There is a lot of apparel still made in this country, though 98% of our clothes are made overseas. I have featured Jack Donnelly Khakis, Loggerhead Apparel polos, Hart Schaffner Marx suits and Karen Kane blouses. But I just discovered a firm that has been making, wait for it, panties in this country since 1977. Hanky Panky makes panties, thongs, lingerie, sleepwear, and bridal “items.” If you can believe it, Hanky Panky even has products outfitted with your school’s logo just in time for March Madness.
In 1977, designer Gale Epstein created a hand-made lingerie set for her friend, Lida Orzeck, crafted out of embroidered handkerchiefs. Most of the fabric to make Hanky Panky’s products is made in the U.S. Hanky Panky has been making its products in the Northeast of the U.S. since the inception of the firm. Hanky Panky’s design studio, showroom, sample room, and administrative offices are based in Manhattan while their warehouse is in Queens. By manufacturing here in the U.S., the Hanky Panky saves time, energy and shipping costs which reduces its carbon footprint. By having its factories here rather than in China, Hanky Panky’s owners can monitor the quality of its products and the working conditions of its employees. Hanky Panky understands that by manufacturing in the US and sourcing from the U.S., it is keeping Americans working and strengthening our economy. Apple, are you listening?
Given that my blog is fairly PG and some of you may read my posts during work hours, I will not be providing you with any photos of Hanky Panky’s products, but you can view all their products by visiting their website. On a related note, I am still looking for an American firm making men’s cotton boxer shorts. If you know of such a firm, please leave me a comment with the firm’s contact information.
