Inside Our Shirt Factory
When Bards was just an idea, a guiding principle emerged: make the clothing in America. There are many reasons why brands and consumers highlight Made in America. Some do it out of a sense of patriotism, others for sustainability. I do it because of the people, the relationships I can build with the individuals in the factory who make your clothing.
When I walked into the factory, I was immediately greeted by Rosa, who I have talked to many times over the phone. She has saved my butt a few times by accommodating rushes for clients. I mentioned who I was, and she immediately lit up, and introduced me to the others in the office, many of whom I have talked too at one point or another. They all knew me and my business intimately. I am not a huge account by any means, but they take interest in everyone they do business with.
I walked into the back room where the family who owns the factory was sitting having a meeting, a father, his wife, and son; along with the sales rep. All whom I’ve met at the trade shows several times. It was a reunion of friends. They welcomed me into their facility as if it were their home. They asked me all about my business, how I sell, why I do it, what I’ve seen work. The conversation was a beautiful collaboration, and reassurance that my clients stories were safe in this place.
I’ve worked with factories in past jobs that just fulfilled my orders. It didn’t matter if I submitted one order or 10, I just received my delivery and continued on.
As I toured the factory and met more of the people making the clothing, I was reinvigorated about my why. This moment was something I could pass along to my clients and the clothing becomes a vessel for storytelling. Not only does the combination of fabric, buttons, and stylings capture my client, but the craftsmanship that goes into each and every shirt also tells a story.
As the day was winding down, I was full of appreciation. My shirts average a cost of $300, no small fee. I’ve had clients who buy shirts for $700 off the rack, and they tell me, “Matt, your shirts are far superior”. So, I asked the owner of the factory, Mitch, so what makes these shirts so great? Is it the thread, is it the buttons? He said, “Nothing…everyone can use great fabric and thread. What sets us apart is how we make the shirts. Every single shirt is created for the individual client, we aren’t manipulating a preexisting pattern and trying to fit your client into it.” This is how I sell my shirts; I have never been the person to try and sell you on textiles, it has always been about you. And to hear the owner share the same view, it reassured me that Bards was on the right track, with the right partners in the industry.
Mitch, the owner, working alongside everyone else in the factory.
