Clothing Wholesalers Trade Associations

Accessories Council

Not-for-profit trade group for fashion accessories (jewelry, footwear, optical, handbags). Provides networking, press/retail visibility, events, and policy support useful to apparel/accessory wholesalers.

https://accessoriescouncil.org Membership: 330

American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA)

U.S. national trade association for apparel, footwear and sewn-products companies and their suppliers; strong advocacy on trade, logistics, brand protection and supply-chain issues impacting wholesalers.

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

American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC)

Technical society that develops global textile/apparel testing standards and connects brands, labs, mills, and wholesalers on quality and compliance.

https://www.aatcc.org Membership: 3,000

Americas Apparel Producers’ Network (AAPN)

Supply‑chain network linking 200+ organizations from “dirt to shirt,” facilitating sourcing relationships and regional near‑shore apparel production for wholesalers.

https://www.aapnetwork.net Membership: 200

Association of Suppliers to the British Clothing Industry (ASBCI)

UK-based association uniting suppliers across fibers, manufacturing, retail and aftercare; a practical forum for technical/commercial best practice that benefits clothing wholesalers working with UK/EU partners.

https://www.asbci.co.uk Membership: 100

Cascale (formerly Sustainable Apparel Coalition)

Global nonprofit alliance (formerly Sustainable Apparel Coalition) with 300+ members across the apparel/footwear value chain; provides Higg Index tools, benchmarking, and collaborative programs relevant to wholesale sourcing and compliance.

https://cascale.org Membership: 300

Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA)

U.S. designers’ trade association; useful for wholesalers partnering with brands/designers and tracking market trends; maintains an active member directory and programs.

https://cfda.com Membership: 432

EURATEX – The European Apparel and Textile Confederation

European confederation representing national apparel/textile associations; a key contact point for wholesalers trading with or sourcing from Europe (policy, trade, circularity).

https://euratex.eu Membership: 186,000

Footwear Distributors & Retailers of America (FDRA)

Footwear industry trade association serving the full footwear supply chain; policy advocacy, data, sourcing/compliance resources—helpful to apparel/footwear wholesalers expanding into shoes.

https://fdra.org Membership: 500

International Apparel Federation (IAF)

Global federation for apparel manufacturers, SME brands, associations and supporting industry in 40+ countries; a gateway to international partners and standards for wholesalers.

https://www.iafnet.com Membership: 100,000

International Association of Clothing Designers & Executives (IACDE)

Professional network of clothing designers/technical executives; strong technical exchange (fit, pattern, 3D) and executive connections that can aid wholesale product development.

https://www.iacde.net Membership: 250

National Association of Wholesaler‑Distributors (NAW)

U.S. umbrella for wholesale distribution across sectors; strong advocacy, executive roundtables and benchmarking that can benefit clothing wholesalers’ operations.

https://www.naw.org Membership: 40,166

Network Association of Uniform Manufacturers & Distributors (NAUMD)

Uniforms/workwear/image‑apparel association bringing together manufacturers, distributors and suppliers; awards, education and networking tailored to uniform wholesalers.

https://naumd.com Membership: 500

Outdoor Industry Association (OIA)

Trade association for outdoor brands/retailers/suppliers; provides policy advocacy (trade, public lands), market data and sustainability programs relevant to outdoor/apparel wholesalers.

https://outdoorindustry.org Membership: 1,200

Promotional Products Association International (PPAI)

World’s largest promotional products association; apparel is a major category—offers market access, compliance resources, and the industry’s flagship trade show for promo apparel wholesalers.

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

SEAMS – The Association & Voice of the U.S. Sewn Products Industry

U.S. sewn‑products association championing “Made in America”; connects brands/retailers/mills/contractors and helps wholesalers source domestic capacity.

https://seams.org Membership: 200

Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA)

U.S. trade group for 700+ sporting goods/fitness brands, retailers and manufacturers; research and advocacy valuable to teamwear/activewear wholesalers.

https://sfia.org Membership: 700

Sewn Products Equipment & Suppliers of the Americas (SPESA)

Association for suppliers of machinery, technology and services to the sewn‑products industry; useful to wholesalers seeking decoration, automation and equipment partners.

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

Textile Exchange

Global nonprofit driving materials sustainability; 800+ members across brands, retailers, manufacturers—provides standards, benchmarking and roundtables relevant to sourcing and wholesale.

https://textileexchange.org Membership: 825

Textile Rental Services Association (TRSA)

Association for commercial textile rental/laundry operators and supplier partners (linens, uniforms); useful for uniform/workwear wholesalers partnering on rental/service models.

https://www.trsa.org Membership: 330