Made in China- do we care?

[tulip]

Now, I wish that I were able to buy bikse that were made here as well... I was able to a few years ago, but not any more

Sure there are! But you have to be willing to pay the price to support US workers. There are small shops, and smaller shops. Terry (some of theirs are made by Waterford), Waterford, Bike Friday, and a whole host of small framebuilders.

When we put your money where our mouth is, we often have to put more money there, or take it away from some other budget category.

Arialmoon, I don't know about a vest for you. For winter riding gear, I tend to go to Goodwill for my layers (old cashemere sweaters make the best cycling layers for really cold riding), but cycling specific clothing is rarely available there. So I do what I can to buy the best quality, and only buy what I really need (an ongoing process).