Your Shirt’s Supply Chain

100% of the cotton in this supply chain is grown and ginned in the USA. In addition to the beneficial economic impact of buying from our neighbors, US cotton cultivation also adheres to cutting edge sustainability standards that rival any in the rest of the developed world.

From no-till planting to reduced water consumption and increased land use efficiency, US cotton growers are consistently raising the bar of responsible farming practices. You can learn more about US cotton sustainability efforts, along with their 10-year improvement plan, here.

In addition, the USDA keeps a careful watch on cotton growers and gins, and tests every bale of cotton to certify an accurate measurement of tha bale's quality characteristics, guaranteeing a consistent product from bale-to-bale.

 

Parkdale is one of the largest yarn spinners in the world, and the largest consumer of cotton in the US. Headquartered in Gastonia since 1916, they continue to invest in primarly American manufacturing, and use only US-grown cotton in their American-based spinning mills.

Contact: Andy Long

Email: andy.long@parkdalemills.com

Phone: (704) 874-5116

Website: www.parkdalemills.com

Antex was established in Los Angeles in 1973, and has grown into an impressive vertical operation that includes knitting, dyeing, and finishing. They continue to invest in cutting edge technology to maximize quality and minimize environmental impact. Antex uses only 30% of the water in their dye machines as other finishers, and recycles over 40% of their waste water.

Contact: Charles Javer

Email: charles@antexknitting.com

Phone: (323) 232-2061

Website: antexknitting.com

US Blanks is dedicated to keeping production here in the USA. All workers are paid a living wage and offered benefits and 401k retirement options. With over 100 employees and growing, their focus is on producing a meticulously-made product every time.

Contact: Kevin Kelly

Email: Kevin@usblanks.net

Phone: (323) 234-5070

Website: usblanks.net

TS Designs started off printing t-shirts over 40 years ago, and when NAFTA was ratified in 1994, they started down the path to make the highest quality, most sustainable printed t-shirts in a transparent and equitable domestic apparel supply chain. The first brand they launched was Cotton of the Carolinas in 2008, as they described going “dirt to shirt” in less than 500 miles. This was the brand which also launched their first t-shirt tracking system using contrasting color threads in the hem and sleeve, found here on whereyourclothing.com.

Contact: Eric Henry

 Email: eric@tsdesigns.com

Phone: (336) 675-6266

Website: tsdesigns.com

 

Material Return is a platform for custom circularity. We work with local manufacturers and national brands to transform textile waste into new products - all within 75 miles. Our model benefits the environment, local economies, our workers, and our values-aligned clients.

Contact: Bob Carswell

 Email: bob@theindustrialcommons.org

Phone: (828) 448-0363

Website: thematerialreturn.com