Ruth Tillman's blog post "All Clothing is Handmade (2022)" argues that the distinction between "handmade" and "machine-made" clothing is a false dichotomy. All clothing, whether crafted by an individual artisan or produced in a factory, involves extensive human labor throughout its lifecycle, from design and material sourcing to manufacturing, shipping, and retail. The post uses the example of a seemingly simple t-shirt to illustrate the complex network of human effort required, emphasizing the skills, knowledge, and labor embedded within each stage of production. Therefore, "handmade" shouldn't be understood as a category separate from industrial production but rather a recognition of the inherent human element present in all clothing creation.
In a thought-provoking 2022 essay entitled "All Clothing is Handmade," author Ruth Tillman meticulously deconstructs the pervasive yet often unexamined notion of automation in the garment industry. Tillman posits that even in the context of seemingly fully automated clothing production processes, which utilize sophisticated machinery and robotic systems, the indelible mark of human labor remains deeply embedded within each garment. The argument hinges on the understanding that these complex machines themselves are products of human ingenuity and craftsmanship, requiring extensive design, development, maintenance, and operation by skilled individuals. Furthermore, the entire supply chain, from the extraction of raw materials to the eventual distribution and sale of finished clothing items, is a complex network orchestrated and facilitated by human efforts.
Tillman elaborates on this concept by highlighting the crucial role of human decision-making throughout the entire production lifecycle. From the conceptualization of designs and selection of fabrics to the programming of automated machinery and quality control procedures, human intervention is indispensable. She argues that the perceived dichotomy between handmade and machine-made is a false one, as even the most technologically advanced production systems ultimately rely on human intelligence and labor for their efficacy.
The essay further explores the implications of this perspective on our understanding of value and labor within the fashion industry. By acknowledging the inherent "handmade" nature of all clothing, Tillman encourages a reevaluation of the often-devalued labor that underpins the industry, particularly within the context of exploitative practices and unfair compensation that are often prevalent in global garment production. Ultimately, "All Clothing is Handmade" serves as a potent reminder of the human cost embedded within every piece of clothing we wear and prompts a more nuanced appreciation for the complex network of human endeavor that brings these garments into existence.
Summary of Comments ( 129 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43450515
Hacker News users generally agreed with the premise of the article—that all clothing involves human labor somewhere along the line, even if highly automated—and discussed the implications. Some highlighted the devaluing of human labor, particularly in the fashion industry, with "fast fashion" obscuring the effort involved. Others pointed out the historical context of clothing production, noting how technologies like the sewing machine shifted, rather than eliminated, human involvement. A compelling comment thread explored the distinction between "handmade" and "hand-crafted", suggesting that the latter implies artistry and design beyond basic construction, and questioned whether "machine-made" is truly a separate category. Some users argued the author's point was obvious, while others appreciated the reminder about the human cost of clothing. A few comments also touched on the environmental impact of clothing production and the need for more sustainable practices.
The Hacker News post titled "All clothing is handmade (2022)" generated several comments discussing the nuances of the author's argument that all clothing is handmade, even when machines are involved.
Some commenters debated the definition of "handmade." One commenter argued that the term implies a lack of machine involvement, while others pointed out that even machine-made clothing requires human intervention at various stages, from designing and programming the machines to maintaining and operating them. This led to a discussion about the degree of human involvement required for something to be considered "handmade," with some suggesting a spectrum rather than a binary categorization. The example of a 3D-printed garment was brought up, prompting discussion on where it falls on this spectrum.
Several commenters focused on the economic implications of the author's argument. They discussed how acknowledging the human labor involved in all clothing production could lead to a greater appreciation for garment workers and potentially influence consumers' purchasing decisions. One commenter suggested that the term "handmade" carries a certain cachet and higher price tag, and questioned whether this should apply to all clothing.
The discussion also touched upon the historical context of clothing production. One commenter mentioned the Luddite movement and its resistance to automation, connecting it to the modern debate about the role of machines in manufacturing. Another commenter pointed out that even before the Industrial Revolution, tools were used in clothing production, blurring the lines between handmade and machine-made.
A few commenters expressed skepticism about the author's central thesis, finding it overly simplistic or even misleading. They argued that the distinction between handmade and machine-made is important and that conflating the two diminishes the significance of truly handcrafted garments.
Finally, some commenters appreciated the author's perspective for raising awareness about the labor involved in clothing production, even if they didn't fully agree with the "all clothing is handmade" statement. They saw it as a valuable thought experiment that encourages consumers to think more critically about the origins of their clothes.