Clothing and Clothing Accessories Trade Associations

American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA)

U.S. trade association representing apparel, footwear, and sewn-products brands, retailers, and suppliers; provides policy advocacy, compliance guidance, brand protection resources, and networking.

https://www.aafaglobal.org Membership: 1,100

American Association of Textile Chemists & Colorists (AATCC)

Professional association developing global textile test methods and providing quality control materials, education, and networking for textile and apparel professionals worldwide.

https://www.aatcc.org Membership: 2,400

Accessories Council

Not-for-profit trade organization for the accessories, jewelry, eyewear, footwear, and handbag sector; offers promotion, education, networking, and the ACE/Design Excellence Awards.

https://www.accessoriescouncil.org Membership: 360

Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA)

Nonprofit trade association of America’s foremost fashion, jewelry, eyewear, and accessory designers; advances American fashion via advocacy, business resources, NYFW schedule, and the CFDA Fashion Awards.

https://cfda.com Membership: 432

Footwear Distributors & Retailers of America (FDRA)

The footwear industry’s business and trade association; provides customs/trade advocacy, compliance tools, data, and market platforms (including FFANY) for footwear brands, retailers, and suppliers.

https://fdra.org Membership: 500

International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA)

Trade association for PPE and safety equipment manufacturers; develops ANSI/ISEA standards and advocates on regulatory and safety policy, including high-visibility apparel and protective clothing.

https://www.safetyequipment.org Membership: 100

Leather & Hide Council of America (LHCA)

U.S. leather supply-chain trade body formed from LIA and USHSLA; represents hide/skin processors, tanners, chemicals, traders, and finished leather goods producers with trade, PR, and standards work.

https://www.usleather.org Membership: 75

Licensing International

Global brand licensing trade association (formerly LIMA) serving licensors, licensees, agents, retailers, and service firms with education, market data, and the Licensing International Excellence Awards.

https://www.licensing.org Membership: 1,200

Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America (MJSA)

Alliance of jewelry makers, designers, and suppliers focused on manufacturing excellence; offers technical education, networking, and an annual buyer’s guide and industry resources.

https://www.mjsa.org Membership: 1,000

National Association of Uniform Manufacturers & Distributors (NAUMD)

Network association for uniform, image apparel, workwear, and public safety suppliers and distributors; provides industry awards, education, and a member portal for collaboration.

https://naumd.com Membership: 500

Outdoor Industry Association (OIA)

Trade association for the outdoor recreation economy; provides policy advocacy, market intelligence, and sustainability programs (e.g., Climate Action Corps) for outdoor brands and retailers.

https://outdoorindustry.org Membership: 450

Promotional Products Association International (PPAI)

Global trade association for the promotional products industry; delivers advocacy, research, education, and hosts The PPAI Expo, the industry’s largest annual trade show.

https://www.ppai.org Membership: 15,000

SEAMS Association (National Association for the Sewn Products Industry)

U.S.-based association for the sewn products industry value chain; connects brands, manufacturers, and suppliers with programs on onshoring, workforce, and supply-chain solutions.

https://seams.org Membership: 200

Snowsports Industries America (SIA)

Trade association for the winter outdoor industry (snowsports, outerwear, equipment, and destinations); provides research, policy engagement, and summits for retailers, brands, and resorts.

https://www.snowsports.org Membership: 300

Surf Industry Members Association (SIMA)

Nonprofit, member-owned trade association for the surf industry across apparel, accessories, equipment, and retail; focuses on research, sustainability, advocacy, and networking events.

https://surfindustry.org Membership: 200

The Headwear Association (THA)

Founded in 1908, this association promotes the headwear category across millinery, hats, and caps; offers networking, category advocacy, and consumer-awareness initiatives.

https://theheadwearassociation.org Membership: 50

The Vision Council

Nonprofit trade association representing the optical/eyewear industry (frames, lenses, labs, equipment, and services); provides market research, standards, and advocacy (Vision Expo/industry forums).

https://thevisioncouncil.org Membership: 500

Travel Goods Association (TGA)

Trade association for luggage, backpacks, handbags, and travel accessories; offers advocacy, market intelligence, and member networking including events around the travel goods market.

https://travelgoods.org Membership: 300

United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA)

Washington, DC–based association for U.S. brands, retailers, and importers; provides trade policy advocacy, benchmarking, and sourcing/trade compliance insights across the global fashion supply chain.

https://www.usfashionindustry.com Membership: 150

Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA)

Professional network advancing women in the jewelry and watch industry through mentorship, education, grants, and community chapters across North America and beyond.

https://www.womensjewelryassociation.com Membership: 2,000