“I found a connection in a pair of original World War II khakis I found at an Army surplus store while I was in college. They were remarkably comfortable, deep pocketed, and put together to withstand just about anything. Today’s khakis paled in comparison. We could put a man on the moon, but couldn’t make khakis like we did 50 years ago, I thought. Someone had to save this small but symbolic piece of Americana. The idea of starting a company that captured and celebrated the American ideal took on such great philosophical importance to me that I quit my advertising job in Chicago and moved home to Reading, Pennsylvania, to start Bills Khakis. The year was 1990. Who said it can’t be done in America today?”
– Bill Thomas
