I had such a struggle today between my values and my needs. I haven't gone clothes shopping in quite a while, and at DH's coaxing I decided it was time. Especially since when we moved I got rid of everything that was tattered, more than ten years old, or that made me feel less than magnificent. I didn't have a lot left! Now I don't really care for clothes shopping to begin with. I would much rather go to the bookstore or the yarn store. Or a really nice gourmet shop!
Trying to keep costs down, I went to TJMaxx; every label said "made in china". That is my struggle: I have a moral issue with purchasing products that were created at the expense of people and environment. Still trying to save money, I went to Nordstrom Rack. Same thing. I did manage to find a couple shirts made in the U.S. Summer shirts, but I bought them, thinking I could just find a sweater. I didn't find one there. So I went to the Gateway mall. I figured it was going to cost me more, but I decided that if I could find what I was looking for I would pay the price providing it wasn't too outrageous. I visited J. Crew, Ann Taylor Loft, Chicos, Coldwater Creek, Böhme, Anthropology, and at J. Jill this is the conversation that took place.
"How are you doing today ma'am?"
"Well I'm pretty frustrated actually. I'm trying to find clothing that isn't made in China, and I'm not having any success."
"Well! J. Jill is pretty good about that!"
"Really? Every label I've looked at in here so far, says "made in China."
"(Stammer) Well we have a couple items!"
"Can you show me?"
"Well I can't just POINT to them!"I did end up buying a sweater at Anthropology that was made in China. At least it wasn't acrylic. So I don't believe in buying these products, the message I get from human rights groups and groups trying to promote U.S. jobs is that I should not purchase products from China, but if that is all there is, what am I to do??? I couldn't even find expensive clothes that weren't made in China! It is just a little bit too cold here in Utah to run naked. Now if I were on an island somewhere, that wouldn't be such a problem.
So, I thought that I would just get some fabric and sew my own clothes. I got online to see where the major fabric stores get their cloth. Everything I saw at Joann's was from China. Now I didn't look at every single item, but enough to give me an overview. Hancock Fabrics doesn't list the origin of the fabric, which makes me think it's probably from China as well.
Somebody tell me, how am I supposed to live in harmony with my values if I'm not given options? What do others think about this issue? Is there more to the story that I am not understanding?
Hi Bobbi, I'm not a fan of clothing shopping either and really need to get some new clothes, so I feel your pain there.
ReplyDeleteI recently listened to a CraftSanity podcast where the interview was with a woman who had many of your same concerns about clothing. She wrote a book about sewing your own clothes. Seems like it'd be of interest to you. All the info about her and the podcast are here: http://craftsanity.com/?p=3448#more-3448
Hi Bobbi...Oh my, I totally know how you feel. It's like everything is made in china or elsewhere and it seems so horrible to think of the sweatshops and kids working...I think sometimes you are stuck in society where it is hard if there isn't a big movement to change everything, because the other items are not accessible. Definitely sewing your own clothes is an option and think also if you spend a bit more on something else that lasts and made with integrity - it is okay. The labels "made in" are very tricky as well. In italy, only the "major" portions have to done in italy to have that label...I don't know what that means. Could be 30% of the work in italy but the rest in Tunisia...sigh!
ReplyDeletewe just watched this VERY interesting documentary about the rise, and subsequent fall of the garment district in NY. I think it was called Rags to Riches and back to Rags again. Or something. I think you'd really like it!
ReplyDeleteThat is why i just rehab, restyle my old clothing..less frustrating!!xo
ReplyDeleteLet's definitely talk about this when you are here. I struggle with the same thing but what do you do when there are no options? Even high end stores that cost a ton (which I don't buy from often at all) have things made in China.
ReplyDeleteI was thrilled to find a bowl and casserole dish that was made in Portugal but how am I to know if they have human rights policies in place? It was just nice to see that it was not made in China.
I do a lot of thrift store shopping but even then lots of it was made in China...grrr. And if it says it isn't made in China on the label how do you know that some part of it wasn't made in China such as the fabric and then just crafted somewhere else (like what Linda was saying in her comment).
It becomes very confusing and difficult especially if you are on a tight budget.
thanks for all the cool responses! It's great to see a conversation get going. It's so good to know that I'm not alone is my way of thinking, and I really appreciate all of your insight!
ReplyDeleteohhh Bobbi, i have the same issues, every where you go in Australia too its made in China. Slowly people are turning to the handmade and the markets, but there still is not alot available. The only way we can change this is through the choice of our purchases... its going to take a long time to get the markets to balance again.
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