Supporting local & guaranteeing quality

  • 2 min read

Since our launch in 2002, we’ve been focused on working with the local garment production ecosystem in Los Angeles. This has been the only way that’s really worked for us.


Early on, we tried producing overseas, but every single time, we ended up with a mess. When it came to timing and logistics, everything took forever. Things would get lost in translation and it would take so many iterations to get things right. In the end, the price difference just wasn’t worth it for the struggle.


We learned quickly that doing things locally was easier and more instantaneous.

 

And for us, we liked to be connected to the process to keep things moving along.


Producing in L.A. isn’t just about keeping our supply chain local – it’s also about guaranteeing quality and being able to ensure the timeliness of our orders.


By producing in Los Angeles, we know we can ensure the quality our customers have come to depend on. Having our production partners nearby means we can be more connected, we can check up on how things are coming along, and we can make adjustments quickly, whenever they are needed.


When you look at the numbers today, the percentage of clothing sold in the U.S. that is actuallymade here is extremely low.


WBUR reports that more than 97% of apparel sold in the U.S. is made overseas, according to the American Apparel & Footwear Association.  

 

That means that less than 3 percent of all clothing sold in the U.S. was actually cut and sewn here. At City Threads, we take it a step further and also prioritize knitting and dyeing in Los Angeles. At this time, the yarns we knit are imported.


While all of this can get a little tricky for the everyday person who isn’t totally obsessed with making clothing, it’s important to contextualize how rare it is to find clothing that’s entirely knit, dyed, cut and sewn in the U.S.A.


We’re proud that many of our styles – all of our 100% cotton and 100% organic cotton garments, among others, have been knit, dyed, cut and sewn in Los Angeles. When we do import fabrics, the final garments are 100% cut & sewn in the U.S.A. The only exception is our cotton twill hats, which are imported, and then dyed in Los Angeles. 


Since our start in 2002, we have grown a network of partners across the city. We love working with local businesses, supporting them and their families, and we appreciate them supporting us for so many years. 


As a brand, we are always learning and growing, and finding new ways to connect more deeply with our surrounding community.


We’re always available for questions on our manufacturing process. Feel free to email us atcustomerservice@citythreads.com.

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