Shoes: New Balance (Made in the USA) | Socks: Zkano (Made in the USA, organic, sweatshop-free) | Tank: Everlane (Made in the USA, sweatshop-free) | Shorts: Really old from my closet
I love that when I buy fair trade, I am contributing to the well-being of workers and their communities. Sometimes, though, I can’t find a fair trade option for a product I need, or the only option is prohibitively expensive.
For me, buying products that are made here in the United States is another way to source my wardrobe ethically. Of course the “Made in the USA” label doesn’t always mean sweatshop-free, but in theory the laws of the land protect workers from exploitation.
I recently needed new athletic shoes, and while I did find some fair trade options for casual sneakers, I couldn’t find anything suitable for high-impact exercise. Then I heard about New Balance’s line of American-made products. I popped into a local New Balance store with my mom, who treated me to a new pair of made-in-the-USA cross-trainers (Thanks, Mom!).
The shoes are great for exercise, and I love that I could add a needed item to my closet while sticking to fair fashion principles. New Balance also has a line of workout clothes that are made in the United States, and they’ll be on my watch-list for the next time I need athletic gear.
Do you look for the made-in-the-USA label as you shop?
