This essay is based on a conversation with Bayard Winthrop, founder and CEO of American Giant. It has been edited for clarity. Winthrop discusses his journey in manufacturing, transitioning from outsourcing to producing high-quality American-made apparel. His company’s sweatshirt was hailed as ‘the greatest hoodie ever made.’ He emphasizes the importance of domestic production, noting the decline in U.S. clothing manufacturing over the past 40 years. While acknowledging the challenges of higher costs and supply chain complexities, he argues that quality and supporting local jobs outweigh these difficulties. Winthrop advocates for a fundamental reset in U.S. trade policies, particularly concerning China, and stresses the need for balanced discussions about trade impacts. He believes in creating better-quality products closer to home, providing viable work opportunities for communities in need.
— new from Business Insider
