We got this reply on a TikTok video, here's my thoughts.
Yes, you can buy two Poncho shirts for the price of one of ours (and there's nothing wrong with that, or the shirts from that brand. We're not knocking any brands that make a great product around the world).
Our shirts are more expensive, but we're okay with it right now, and here's why.
Unlike the vast majority of the western wear industry today, we make our shirts here in America. Why?Because this is where the style comes from. It was born out of our culture, it's a part of our heritage.
And to me - I think it's kind of a bummer that it's been abandoned. By the majority of the industry. But the reality is they CAN still be made here.
Yes, it's more expensive, it's difficult, it's messy. We'd have better margins, and would be a much sexier business if we didn't (we'd have more money for creative, could make more shirts, etc).
But IF you're a fan of western wear, do you really want to wake up in a world where this country can no longer make an awesome western shirt?
And I know it sounds silly. But.... to me, that's kind of a bummer.
And we might fail. It's super hard. I get why brands don't want to do it. But if we don't try - that will be the reality one day.
And if we succeed - maybe one day we can actually bring down the cost (we're still a super small brand, making small quantities of shirts. Brands like Origin that have massive scale, vertical integration, have pulled this off).
It's unrealistic for the vast majority of the population to have 100% American-made stuff in their closet. But every now and then, could you buy ONE American-made piece (shirt, jeans, boots, tee, etc.) versus two made overseas?
And if everybody did that, we could keep something alive that I think we all want - and will appreciate we still have one day many years from now.
