by Jan Wolbrecht | Jan 21, 2025 | Fashion Friday Concealed Carry style & Tips, Uncategorized
With a new administration taking office and many expected changes, particularly when it comes to foreign trade. President Trump is all about Making America Great Again and our domestic workforce, taking care of Americans and ability to provide for their families. One thing is for sure that will be in focus over the coming months or year is a return to American manufacturing, Why is this significant and why it should matter.
What you most people don’t consider when purchasing products and why being “Made in America” really does matter for our future and our economy! Most of us shop online, but not all eCommerce business are equal. There is licensing, trademarks, shipping, manufacturing, packaging and the list goes on.
Have you ever bought from a company and wondered WHEN IT was going to arrive? Have you purchased from Shein and Temu? If so, chances are you understand it ain’t no Amazon shipping!
These companies are considered “De minimis.
First of all, the meaning of de minimis. It simply means of little value or insignificant value. The threshold for insignificant value in the case of packages crossing the U.S. border is $800.00. So some 4,000,000 packages a day pay no tariff or taxes.
Shei and Temu are responsible for more than a million packages a day and those packages pay no tariff or taxes. There is no review or audit that is applicable to de minimis shipments. This makes de minimis an ideal vehicle for smugglers.
Do you want a Gibson Electric Guitar that is not really a Gibson? Just google Chinese Gibson guitar and you are in business. Of course, the guitar you will receive is likely to be barely playable. Trademark violation and consumers getting cheated all in one package.” says Jay Arbetman of the Sourcing District.
Let’s say you are sewing in Kentucky where the federal minimum wage ($7.25) is applicable. Approximately 20 states have no minimum state wage so the $7.25 federal minimum is applicable. That will compare to the less than $2.00 an hour that many factory workers are paid in China. Many, though not all states, have state minimum wages far more than the federal minimum. Some city minimum wages range up to and over $20.00 an hour. Frankly, it is a miracle that anything gets sewn here.
How is this affecting retail stores? Let’s say you buy a dress from Shein and it is $19.99. If say, J.C. Penney goes to that factory, they may get a bulk discount and they may be shipping more efficiently. They will however work under the burden of tariffs and taxes that same dress from Shein is not subject to. Let’s say for example J. C. Penney pays $9.75 for the $19.99 Shein dress. That is likely to land in their warehouse for about $17.00. Then, J.C. Penney, puts the dress into their retail stores for say $39.99. None of this is precise but you get the idea. This is a very generalized description. “The devil is in the details”. At the end of the day, de minimis shipments enter the United States with less information than other imports and are not subject to duties and taxes.
An even more bizarre twist is that the factory in Kentucky or a distributor will then send the dress to you, and you will pay $15.00 or more in UPS or FEDEX ground charges. An American consumer can buy a “12 pack” of shipping coupons from Shein for less than $48.00. Ship it a few hundred miles. $15.00+. Ship halfway around the world. $4.00. How much sense does this make?
The truth is “you get what you pay for”. Price is a direct relationship with quality; the lower the price – the lower the quality. These de minimis companies are able to ship any order(s) to one single address a day without paying tariffs as long as it’s under the $800 threshold! This is a much higher threshold than other countries. I imagine with the new administration, this threshold will come down. But in the meantime, this hurts our big box retailers (because their purchases are in bulk or wholesale (think of how much Macy’s or The Gap buys at one time for all of their retail stores) and are subject to the import tariffs.
While anyone can purchase through these online stores direct from Chinese merchants through Temu, Shein and other trading companies, at super low prices because of poor working environments, cheap labor (or child labor). In these foreign countries, they don’t honor or regard one’s Intellectual Property such as their design or trademarks and there’s little to no enforcement. So, they steal your creation and under cut you as a business and sell a poor quality knock off – with your brand identity attached to it!
On the surface, import taxes might look harsh but reality is actually setting up American business, American manufacturers, American farmers and producers to be successful, profitable and to thrive and grow. This stimulates our economy and The U.S. in becoming more self substantiating, independent and a free country.
If you value ethical and humane treatment of workers and their environment, quality craftsmanship, you might want to take another look at your buying habits, and Buy Made in America! Put America first and the American people. The next time you see fabric or apparel made in the USA, stand up and applaud the makers who manage to succeed with an environment that is opposed to their success.
We believe in America being strong, independent and a free nation. We use American fabrics and materials as much as possible to manufacture at home in the USA! Shop Incognito Wear IX for your concealed carrywear. Never be a victim because of style.
by Jan Wolbrecht | Dec 16, 2024 | Fashion Friday Concealed Carry style & Tips, Gift Ideas for Holidays
Gift ideas for those who carry, for those who travel and for those who never want to be a victim.
American made concealed carry clothing gives you confidence that you can carry on – body without getting called out by “Karen”.
Clothing designed by a woman who was VERY self conscious about dressing around a firearm. But not any longer – I’m armed, fashionable & Incognito. And you can too!
https://youtu.be/4Cb3XNkoVug
by Jan Wolbrecht | Dec 8, 2024 | Fashion Friday Concealed Carry style & Tips, Gift Ideas for Holidays
Let’s face it, we all have at least one person on our Christmas Gift List that’s hard to buy.
