs of a possible resurgence.
A Century of Change in U.S.Apparel Manufacturing
At the turn of the 20th century, apparel production was a vital part of rural economies, with brands like Round House and Fox River Mills establishing roots in small towns across america.
“We started in 1903,” recalls David Antosh, co-owner of Round House in Shawnee, Oklahoma. “Shawnee, Oklahoma was a big railroad town at the time. It had two different railroads: the Rock Island and the Sante Fe railroads both met here. And the railroad workers needed something to wear and so we got started by producing jeans for the railroad workers to wear.”
However, the trend towards overseas manufacturing shifted the industry landscape dramatically. By the 1980s, tens of thousands of manufacturing jobs had disappeared, leaving many families behind.
“We saw a lot… filter offshore…. and you fast forward to today, I think maybe only 3 percent or somewhere in that range of apparel is manufactured in the United States,” says Bobby Warren, CEO of Fox River mills
How are American apparel manufacturers like Round House and Fox River Mills adapting to compete in a global market dominated by lower-priced imports?
Market to Market: American-Made Clothing Makes a Comeback
This week on Market to Market, we explore the resurgence of American-made clothing, a trend that’s bucking the decades-long shift towards overseas manufacturing. we chat with two industry veterans who’ve kept the lights on in the face of adversity – David Antosh of Round House and Bobby Warren, CEO of Fox River Mills.
A Century of Change in U.S. Apparel Manufacturing
At the dawn of the 20th century, apparel production thrived in small towns across America. Brands like Round House and Fox River mills set up shop, providing jobs and boosting local economies.
David Antosh, Co-owner, Round House
Archyde: David, Round House has been a fixture in Shawnee, Oklahoma for over a century.Tell us about its beginnings.
David: Well, Shawnee was a bustling railroad town back then, with two major railroads crossing through. The workers needed durable clothes, so we started making jeans for them in 1903. It’s been a labor of love ever since.
Archyde: But times changed. The offshoring trend took hold,and many American factories struggled to survive. How did Round House weather this storm?
David: It wasn’t easy. We had to innovate,adapt. We started focusing on premium quality, domestic manufacturing. We knew we couldn’t compete on price with overseas producers, but we could offer something unique – American-made durability and craftsmanship.
Bobby warren, CEO, Fox River Mills
Archyde: Bobby, you’ve seen the industry at a global level. What sparked this resurgence in American-made clothing?
Bobby: I think it’s a combination of factors – brands recognizing the value of ‘Made in USA’, consumers demanding more transparency and sustainability, and even tariffs playing a role. But it’s still a tough market. Only about 3% of apparel is made in the U.S. now.
Archyde: What’s the future look like for american apparel manufacturing?
Bobby: There’s potential for growth, but we need policies that support domestic production, and consumers need to be willing to invest in quality, craftsmanship, and fair wages. it’s a promising start, but we’ve got a ways to go.
Thoughts from the archyde Desk
As consumers clamor for sustainability and transparency, could domestic apparel manufacturing be poised for a full-blown comeback? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. This is archyde, keeping you informed on the latest market trends and American-made manufacturing.
