Hosts: Melissa Lynn Oddo (deMelis Atelier & Stitched Collective) Matthew Banever (Bards Clothing)

Summary:

In this episode, we Zoom with Mitch Gambert, the passionate force behind his family’s nearly century-old American manufacturing business in New Jersey. Mitch opens up about the challenges of producing quality garments in the U.S., the pressures from large retailers, and the importance of true sustainability beyond just buzzwords. He shares his unwavering commitment to craftsmanship, the realities of the “Made in America” label, and why consumers need to take a more active role in supporting ethical production.

photo: Courtesy of Gambert Shirts

Key Topics Discussed:

• The challenges of running an American manufacturing business in today’s market.
• The impact of big retailers on small manufacturers and pricing pressures.
• Sustainability in fashion: Is it just another trend or a real movement?

Takeaways:

• Supporting American-made products requires consumer commitment beyond price comparisons.
• Sustainability must be more than a marketing term—it requires genuine action.
• Quality craftsmanship stands the test of time, proving that “you get what you pay for.”

Links:

• Gambert Shirts – We are Newark, New Jersey based, American made woven cotton custom shirt manufacturer for men and women with retail partners throughout the United States.
• Gambert Shirts Instagram – “It All Starts With A Great Shirt”
• Alan Flusser Custom – The finest custom and made-to-measure tailored clothing in NYC, since 1985. Hand-tailored suits and sport jackets designed to make you look your best.
• Adrian Jules Ltd. – Create your own luxury clothing brand with our private label service. Bespoke bespoke (adj.): custom or custom-made, made to order of goods.
• Parsons School of Design– Parsons School of Design, known colloquially as Parsons, is a private art and design college located in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of New York City. 
• Martinez Custom Clothier – Our custom-made suits, shirts, sport coats and trousers are crafted from the finest Italian and English fabrics and are meticulously produced by hand.
• Chicago Men’s Collective – The Chicago Collective is the Premier National Menswear Show in North America, hosting top brands from around the world.