An Outrage Over American Olympic Uniforms 2012. Are They Safe?

It's no secret that apparel manufacturing and textile industries are practically non-existent in the USA and Canada any more. Over the past 50 years clothing production fell 95%. Yes, just in 1950s it was rare to see imported clothing, even from Europe. Today, some 80% of clothing that retails in the USA and Canada is made in China.

This however should have been an exception for military, national sports and governmental uniforms. Does not seem so. This week an outrage leaked the web that American Olympic uniforms are made in China. Designed by American Ralph Lauren blue red and white fancy jackets with retro beret has been manufactured in China from head to toe.

American Olympic Committee defends its decision citing that entire team is privately funded and therefore can't be blamed for cutting costs. Ralph Lauren is a major sponsor and the Committee is very grateful for supply of such stylish British looking uniforms.

There could be an issue with safety. Up until recently it was a law that any clothing, shoes or consumer goods used by military or national teams must be made in the USA. Number of companies took a great pride to serve the country by supplying their products to thousands of army staff and Olympic teams. From eyeglasses products Oakley was and still remains the preferred supplier.

There could be a lot of issues with safety and let's hope Ralph Lauren has it all figured out. There could be a problem with the fabric that is poisonous in a certain way. Or fabric itself could emit illegal for athletes substances. There could be something that makes their heads dizzy... So the outrage over the manufacturing issue could be expanded beyond not sparing several jobs.