At a time when much of the world’s clothing is being made in Asia, where low cost labor keeps prices down, a lot of textile industry has left the United States. But the state of Michigan has the creativity, industrial space, workforce, manufacturing experience and raw material to make a go at becoming a garment industry hub.

In some cases, it could be more cost effective to manufacture clothes in the US, depending on the price point and the time it takes to manufacture and ship. One way Michigan can find a niche and compete with foreign companies is through its supply chain infrastructure that is already developed, thanks to the auto industry.

For garments that cost $150 to $200, Michigan can actually be competitive based on tax incentives, inexpensive space, and even with the labor costs. And the state’s fiber producers and processors can provide raw materials for textiles, such as alpaca wool and camel hair.

Many US fashion designers have been looking at domestic manufacturing facilities because they can’t continue making all the items in addition to designing, marketing, distributing and everything else associated with a clothing line. They would prefer to partner with a Michigan factory so that they can more easily check on the work and make adjustments.