Clothing Labels - Country of Origin

All garments sold in the United States are required by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to be  labeled with the name of the country where that garment was made. The name must appear in English, or a phonetic English equivalent such as "Brasil" for Brazil.

For a clothing label to say "Made in USA," it means the item was both manufactured in the USA and made of U.S. fabric. If the garment was made in the United States but not of American fabric, the label must read, "Made in USA of imported fabric."

Much of the fabric made in the United States is actually constructed of imported fibers, but because the finished fabric is an American product, it qualifies for labeling as Made in USA. Trims such as elastic, zippers and buttons are excluded from labeling and might come from anywhere in the world.

Everybodywear makes a point to source all our fabric and materials, including elastic trims, from U.S. producers. Several years ago, a small quantity of everybodywear was made in the USA of imported fabric and was labeled as such. Shortly thereafter we secured a source of U.S. fabric and have used it ever since. Everybodywear specifically requests that our made-in-USA fabric is also made from U.S. cotton.

A related article, "Clothing Labels - Fiber Content" was posted on this blog 04/13/12.

Muffin Top

"Muffin Top" in an unsightly condition that occurs when adipose tissue in a women's abdomen pushes over the waistband of her clothing, resembling the top of a baked muffin. It frequently is cause by low-rise clothing or styles that are not intended for a woman's body type.

Even the most fit among us can be vulnerable to this phenomenon. Muffin Top can be dimished or prevented completely by avoiding styles that constrict the abdomen below the belly button. In thong underwear, women with a tendency toward Muffin Top should select a high-rise style with a small percentage of spandex in the fabric for a smooth fit.

Be sure to wear your correct clothing size and maintain your best posture. After trying these if you still struggle with Muffin Top, straighten your shoulders and smile big. Your charm will prevail.

Glutes vs. Leg Elastic

The gluteus maximus is the largest muscle in the human body. It is joined by gluteus medius and gluteus minimus to form what we commonly call "the glutes." The glutes are in constant motion as we walk, run, jump, ski, dance, bike or climb.

Consider then the futility of stretching an elastic band across this muscle group. Any leg opening on a pair of women's underwear that attempts to stay anchored upon a glute will most certainly fail. And it will be caught in the act of trying as an unsightly panty line.

Thong-style underwear eliminates panty lines by allowing the back leg-opening elastic to rise undetected by way of the gluteal fold, taking a direct vertical path from the crotch triangle to the waistband.

The Skinny on Low Rise

Traditional thong underwear is classified as either high rise or low rise. Because low-rise thongs create a visual illusion of extra weight in the abdomen and thighs, they are unflattering on most women.

Low-rise thongs are usually available in one or two smaller sizes, intended for very slim women. The waistband - in this case more aptly described as a "hipband" - stretches around the female pelvis near its widest point. Without a natural location for that horizontal band to rest, the back rise often must play a structural role keeping the garment in place. This leads to an uncomfortable pulling sensation between the buttocks.

One or two well-known manufacturers have used synthetic fiber blends to address the comfort issue, winning a group of enthusiastic loyalists. However many will admit privately that their favorite thong stays in their locker at the gym because it is unsuitable for exercise.