I may never buy blue jeans from Levis again

[derby378]

Don't get me wrong - I think Levis are comfortable and durable, and it takes a special pair of jeans to fit my body right. Unfortunately, Levi Strauss & Co. started shutting down its factories in the USA and sending the jobs to Mexico, Central America, and even (ack!) the Saipan sweatshops, perennial favorites of indicted former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay. (I just love how that sounds. Former Majority Leader. Mmmmmm...) Not surprisingly, I hear that most of their political contributions go to Republican candidates. Eww.

So I'm surfing the Internet, looking for shops that produce clothing that's American-made and sweatshop-free. Yes, there's American Apparel, but they don't make jeans. Then I found the Union Jean & Apparel Co. of Arcanum, Ohio, which offers blue jeans made in the USA with union labor:

http://www.unionjeancompany.com/

So I tell myself, "What the hell. Give them a shot." I sent Union Jean an order for a single pair of jeans, and it came tonight via UPS. Then I pull them out of the mailer and slide them on. And I'm telling myself: "These jeans feel pretty damn good!" My wife likes how they look on me, too. And for a few extra bucks, Union Jean sewed on a leather patch - with the CWA logo on it. I like.

Wore the jeans outdoors to run a few errands. No complaints about the look or fit. Maybe just a tad more snug than I'm used to, but these union-made jeans are just too comfy. When I move, they move. When I chill, they chill. And this could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

So, I'm probably done with Republican corporate jeans. Union Jean is definitely worthy of a looksee by DUers who want to buy blue and buy good quality apparel. Check them out!

(And no, they don't know I'm doing this, so I'm not making a damn dime off my patter. I just wanted DUers who wear jeans to know that these guys have derby's seal of approval.)

[hickman1937]

1. My Union where I work is setting up a catalogue of clothing

and shoes made by union workers. Assh#@es should have done it 5 years ago, but better late than never.

[derby378]

2. Keep us posted, by all means

If they get a website up and running, that'll make it even easier for us to support them.

[hickman1937]

5. I'll try, but these guys move like snails.

I love the UAW, but their arrogance will be the death of them.

[BrewerJohn]

3. Union Jeans are right good

I started buying them almost a year ago. They are every bit as durable as sweatshop jeans, look good, and are priced right (who says you have to exploit workers to sell apparel at a decent price?). As a bonus, they fit me better than other brands I've tried in my size. A no-brainer for buy-blue-ers!

[derby378]

4. Good for you! What patch are you sporting?

Me, I'm wearing CWA, because the local Dallas chapter hosts many of the larger Democratic Party functions down here. You?

[ghostsofgiants]

6. That sucks, Levi's are great jeans...

A couple friends and I have actually been considering starting a clothing company with the intention of offering a good sweatshop-free alternative for jeans and t-shirts and other such things.

[derby378]

7. Check this report out

In 2003, when Saipan workers were actually able to force the garment companies to start paying the workers what they were due, Levi Strauss became the final holdout:

http://www.corpwatch.org/article.php?id=6249

[ghostsofgiants]

8. That's fucked up...

And kinda gives me more inspiration to start a clothing company.

[GOPisEvil]

9. Try this for more non-sweat-shop clothing.

www.nosweatshop.com

You know what's weird? I have a pair of Calvin Klein jeans that are union made in the USA. They even have the union label. :)

[derby378]

11. That's cool!

I never would have figured Calvin Klein as supporting union labor. Life is just funny that way...

[GOPisEvil]

12. That's the only pair I've ever seen.

Their outlet store down here in San Marcos closed. x(

[Beware the Beast Man]

10. Great link. Thanks!

[derby378]

13. You are so welcome

Have fun browsing the shop!

[cssmall]

14. I just ordered a pair and am willing to try'em out because I always need

to find a cheaper pair of jeans. I am so wonky in fitting my jeans right. And, they seem really good and close to my fave pair of jeans. :)

[derby378]

15. You ordered them after seeing this thread?

If so, way cool! I saaaalute you.

[cssmall]

18. Well, I want to support America first. I'm more than willing to give my

money back to the people of this land. Thank you for the link. My favorite pair of jeans was EXPENSIVE these were half the price and just about the same. We'll see what happens when they get here. How long did it take?

[samplegirl]

16. who needs Levis

Walmart is even selling them.

[trotsky]

17. How's their sizing?

Does it match up with Levi's sizes?

[derby378]

19. From what I can tell, it's pretty close

The crotch may be a tad more snug, but everything else with Union Jean seems to match with Levis sizes.

[Oeditpus Rex]

20. Perfect timing!

Thanks, derby. I gotta get new jeans because that comin'-up-on-50 thing is evident around my waistline. :grr:

This makes it a little better, though.

[derby378]

21. Kick for the morning crew...

[Divameow77]

22. I don't see where they have ladies jeans?

[derby378]

26. No women's jeans - at least, not yet

One of their reps told me that women come in so many shapes and sizes that it would be too difficult to find a cut that all women will be happy with, but they haven't ruled out the possibility of union-made women's jeans altogether.

Me, I don't see where it would be all that hard. You just have to get used to working with Petite, Average, Long, and Plus - just like all the corporate and non-union jeanmakers do.

Here's their customer contact form if you want to weigh in with your own thoughts - they're rather nice.

http://www.unionjeancompany.com/contactus.php?Session_ID=

[underpants]

23. EXCELLENT!

[Abies]

24. Carhartt and Prison Blues

While you have to watch the labels (increasingly from outside US and non-union), there are still a bunch of Carhartt jeans that are union made in the US. (http://www.carhartt.com)

Another potential option are Prison Blues, made in Oregon by prisoners. It isn't union and prison labor is a mixed bag, but at least they are made here. (http://www.prisonblues.com/home.php)

[kick-ass-bob]

25. Levis never fit me right.

Lee always worked better for me.

My ass was too good for Levis :P