American Made T-Shirts - Supporting Anti-Sweatshop Production

Our economy could be helped by simply buying American made t-shirts, instead of ones that are manufactured in overseas sweatshops. If you are concerned about the state of our economy, as everyone is these days, the best way to help is to support American made products. United States companies are starting to become more ecologically friendly, as well by using natural products in the manufacturing process. Foreign 'sweatshops' use cheap labor for their manufacturing, in addition to materials that may not be free of toxins and pollutants. There are many reasons for only purchasing American made t-shirts.

Buying USA made t-shirts is one way to be sure you are helping the economy and not supporting sweatshop bosses. Foreign countries that deny humane treatment to their workers and pay them very little are notorious for seeking reprisal against non-conformers in their workforces and make them work long hours without breaks.

Many shoppers don't realize where an item is made when they purchase it. They may change their shopping habits if they were more aware of the horrible working conditions these items are manufactured under and the consequences for American workers that may lose their jobs.

Adhering to a few pointers can assure that you are supporting American workers and buying American made t-shirts. USA made t-shirts or those made under the Fair Trade system assures you that the items were made by companies that treat their workers fairly. Instead of sweat shop conditions, the workers are paid a normal wage and enjoy benefits like occasional breaks and sick leave when they need it. These Fair Trade system workers tend to be economically challenged and barely able to keep their families fed, in some cases, but they are willing to put in a hard day's work.

American made t-shirts that carry a "UNITE" label is another indication they were not made in sweatshops. When the Union of Needletrades, Industrial and Textile Employees and Hotel and Restaurant Employees International Union merged, they came up with the idea of the label for American consumers benefit. USA made t-shirts that contain the label are made by the union workers who are treated with the pay and benefits that the union negotiates on their behalf. The union contract the company negotiates ensures safe and fair working conditions, fair wages and benefits.

Research companies before you purchase your clothing. American made t-shirts made by cooperatives may be another source of t-shirts made from all natural materials. American made t-shirts made by cooperatives may help protect the environment, in addition to keeping Americans working. Co-ops also give some ownership to the workers and other individuals who ensure better working conditions while producing higher quality products than found in imported items. Good quality products are a result of the pride of ownership and the team support that cooperatives provide.

If you have a favorite store where you purchase your clothing, you can check them out and see if they have poor labor habits. Are the t-shirts you are purchasing American made t-shirts or is your favorite store using sweatshops for the clothing they bring to you? The Responsible Shopper Website is a good source for checking a company's profile and finding out if any allegations have been made against them involving sweatshop practices during the manufacturing of American made clothing. They will indicate if any accusations made against them regarding working conditions of sweatshops, in the company profile on the website.

It is hard today to make sure the clothing you are buying is made without the use of labor practices that are unfair to others. We should be concerned with the clothes we wear naturally because we want to look our best. Emphasis is on wearing name brand clothing and if American made t-shirts have the brand, this is all well and good. But if the brand you like is being made by children who are being mistreated and made to sit for hours without breaks, is wearing that brand worth it? Do some investigative work about the brands you like. Taking a stand regarding unfair labor practices is everybody's responsibility, and it is also a way to help the U.S. economy, while putting a financial burden on the foreign countries that take advantage of their people.