Articles of Interest Made in USA
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Jan 16, 2026 
In this engaging conversation, Sarah Gonzalez, a skilled reporter and host for NPR's Planet Money, dives into the complexities of the U.S. garment industry. She shares her firsthand experiences with Maria, a trimmer in Los Angeles, highlighting the demanding piece-rate pay system that often leads to subminimum wages. The discussion reveals that 'Made in USA' doesn't guarantee ethical pay, and experts explain the challenges of wage theft and factory practices. Sarah also reflects on the industry's decline and the personal toll of garment work on families.
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A Search For A 'Good' T‑Shirt Sparked Investigation
- Sarah Gonzalez searched for a t-shirt she could feel good about and dug into where clothes are made.
- Her reporting began with a personal consumer question that turned into an investigation of U.S. garment realities.
Factories Are Small, Hidden, And Hard To Find
- Most U.S. garment factories are tiny and hidden, often with fewer than 10 workers.
- That fragmentation makes the industry invisible to consumers and hard to regulate.
Maria The Trimmer: A Decades‑Long Craft
- Maria, a trimmer in L.A., trims loose threads and started working very young.
- She delights in small things like flowers and has done this precise trimming work for decades.