The scenario is something like this: They have “everything” already, or they don’t need anything. So you struggle to find something every year. Let this year be easy!
The Best gift for the person you think has everything; get them the ALL WRAPPED UP poncho! It’s great for travel, or to take along for a cool night walk, date night or for those chilly restaurants or stores.
It’s lightweight but adds an extra layer for warmth.
If you’re new to concealed carry, this is a must have item as it hides your firearm from scrutinizing eyes while allowing quick access to your gun should you ever need it.
Empowering you to be a well-dressed stylish woman who is armed and will protect herself.
Encouraging you to be armed, fashionable and Incognito because you are worthy.
Shop this sweater
by Jan Wolbrecht | Nov 25, 2022 | Fashion Friday Concealed Carry style & Tips, Gift Ideas for Holidays
We all have “that family member”. That family member that is soo hard to buy for. We’ve giving you some gift ideas to solve this problem of “”What to get the gun enthusiast for Christmas!
It’s a personal decision on how you plan to enforce protection for yourself and your property. At some point, you’ll make a decision about concealing a firearm and non lethal tools for self defense. So, we here at Incognito Wear IX, understand that concealing a handgun changes your wardrobe and we’ve designed clothing Just For you … and the gun enthusiast!
Of course, concealed carry clothes are always a hit (30 day returns / exchanges)
What woman doesn’t want new Bling?! You can always put a smile on her face with our jewelry options. From silver plated hammered wide cuff bracelets and leather rhinestones and leather life inspired metal bracelets, rings and necklaces
For the “I refuse to wear a belt” person; our Strix Bellyband not only holds a firearm but plenty of pockets for lipstick, keys and cash / cards. Wear this instead of carrying a purse
Looking for a gun purse? We have a new selection of concealed carry purses with designated compartment for your firearm.
Stocking stuffers items like
When you don’t know what to get – Incognito Wear IX Gift Card in increments of $25.00, buy and download and Give.
Merry Christmas and working hard to keep you safe while being fashionable and incognito. When you are concealed carry, you’ll never be a victim because of style.
by Jan Wolbrecht | Nov 15, 2022 | Fashion Friday Concealed Carry style & Tips, Guns and Politics, Uncategorized
It’s the best time of the year!
There’s sooo many reasons to love this time of the year!
For starters, lets say the Clothing While I’m not a fan of cold weather, I do like to see all the new sweaters and winter items. From great boots and legging, corduroy and let’s not forgot about the holiday festive dresses.
If you’re a new gun owner and considering about learning, or rather getting used to the idea of carrying, you’re going to love this time of the year!
Winter and cold weather clothing make it very easy to begin this new journey. The style, the thickness of fabrics naturally hide the firearm from others being able to notice it.
Another reason to love this time of the year, is BLACK FRIDAY SALES!

I’d like to take this time to encourage you to buy from small business, yes, even Incognito Wear IX. This year our Black Friday is a throw back to tradition. ONE DAY DEALS- FRIDAY! …UNLESS, you get on our the Early Access list.
As we look to support others at this giving season, let’s remember to support those who give back, to your community and buy from small businesses.
Personally, I love helping you feel confident about protecting your life. I love that my clothing helps you do it, without looking like you are carrying. Clothing that’s practical; not Tactical. I love making Clothing and holsters that are Made in America. I love supporting American workers.
I love this season! I love the food. I love Hallmark Christmas movies. I love celebrating the Birth of Jesus, my Savior. I love spending time with friends and family.
Enjoy the season. Stay focused. As wonderful as this time of year is, there are others out there looking for an easy victim. Make sure you aren’t one but staying alert, aware and don’t leave valuables visible in you car.
Keep your doors (car, home) locked.
Be stylish, armed and incognito. It’s the most wonderful time of the year!
Visit IncognitoWearix.com and add your name to our early access list to shop on Thanksgiving Day!
by Jan Wolbrecht | Mar 10, 2022 | Fashion Friday Concealed Carry style & Tips
With warmer weather on the way. As the seasons change, so do hair styles. This spring, grab the gel and slick back your hair! Slicked back buns will put you on point. Messy bun, top bun, side bun, chignon bun…. all the options for any occasion 🙂
You’ll find one of the Hottest trends with Slicked backed buns.
A bun doesn’t have to be a nape of the neck, it can even be on top. For simple instructions for making a bun, you have to start with a good old fashion pony tail. Gather all your hair at the back of your head and secure with elastic band.
“You can either craft a bun or use a donut. Both have their pros and cons — a donut will give you that perfect bun look. Simply wrap your ponytail around the donut, making sure the donut isn’t shown, and tuck any extra hair into the bun with bobby pins.
A makeshift bun, on the other hand, is more of a freestyle. Wrap your ponytail around in clockwise motions and secure it down with extra rubber bands and bobby pins. And, there you have it — get ready to rock this chic look.”
One small vocabulary lesson on buns, cause I didn’t realize this! Buns Can be Chignons BUT Chignons ARE NOT Buns.
Buns aren’t located in a fixed spot like chignons.
Read more on hair tips and tricks