The Importance of Industry Associations in Fashion & Textiles
Trade associations and non-profit industry organizations serve as the cornerstone of the global apparel and textile sector. By uniting manufacturers, designers, suppliers, freight logistics providers, and technical specialists, these organizations foster collaborative growth, set global quality standards, drive sustainable manufacturing initiatives, and advocate for ethical trade policy.
Whether you are seeking supply chain networking, research funding for textile innovations, legal advocacy, or specialized technical standards (such as color chemistry, machinery maintenance, or customs compliance), connecting with industry associations equips businesses with essential resources to navigate international trade successfully.
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If you enjoy fashion associations, you may also have an interest in learning about
fashion clubs and
fashion networks.
American Apparel Manufacturers Assn (AAMA): They are now called American Apparel and Footwear Association. See below for listing.
American Apparel and Footwear Association / Fashion Association / (AAFA): Was established August 2000 through a merger of the American Apparel Manufacturers Association (AAMA), Footwear Industry America (FIA) and the Fashion Association (TFA). The national trade association's combined membership currently accounts for more than $225 billion in annual U.S sales.
American Apparel Producers' Network (AAPN): International group of companies that produce for the American market. Since 1981, a private sector, non-profit, members-only, business network of over 600 company owners and senior executives organized industrially worldwide to produce apparel for the US market from North America, Mexico, Caribbean, Central America, South America, Europe, North Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Asia and China from headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
American Flock Association: Flocking is the application of fine particles to adhesive coated surfaces. The majority of flocking done worldwide uses finely cut natural or synthetic fibers.
American Sewing Guild: Incorporated in March of 1993, this non-profit guild has over 20,000 members across 125 national chapters. Driven by volunteer members who sponsor local special events, community service projects, fashion shows, and educational programs.
American Textile Machinery Association /
About ATMA: Founded in 1933, ATMA is the only U.S. trade association devoted solely to the advancement of U.S.-based manufacturers of textile machinery, ancillary equipment and parts. Representing over 80% of U.S. produced textile machinery.
Address: 111 Park Place Falls Church VA 22046-4513 United States | (703) 538-1789 tel
Australian Fashion Council: Formed via the merger of the Council of Textile & Fashion and the Australian Fashion Chamber, existing to promote growth across Australia's textile & fashion industry.
Our goal is to maintain a complete list of these associations and organizations. If you know of additional Apparel or Textile industry associations, please
let us know. If the association is relevant to clothing or fashion related issues, we want to know about them.
