Before the era of semi-continuous sales and outlet stores on every block getting a deal at a real factory outlet was something special. There was a Gant factory in the late ’60s on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Salisbury if I recall correctly (Note to Made in U.S.A. fanatics too young to recall: New England textile and clothing manufacturers moved to the American South for cheap, low skill labor before they moved abroad for cheap, low skill labor). College and high school guys going to Ocean City, MD to party stopped there to buy overstock and seconds for – what? – maybe $2.50 per shirt.

As for where an item is made I’ve become agnostic. If the quality’s there – and it often is – I don’t care that strongly where it’s made. And if the quality’s not there then don’t buy it.

BTW, if you visit – to cite just one example – Filson’s Seattle factory I defy you tell the difference between it and the one in China where most of Filson’s employees’ sisters and cousins still work (and where no doubt some of Filson’s Seattle employees worked themselves until recently.) Just sayin’.

The shirts in the Rugger-line are slim fit and my three shirts are all made in Portugal.

I’ve had a few oxfors with that third collar button and wondered why it wasn’t more popular. For some reason I have a hard time keeping my collars staying folded in the right spot.

I will check them out, though. That selvedge looks really comfortable.

Good things come to those who wait.