Finding Ethically Made Shirts

That’s what I’ve been dealing with for the past few months. I’d been thinking about making shirts for a long time, but they always kind of scared me. There are so many styles and colors and sizes to consider! But I finally decided to take the plunge and it ended up being a ton of fun.

It was really important for me to find cool shirts that were made ethically. I hate really thick, boxy shirts. And I didn’t want to buy from a company in a distant country that barely pays its workers. Of course I couldn’t even consider American Apparel. How could I print “Girls Rock” on a t-shirt that was made by a sexist company?

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More about American Apparel:
American Apparel: Trading sweatshops for sexism
Clamor Magazine: American Apparel Exposed
One Angry Girl explains why you should girlcott American Apparel
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So I started my hunt. I was really excited by one company that sells union made shirts. But when I opened my package of samples they were thick, stiff, and didn’t fit right at all. And to top it off, one of them had a hole! I was starting to think I’d never find anything so I called up a friend who’s been active in Students Against Sweatshops and other anti-sweatshop organizations. One thing led to another and I finally found a couple of companies that seemed decent and had cool shirts. Of course I don’t know everything about these companies, but I’ll tell you what I do know…



A.S. Tees
This is where the baby and kids shirts come from. Located in South Carolina. 100% U.S. made even down to the yarn.



Apparel Agents
This is where most of the adult t-shirts come from. And I can vouch that they’re the softest shirts I’ve ever owned. They do everything from milling the fabric to sewing the shirts at their facility in Los Angeles, which I’ve been to. Former American Apparel workers started the company. I read somewhere that they left after American Apparel engaged in union busting tactics, but I don’t know the full story.

Alternative Apparel
This is where the blue, contrast stitch Action Not Glamour shirts come from.

Here’s what they have to say about their “No Sweat” policy:

"We require all manufacturing to comply with the applicable laws and regulations of the localities, states, and countries in which they operate. We visit each factory at least four times a year to monitor production and to insure the quality of life for our employees. We enforce total compliance with local labor laws that include child labor regulations as well as adequate living wages and the most current emergency equipment. Currently, we have manufacturing facilities in five different countries, including the United States. We provide not only employment, but also lifelong job skills to those who are lacking opportunity. We plan to continue to improve the lives of our employees globally and provide a positive and productive work environment."