CIA World Tour Tee
For the sake of sustainability, all of our apparel is made to order. From the date of order we plan for 2-3 weeks for processing, production and fulfillment.
FAQ
Do you ship overseas?
Yes, we ship all over the world. Shipping costs will apply, and will be added at checkout. We run discounts and promotions all year, so stay tuned for exclusive deals.
How long will it take to get my orders?
It depends on where you are. Most of our apparel is made to order.
Expect 3-4 weeks from order to processing and shipping. Orders processed here will take 5-7 business days to arrive. Overseas deliveries can take anywhere from 7-16 days.
Delivery details and tracking information will be provided once the order is fulfilled.
Is commodifying socialism harmful to the movement?
When it comes to this specific response I always think of a quote that Ashley Giblin shared with me.
“There is in fact no such thing as art for art’s sake, art that stands above classes, art that is detached from or independent of politics. Proletarian literature and art are part of the whole proletarian revolutionary cause.”
Art should be politicised for the sake of transmitting the socialist message. Comrade apparel is like walking memes, out in the world, expressing our ethos to those who think differently and presenting opportunities to connect with comrades around you.
Do we produce our products ethically?
Well firstly….There is no ethical consumption or production under capitalism. Despite that I’m trying to produce my garments in the most ethical and socialist way possible. Most printing I do myself, in house. For the printing I can’t do, a comrade who owns his own shop in Virgina does incredible work. Check his work out at Blackout Printing.
As for our garments…we source our blanks from one of two companies Comfort Colors and Bella + Canvas. All three of these companies purport to produce in fair wage factories, using sustainable methods and with sustainable US grown cotton. However they are still inherently exploitative and lack workplace democracy. We are currently searching for union/cooperative made garments that maintain our current fit and comfort level.
It is important to note that I am a single individual using their freelancing income to start this apparel brand and have limited ability to hold to all my ideals while producing in a way I can afford.
Separately, Comrade Workwear takes effort to donate a portion of profit to community organizations decided on or referred by our followers.
Is this just a grift exploiting the resurgence of socialism?
No, I’ve been a staunch and vocal communist since 2013. I went The New School focusing on Political Science, Economics and Capitalism Studies and had the opportunity to study with amazing socialists and radicals like Richard Wolff, Nancy Fraser, Johanna Oksala, Eli Zaretsky and Andreas Kalyvas.
Secondly Comrade Workwear is truly an outlet for all my passion for emancipatory politics. It is a medium that allows me to make art, educate and spread socialist ideals, and facilitate connection between other radicals. This is not a profit seeking venture, but it is my hope that I can grow this business to the point where I can focus on it full time. Im just an independent designer in Brooklyn that tries to make a living freelancing.