Digital Printing & Imaging Association (DPI) members are at the forefront of companies that embrace the promise of new technology and play an important part in creating an ongoing imaging revolution. DPI exists for them, and for others looking to join digital imaging’s wave of change. From digital printers to screen printers to photo labs; textile printers to reprographic shops, the benefit of DPI membership is the same: direct access to the information you need to keep your company strong.  They are associated with Screen Printing & Graphic Imaging Association International (SGIA)

  Embroidery Trade Association [ETA] (USA) : Non-profit membership organization for professionals and companies in the North American embroidery industry. Link to trade show calendar, educational materials, buyers guide and federal trade database. The mission of Embroidery Trade Association is to strengthen the commercial embroidery business through member education, representation, networking, research and consumer outreach.

  EURATEX - The European Apparel and Textile Organisation :  EURATEX's main objective is to promote the interests of its members while taking into account the European Union's institutional framework and its international obligations. As the voice of the European textile and clothing industry, EURATEX's main objective is to create an environment with in the European Union which is conducive to the manufacture of textile and clothing products. Its headquarters in Brussels are within touching distance of the major decision-making bodies of the EU, at Commission, Parliament and Council level. In this context, the major areas of concern to EURATEX over recent years have been: to ensure the smoothest possible transition into the quota-free era, to promote a further expansion of the EU exports of textiles and clothing, to promote legislation and its application in the field of intellectual property, to support measures which enhance environmental protection but which are at the same time acceptable to the industry, to promote and participate in research, development, innovation and other educational or social projects which bring value added to the industry at European level, to engage in a constructive social dialogue at EU level with our social partners, and to disseminate economic and statistical data to the membership.

  European Association of Textile Polyolefins : EATP is the European Association established to promote and develop the interests of manufacturers of Textile Polyolefins.

  Fashion Association, The (TFA) : Founded in 1955, THE FASHION ASSOCIATION is the not-for-profit public relations arm of the apparel industry, representing hundreds of manufacturers, retailers, designers and textile producers in both men’s and women’s apparel. TFA, a membership organization, provides fashion and business news stories to newspapers, magazines, TV and radio networks nationally and around the world.

  Fashion Center, The :  The Fashion Center Business Improvement District, a not-for-profit corporation, was established in 1993 to promote New York City's apparel industry and to improve the quality of life and economic vitality of Manhattan's garment district. Through programs in the areas of marketing and promotions, economic development, street services and improvements, and community service, efforts are aimed at ensuring New York's position as the fashion capital of the world.

  Fashion Design Council (FDCI) - India : Under its aegis, the FDCI will represent the interests of fashion designers. It will nurture the growth of this industry, help develop the needs of the industry, and provide a platform for Indian fashion designers. The Indian Fashion Industry, in international terms is embryonic. Expansion and awareness of the industry in India has leapt multifold in the last ten or twelve years of its existence. As the opportunities for designers grow and develop so will the need for such a council in India. Fashion Design Councils or Associations exist in all the primary fashion centers of the world. These councils were established to provide support and to benefit this vastly expanding and lucrative industry. In London, there is the British Fashion Council, in New York, the CFDA, and in Paris there is the Chambre Syndicale du Prêt-a-porter des Couturiers et des Createurs de Mode. The FDCI will form a cohesive platform for designers. Create representations between its members and related governmental bodies, retailers and manufacturers thereby making the supply chain a smoother process. The council will conceptualize market trends and coordinate with manufacturers and retailers for the development of fabrics, prints etc.

  Fashion Footwear Association of New York (FFANY) : FFANY's membership includes 800 of the most famous brand names in the footwear industry.

  Fashion From Spain - Trade Commission of the Embassy of Spain, New York (New York Office) Discover the new image of the fashion from Spain by accessing their web site, www.fashionfromspain.com, and subscribe to its weekly bulletin.  A constantly innovative force in the new face of fashion in Europe, Spain will surprise you with its high quality and excellent design offer. The Trade Commission of the Embassy of Spain in New York is an agency of the Government of Spain directly involved with the promotion of the fashion companies and products from Spain in the United States. For further information, please visit their website.

  Fashion Group International (FGI)  : Non-profit professional organization for fashion and related fields. Also open to fashion students

  Federation of Danish Textile & Clothing : Danish textile and clothing companies are among the most export oriented companies in the country. The industry’s total export is almost 70% of the turnover, which has been fairly growing during the 90ies. The FDTC has made it very easy for potential customers to find Danish suppliers  Address: Birk Centerpark 38, P.O. Box 507 DK-7400 Herning Tel: +45 97 11 72 00 Fax: +45 97 11 72 15 E-mail: info@textile.dk

  The Fiber Society (USA) :  Advancement of scientific knowledge pertaining to fibers, fiber products, and fibrous materials.  The Society was founded in 1941 and is incorporated as a nonprofit professional and scientific association. The general management and supervision of the Society is delegated to the Governing Council, which is elected by and from the membership.

  Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America

GAAHK :  Graphic Arts Association of Hong Kong was registered as a Non-Profit Organisation in accordance to Hong Kong law in September 1983, and as a limited company under the Companies Ordinance.

  Garment Contractors Association of Southern California : Represents professional garment contracting businesses of Southern California.

  Handweavers Guild of America : Dedicated to promoting textile arts and preserving textile heritage.

  Home Sewing Association : Since the 1920s, the Home Sewing Association (HSA) has represented the many facets of the home sewing industry. The Association brings together fabric, pattern, notions, fiber, craft, home decorating, publishing and sewing machine companies with manufacturers, retailers, educators, wholesalers and buying offices. In 1996, the Association merged with the International Sewing Machine Association (ISMA), an organization comprised of independent sewing machine dealers and distributors, creating the only organization representing the entire home sewing industry. Members meet at trade shows to exchange ideas, share information and showcase new products.  

  Illinois Retail Merchants Association : State retail organization that represents more than 23,000 stores of all sizes and merchandise lines.   Members include the nations largest chains as well as independent stores in towns across Illinois.

  INDA (See association of the non-woven fabrics industry)

  Indian Textile Association : directory of textile associations and apparel associations in India.  The Indian Textile Association had been developed by the Apparel Search Company.

  International Alpaca Association (IAA) : based in Peru, Non-profit trade organization of companies and breeders, involved in the production, processing and trade of alpaca fiber. Extensive article on properties and uses.

  International Apparel Federation (IAF) : Provides the leadership to bring together important apparel industry associations, trade groups and companies to further

  International Association of Clothing Designers and Executives (IACDE) : Address: 34 Thornton Ferry Rd. #1, Amherst NH 03031, USA Phone: 603-672-4065 Fax: 603-672-4064 E-mail: dmschmida@aol.com  Contact: David M. Schmida, Exec. Director

  International Fabricare Institute : The association of Drycleaners, Wetcleaners and Launderers. 

  International Fabrics Association International (IFAI): The Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) is a not-for-profit trade association with more than 2,000 member firms that represent the international technical fabrics marketplace. IFAI is the industry's largest, most comprehensive trade association, and provides a variety of products, services and programs.

  International Federation of Customs Brokers (IFCBA) : The International Federation of Customs Brokers Associations is building an infrastructure to raise international trade communication to new levels. This web service will embrace the new media to provide a bridge among member countries for information exchange, collaboration and interactivity.

  International Formalwear Association : Founded in 1973, the International Formalwear Association (formerly the American Formalwear Association) is the only alliance of all factors of the formalwear industry with formalwear specialists, wholesalers, and manufacturers from the United States, Canada, Mexico, Australia, Puerto Rico, England and Sweden, joined together to promote the use and acceptance of formalwear.

  The International Forum for Cotton Promotion (IFCP) is a non-governmental body composed of national and international cotton industry organizations. The mission of the IFCP is to encourage increased consumer demand for cotton through the implementation of national cotton demand enhancement programs. The Forum serves as a clearinghouse for information about proven techniques of cotton promotion, best practices in retail-level communication, and cost-effective measures of boosting consumer demand. e-mail: jeff@icac.org

• Textile Fiber Associations
• Cotton

  International Mass Retail Association : The International Mass Retail Association represents the mass retail industry--consumers' first choice for price, value and convenience.  Its membership includes the fastest growing retailers in the world--discount department stores, home centers, category dominant specialty discounters, catalogue showrooms, dollar stores, warehouse clubs, deep discount drugstores and off-price stores--and the suppliers who supply them with merchandise and services. IMRA retail members operate more than 106,000 American stores and employ millions of workers. One in every ten Americans works in the mass retail industry, and IMRA retail members represent over $411 billion in annual sales.

  International Quilt Association (USA): nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of the art of quilting, the attainment of public recognition for quilting as an art form, and the advancement of the state of the art throughout the world.

  International Rayon and Synthetic Fibres Committee (CIRFS) : based in Belgium, roof organization for the European man-made fiber industry. Classification and detailed descriptions for common fibers and their manufacturing processes. Business data. List of publications. Links to member sites.

