In an era defined by global supply chains and fast fashion, the Ivey Abitz label sewn into your garment has become a quiet revolutionary. It tells a story not just of origin, but of survival.

Does ‘Made in the USA’ still matter?

The answer is unequivocally yes. In 2026, “Made in the USA” matters more than it has in a generation. But to understand why, we must look at the fragile reality of American craftsmanship today.

A Rare Thread in a Global Tapestry

To wear Ivey Abitz is to wear a statistical anomaly. We have always known our garments are special—bespoke, historic, unique, and personal—but today, they are also exceptionally rare.

As of this year, less than 2% of all clothing sold in the United States is actually made here.[^1]

While the rest of the corporate fashion world chases the lowest bidder across oceans, Ivey Abitz remains steadfastly local. We are not just designed here. Our family of tailors lives and works right here in the New York Tri-State area. In a marketplace flooded with disposable imports, authentic stateside tailoring is no longer just a luxury; it is an endangered species.

The Tariff Storm

You may have read the headlines. The trade landscape in 2026 is turbulent. Recent tariffs are wreaking havoc on domestic businesses, creating a chaotic environment for those of us who rely on stable materials and fair trade.[^2]

This economic warfare has casualties. We have watched with heavy hearts as many of our cherished customers who live outside of the states have temporarily stopped buying USA-made clothing. It is not because they have lost love for the artistry of Ivey Abitz garments. It is because retaliatory tariffs and duties on USA-made goods have made them prohibitively expensive to import into their own countries. They are rightfully concerned about garments getting hit with a 100% tariff en route to their lifetime home. This leaves the international community of people who believe in the value of artisan clothing paying a tax on their ethics. [^3]

When you buy Ivey Abitz today, you are not just buying a garment. You are holding the line. You are supporting ethics and values that are under immense pressure from both sides of the border.

Reclaiming the Pride of Place

There was a time when “Made in the USA” was a badge of honor worn by everyone. Yet, somewhere along the way, that pride diminished. Perhaps it was diluted by the ubiquity of cheap, fast fashion, or perhaps we simply forgot the importance of knowing the faces behind the seams.

Clothing should never be made at the expense of someone else’s dignity. Yet this happens with millions of disposable garments made every year by slaves overseas. When did cheap clothing become more important than the humans who are forced to make them? We allowed price tags to eclipse values, and in doing so, we lost a piece of our cultural identity.

But we believe that pride is worth reclaiming.

Buying American-made clothing in 2026 is an act of defiance against a disposable culture. It is an acknowledgment that quality, ethics, and human dignity have a cost—and that they are worth paying for.

Our decision to create Ivey Abitz clothing in the states is not a signal of nativism or isolationism. Rather, it is an act of believing that all humans have intrinsic value no matter where they live. We are all created equal, yet we are all one-of-a-kind. Our clothing should reflect these truths through how they are made, who makes them, and their visual language of aesthetic uniqueness.

It has been our goal for the past twenty years to live up to these ideals. As we look to the future of creating bespoke garments in 2026 and beyond, our philosophy and intent are more important than ever. They are stitched into every single garment, sending a manifesto of love and respect out into the world.

The True Cost of Artisan Clothing

We will be transparent: ‘Made in the USA’ costs more. It requires fair wages, safe working conditions, and an uncompromising dedication to craft that mass production simply cannot replicate.

But ask yourself: what is the alternative?

The higher price of an Ivey Abitz garment is an investment in something permanent. It is an investment in humans with similar values, in the preservation of skilled labor, and in the belief that clothing should be a companion for life, not landfill fodder.

“Made in the USA” still matters because you matter. Your choices shape the world in which we live. And we believe that a world filled with art, integrity, and craftsmanship is absolutely worth the price.

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Your Next Step

Discover the 2% difference. Commission your own piece of American history today.

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Footnotes

[^1]: Recent industry data estimates that domestic apparel manufacturing accounts for only 2-3% of the clothing sold in the US, with some specific sectors dropping even lower. See “What percentage of clothing is made in the United States?” XZ Apparel, July 2025; see also U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov.

[^2]: Tariffs implemented in late 2025 and early 2026 have disrupted supply chains and increased costs for US exporters and importers alike. See “US International Trade and Investment: Key Shifts in 2025 and What Businesses Should Know for 2026,” Morgan Lewis, Jan 2026.

[^3]: Retaliatory tariffs and increased trade barriers have discouraged international buyers from purchasing US exports due to inflated landed costs. See “President Trump’s Tariffs Backfire on US Textile Exporters,” Bloomberg, Aug 2025.

