Some people can be very brand-conscious because among other many reasons, a reputable brand implies good quality. Have you checked the labels on your clothes, bags and shoes to find out where they are made? Regardless of the fact that it is known as an American or European label, more likely the apparel was made in China. According to reports, China shipped $35 billion worth of textiles and apparel to the United States in 2007. This resulted to 16% increase from $30.1 billion in 2006. Obviously this is because China offers a much cheaper labor costs. Among the top imports from China includes hosiery and socks, fur and leather apparel, neckwear, men’s underwear and suits and footwear.

However when it comes to dresses, the current hottest women apparel, most of these good are manufactured in in La Coruña, Spain. Zara is a concrete example of this. Big lingerie brand such as Victoria’s Secret, Gap and U.K.-based Marks & Spencer imports from MAS Holdings, an apparel manufacturer based in Colombo, Sri Lanka. When it comes to make up (think Clinique and Dior), Western Europe is still the major manufacturing center.

So what have been your experienced regarding the quality of these products not “Made in U.S.A”, which we rarely find nowadays?

If some costumers might comment that there was a deterioration when it comes to quality, this is the quiet the opposite for American leather brand Coach. This did not affect the loyal customers of the said brand because they believed in the product. In fact, the label even grew popular in Japan, a market known for discerning customers who demand high quality.

According to Coach, Japan’s third-quarter fiscal 2008 sales were $157.6 million, an increase of 24% from the same quarter the previous year.

Personally, It does not bother me where the product is manufactured, as long as the quality of what I would purchase is worth my money.