Manufacturing

For Pleat’s Sake: Another Super-Cool Factory Tour

A return visit to the Garment District to learn about another fascinating old-school trade. Plus a new Inconspicuous News Roundup!

Jul 30 • Paul Lukas

The Surprisingly Deep “Sanforized” Rabbit Hole

It’s a ubiquitous term on old clothing labels. But what does it mean, and why are there so many different versions of it?

Jul 16 • Paul Lukas

A Very Special Factory Tour

Seeing the last remaining American manufacturer of a highly specialized product — artificial fabric flowers — was a rare treat.

Apr 8 • Paul Lukas

My Personal Sign Shangri-La

I recently got to attend two amazing sign-related events in a 24-hour span. Plus a new Inconspicuous News Roundup and a whole lot more!

Oct 21, 2025 • Paul Lukas

A Masterpiece of Package Design

This vintage 1940s product is even more magnificent than it appears at first glance.

Oct 15, 2024 • Paul Lukas

Perforation Perfection

A deep dive on a 1958 catalog from a very niche-specific company.

Sep 11, 2024 • Paul Lukas

Pretzel Logic: The Twists and Turns of an Iconic Product

The language of this classic snack has slowly been corrupted.

Aug 1, 2024 • Paul Lukas

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