In the world of avant-garde and artisanal fashion, “value” is a tricky word. We aren’t talking about fast fashion bargains. We’re talking about the soul of a garment—the fabric, the ethics, the fit, and the longevity.

When you invest in a piece of wearable art, you expect it to honor the price tag. However, a closer look at the artisanal market reveals a surprising truth: Ivey Abitz is quietly offering the most significant value proposition in the industry.

Below, we’ve broken down the numbers. We compared Ivey Abitz against the “Boho-Artisanal” Magnolia Pearl and the “Tailored Avant-Garde” elites like Paul Harnden.

The Artisanal Value Chart

The following table compares similar garments across three categories of designers to highlight exactly what your money buys you.

Feature	Ivey Abitz (Bespoke)	Magnolia Pearl (Boho)	Paul Harnden (Traditional & Avant-Garde)
Comparative Product	Viv Frock or Roycroft Frock	Spaghetti Strap Dress	Sleeveless Multi-Coloured Dress
Price Point	$495 – $695	$650 – $700	$6,000+
Sizing	Bespoke to Your Measurements(Chest, waist, hips, height)	One Size Fits Most (Often oversized/shapeless)	Standard RTW (XS, S, M, L)
Construction Finish	Heirloom: Sturdy bias bound edges, french seams, NEVER serged seams, reversible capabilities.	Distressed: Raw edges, intentional holes, fraying hems.	Traditional: Tailor standard finishing, often lined.
Fabric Availability	You Choose: Select from dozens of the highest quality European and States made fabrics.	Pre-Selected: You buy what is on the rack.	Pre-Selected: Limited seasonal runs, buy from rack.
Production Location	New York, USA (Ethical wage)	India (Varies by item)	UK / France

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1. The “One-Size” Myth vs. The Bespoke Reality

Let’s Compare: Magnolia Pearl

Magnolia Pearl dwells in the boho-artisanal world, known for its distinct, distressed aesthetic.

• The Product: A Magnolia Pearl “Ainsley Gown” retails for roughly $700 and is mass-produced in a single size.
• The Quality: The “look” is intentionally tattered. You are paying premium prices for raw hems and intentional holes. While distinct, the construction is not designed for longevity in the traditional sense.

The Ivey Abitz Advantage:

For less than $700, you can purchase client favourites, the signature Blanchefleur Frock or Morris Frock from Ivey Abitz.

• Custom Fit: You aren’t drowning or restricted in a generic “One Size” sack. You select your size based on your measurements, with options for length and sleeve adjustments.
• Construction: Instead of raw edges that may fray over time, Ivey Abitz uses sturdy bias-bound seams and french seams and never, ever serged edges. The inside of the garment is often as beautiful as the outside, making several designs reversible—effectively giving you two garments for the price of one.

2. The Avant-Garde Price Ceiling

Let’s Compare: Paul Harnden Shoemakers

If you look at the darker, more structural side of artisanal fashion (the “Old World” look), you find brands like British designer Paul Harnden.

• The Price: This is the stratosphere. A Paul Harnden Wool Coat can easily run $3,000 to $6,000.
• The Product: They often use treated fabrics (like paper cotton) and unique silhouettes. However, they are still fundamentally ready-to-wear. If the $6,000 coat is tight in the bust, you have to alter it yourself.

The Ivey Abitz Advantage:

Ivey Abitz exists comfortably and confidently in this artisanal aesthetic—using the highest quality fabrics made in Europe and the United States—but at one-third of the price of the comparisons.

• The “Made-to-Order” Luxury: When you order a $645 Scattergood Duster Coat from Ivey Abitz, you receive a one-of-a-kind, heirloom quality garment made just for you. This is a bargain in comparison to the $6,000 options in the artisanal clothing genre.
• The Choice is Yours: You aren’t stuck with the one black wool coat the boutique has in stock. You choose the specific weave, the color, and the weight of the fabric.

3. The “Cost Per Wear” Equation

The true value of artisanal clothing isn’t just the purchase price; it’s the longevity.

• Durability: Ivey Abitz designs are workhorses. The lack of raw edges means an Ivey Abitz frock won’t unravel after a few washes.
• Versatility: Because of the bespoke fabric choices, you can build a wardrobe that coordinates perfectly. You aren’t hunting for a match––you are curating a collection.
• Resale Value: Because of their durability and the specific demand for Ivey Abitz designs, these pieces hold their value exceptionally well in the secondary market. Some Ivey Abitz customers have made their first bespoke purchase after discovering IA quality in a second hand purchase.

