GO Local - Made in the USA!
Jean Criss
GO Local - Made in the USA!
While many companies are scrambling, trying to shift resources such as staffing, production, inventory, and manufacturing plans to keep their businesses afloat during this trying time with the worldwide Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic, you might want to look at brands like CRISSCROSS Intimates which have been made and designed in the USA!
From the very beginning when I began my search for distribution partners, this was a strategic goal of mine. I wanted to keep my brand Local and manufacturing in the USA. It was a tough decision but one that I’ve been proud of. While these are unheard of difficult times for many people, both small and large companies, consumers need to be vigilant with brand purchases. So let me introduce you CRISSCROSS Intimates.
Our USPTO utility-patented, award-winning ISO brand was designed, manufactured and made in our backyard of New York City – from sourcing trims, fabric types, suppliers, production and manufacturing partners to subcontractors and freelance staffing too. It has been extremely important for me to keep close to the ‘touch ‘n feel’ of the product throughout the design and development stages especially with the introduction of the first post-surgical undergarment.
Back in 2014, I introduced a prototype of The Nina Bra, a LUXE post-surgical bra intended for single or bilateral lumpectomy or mastectomy, reconstructive or augmentative surgery or any stage or phase of post-recovery breast surgery. Since that time, many other designs were introduced and in 2017 our e-commerce site launched with a variety of styles, sizes and colors options for consumers who may experience Breast Cancer and those who may need extra comfort in an undergarment. These Crisscross garments are also worn after your recovery as active wear providing longevity with the product. We designed the collection using soft compression fabrics, no underwires, soft cushioned bra band to ensure comfort underneath your breasts even if you are healing with incisions, easy front side closures with no overhead requirements to put your Bra on. They offer an ability to hold a medical drain close to your breast/chest incision (for women and men) with no pulling with an adjustable/removable loop or you can place the drain in a side Crisscross pouch. Stylish ensembles with matching panties and leggings offer a complete look so that Women can Feel Confident and Look Beautiful and Men can also Feel Confident and Look Handsome wearing our post-surgical Collection. There are many other style characteristics to the women’s bras and men’s vests and tanks. Take a look here.
Creating close working relationships with ALL my business partners was key to successful manufacturing from pattern making, cut ‘n sew, heat seals, labeling, packaging, etc. basically those suppliers who offer trusted and efficient services. Staying close to the design and development phase continues to be relevant as I grow my start-up business and introduce new designs.
As I tweaked designs and patterns throughout the prototype phase and beyond, I researched national manufacturers* and decided to work with GO-Local manufactures who were willing to cut ‘n sew a unique pattern that uses magnets for bra side-closure, as example, plus other unique style characteristics which distinguish our brand from others. I needed suppliers who were willing to partner with me on an entire collection including bras, panties and other post-surgical undergarments providing consistency with the styles and packaging. I found this to be imperative with decision-making to ensure high-end quality was not compromised with the manufacturing process.
While I’m often asked – “well, why didn’t you produce overseas?” That response has always been simple – “it may sound great – but I won’t compromise quality over product cost”. In the long run, I’ve learned it’s best to test the waters locally as a start-up entrepreneur and I’ve found manufacturing locally has served its purpose. I have local inventory on-hand to deliver product to consumers TODAY, without the headache many companies are experiencing during this worldwide crisis.
There is always a cost in doing business. So whether you are a start-up or an established company, think about how you may source and develop your product to set you apart from your competitors. Overseas production includes extra shipping and handling costs, with order size and weight, often far exceeding the design and development costs for the product order when made abroad, and sometimes difficulty with the time differences and language barriers. Add to that time involved with shipping delays – where you might experience 30-60 days production with a local manufacture and anywhere from 3 – 6 months production with an extended 6 weeks min. for shipping with overseas manufactures. Once you’ve factored in all these costs and the time you lost from design to market introduction, your product could be obsolete before it hits the shelves. As styles in the apparel industry change frequently and seasonally, be prepared to plan ahead and take all these factors into consideration. Bottom line these factors add to your overall production costs.
In the end, you can see why overseas manufacturing may not be as simple as one would think. it’s just not for everyone. So whether you are shopping on Amazon while home the next few weeks or elsewhere, look where the products are made. Costs and quality make a difference. GO Local vs GO Overseas should not be comprised especially during volatile times with this worldwide healthcare crisis. Be prudent when you choose your new suppliers and partners -- look at all factors.
It’s all about providing a service to your clients with a top brand that is sustainable for all.
I couldn’t be happier with our product line for CRISSCROSS Collection – post-surgical Bras, Briefs, Thongs, Pouches, and our Men’s Vests were made for Survivors and designed by Jean Criss, Breast Cancer Survivor and Made in the USA! We also offer a variety of organic accessories and other third-party products and designs. CRISSCROSS manufactures locally in the New York City garment district with offices adjacent at Bryant Park. If you’d like to schedule an appointment to preview our Collection or would like to discuss future designs, distribution or licensing programs, please give us a call. We look forward to hearing from you and having you as a customer, new partner or retailer/e-retailer.
For a virtual personal styling appointment with Jean Criss, certified Bra Fitter and a promotional discount or free shipping, contact us! Preview our lovely collection and let us know how you feel about products Made in America. We’d love to hear from you at jean@crisscrossintimates.com or call us at 908/917-7969. Press or media inquiries, contact info@crisscrossintimates.com. Wishing you all the breast! Jean
Seeking funding from angel investors – company information may be found at www.startup.com/crisscross-intimates or www.fundable.com/crisscross-intimates.
Licensing and equity partnerships are available.
*reference Maker’s Row article: Going Local: Selecting a Manufacture as a Start-Up
