Let’s talk about that hoodie you’re eyeing — the one that promises peak performance and street cred. Ever wondered why it’s priced the way it is?
Spoiler: it’s not just about the fabric or the logo. There’s a silent player affecting the price of nearly every piece of athletic gear you see on the shelves: tariffs.
📈 The Tariff Trap: What’s Really Going On?
Tariffs are basically taxes that governments place on imported goods. And in the world of apparel, they’ve quietly become a major part of the pricing game.
In the U.S., the average tariff on apparel imports jumped from 14.5% in 2024 to 30.6% in 2025 — a massive increase. While those numbers apply to the States, the impact crosses borders, including right here in Canada. Big brands that manufacture overseas now pay way more just to get product into North America, and those extra costs? They land squarely on you.
The wild part? Those higher prices don’t reflect better quality. You’re not paying for premium fabric or next-level stitching — you’re just covering the tax bill.
That’s like dropping $200 on a pair of sneakers, but instead of getting better grip or cushioning, all you got was the same sole — just with extra shipping and a customs stamp. No performance boost. No edge on the court. Just added cost.
🧵 Courtside Six: Playing a Different Game with a Different Purpose
At Courtside Six, we’re doing things differently. While many brands are offshoring to dodge costs (and still jacking up prices), we’re building everything right here in Canada.
Why?
Because we believe in putting money where it actually matters — into the quality of our product, into ethical labour, and back into our community.
- Made in Canada – We produce our gear locally, which helps avoid inflated import costs and lets us focus on craftsmanship.
- Premium Organic Materials – We use organic cotton and sustainable fabrics that perform on and off the court.
- Transparent Pricing – Every dollar you spend goes into the product — not into shipping containers, tariffs, or overseas markups.
This isn’t fast fashion. It’s purpose-built streetwear made by people who live and breathe this game. Whether you're hooping at practice, walking into class, or hanging with your crew, you’re repping something real.
🇨🇦 Why Buying Canadian Matters More Than Ever
Buying Canadian-made isn’t just patriotic — it’s smart.
Here’s what you’re actually doing when you invest in locally made clothing:
- 🏗 Strengthening Local Economies – Your dollars stay in Canadian hands, supporting jobs, families, and small businesses.
- 🌎 Lowering Environmental Impact – Local production reduces shipping distances, fuel emissions, and waste.
- 🤝 Upholding Ethical Standards – We work with real people under real regulations, not factories that cut corners on wages or working conditions.
At a time when prices are going up but value isn’t, every decision you make as a consumer counts more than ever. You can either feed the system — or fuel something better.
🔥 Final Whistle: Why This All Matters
Big brands will keep producing overseas, paying tariffs, and passing the cost onto you — without adding an ounce of extra value. They’ve got scale, but they’ve lost their soul.
Courtside Six is different. We’re not chasing trends or padding margins. We’re crafting something that represents your hustle, your pride, and your place in the game.
So whether you’re gearing up for the next season, walking through campus, or just looking for something that feels like you...
Choose gear that works as hard as you do. Choose Courtside Six.
🛒 Ready to rep the culture?
Shop our latest drop now at CourtsideSix.com and experience the difference Canadian-made streetwear makes — on and off the court.