SIC 2339 Women's, Misses', and Juniors' Outerwear Not Elsewhere Classified

Contenidos

• NAICS CODE(S).
• INDUSTRY SNAPSHOT.
• BACKGROUND AND DEVELOPMENT.
• CURRENT CONDITIONS.
• INDUSTRY LEADERS.
• WORKFORCE.
• FURTHER READING.

SIC 2339

This industry includes establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing women's, misses', and juniors' outerwear, not elsewhere classified, from purchased woven or knit fabrics. Knitting mills primarily engaged in manufacturing outerwear are classified in SIC 2253: Knit Outerwear Mills.

NAICS CODE(S)

315999

Other Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing

315212

Women's and Girls' Cut and Sew Apparel Contractors

315299

All Other Cut and Sew Apparel Manufacturing

315238

Women's and Girls' Cut and Sew Other Outerwear Manufacturing

INDUSTRY SNAPSHOT

Globalization was a major influence on the U.S. women's, misses' and juniors' knit outerwear industry at the end of the twentieth century. While most design and sales operations were still primarily centered in California and New York, sourcing, sewing, and other labor moved overseas as a cost-cutting measure, sometimes at the expense of smaller family-based enterprises. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) spurred the migration of operations overseas, forcing smaller U.S. businesses to close down and ushering in a new worldwide business approach. The industry also experienced technical innovations and advances that improved production and permitted enhanced international cooperation; new computer applications allowed the seamless coordination of operations that were spread over several countries.

Notwithstanding, the apparel industry in general suffered a decline during the mid-2000s, as World Trade Organization (WTO) countries began to phase out their quotas on clothing and textiles. This was in furtherance of the original agreement between member countries that created the organization itself. All quotas were eliminated as of January 1, 2005.

According to a 2005 FDCH government account report, U.S. shipments of all apparel products fell more than 50 percent from 1995 to 2004, to about $56 billion. Likewise, overall industry employment also declined by more than 50 percent during the same period. Conversely, imports of textiles and apparel products grew significantly, from $44 billion in 1995 to approximately $83 billion in 2004.

BACKGROUND AND DEVELOPMENT

Historically, the women's apparel industry has been particularly sensitive to changes in economic conditions. As the economic downturn of the early 2000s caused consumers to look for value and savings, consumer tastes shifted from a preference for designer labels during the economic boom of the late 1990s to an increased interest in...