Yeah, this's going to be a very different review than the one I came here to write.
I now feel the need to refute, somewhat, this other reviewer guy's review. Who knew?
(... and I'm no great defender of large corporations.)
Yeah, I think it comes down to a matter of sheer economics. It would be prohibitively expensive to keep manufacturing in this country. In an ideal world, yes, manufacturing would remain here, but realistically that would probably drive this fine company into bankruptcy. They've got to keep pace with the rest of the garment industry. Saying that Carhartt is really any different from the rest is just real ranty. This's a problem not just with this particular company, but with the entire garment industry in general. Why single out Carhartt, they're just following the trend? They have to, they have no choice. Their hand in being forced by many factors (including the need to price their products competitively.)
Do I agree with every decision they make? Certainly not. Do I think they do what they do to remain competitive and viable? Yes. Do I necessarily have to like it? No. Do I think that their quality has slipped? Yep. Must I accept it? I suppose so. What other clothing companies would I support as an alternative? Dunno. If anyone knows of any American made clothing of this ilk, please, throw me some recommendations.
So, anyway, I bought a new sweatshirt from their online store. Supremely fast shipping. I'm as happy as I could be considering I hate shopping online.
(I'll continue to be a Carhartt customer until something better comes along.) read more