The Bottom Line

When you purchase an Ivey Abitz garment, you aren’t just buying a dress.

• You are paying for New York wages (ethical production).
• You are paying for customization (bespoke service).
• You are paying for finished construction (longevity).

In a market where you can easily spend more than $2,000 for a mass-produced, one-size-fits-all cotton smock, Ivey Abitz offers a rare alternative: clothing that respects the investment you are making.

February 10, 2025 – Highland Falls, NY

The Highland Falls Library Gallery is filled with a special exhibit of bespoke clothing designed by artist Cynthia Ivey Abitz now through February 25.

You’ll see silk dresses with floral embellishments on a red carpet, layered ensembles with perfectly aligned hemlines, and original paintings reminiscent of Toulouse-Lautrec with carpe diem slogans.

Watch this 3 minute video about the exhibit and hear from Artist Designer Cynthia Ivey Abitz about what 20 years of designing has meant to her.

The exhibit is a 20 year retrospective of clothing brand Ivey Abitz, a company founded by Hudson Valley dwellers Cynthia and Joshua Ivey Abitz. For two decades, Ivey Abitz has been offering designs that can best be described as regalia for everyday wear.

Along with displays of over 50 Ivey Abitz outfits on dress forms, the exhibit tells the story of how two artists stuck to their ideals in a business world that worships money.

The Ivey Abitz business plan has always been a direct response to corporate greed. Having grown up in the suburbs of Flint, Michigan, Cynthia and Joshua witnessed firsthand the decimation of Flint, Michigan, at the hands of General Motors. Cynthia’s father worked in the Flint V8 Engine Plant for 32 years, all the while watching Flint’s glory crumble away as factories closed and production was moved to Mexico in the name of profit.

“My middle class childhood came from unions and my dad’s work in the plant,” Cynthia remembers. “Overtime, weekends, blood, sweat, good benefits. I don’t ever want to sell out to overseas production. I’ve seen what GM did to my hometown, and I want to be the solution, not the problem.”

In the midst of the 2008 economic crisis, Ivey Abitz moved to New York to be closer to the Garment District and a deeper pool of talented tailors. The small bespoke nature of their business kept them afloat at a time when many design companies were folding. A portion of the exhibit highlights the tailors that work for Ivey Abitz.

Then, during the pandemic of 2020, when brick and mortar stores were closing, Ivey Abitz survived because it was already setup to sell clothing exclusively through its website. They proved that bigger isn’t always better in fashion.

“I don’t consider Ivey Abitz a part of the fashion industry,” says Cynthia Ivey Abitz. “I design to fill the void that I find in this world of mass produced banality. My designs aren’t for everyone, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. The last thing I want is for everyone to look the same. I want everyone to dress like themselves.”

The exhibit takes you to the red carpet, where you can see up close the couture gowns that have graced Hollywood events and television shows.

The most intriguing part of this exhibit is the immersive feeling of being surrounded by more than 50 Ivey Abitz ensembles, each with a distinct look, yet each with the recognizable Ivey Abitz style. It’s 20 years of design wrapped into one room you’ll never forget.

The Ivey Abitz 20 Year Retrospective is free to the public and is open during regular library hours through February 25, 2025.

See more in the News of the Highlands.

You’re Invited!

What: Ivey Abitz 20 Year Retrospective Art Exhibit 

Where: In the beautiful Hudson Highlands at the Historic Highland Falls Library Gallery

When: Now through February 25, 2025.

Twenty years in the making, the Ivey Abitz 20 year retrospective is a testament to a clothing designer with vision and fortitude. For two decades, Cynthia Ivey Abitz has been offering designs that can best be described as regalia for everyday wear. The exhibit tells the story of how Ivey Abitz survived tough times when other designers folded, such as the 2008 economic crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. It celebrates made-in-America with tributes to tailors. It takes you to the red carpet, where you can see up close couture gowns that have graced Hollywood events. The most special part of this exhibit is the immersive feeling of being surrounded by over 50 Ivey Abitz ensembles. Each with a distinct look, yet with that recognizable, life-affirming Ivey Abitz aesthetic. It’s 20 years of design wrapped into one room you’ll never forget.

Accommodations:

Historic Bear Mountain Inn is a short 9 minute drive from the gallery.

The Thayer Hotel at West Point is a 12 minute walk from the gallery.