The Full Opinion: American Apparel

Ok, Eva Marie wanted to know my full opinion about American Apparel, so here it is.

I'll start out with what I like about them. I like that they pay a fair and good wage to their workers who are all in the LA area, even the manufacturing is done in LA as opposed to outsourcing it to sweatshops overseas. They also have opportunities for low cost full family health care.

Moving on. Founder and CEO Dov Charney admits that he only has these socially responsible policies because he knows it is popular and good for business. Which might be fine, depending on your opinion. But on top of that..I'll be blunt. He's a sleezebag. Many news articles have made known that he has held many meetings in a thong or a just a sock covering his ::ahem::. Seriously? Yep. Just google his name and you will find many-a-interesting article about the way he conducts interviews with women and how poorly he treats them. And I really feel like their advertising reflects this as well.

Last year I was searching for some blank T's that we could print on for the shop. I knew I wanted them to be sweatshop free, well made, and super soft. I knew that American Apparel was sweatshop free, and had a few band teeshirts using them as a base that were really comfortable. So I went on their wholesale site to input my info. Once I clicked submit, I was sent to their "thank you" page which bore a topless woman. That gave me my answer right away as to whether or not I would be using them.

I believe in using my dollar to support causes I believe in, even with especially with clothing companies. So many of their practices really effect people's lives. So I choose not to support American Apparel when it is apparent that the leadership does not respect women.

Thoughts?

I.M