Osmium, the rarest and densest element,
inspires our clothing – uncommon, elemental and enduring.
Finding clothing and gear that is domestically produced can be a challenge, finding domestically produced stuff that is truly great is harder still. For those that appreciate the Osmium aesthetic, check out Road Holland, a small cycling apparel company that … Continue reading
Looking for a nice pair of summer shoes took me to Newbury Street in Boston this weekend. My criteria were – all leather, handsome, great fit, made in USA and resoleable. At #36 Newbury, I found an Allen Edmonds store, … Continue reading
Finding quality underwear that is made in the US can be a challenge. Below are several sources that merit your attention. Each stands out in a different way. Donn Mason – Knits, in an interesting cotton/modal/Lycra blend, and wovens in … Continue reading
Interested in American manufacturing? A growing number of major (and minor) companies are reviving domestic production. In most cases, it is monetary concerns that are motivating the repatriation of jobs, not flag waving nationalism. Cars, electronics, footwear, major appliances – … Continue reading
Farmers markets provide local produce. Farm to table restaurants provide fresh meals from local ingredients. What if we bought our clothes in the same manner as we bought our food? Regional mills would weave fabrics, local factories would cut, sew … Continue reading
I am always on the lookout for cycling clothing that is made in the USA. A good friend recently turned me on to a new line of cycling apparel that is meant to bridge the various aspects of bicycling: exercise, commuting, and … Continue reading
Some industries are better suited to on-shoring than others. Highly mechanized manufacturing has lower labor costs and can more easily be repatriated. It has been estimated that in these high tech manufacturing environments, 1 domestic worker will replace 5 foreign … Continue reading
In my previous business I worked with factories in Mexico, Italy and China. Mexico had the friendliest workers, Italy had the best food, and China had the cleanest working conditions. Grastronomic considerations aside, I prefer working in this country. Local … Continue reading
It’s nice to get out into the world every now and again. From our Portsmouth pop-up shop to the SOWA Open Market, everytime we set up shop in public is a great adventure. The excursion we have coming up this weekend should be our most exciting … Continue reading
You don’t have to look very far these days to find someone publicly bemoaning the state of American manufacturing. It would almost seem that the losses in manufacturing jobs are being offset by the creation of new jobs for reactionary pundits. … Continue reading
