Finding The Right Source
United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA) members – fashion brands, retailers, importers and wholesalers based in the United States and doing business globally – are industry leaders in terms of ethical sourcing.
While our members have always been committed to sourcing at the highest standards, today they are particularly focused on ethical sourcing as a critical component of business operations. USFIA facilitates discussions on how to source the right product at the right price – and today, that’s a product manufactured in a safe, sustainable and responsible way.
But, we’re in the business of fashion – so, in today’s competi- tive market, that product must also meet customers’ standards for fit, function and style. USFIA member companies source prod- ucts made with every type of fiber imaginable. If you’re looking at the whole equation – including sustainability, fit, function and style – cotton will remain an essential fiber.
Why do our members use cotton? The fiber has always been known for its durability and comfort, and no American garments are more iconic than cotton t-shirts and cotton denim jeans. But brands use cotton for other items, too.
With technologies like moisture wicking and breathability, cotton is a preferred choice for athletic apparel. With varieties such as organic and Pima, cotton is a preferred choice by luxury brands for beautiful basics and wear-forever pieces.
Cotton’s Widespread Appeal
Our friends at Cotton Incorporated have developed innovative dyeing and printing processes, making the fabric appealing to even fashion-forward brands.
Through Cotton LEADS™, the U.S. and Australian cotton industries have addressed issues ranging from labor regulations and workplace safety, to programs that regulate and reduce the use of pesticides and water.
We recently co-hosted a webinar with Cotton Incorporated about the program, and it was one of our most popular to date. (The webinar is available at www.usfashionindustry.com.)
I’m proud our members are committed to cotton, and impor- tantly to continuing to improve cotton sustainability through their work as members of the Cotton Board and their support of Cotton LEADS™ and other programs.
Truthfully, there are probably fabrics of the future we can’t even imagine yet. But when you consider all cotton has to offer, I think we’ll see it in our closets for a long time.
“I’m proud our members are committed to cotton, and importantly to continuing to improve cotton sustainability.”
– Julia K. Hughes