American Apparel and Footwear Association

The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) is the national trade association representing apparel, footwear and other sewn products companies, and their suppliers, which compete in the global market.

Who We Are
AAFA is the trusted public policy and political voice of the apparel and footwear industry, its management and shareholders, its more than 3.2 million U.S. workers, and its contribution of more than $490 billion in annual U.S. retail sales.

We represent 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 more than 3.2 million U.S. workers, and its contribution of more than $490 billion in annual U.S. retail sales. Our reach stretches from Washington, D.C., throughout the United States, and around the globe.

AAFA provides exclusive expertise — and drives progress — across supply chain & sourcing; trade, logistics, & manufacturing; and brand protection to help our 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.

Mission Statement
AAFA stands at the forefront as a leader of positive change for the apparel and footwear industry. With integrity and purpose, AAFA delivers a unified voice on key legislative and regulatory issues. AAFA enables a collaborative forum to promote best practices and innovation. AAFA’s comprehensive work ensures the continued success and growth of the apparel and footwear industry, its suppliers, and its customers.

Core Values Statement
To further promote positive impact through our practices, we commit to continuous improvement with accountability in:

1. Upholding legal, safe, and responsible workplace conditions for the workers in our supply chains.

2. Honoring fully the commitments we make to our supply chain partners.

3. Designing, manufacturing, and selling only safe, responsibly-made, and authentic products.

4. Adopting and implementing sustainable practices to support effective environmental stewardship efforts.

We further commit to using independent, credible, and verifiable means and advocating for smart and innovative policies in pursuit of these goals that affect our people, partners, products, and planet.

Representing more than 1,000 world famous name brands, we are the trusted public policy and political voice of the apparel and footwear industry, its management and shareholders, its more than 3.2 million U.S. workers, and its contribution of more than $490 billion in annual U.S. retail sales.

History
The American Apparel & Footwear Association was formed in August 2000 through the merger of the American Apparel and Manufacturers Association (AAMA) and Footwear Industries of America (FIA). The AAMA was founded in 1960 as the national association representing U.S. apparel manufacturers. AAMA’s mission was to help create an environment in which the U.S. apparel industry could operate competitively and profitably in a global economy. FIA’s roots stretch back to 1869 serving as the only national association for footwear manufacturers, importers and distributors, and suppliers to the leather and allied trades. FIA helped U.S. footwear companies achieve growth through education, advocacy, research, and networking opportunities.

AAFA Priorities
AAFA’s leadership and knowledge is driven by experts across supply chain & sourcing; trade, logistics, manufacturing; and brand protection plus visionary and engaged members. We work through active committees to identify member needs and facilitate engagement with policymakers around these three priorities so you can make smarter business decisions and advance in the industry.

MOU Partners
AAFA has forged Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreements with strategic partners around the world to collaborate on reducing trade barriers, sharing best practices, and promoting innovation on behalf of our members.

Selling in New Countries
AAFA’s members-only country profiles address the key features that are unique to a country but necessary for foreign businesses to understand when looking to sell within that country’s borders.

AAFA Education Foundation Schools
Students from these schools are eligible to compete for scholarships under AAFA’s contributions to the Fashion Scholarship Fund

Sourcing in New Countries
AAFA’s member-only Sourcing Profiles equip members with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions when considering new regions and new countries.

AAFA COMMITTEES:

AAFA members actively serve on ten committees, subcommittees, councils, and working groups. Members have the opportunity to provide thought leadership, share best practices, and address challenges through active participation.

Social Responsibility Committee
The Social Responsibility Committee identifies and studies global social responsibility issues and trends that affect the U.S. apparel and footwear industry. AAFA disseminates that information to committee members who meet regularly to discuss these issues, develop and/or share best practices and, when necessary, develop the industry’s plan of action in response to specific issues.

Customs Team
The purpose of the Customs Team is to regularly inform AAFA members about the latest customs-related issues and news affecting the apparel and footwear industries. Through regular customs updates, AAFA also requests input from members on AAFA actions on various customs issues and requests feedback on draft comments, letters, and testimony AAFA plans to submit to the U.S. government and Congress on customs issues.

Transportation Team
The Transportation Team follows issues such as ports, shipping, and logistics. Participants of the transportation list receive regular updates describing the actions of AAFA on transportation issues, as well as breaking news reports whenever necessary. The group also provides opportunities for AAFA members to provide their own input on important issues.

Product Safety Council
The Product Safety Council provides a forum for members to discuss and learn about regulations and issues related to product safety and chemical management. Members meet periodically to share best practices; review local, national, and international regulatory developments (including the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA)); and develop industry tools to help apparel and footwear companies navigate current and future product safety/chemical management regulations. Members also help advance industry knowledge on these issues by developing and participating in educational programs, networking opportunities, and strategic partnerships on product safety and chemical management matters. Members receive product safety updates from AAFA staff. The Product Safety Council also includes four working groups that focus on relevant topics that impact the industry. These working groups include: Testing and Certification, State and International Harmonization, Drawstrings, and Sleepwear.

Trade Policy Committee
The Trade Policy Committee serves as the principal “eyes and ears” for AAFA on trade and other legislative and regulatory matters at national and international levels. It directs lobbying and advocacy responses for matters affecting the U.S. apparel and footwear industry. It advises the Board and Executive Committee on policy positions.

JOIN AAFA:

Membership
AAFA provides exclusive expertise — and drives progress — across supply chain & sourcing; trade, logistics, & manufacturing; and brand protection. We help our 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. Finally, AAFA membership extends to all employees within your organization.

AAFA gives you:
1. Guidance and direct conversation with industry experts
2. A seat at the table – to influence and build consensus on issues important to your business.
3. Opportunities to learn and share best practices at seminars, webinars, and conferences addressing critical industry issues.
4. A one-stop shop to address your questions and problems.

Learn more about the value of joining AAFA! Email membership@aafaglobal.org to discover how AAFA works for you.

General Member
Any United States-based company, including apparel and footwear brands and retailers, engaged in the manufacture or distribution of apparel, footwear, or accessories.

Affiliate Member
Any United States-based company or organization which supplies a product or service to the apparel, footwear, or accessory markets.

International Member
Any foreign-based company without US operations.
If your company has an office or representative in the US, your company qualifies as an affiliate member and must use the affiliate membership application.

Contact AAFA:

Address:
American Apparel & Footwear Association
740 6th Street, NW
3rd and 4th Floors
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: (202) 853-9080

Membership questions:
Email: membership@aafaglobal.org