Spoken For: A History of Bespoke
Matthew Banever Matthew Banever

Spoken For: A History of Bespoke

Imagine this: it’s the 13th century. You’re a nobleman in England, and your calves have never looked better. Why? Because your tailor knows you. Not like “he follows you on Instagram” knows you—but he knows your measurements, your taste, your station in society. This is the birth of bespoke.

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The History of Tariffs in America: Threads of a Complicated Legacy
Matthew Banever Matthew Banever

The History of Tariffs in America: Threads of a Complicated Legacy

By the 1990s, with the rise of fast fashion and offshoring, tariffs had become less about protecting American industries and more about facilitating global commerce. The result? A rapid decline in domestic clothing manufacturing. At one point, 98% of the clothes Americans wore were made on American soil. Today, that number is closer to 2%.

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Tariffs, Threads, and Unintended Consequences: How the 2025 Trade Policies Are Reshaping Fashion
Matthew Banever Matthew Banever

Tariffs, Threads, and Unintended Consequences: How the 2025 Trade Policies Are Reshaping Fashion

As a small business owner who proudly makes clothing in America, I’d love to tell you that these new tariffs won’t touch me. But plot twist: they absolutely will—and not in the cute, “support local” kind of way.

Let’s start with the shirt on your back (literally). Fun fact: there are no cotton mills in the U.S. that produce shirt-weight fabrics. Zero. Zilch. Nada. That crisp button-down? The fabric had to be imported. Which means my manufacturer now has to pay more for the materials. And guess who’s next in line? Me. And after me? Yep, you.

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Style, But Make It Personal: How to Build a Signature Look That’s So You
Matthew Banever Matthew Banever

Style, But Make It Personal: How to Build a Signature Look That’s So You

Before you can define your style, take stock of what’s already working for you. That blouse you wear on repeat? There’s a reason. That blazer you never touch? Let it go. According to Vogue, “Creating a uniform doesn’t limit your creativity—it refines it.” Knowing your go-to silhouettes, colors, and fabrics simplifies everything from shopping to getting dressed in the morning.

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What to Wear on Your Wedding Day—Spring, Summer & Autumn Edition
Matthew Banever Matthew Banever

What to Wear on Your Wedding Day—Spring, Summer & Autumn Edition

Choosing what to wear on your big day isn’t just about looking sharp—it’s about feeling like the best version of yourself. Whether you're saying I do under cherry blossoms, golden summer skies, or crisp autumn leaves, here’s how to dress for the occasion with timeless elegance and effortless style.

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A Jort History of Denim
Matthew Banever Matthew Banever

A Jort History of Denim

Built for miners and cowboys, denim became the uniform of the working class—tough, reliable, and ready for anything.

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Live from Chicago
Matthew Banever Matthew Banever

Live from Chicago

Coming to you live from the Chicago Collective, the. biggest buying show in the world.

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CTDA Show 2025
Matthew Banever Matthew Banever

CTDA Show 2025

the CTDA is no ordinary organization. Established in 1880 in Columbus, Ohio, it’s the longest-running trade organization in the U.S. It was created as a hub for sharing and refining the art of design, pattern making, fitting, cutting, and tailoring. Over 140 years later, it’s still going strong—and it’s easy to see why.

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Natural Fibers: The Unstoppable Icons of Winter Wardrobes
Matthew Banever Matthew Banever

Natural Fibers: The Unstoppable Icons of Winter Wardrobes

Every year it feels like, I feel this for the first time: the holidays are done, New Years is done…and oh yeah…we STILL have 3 months left of winter. It NEVER ceases to blow my mind. Well, let’s get the right outwear. No synthetic materials.

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Timeline of Fashion, Textiles, Wool Farming, and Manufacturing in America
Matthew Banever Matthew Banever

Timeline of Fashion, Textiles, Wool Farming, and Manufacturing in America

On New Year’s Eve, let’s pause and reflect on the journey of American-made clothing and textiles. Once a dominant force in the global textile industry, we transitioned from being a leading producer to becoming one of the world’s largest consumers of imported goods. But here’s the exciting part: the tides are turning. As trends evolve, we’re witnessing a revival—a renewed focus on local production and craftsmanship. The story isn’t over; it’s just beginning a new chapter.

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From Flock to Fabric: The Story of American Wool Farmers 🐑
Matthew Banever Matthew Banever

From Flock to Fabric: The Story of American Wool Farmers 🐑

American wool farmers play a crucial role in preserving both the land and the craft of producing one of nature's most versatile fibers. Scattered across the country from rolling hills in the Midwest to rugged ranches out West, these farmers shepherd sheep that contribute not just to fashion, but to sustainability.

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The Flannel Shirt: A History as Warm and Rugged as the Fabric Itself
Matthew Banever Matthew Banever

The Flannel Shirt: A History as Warm and Rugged as the Fabric Itself

The American flannel shirt is more than just a piece of clothing; it’s a cultural icon. It’s worked hard, rocked hard, and stayed soft. Whether you’re chopping wood, jamming out, or just trying to stay warm, the flannel shirt proves that some styles never go out of fashion—they just get cozier with time.

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