The Geography of the Garment Industry

Where Am I Wearing is a book that explores the complex web of the global garment industry. Author Kelsey Timmerman set out on a world-wide journey to understand where, and by who his clothes were made. A t-shirt from Honduras, flip-flops from China and jeans from Cambodia led Timmerman to trace the production trail back to the individual people who made his “all-American” clothing. He of course, discovers poor working conditions around the world, but beyond that ends up befriending many of the people who produced his clothes.

He’s a guest blogger this week at Mental Floss, and shares some insights he has learned:

1. 97% of our clothes are made abroad.

2. Eighty-five people have a hand in making a single pair of our blue jeans.

3. The garment industry accounts for 75% of Bangladesh’s and Cambodia’s exports.

4. Those frayed edges and holes in your pants that give them that cool worn look are the result of a twenty-something girl sitting all day at a powered grinding stone.

5. The average garment worker in Cambodia earns $50/month and supports seven people.

6. Garment workers don’t like bowling. (More about that later this week.)

7. Over half of the world’s footwear is made in China – eight billion pairs.

8. One-third of American consumers are willing to pay more for clothes produced under good working conditions.

9. You only get one honeymoon. Don’t take your new bride to a garment factory on yours. Trust me.

Mental Floss: “9 Things You Should Know About the People and Places That Make Our Clothes”