Another economic reality; People are cutting back on new Undies...

[JANdad]

Crap!

NEW YORK - Apparel maker Hanesbrands Inc. said Wednesday it will close nine plants across five countries and cut about 12 percent of its work force as it restructures its operations in order to cut costs.

The moves will eliminate the jobs of about 8,100 workers in the U.S. and Central America, while the company plans to add 2,000 jobs in Asia. Hanes has about 50,000 employees in 25 countries.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=post&forum=389&add_journal=1&trackback_journal=1

On the bright side, I guess it's kinda hard for the Chinese to screw up underwear...(read: tainted formula)

[ingac70]

1. Wanna bet they can't screw up underwear?

http://www.parentdish.com/2007/08/19/chinese-clothing-may-be-toxic/

Chinese clothing may be toxic

"Lead has gotten a lot of press lately, especially with the recent recalls of a whole lotta Mattel toys. Lead, however, is not the only problem you may encounter with products made in China. A New Zealand investigative television show is set to reveal that scientists found 500 times the safe amount of formaldehyde in woolen and cotton clothing made in China."

more at the link.

[livvy]

2. Perhaps it will help young ladies preserve their virginity . n/t

[ingac70]

3. lol.

:P

[peekaloo]

5. so now when someone tells you to "get the lead out"

it doesn't necessarily mean you're dragging arse.

[magellan]

4. Hanes should stop outsourcing

My husband and I go through their socks within months now. They just don't last. I started darning them but was quickly overwhelmed by new holes appearing around holes already fixed. This used to be a good brand but now it's money down the drain.

Next time we need socks or underwear I'll be looking for Made in the USA on the label.

[eilen]

6. I'm figuring out how to sew my own underpinnings.

Although it does take me a very long time to knit socks, I'll have to order American made--same for tights. I'm good but not that good.

[Indenturedebtor]

8. I don't want any knitted underoos thanks!

Gah so itchy... GAH!

There was another story recently about Chinese chairs causing allergic reactions in France. Something about dangerous levels of fungicide in the fabric.

[magellan]

9. Underpinnings i.e. foundation garments?

Which ones do you mean? Half slips are easy (does anyone wear them anymore?), but panties and bras seem like they'd be difficult.

I wouldn't know how to begin to knit socks. Good for you!

[eilen]

10. underpinnings= underwear

bras, slips etc.

sewing underwear is actually very easy and economical using old tshirts or cotton/blend fabric for boxers which could be from recycled sheets. Bras are a little more complicated as it can be difficult to source the fabrics needed locally, (powernet, tricot-- not generally carried at Joanns) but I suppose one can substitute and use other stretch fabrics recycled from other knit items. They may not be as comfortable but consider that wool jersey used to be used for bathing suits back in the 30's and 40's. Clothing was just not as form fitting. I certainly would not want to go back to corsets for support.

[BentleyJD]

7. As Fred G. Sanford would say:

change your drawers!
tony and lido

[lame54]

11. But if they find a way to screw it up...

that could be painful