“Made in China”: Understanding the History & Context Behind the Label
“Made in China” is often associated with poor quality.
This perception overlooks a complex colonial history and the nuances of global textile manufacturing. We’d like to take a moment to explore why this stereotype exists.
A Rich History of Fine Textiles
China, India, Bangladesh, and other popular manufacturing countries have deep-rooted traditions in fine textile production, with centuries-old expertise in weaving, dyeing, and embroidery.
Before colonial interference, these regions were renowned for their craftsmanship and high-quality fabrics. Chinese silk and Dhaka muslin defined textile luxury, and were coveted worldwide for their artistry and durability. Muslin could take five months for a single piece to be completed, the weavers working only during the rainy season when the humidity was just right so the fine threads wouldn’t break.¹
Colonial Disruption and Exploitation
The textile export from Asia to Europe can be traced back to the Silk Road, and underwent a reversal in the 18th century as the Industrial Revolution came underway. Colonizing powers sought to control the lucrative textile trade by dismantling local industries and forcing nations into one-sided trade agreements.
After the First Opium War, China was forced to sign the Treaty of Nanjing (1842)², which gave Britain control of Hong Kong and allowed British imports for virtually no tariffs. Britain took over the market with cheaper, more abundant fabrics and clothes (inventing “sweatshops” along the way³).
Asia would not be a major manufacturer of clothes again until the mid 20th century. This shift laid the groundwork for the perception of these regions as mere production hubs of the cheapest and fastest fashions, detached from their legacy of artistry and quality.
Modern Manufacturing
Fast forward to today, and the reality of modern manufacturing is heavily influenced by the demands of consumers. The phrase “Made in China” became synonymous with cheap, mass-produced goods largely because of strong demand for low prices and quick turnaround times. To meet their clients’ demands, factories were often pressured to cut costs, which led to lower-quality materials and unsafe work environments.
These choices are not inherent to the country or its manufacturers. When brands push for lower prices and tighter deadlines, they create a market dynamic where cutting corners becomes a survival tactic rather than a choice. As long as consumers choose to buy the newest and cheapest, they will continue to force companies and their factories into impossible choices.
Quality is a Choice, Not a Geography
Quality is not determined by the country of origin but by the standards set by the brands and their partners. Many factories in China, India, Bangladesh, and elsewhere produce high-quality goods for premium brands. These products meet rigorous quality standards, demonstrating that when given the resources, time, and fair compensation, manufacturers in these regions are more than capable of delivering superior quality.
On the other hand, “Made in Italy” is not a guarantee of fair labor practices. Loro Piana was alleged to have paid Peruvian Indigenous workers just $280 for raw materials (and $0 for labor) for a vicuña sweater that retails for $9,000.⁴ Italian police found Dior paid $57 for “Made in Italy” handbags that retail for $2,800, produced in factories with excessive working hours and unsafe working conditions.⁵
Moving Beyond Stereotypes
The conversation around “Made in China” — or anywhere else — should be more nuanced than it often is. Rather than judging a product solely by its country of origin, consider the larger context of global manufacturing. High-quality products can and do come from any part of the world when fair practices and standards are upheld.
As a brand, we don’t want to engage in a rat race of greed and speed.
We want to engage in a real race – a race that tests our creativity, efficiency, and quality. By prioritizing ethical manufacturing and quality over cheap, fast production, we can help shift the narrative and make informed choices that reflect our values.
As a brand, we don’t want to engage in a rat race of greed and speed.
We want to engage in a real race – a race that tests our creativity, efficiency, and quality. By prioritizing ethical manufacturing and quality over cheap, fast production, we can help shift the narrative and make informed choices that reflect our values.
Our Choices
Our goal is simple: to provide thoughtfully designed, high-quality undergarments at a fair price.
Everyone deserves well-fitting, high-quality undergarments – this shouldn’t be a luxury reserved for a select few.
Our goal is simple: to provide thoughtfully designed, high-quality undergarments at a fair price.
Everyone deserves well-fitting, high-quality undergarments – this shouldn’t be a luxury reserved for a select few.
We’re also committed to ethical manufacturing, ensuring compensation that goes beyond just a living wage and being as gentle on our environment as possible. Our manufacturer is highly selective about the brands they partner with. They’ve turned down companies offering as little as $6 CAD to produce a bra — including both materials and labor — because quality at that price point simply isn’t feasible.
Our products are made in China, and our choices reflect and uphold our core values.
¹ https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20210316-the-legendary-fabric-that-no-one-knows-how-to-make
² https://www.britannica.com/event/Treaty-of-Nanjing
³ https://www.britannica.com/topic/sweatshop
⁴ https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/13/us/politics/garcia-loro-piana-vuitton-indigenous-peru.html
⁵ https://www.forbes.com/sites/pamdanziger/2024/06/24/italian-court-reveals-diors-unethical-supply-chain-and-puts-other-luxury-brands-on-notice/