tshirtworld said:
I understand that Rodney but a few things with American Made Products. You take Oakley for example, its american made but a pair will also cost you $150. If your selling USA tshirts with the same design for $30, then I kind of understand the reasoning. You can find similar trendy styles with dozens of other manufacturers. The sweatshops are not only in third world countries, they are here in the USA as well.
You asked for the reasoning and I gave you the possible reasoning

You don't have to agree with it or understand it (everybody has a different view on things

)
Some people don't mind paying more to know that a product is "made in the USA".
Nobody said anything about not having sweatshops in the US. I said some people prefer to buy shirts that are sweatshop free (like from AmericanApparel or NoSweat, etc).
I personally think the AmericanApparel shirts are a bit too expensive and run way to small, but they do have a large following and there is a certain set of customers where an AmericanApparel shirt factors into their buying decision.
My new favorite tee is the Fruit of the Loom 50/50 tee. A super soft tee in a wide range of colors that is not too heavy and not too light. I would pick it over a Hanes Beefy, a Jerzees Z, or an American Apparel any day.
The problem is, it's a good idea to get out of the mindset of what you (as the t-shirt merchant) wants or likes. You've gotta get into the mindset of what your potential customer would want or prefer.
Different demographics like different things. Some like the heavy Hanes Beefy/Jerzees Z because they feel that heavier=better quality. Some like the AmericanApparel because they like the tighter fit and they think the lighter weight is better quality.