1A How Did This Get Here: Your Wardrobe
Apr 23, 2025
Matt Priest, President and CEO of the Footwear Retailers and Distributors of America, and Denise Green, Associate Professor of Human-Centered Design at Cornell University, delve into the intricate world of clothing manufacturing. They discuss how 97% of apparel in the U.S. is imported, mostly from Asian countries. The conversation explores the complexities of supply chains, the impact of tariffs on pricing, and the importance of sustainability. They also highlight the challenges of reviving local textile manufacturing and the environmental concerns tied to fast fashion.
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Why Clothing Manufacturing Moved Abroad
- Apparel manufacturing shifted overseas due to trade liberalization and lower labor costs.
- The U.S. lost skilled labor and couldn't compete, causing offshoring to countries like China and Bangladesh.
Complex Global Apparel Supply Chain
- Clothing production involves multiple global stages like fiber, yarn, textile, and garment making.
- This complex supply ecosystem is opaque and often uses materials transported across several countries.
Global Footwear Production Shift
- About 99% of shoes in the U.S. are imported, mainly from China, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
- Vietnam has gained market share as China looks to move away from basic manufacturing.