[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 105 (Wednesday, July 8, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Page S4838]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           RECOGNIZING HASPEL

 Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, small businesses can often 
influence American culture and provide rich traditions that we 
celebrate for decades to come. Born out of the unique features of their 
hometowns, these businesses have become an important part of our 
history. The ``Throwback Thursday'' Small Business of the Week, Haspel 
of New Orleans, LA has created an all-American brand of clothing that 
has supported domestic enterprise and manufacturing.
  In 1909, Joseph Haspel Sr. created his namesake seersucker brand to 
help Louisianians cope with the Mighty Mississippi's heat and humidity. 
Haspel recognized the need for versatile, lightweight clothing that 
could be worn during both the summer days and evenings. He based the 
puckered cloth off of a similar design used by workers in India, where 
the fabric was originally used to make overalls and laboring clothes. 
Haspel soon realized that a wide variety of folks could benefit from 
the innovative design--not simply just the day laborers for which the 
design was initially intended. From here, the seersucker business suit 
was born and quickly became a popular icon of the southern gentleman, 
worn at jazz concerts and cocktail parties alike. The style spread 
farther north and eventually solidified its place as an emblem of 
sophistication, having outfitted nearly every President since Calvin 
Coolidge. Haspel is now in its fourth generation as a family-owned 
business and continues to provide lightweight and stylish clothing 
across the country.
  Joseph Haspel centered his brand on the unique culture of New Orleans 
and southern Louisiana. In addition to providing a cloth that would 
help people stay cool throughout the summer, he was committed to 
crafting clothes that were enjoyable to wear. To demonstrate his wash-
and-wear fabric, Haspel supposedly jumped into the Atlantic Ocean in 
his suit, hung it up to dry, and wore it to an event later that 
evening. His commitment to durable, comfortable clothing has attracted 
loyal customers for over 100 years. This wash-and-wear material is used 
today for everything from suits to shorts.
  Congratulations again to Haspel for being selected as the ``Throwback 
Thursday'' Small Business of the Week. Thank you for your continued 
embodiment of Louisiana culture and dedication to 100 percent made-in-
America quality clothing.

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