  International Textile and Apparel Association (ITAA) : ITAA aims to advance excellence in scholarship and education in the textiles, apparel, and merchandising

  International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) :  is an international association for the world's textile industries.  They are dedicated to keeping its members continuously informed via surveys, studies and publications.  They also educate members through the organization of annual conferences, participating in the evolution of the industry's basic raw materials and their application, through specialised committees, with the overall objective of creating growth and prosperity in all aspects of the industry.  Director General, Dr. Herwig Strolz, can be e-mailed at the address herwig.strolz@itmf.org

  The Israel Textile & Fashion Association : For over 50 years, the Israel Textile & Fashion Association has been promoting the career developments of engineers, technologist, marketing and all other professionals within the Israeli Textile Industry. The Israeli affiliate of "The Textile Institute" and the Israeli chapter of the IFKT organization are integral parts of the Israel Textile & Fashion Association.

  Italian Association of Textile Producers (ACIMIT) [Italian Textile Machinery]

  IWA-Wool Bureau (NY) "The world of Wool" Association

  Japan Fashion Association (Japan) : their objective is to create a better life culture and to contribute to the development of life-style related industries overall.  In July 2006, Japan Fashion Color Association and Japan Fashion Association integrated and reborned as Incorporated Foundation Japan Fashion Association.   Address: Fukushima Bldg.6F, 1-5-3, Nihonbashi-Muromachi, Chuo-Ku, Tokyo, Japan 103-0022 Tel.: +81-3-3242-1677 Fax: +81-3-3242-1678

• Fashion Industry Association

  Japan Sewing Machinery Manufacturers Association (JASMA)

  Jute Manufactures Development Council (JMDC)   based in India. National agency for promotion and marketing of jute fiber products. Link to Indian Trade Classification Codes for jute products. Categorized product directories. Events calendar.

  La Compagnie De Bali : Production Agency established in Asia Specialized in diversified manufacturing In the clothing industry.

  Licensing Industry Merchandiser's Association (LIMA) :  is a not-for-profit organization of licensors, manufacturers, retailers and other support organizations working for the advancement of professionalism in licensing.  LIMA membership provides access to a broad variety of activities, information sources and benefits. Through regional, national and international events, seminars, exhibits and publications, LIMA is the worldwide advocate for anyone interested in learning about and working in the licensing business.
(Have you seen the Apparel Search licensing page?)

  Lithuanian Apparel and Textile Industry Association : Lithuanian Apparel and Textile Industry Association (former the Association of Light Industry Enterprises of Lithuania) joints 170 textile and textile articles, wearing apparel, dressing, leather and leather products enterprises that produce 80 % of the total industrial output of the light industry. The Association was established in 1991. In the beginning of 2002 it was renamed. This is an independent union of light industry enterprises and associate trade, services organisations as well as education institutions. Lithuanian Apparel and Textile Industry Association observes the Republic of Lithuania Law on Associations, the Statute of Lithuanian Apparel and Textile Industry Association as well as other standard acts. The Board (general meeting) is the supreme governing body of the Association. The Association Presidium - collegial body is the leading structure ensuring more efficient settlement of various urgent issues defined in the Association Statute.

  Mohair Council of America : To promote the general welfare of the mohair industry in this country.

  National Academy of Needlearts : Devoted to the advancement of embroidery as an art form. Its goal is to uphold the highest standards in the needle-arts

  National Association of College Stores :  NACS is a nonprofit trade association serving college and university bookstores in the United States, Canada, and 15 other countries. NACS has been serving collegiate retailers since 1923. Our membership has grown from 20 founding member stores to more than 3,100 member stores, with an additional 1,200 associate members whose companies supply merchandise and services to the nation's college stores.

  National Association. of Display Industries (NADI) :  NADI, based in Hollywood, Fla., is an international, not-for-profit association representing the visual merchandising industry since 1942. The association’s membership includes manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers involved in the visual merchandising industry.

  National Association of Retail Merchandising Services (NARMS) 

  National Association of Store Fixture Manufacturers (NASFM) :  Organized to raise the professional, educational, and ethical standards of the store fixture manufacturing industry, and to promote the value of members’ products and services to their customers.

  National Association of Uniform Manufacturers and Distributors (Naumd)

  National Childrenswear Association : The National Childrenswear Association of Great Britain and Ireland was established 60 years ago.  It's prime purpose then was to promote the welfare of all those engaged in the British Childrenswear Industry.  Today it remains the only National Association solely dedicated to promoting the Industry, both in the UK and abroad.

