Dive Brief:
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Just 2.5% of apparel sold in the U.S. last year was made in the U.S. In 1991 it was closer to 56%, according to reporting by the Los Angeles Times.
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But that is increasing, if only a bit, the paper reports, and companies like Under Armour and Ralph Lauren have invested in new stateside apparel factories.
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That trend, if it can be called a trend, is likely due to consumer unease about overseas working conditions for apparel workers, as well as a desire for more unique, less mass-produced clothing.
Dive Insight:
American Apparel is the one apparel retailer that has been steadfast about making its clothing in the U.S. Even during the current management drama, ousted founder/CEO Dov Charney and the investors backing him have said they want to protect the company’s Made-in-USA policy.
In order for the U.S. apparel industry to really bounce back though, retailers would have to make significant changes. And that would be largely determined by how much consumers truly value "Made in America." Or, in other words, how much they are willing to pay for it.
