How does Camber, as a small and focused brand, maintain its uniqueness and quality in the world of fast fashion?
Barry Schwartz's philosophy and perseverance have not only enabled Camber to survive numerous difficulties, but have also earned it respect and followers in today's fashion world.
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We just received a package from the US. If you're a regular customer, a fan of heavyweight tees, or a Camber supporter, you might know that we only restock Camber about 3-4 times a year. As for when it will arrive, we can never be sure. It's almost like opening a blind box, because even if you pre-order, you only find out if it's in stock or out of stock when the package arrives. Even so, this brand always has a loyal following, and this time we received a package of Camber's Fall/Winter clothing:
Camber Maxweight Crew Cross Knit Sweater
Camber Maxweight Hoodies
Camber Max-Weight L/S Tee
I recently read a GQ article that highlighted Camber's story and its emphasis on sustainability and high-quality products. Below is a summary of the key points and a Chinese translation for your reference.
(Full article: https://www.gq.com/story/camber-the-worlds-best-hoodie )
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Camber is a Philadelphia-based apparel company founded in 1982 by Barry Schwartz, known for producing high-quality sweatshirts. He wanted to create a unique brand, so he began focusing on sweatshirts and launched his own signature chunky sweatshirt designs.
These hoodies have gained significant popularity in the market. Despite being relatively unknown, Camber's hoodies are recognized for their superior craftsmanship, using a unique Cross-Knit fabric made from American cotton. The company has faced numerous challenges, including natural disasters and global supply chain issues, but it has consistently adhered to quality and ethical manufacturing practices.
Business Philosophy:
Camber employs a wholesale-only business model, primarily selling to other retailers rather than directly to individual customers. Barry Schwartz grew up in a family clothing business; his father was also a tailor. He utilizes a small-scale operation model, emphasizing quality over quantity and avoiding overproduction to ensure product quality and sustainability. He does not accept rush orders, preferring to process all orders at a reasonable pace. Therefore, order wait times are long, reflecting the high demand for the products. These sweatshirts are known for their durability and comfort, often lasting for decades.
Schwartz has always insisted on manufacturing in the United States, not only out of a pursuit of quality but also out of his pride in American-made products. He refused to move production overseas, believing it would compromise the product's uniqueness. He not only increased the weight of materials but also raised the wholesale price from $9 to $12, a move that risked losing customers, but he believed that in the long run, quality would win the market. Barry Schwartz emphasizes the importance of manufacturing superior products without sacrificing quality and has never lost a customer in his decades-long business career. The brand has gained followers in the United States and internationally, especially in Japan and Europe, where American-made products are highly valued.
The Cross-Knit fabric of the Camber sweatshirt has several features that make it stand out in the market:
High-quality materials: The Cross-Knit fabric is made of 90% American cotton and 10% polyester, ensuring comfort and durability.
Weight: This fabric has a density of 12 ounces, which is heavier than a typical T-shirt fabric (about 5 oz), providing better warmth and a more durable feel.
Unique feel: The inside of the fabric is soft and fluffy, while the outside is dry and tough, similar to canvas, which increases its durability.
Durable: Camber's hoodies are designed for long-lasting use, with products lasting for over twenty years, making them highly sought after in the market.
Changes after washing: The fabric will initially be slightly loose, but after several washes it will shrink back to a fit and become softer over time.
The Camber sweatshirt is not only superior in function, but also widely recognized for its comfort and style. Its very thick texture makes the overall silhouette, including the hood, more structured when worn, and the fleece lining ensures effective warmth in the dead of winter. The body side panels (ribbed fabric) recreate details of traditional hooded sweatshirts from 1930s and 40s New York City, not only for aesthetics but also to effectively maintain the sweatshirt's shape and increase freedom of movement, while also minimizing shrinkage issues.
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Barry Schwartz's story is one of perseverance, quality, and pride. He not only created a successful brand but also maintained its uniqueness in a highly competitive market. His success stems from his passion for the product and his commitment to his customers, making Camber a symbol of high-quality sportswear.
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