  National Cleaners Association : The National Cleaners Association (NCA) is the premier professional trade association dedicated to the welfare of well-groomed consumers and the professional cleaners and suppliers who serve them.  For over 50 years, NCA has been at the vanguard of education, research, and information distribution concerning garment and household fabric care. Elected officials, government agencies, consumer groups, fashion designers and major media outlets have recognized and responded to NCA’s activities, reports and tradition of excellence.Address: 252 W. 29th Street New York, NY 10001 phone: 212-967-3002 fax: 212-967-2240 email: NCAIclean@aol.com  or karla@nca-i.com  contact : Karla Clementson

  National Shoe Retailers of Associations (NSRA)

  The National Textile Center (NTC) : Is a research consortium of six universities:  Auburn University, Clemson University, Georgia Institute of Technology, North Carolina State University, UMass - Dartmouth and the Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science.   The institutions share human resources, equipment and facilities.  Serving the USA Fiber/Textile/Fabricated Products/Retail Complex, the NTC vision, mission and goals are realized through innovate research and links to other institutions

  Oeko-Tex Association [Oeko-Tex 100 standard]: In the late eighties, the Austrian Textile Research Institute ÖTI (Österreichische Textil-Forschungsinstitut) in Vienna, developed a testing scheme for textiles relating to harmful substances, the "ÖTN 100". The Institute tested textiles, clothing and floor coverings to the testing criteria involved. By 1991, ten companies were already certified to this human ecological test system. Building on this wealth of knowledge and joining forces with a similar scheme; "Öko-Check", developed by the German textile institute; " Forschungsinstitut Hohenstein", the "Internationale Gemeinschaft für Forschung and Prufung auf dem Gebiet der Textilökologie"; or "OekoTex"; was developed in 1992. The first task for the International Association for Research and Testing in the Field of Textile Ecology was the elaboration of the "Öko-Tex Standard 100", to enable the testing of textiles and clothing for their human ecology properties. This standard contains analytical tests for specified harmful substances and gives limiting values based on scientific considerations. A manufacturer whose product meets the requirements set by the standard is licensed to use the registered mark or label "Tested for Harmful Substances according to Oeko-Tex Standard 100" on his product. At the beginning of 1993, further renowned textile institutes joined the International Association as members. All members tested textile products to the same Oeko-Tex standard 100 methods and accordingly used the registered label to certify these products - "Confidence in Textiles. Tested for Harmful Substances according to Oeko-Tex Standard 100." In 1995, the first edition of the Oeko-Tex Standard 1000 was issued. Here the requirements for environmentally friendly production were outlined. Manufacturing sites fulfilling a strict set of limiting value criteria, addressing areas such as banned chemicals and harmful manufacturing processes were licenced to carry the label; "Umweltfreundliche Betriebsstätte" (lit. Environmentally Friendly Manufacturing Site) and were able to then demonstrate an environmental management system. First organisations were subsequently audited in a pilot project. In 1999, the label "Oeko-Tex Standard 100 plus" was awarded for the first time. This related to a finished product, which fulfilled the requirements of the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 and was also produced only on sites carrying the Oeko-Tex Standard 1000 licence.

  Organic Fiber Council (OFC) : Advisory counsel of the Organic Trade Association, representing growers, brokers, designers, textile mills, manufacturers and retailers in the organic agricultural fiber industry.

  Organic Trade Association (OTA) : The Organic Trade Association (OTA) is the membership-based business association for the organic industry in North America.  OTA's mission is to encourage global sustainability through promoting and protecting the growth of diverse organic trade. This obviously includes organic fibers that can be used for fabric and clothing.

  PIA :(Printing Industries of America, Inc.)   Is in the business of promoting programs, services, and an environment that helps its members operate profitably. Many of PIA's members are commercial printers, allied graphic arts firms such as electronic imaging companies, equipment manufacturers, and suppliers.

  Plains Cotton Cooperative Association : the Plains Cotton Cooperative Associastion is a farmer–owned, cotton marketing and denim manufacturing cooperative headquartered in Lubbock, Texas. They are the world's largest producer and supplier of Texas-style cotton and their American Cotton Grower's (ACG) division is a major denim manufacturer renowned for innovative, high-fashion denim fabrics and customer service.   Since its creation in 1953, PCCA has grown to become one of the largest handlers of U.S. cotton, marketing millions of bales annually. In addition to cotton marketing based in Lubbock, Texas, PCCA also owns a denim mill in Littlefield, Texas and cotton warehouse operations in Altus, Oklahoma, Liberal, Kansas and Sweetwater, Texas.

