Making Tees in Detroit
About Soft Goods Manufacturing
Our tees are cut and sewn in Detroit, Michigan, in partnership with Soft Goods Manufacturing, an independent garment factory founded by Josh York in 2017.
Detroit is one of America's great manufacturing cities. For generations, it has been a place where skilled tradespeople built things meant to last, powered by a culture that values precision, pride, and hard work.
Soft Goods is part of that tradition. Based in Corktown, Detroit's oldest neighborhood, the factory is run by a tight-knit team of experienced makers who cut, sew, and finish garments every day with a deep respect for the craft.
Like Plain Jane New York, Soft Goods is proudly independent and bootstrapped. Over the years they've quietly built a reputation for producing exceptional garments for some of the best brands in the market — all while keeping production rooted in Detroit. We're also proud to be the first womenswear brand to partner with them.
We're proud to work with people who believe that making things well — and making them to last — still matters.
Interview
In Conversation with Josh York, Founder of Soft Goods Manufacturing
Shifting production to Detroit was a big decision. We would only consider a move to the US if we found a partner who could add genuine value. Once we met Josh, it felt like kismet — not just because we're all from Michigan, but because of how closely our values aligned. From fabric behavior to construction choices, this partnership is about working side by side to make better decisions. The shirt you love stays the same. What's behind it gets better.
— Anna, co-founder of Plain Jane New York
On Partnership
You don't partner with everyone. What made partnering with Plain Jane New York feel right?
I like the approach you all are taking. Going slow and steady and building community and brand the right way. You care about the product and being sustainable, and you're not rushing things for short-term gains. You value quality and the story behind a product.
What kinds of partnerships feel most rewarding to you?
People that share our values. When we can make a great and special product together and tell the story of how and why it came to be, that's the best partnership for us.
How did Plain Jane's one-product-at-a-time approach resonate with you?
I did the same thing with my business. I started with t-shirts and slowly built up an assortment. I actually went too wide a couple of times and had to reign it back in. Now we know what we do well and what we don't, and we try to stick within that scope. It seems like the PJNY team had a better vision from the start of how to keep it tight.
Making T-Shirts
People think a white t-shirt is "simple." From a manufacturing perspective, what actually makes it hard?
Making any clothing is super challenging. There are dozens of inputs that go into a garment, even something as simple as a t-shirt. People expect it to be basic, so it's really easy to notice if anything isn't on point.
Using natural fibers makes it even trickier. Every crop of cotton can behave differently, and you have to account for those differences every time you cut a new tee. We also learned during sampling that different kinds of bleach can change the cast of the white color. There are so many variables throughout the process that all need to be closely watched to deliver a consistent product.
What do you look for to tell if a garment will age well?
Fabric is the first thing. I hate polyester garments that you can tell are going to pill after a wash or two. A good, tight-knit cotton is my favorite. Construction matters too. Clean stitching and properly finished seams are usually a good indicator that something will hold up.
You once made a new t-shirt every day until you got it right. What was the biggest challenge?
Collars. Sewing a stretchy rib fabric to a less stretchy body fabric really tripped me up. What finally worked was sewing the collar with a binding attachment on a coverstitch machine instead of a serger. It made the process more consistent and gave the collar more longevity, making it less likely to "bacon neck." It's the same collar style we're working toward for the PJNY tee.
What do you think brands owe their customers?
Honesty and transparency. There's so much marketing jargon in clothing that it's hard to know what's really true, even for me. Don't overcomplicate it. Be honest about what you're making and how it serves a purpose.
Detroit Manufacturing
What's misunderstood about American manufacturing?
A lot of people don't realize how fragmented it is. You might find a factory that can assemble a garment, but certain yarns or trims don't exist stateside. That means longer timelines and fewer options. Often the best way to get the result you want is to be creative or figure it out yourself.
What Detroit value shows up in the garments you make?
They're understated and hardworking. We're not flashy and we're not a fashion brand. Our garments aren't for one special occasion. They're what people reach for day in and day out. We've had our clothes worn to proposals and to hospitals when kids are born. Being dependable in those moments is more special to me than creating something just for show.
Finish this sentence: A good t-shirt should…
Be with you through all of life's ups and downs, no questions asked.