US Manufacturing and the Covid-19 Pandemic: 3 Lessons

On February 26th I launched the USA Wardrobe Movement blog series. It recaps my personal efforts to quit shopping fast fashion, give my wardrobe a purpose, and support fellow brands who are manufacturing their products in the USA. When I launched in February, I had no idea how important this message would become. As I’ve thought about how the USA Wardrobe Movement relates to our current pandemic, there are a few things that I want to remember. In this post I am writing about US Manufacturing and the Covid-19 pandemic: 3 lessons I don’t want to forget.

1. Serious problems emerge when a country outsources over 90% of it’s consumer goods.

In the past 6 weeks we have seen supply chains with China and other countries crimped amidst a world wide crisis. Because of cancelled flights, cargo planes are less able to bring shipments from overseas. Additionally, foreign countries are putting export bans on certain types of personal protective equipment (face masks). As a result, the USA has seen shortages on items like face masks, medical gowns, and various other types of personal protective equipment (PPE). I mentioned in part 1 of My Made in the USA Wardrobe that within 50 years (about 1/2 a lifetime) the USA has gone from manufacturing 97% of consumer goods (clothes and shoes) to just 2%. Serious problems come when a country over-outsources. The past 6 weeks have shed a bright light on that.

2. Buying Made in the USA products supports an infrastructure that will serve you in time of crisis.

Dallas, TX custom furniture company, Massoud Furniture, has stepped up and dedicated a portion of it’s task force to manufacturing hospitals gowns.

There is a remnant of manufacturers across the USA that have been able to shift operations from clothes (or other products) to Personal Protective Equipment. Were it not for these companies, things like face masks, hospital gowns, and other PPE would be nearly inaccessible during this pandemic. Seeing these US Manufacturers stand in the gap during a time of crisis has reinforced my belief that buying made in the USA products whenever possible is so important. Shopping USA made supports an infrastructure that will serve you in time of crisis.

Glory Wraps, a company that specializes in Made in the USA Chemo Wraps, has ramped up production of general use face masks as the American people are advised to wear face coverings in public.

3. In uncertain times, quality becomes essential, not just preferential.

In part 3 of My Made in the USA Wardrobe, I talked about buying what is built to last. This doesn’t sound very intellectual, but here it is: I’m glad I never built a wardrobe on distressed clothing trends. The day may come when we will actually have to wear our clothes until they are worn slick. Our grandparents did (and they knew how to buy the right quality for it!). Where will we be if we invest in clothes that are poorly made and “pre-distressed”? It’s important to buy what is built to last. Buy clothes that can be worn long term, and buy shoes that are designed to last.

Our day to day habits can revive US Manufacturing!

Join the USA Wardrobe Movement

As I evaluate the current landscape, my question is: will we return to our old “normal” after the dust settles? Will we return to buying quantity over quality and bypass local businesses for a better price? Or, will we be purposeful with our buying power; realizing that every time we spend a dollar we are making an investment? Not only shoes and clothes, but how they are being made.

With God’s mercy, there is time to turn the tide. I am hopeful and excited to continue sharing about made in the USA products an brands here on the Gracious May blog!

-Grace // Owner and Founder at Gracious May

“Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.” Proverbs 16:3

“Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?” Luke 12:42