This industry consists of establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing suspenders, gaffers, handkerchiefs, and other apparel, such as academic caps and gowns, vestments, and theatrical costumes.
Historically, about 80 percent of goods manufactured within this industry have been made for personal consumption.
The number of establishments in this industry, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, exceeded 400 in the early 2000s.
New York had the highest value of product shipments for this industry, followed by South Carolina, California, Florida, and Virginia.
The total value of shipments in 2001 was $1.92 billion, down from $2.02 billion in 1998
Simon Worldwide Inc., Varsity Brands, Inc., Paris Accessories Inc. and E.R. Moore Co. lead the industry.
The industry employed 28,152 people in 2001, including 21,533 production workers who earned an average hourly wage of $11.08.
This category includes companies that manufacture automotive trimmings, apparel findings, and related products, and those that specialize in printing and stamping on garments and apparel accessories
Historically, more than half of the workers have been sewing machine operators; others are garment inspectors, testers, and graders.
The miscellaneous leather goods industry uses SIC 3199
This industry classification covers establishments primarily engaged in miscellaneous fishing activities, such as catching or taking of miscellaneous marine plants and animals.
The American Apparel Manufacturers Association (AAMA) is the central trade association for the U.S. apparel industry. Throughout the 1990s, the AAMA represented three-fourths of the industry.
More recently, the miscellaneous leather goods industry shifted to manufacturing products for use in factories and other mechanical establishments