All Todd Shelton products are made in America and we use American made fabrics whenever possible, but not all of our fabrics come from America.  Why?  Some fabrics are no longer made here.

Fabrics Still Made in America 

America no longer produces all fabric categories, most fabric mills have shut down.  However, denim and cotton knits (t-shirt fabric) are still made here. 

Denim and cotton knits are high volume categories, enabling some US mills to remain open, despite the challenges from foreign competition. 

At Todd Shelton, we use American made denim and t-shirt fabric, both produced in America’s south.  The American mills we work with are regarded as World-Class.

Fabrics No Longer Made in America

Shirting fabric and trouser fabric are no longer made in the USA.  Some of you will find that hard to believe for a country our size.  It’s true.  The exception may be a limited line of uniform/workwear fabrics; certainly not suitable for your casual or dress wardrobe.

The best quality shirting and trouser fabrics are made in Europe.  We use shirting and trouser fabric from Italy, Germany and Portugal. 

Today, the European mills face the same challenges from Asian competition that shut down the American mills.  It would be devastating to lose these European mills.

How We Select Country of Origin

When American fabrics are not available, we search for mills located in countries that share a similar world view with America.  A history of artisanship is critical.  And philosophically, we appreciate working with a country whose government views America as an ally, and a population that views Americans as friends.

Then we identify the mills within those countries that are respected as being the best.  We try to get an understanding of the mills culture; how they treat small customers (such as Todd Shelton) is an indicator to their values. 

We select a few mills that fit well with the Todd Shelton brand, and then sample and wear test their fabrics.  Regardless of price, we search for the best performers. 

If one mill offers a clearly superior fabric, but it adds $10 to the price of the product, we’ll accept the increase.  The quality exceeds the additional money spent, and owning the product will be more rewarding for our customer.  

Conversely, if two mills offer nearly identical fabrics, and by using one mill we could reduce our products price by $10, we’ll save our customer the money.  We put much effort in identifying fabrics that offer the best quality, price and value.

In Conclusion

When American fabrics aren’t available, we support and use fabrics from mills that we believe our customers will be proud to have as a partner in the making of their garment.