  Professional Apparel Association : The Professional Apparel Association, founded in 1984, was organized as a result of a shared concern for the future of the professional apparel industry by both retailers and manufacturers.  The Association's membership is comprised solely of manufacturers of uniforms, shoes, and accessories.

  Quebec Clothing Contractors Association / English (Canada) :  Through a competent team, the Quebec Clothing Contractors Association fulfills the needs of its members, and gives shape to their projects. Well aware of their needs, AECQ has devised, through the years, a complete line of services and projects to meet their expectations.

  Screen Printing & Graphic Imaging Association International (SGIA) :  SGIA is the only international association for specialty imaging.  Their members are the printers, imagers and suppliers that serve this industry segment. Their goal is to provide this new generation of imaging professionals with the tools and information they need to make the best possible business decisions.  They are also associated with Digital Printing & Imaging Association (DPI)

  Seams Online : is comprised of manufacturing and contract manufacturing companies in the sewn products industry. Their supplier member companies provide valuable products and services to the sewn products industry.

  Sociedad Nacional de la Vicuña del Perú (SNV) : Vicuna association of Peru.

  Society of Dyers and Colourists :  In order to make every effort 'to advance the science of colour', the Society of Dyers and Colourists aims to disseminate information through the coloration industry and beyond.  This is done through the work done by the members of Council, the various committees and the membership worldwide.  The headquarters of the Society are based in Bradford, UK where the aim of the Society is embodied in:

• Membership & regional affairs, in the global development and support for all members and regional activities
• Education & qualifications, promoting education and career opportunities in colour technology at all levels
• Technical, providing excellence in all aspects of colour fastness testing and colour measurement
• Publications, communicating and publishing scientific papers, information and books related to colour in all its forms
• Colour Centre, Colour Museum and Archives, providing an educational service on all aspects of colour via training, historic and contemporary collections

  Southern Textile Association The Southern Textile Association, Inc., established in 1908, is a nonprofit organization for individuals in the textile and related industries with a common interest in all phases of textile manufacturing.

  SPESA : The Sewn Products Equipment Suppliers Association is a member-driven organization that speaks for and acts on matters that affect the member companies. SPESA provides a forum to address the challenges of an ever-changing global marketplace.

  Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association

  Supima Association of America (USA) : Non-profit organization of US pima cotton growers. Market and crop information. Industry calendar. Link to information about pima cotton, its properties and uses. Directory of ginners, brokers and merchants.

  Taiwan Zippers Manufacturers Association : Providing information about Taiwan's zippers suppliers and products. In Chinese and English
 

  Textile Association of Los Angeles (TALA) : Is a membership group of professionals engaged in sales of textiles, related products and services to the apparel industry. The association through its office and yearly directory provides resource information locating textiles, related products and services within the apparel industry. The association provides camaraderie to its members and through committees creates events for the community.

  Textile Care Allied Trades Association (TCATA) :  A professional organization representing manufacturers, suppliers, distributors and allied groups serving the textile care industry.  Members manufacture and distribute drycleaning and laundry equipment and supplies.

  T.F.A (The Fashion Association)
 

  Textile Fibers and By-Products Association (TFBPA)  USA based, roof organization, representing dealers and processors in the textile waste product business.
 

  The Textile Institute (United Kingdom) :  The mission of The Textile Institute is to promote professionalism in all areas associated with the textile industries worldwide. It is an association of men and women throughout the world which unites those with an interest in textiles. The individual professional expertise of members is diverse: it includes management, art, design, fashion, economics, science, engineering, research, production, marketing, selling, retailing, education and training. These skills relate to the totality of industrial and commercial operations from fibre production to the use of products by individual and corporate consumers. The word "textile", which originally referred to woven fabrics, now covers the broad field of products made from fibres. The scope of The Textile Institute covers all the textile industries which include: fibre, yarn and fabric manufacturing; dyeing and finishing; production of knitwear and making-up of clothing; footwear production; manufacture of carpets, soft furnishings and other household textiles; manufacture of textile products used in engineering, agriculture, medicine and other fields; and the distribution and retailing of textile products to personal and commercial markets. The Textile Institute is an international organization governed by a Council representing members throughout the world. It is legally constituted by a Royal Charter, granted in Britain in 1925 and is registered as a charity in England; the Institute is recognized as a non-profit association under the laws of many countries. More detailed direction of the Institute's affairs is carried out by an international Board, supported by Committees, all of which have a global membership, and by staff at the International Headquarters in Manchester.
 

  Textile Machinery Manufacturers Association (India)