I used to deal with 3 different manufacturers in the GTA. They have all since gone under. The introduction of easy importing from Asia has made it impossible for Canadian manufacturers to compete at least in a cut and sew shop. If you find someone, please let me know as I could use one too.
Thanks for the information. I think that there are probably very few left in Canada (or let alone north america) because of places like China and India who can afford to produce at a significantly lower cost.
However, I have seen some t-shirts that are "Made in Canada". For Example, Dom Rebel in Montreal has t-shirts that are made in Canada. I really feel like there must be somebody in Montreal that does it.. likely on Chabanel street. I will probably take a trip down in the near future and I'll let you know if I find one.
The are shirts that are Made in Canada. King Fashions out of Calgary (and now with a plant in Montreal) and Jerico Sportswear are Made in Canada but they do not do custom garments. They might with a lot of qty but if you are doing enough, why not go to China? Also, I have seen companies buy imports, remove the tag and sew in their own. I'm not accusing Dom Rebel of that but I have seen it a number of times. I haven't been to the Montreal textile area in a long time but I am told that it is very depressed with many closed businesses.
The are shirts that are Made in Canada. King Fashions out of Calgary (and now with a plant in Montreal) and Jerico Sportswear are Made in Canada but they do not do custom garments. They might with a lot of qty but if you are doing enough, why not go to China? Also, I have seen companies buy imports, remove the tag and sew in their own. I'm not accusing Dom Rebel of that but I have seen it a number of times. I haven't been to the Montreal textile area in a long time but I am told that it is very depressed with many closed businesses.
You're right about the scene in Montreal. It is rather depressed these days. There are many premium brands established there and they are feeling the heat. Have you ever dealt with these Canadian companies? Dom Rebel actually produces a fit and style that is very similar to the one I am looking for. So if they are being sincere about the origin of their blanks, they are likely getting their product from one of the companies you've stated.
And in regards to going to China to get my blanks; I may very well do that. I just don't know what to expect in terms of consistency and quality from China. Do you deal with Chinese suppliers? If so, how is the experience?
The quality varies from China. I have had many companies approach me and try to sell but I have not yet pulled the trigger. I am a little more demanding than they are used to and I'm not willing to pay up front until I see samples. They have not yet agreed to that which tells me that they either don't have good quality or they don't trust me to come through with an order. Twice I have been very close to ordering but either the sample has been unacceptable or they have backed away from my terms of business. You have to pay up front and accept what they send. I have come across too many horror stories. On the other hand, I do know a lot of people who have had great luck with China and they have received excellent quality at a fantastic price.
Andy, that is my experience with China too. I am tentative to pay an order up front; and I also am extremly demanding and I don't feel I can ever get EXACTLY what I want when I'm dealing with China. As a result, I've been extremly hesitant when considering a chinese t-shirt producer.
I have some custom made Tees from China and they are very good. Pay first....I understand. I think you have to pay everything if you buy something from other country, even in Canada, you must pay first before you build your reputation.
Let me know if you are still looking to manufacture some t-shirts. I'm an American working in China after being in the garment industry for 12 years in the US. I understand the worries about working with a factory in China. Our company does contract work for many skate/street clothing companies from the US and Australia. We deal with boutique brands so we have higher standards and work with all the innovative fabrics such as organics, bamboo, hemp, soybean, corn, etc...
__________________ Email: lewis@thinktankind.com Phone: usa (1)260.748.1062 / china (86)187.2128.7305
our min is 300pcs per style/per color. its best to get around 500pcs for the best price point. we can meet any requirements on fabric, cuts, dye/wash, prints, labeling, etc.
thanks!
__________________ Email: lewis@thinktankind.com Phone: usa (1)260.748.1062 / china (86)187.2128.7305
Custom Blanks 
