MAIN Business Clothing & Textiles

The textile industry includes many different skills and businesses. Starting with raw products such as cotton and wool the textile workers produce cloth and textiles. Spinning, weaving, working with dyes and other additives to make the cloth stronger, less flammable and easier to work with all are part of the basic process of turning raw materials into textiles.

Once the material is ready to be worked, the textile mills begin turning the cloth into items that are used around the home such as clothing, linens, ribbons, draperies, flags, and upholstery. Other products go to manufacturers who use them to produce industrial products. Webbing and tape used to make automobile seat belts and shoulder harnesses, conveyor belts, guards for industrial equipment, special seals for docks and barns to help with insulation and many other items that industry relies on for safety, efficiency and comfort are delivered by the textile industry... speaking of delivery, even the insulated boxes that keep pizza warm and shopping bags, mail bags and many other shipping containers are made from textiles.

Sewing, weaving, dyeing, milling... just some of the many processes that are used in the textile industry. No wonder that there are many parts of the world — from the mills of the Northeastern USA to the mountains of South America — where this is the main occupation in the area.

Wrap yourself in these resources and links to the goods, services machinery, equipment and technology of the textile trade, along with related resources for finding jobs, forums, industry events and breaking news ...

Textile World Buyer's Guide - Searchable international database of manufacturers, suppliers and service providers, along with forums, events, textile jobs and classifieds.

The Virtual Garment Center - Searchable international database of manufacturers, suppliers and service providers, message boards.

The Tech Exchange - Includes a buyer's directory of technology and software for the soft goods industry, forums, breaking news and press releases, a library of feature articles and related links.

TextileWeb Buyer's Guide - Extensive searchable database of manufacturers, suppliers, designers, related publications, job search, classifieds, free newsletter.

FiberLinks - Major links to fabrics, apparel, and home furnishings, related associations, government resources and more, from the American Fiber Manufacturers Association.

GarmentAA.com: Garment Textile Industry Directory - Searchable by keyword, product or location worldwide or browseable by category including apparel, garment accessories and machinery and supplies, plus check out a good list of related messageboards.

Apparel Search - Apparel, fashion, and clothing Industry B2B Directory featuring dozens of searchable categories leading to well-annotated listings and contact info.

Just Style - Industry news & trends for the clothing and footwear market including job postings, event calendar, blog.

Clothing Industry Jobs Directory - Search the database by job title and U.S. location or browse by job category including management & marketing, public relations, human resources, retail, sales and more.

FabricLink - Career Path - For those new to the industry, a complete overview with economic outlook, job descriptions and related resources.

also see -> Fashion | Haute Couture | New York Fashion Week | Crafting with Textiles