We are always hesitant to post Kickstarter ideas. Sometimes they don’t materialize and many of them are just too whacky. Victor Athletics, however, really resonated with us. First off, we are already pals with the team that launched Noble Denim. Second, it’s all about bringing work back to an American factory.
This fact blew our minds; in 1980 America made 80% of its clothes in the U.S. Today that number is 2%. Serious sad trombone. Those factories fed families, paid mortgages and kept small towns alive. To bring some love back to these people, Victor is choosing to employ only rural American factories to make their clothing. They are also taking the idea a step further by giving 5% of their after-tax profit back to the factory to continue to invest in their workers and combat the impact of outsourcing.
Check out their Kickstarter video to learn about Danny, a factory owner in Tennessee who once employed 150 employees back in the 80s and now only five of those employees remain. These are the kinds of people Victor wants to support.
Related: Noble Denim
And the product? Awesome organic hoodies, tees and joggers for both guys and gals. Another fact that had us spinning: While conventional cotton occupies only three percent of the world’s farmland, it uses 25 percent of the world’s chemical pesticides and fertilizers. It is the most pesticide-laden crop in the US. Buying organic cotton is a big help to Mother Earth (Hello, April 22nd is Earth Day!)
Finally, Victor is eliminating the middle man, so a well designed sweatshirt that could cost up to $125 at retail is selling for a cool $65.
While we have total confidence this business model will be funded, we would encourage you to show them some love too. Shop here.
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