Made in Prison

A few weeks ago an ACL reader emailed me a link to Kentucky Correctional Industries, who makes Dickies style workwear, furniture and even mattresses using incarcerated workers in the state of Kentucky’s prison system. As you would imagine — thanks to the super depressed labor cost the — KCI prices are dirt cheap. (One of these days I’m going to order some pants etc., and try them out just for the hell of it.) Now I have to admit, KCI is one of the stranger um, “brands” that has been suggested for my American List. Then today I discovered the Hamburg, Germany based Haeftling, who makes a collection of “jail wear.” No joke. Most of the clothes look pretty average (the items shot on models look downright freaky), but the metal cafeteria tray and wool blanket look pretty cool. The Haeftling products aren’t actually made by prison labor, but the line does draw its inspiration from jail attire. That is one type of manufacturing that you don’t have to worry about being sent offshore since there is no cheaper labor than prison labor. Gives new meaning to Folsom prison blues now doesn’t it.