FCS 555: Textiles and Apparel in the Global Economy

The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) represents more than 1,000 world famous name brands, retailers, and manufacturers. AAFA is the trusted public policy and political voice of the apparel and footwear industry, its management and shareholders, its three million U.S. workers, and its contribution of more than $350 billion in annual U.S. retail sales. AAFA provides exclusive expertise across supply chain & sourcing; trade, logistics, & manufacturing; and brand protection to help members navigate the complex regulatory environment and lower costs. Members gain unparalleled access to information and exclusive insights on regulation and policy, and premier opportunities for networking and collaboration.

The AAPN is the only true end-to-end supply chain organization in the industry and the only organization overlaying the apparel industry of the
Western Hemisphere.

The mission of CFDA is to strengthen the impact of American fashion in the global economy.

The Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) is a not-for-profit trade association comprised of member companies representing the international specialty fabrics marketplace. Member companies range in size from one-person shops to multinational corporations. Members’ products cover the broad spectrum of specialty fabrics and include fibers, fabrics, end products, equipment and hardware. IFAI is the largest, most comprehensive trade association serving this industry.

The International Textile and Apparel Association advances excellence in education, scholarship and innovation, and their global applications by promoting the discovery, dissemination, and application of knowledge and serving as a primary resource for its members in strengthening leadership and service to society.

TAPAC, the Textile and Apparel Programs Accreditation Commission, is the official accrediting organization for baccalaureate level programs in textiles, apparel, and related areas. The purpose of TAPAC is to establish standards for the recognition of textile and apparel-related programs and through a peer review process, evaluate the characteristics and performance of individual programs against these established standards. Emphasis in the standards is on assessment of student learning outcomes and the program attributes that contribute to achievement of student learning outcomes.

The Narrow Fabrics Institute (NFI) defines narrow fabrics as textiles that are no more than 12 inches (300mm) in width and are made by weaving, knitting or braiding fibers or yarns with an edge to prevent unraveling. NFI works to support new technology, specifications, and testing, sells abrasion rods specified in ASTM D6770, and disseminates revenue to textile-related programs. The Institute is a division of IFAI and provides a network to exchange information, solve common problems and develop mutually beneficial relationships.

The United States Industrial Fabrics Institute (USIFI) is a coalition of United States specialty fabric manufacturers and users. It monitors and advocates for member positions in both legislative and regulatory issues in international trade, and hosts an annual lobby day event in Washington, D.C. The Institute provides a network to exchange information, solve common problems and develop mutually beneficial relationships. USIFI is a division of IFAI.