Long ago, people had to sew their own
garments. Today, however, ready-made clothing
is available from retailers to almost all people.
Commercially-produced clothing exists in a
multitude of sizes, qualities, fashion levels, and
price ranges. For these reasons and because
busy personal schedules do not allow for time-
consuming sewing projects, the home sewing
industry has declined.
Additionally, the savings from sewing are
less signifi cant today. The price of store-bought
garments has decreased because of low-wage
production and discount retailing. At the same
time, the price of retail fabrics has increased
and retail fabric stores now emphasize home
decorating instead of apparel fabrics. The home-
sewn apparel image is sometimes looked upon
as dowdy or boring, although many home sewers
create very beautiful garments. There has been
less teaching of sewing in schools in recent
years. Possibly, if there were more industry
promotion about the enjoyment and creativity
of home sewing, the activity would regain its
popularity.
Fashion Industry
Associations and
Publications
The segments of the fashion industry
contain many trade associations. Various trade
publications support the activities of each
segment. Also, there are specifi c geographic
locations of the industry segments.
Trade Associations
Trade associations are nonprofi t, voluntary
organizations made up of businesses that
have common interests. The associations deal
specifi cally with the certain industry or segment
of an industry in which their members are
involved. Some of the main trade associations of
the soft goods chain are shown in 4-21, placed
on the pipeline across from the business activity
of each one.
All trade associations try to accomplish
similar objectives relating to improving their
segment of the industry and the success of their
members. In general, these objectives include
To improve industry business conditions
through better availability of production
resources, appropriate supply of fi nished
goods, most advantageous pricing, etc.
To encourage the use of the industry’s
products through industry marketing efforts
that form more positive public opinion and
promote member companies and their goods
and services.
To promote common interests of the
members by sponsoring activities that please
the members, both professionally and socially.
To serve as a source of market information
and business development by researching
market needs and offering strategic
consulting expertise to member companies.
To gain advantageous passage of legislation
and government support by lobbying (usually
in Washington, DC) in hopes of infl uencing
public offi cials toward desired action for the
members and the industry.
To sponsor seminars, conventions/
expositions, and trade shows that
disseminate new industry information
among the members, such as new ideas,
equipment, etc. Conventions or trade shows
are usually held once a year (annually) with
general sessions (meetings) to attend and
commercial booths set up to show products
in a large exhibit hall. Additionally, specifi c
educational seminars, offering instruction on
various subjects of interest to the members,
may be held throughout the year.
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AKZO Nobel Twaron®
4-20 Although you might think the tank of
this truck is metal, it is really a composite
reinforced with a strong industrial fi ber.
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