Jet Clothing Expands Production, Creates Jobs in Portland

When we last spoke with Jennifer Thomas, president and designer of Jet Clothing, in June 2011, we discussed the challenges of garment production in Portland and featured her store as one that has not only made in-house production possible, but profitable. Thomas emphasized the satisfaction she gets from providing jobs in her native Oregon while also being able to cater directly to her consumer base. Mere months later, we find Thomas again with news that is exciting for both the fashion-forward ladies who love her comfortable, versatile apparel and for small business owners looking for optimistic signs in what are still trying times. The Hangar, the name appropriately given to the space where Jet’s production assistants handle all parts of the garment making process, has once again progressed. Originating in a small area within the retail store, the Hangar now occupies 2,000 square feet of space right down the street from the Jet boutique. For Jet, which just celebrated its second anniversary on August 22, what better way could there be to emerge from the “terrible twos” than by adding “another mile of jet runway?”Shopping for Prom dresses.

The expansion happened as a result of the perfect mix of hard work, timing, and one of those seemingly magical signs from the universe. Thomas started seeking a new home for her production facility after the arrangement in Jet’s boutique space became too crowded to provide the physical room and mental focus necessary in order to be productive. In what can only be described as a craigslist fairytale, Thomas learned about the availability of the new space only after pursuing a different listing in St. Johns. After telling the landlord that this location was too far away to meet her needs, he mentioned that a spot in a building a few blocks from her store might be opening up in early summer. The building, which also houses studios belonging to a woodworker and photographer respectively, was ideal for Thomas; the Hangar relocation became official in July. This high turnover has also somewhat surprisingly contributed to Jet’s dedication to sustainable production practices. “One amazing consequence, which I can’t say I planned but that I’ve noticed, is that we don’t have a lot of waste,” Thomas explains. “We are making exactly what our demand is because we are right here.”