Fashion Manufacturing Employment Statistics 2025
The global fashion manufacturing industry remains a crucial component of the world economy, employing millions of people across various sectors. As we move into 2025, the industry faces significant shifts driven by advancements in technology, growing sustainability concerns, and changes in consumer behavior. From reshoring initiatives in the U.S. to the emergence of new manufacturing hubs in Africa, the landscape is evolving rapidly. At the same time, the rise of automation, e-commerce, and ethical fashion practices is redefining the roles and skills required in the workforce. This dynamic environment presents both challenges and opportunities, shaping the future of fashion manufacturing for years to come.
Fashion Manufacturing Employment Statistics (Editor's Choice)
As of 2025, the fashion manufacturing industry is experiencing notable trends and challenges. Here are the top 10 employment statistics and insights:
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Global Workforce in Fashion Manufacturing: Approximately 430 million people are employed in the fashion sector worldwide, representing 11.9% of the global workforce.
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U.S. Apparel Manufacturing Employment: In the United States, the apparel manufacturing subsector employed about 83,400 individuals as of January 2025.
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Average Hourly Earnings in U.S. Apparel Manufacturing: The average hourly wage for all employees in the U.S. apparel manufacturing industry was $24.93 in January 2025.
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Employment in U.S. Cut & Sew Apparel Manufacturing: As of 2024, there were approximately 23,986 people employed in the U.S. cut and sew apparel manufacturing sector.
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Projected Employment in U.S. Wearing Apparel Market: The U.S. wearing apparel market is projected to employ about 57,270 individuals in 2025, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.28% expected from 2025 to 2028.
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U.S. Non-Farm Payroll Employment Increase: In January 2025, total U.S. non-farm payroll employment rose by 143,000, with employment in retail trade increasing by 34,000.
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Average Household Spending on Apparel in the U.S.: In 2023, U.S. households spent an average of $655 on women's apparel and $406 on men's apparel.
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Global Apparel Market Size: The global apparel market is estimated to be valued at $1.84 trillion in 2025, accounting for 1.65% of the world's GDP.
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U.S. Apparel Market Size: The U.S. apparel market is valued at $365.70 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 2.11% between 2025 and 2028.
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Employment Projections for Fashion Designers: The Department of Labor reports that fashion designers working in apparel manufacturing are expected to experience a 31% decline in employment between 2018 and 2028.
These statistics highlight the significant role of fashion manufacturing in the global economy, the challenges faced by the industry, and the evolving employment landscape.
Fashion Manufacturing Employment Statistics 2025 and the Future Implications
Fashion Manufacturing Employment Statistics 2025 #1: Global Apparel Industry Statistics
The global apparel industry employs approximately 430 million individuals, representing about 11.9% of the world’s workforce. This vast employment base highlights the significance of fashion manufacturing in the global economy. However, with the rise of automation, sustainability concerns, and changing consumer preferences, the industry faces both opportunities and challenges. As companies increasingly shift toward more sustainable practices, labor demands may shift toward higher-skilled roles in technology, design, and logistics. The future of fashion manufacturing will likely require a workforce equipped with a diverse set of skills, balancing traditional craftsmanship with digital innovation.
Fashion Manufacturing Employment Statistics 2025 #2: Bureau of Labor Statistics (Apparel Manufacturing)
In the United States, apparel manufacturing employs about 83,400 workers as of early 2025. This reflects a steady yet slow recovery from decades of decline due to offshoring, but the industry's future hinges on reshoring initiatives and technological advancements. The focus is increasingly on enhancing domestic production capabilities through automation and sustainable practices, potentially providing job growth in these sectors. As consumer demand for faster, locally produced goods rises, U.S. apparel manufacturing could experience a resurgence. Future employment in this sector may be defined by a shift from low-wage, manual labor to more specialized, higher-wage positions that blend traditional expertise with modern technologies.
Fashion Manufacturing Employment Statistics 2025 #3: IbisWorld Cut & Sew Apparel Manufacturing Employment
Approximately 23,986 people are employed in the U.S. cut and sew apparel manufacturing industry as of 2024. This figure underscores the ongoing reliance on traditional garment-making processes, despite technological advances. The sector, however, faces growing pressure from global competitors, particularly in Asia, where labor costs remain lower. Looking ahead, companies may focus on innovation to stay competitive, incorporating more automation and robotics to streamline production. As consumer demands for faster delivery and customizable fashion grow, the cut and sew sector could witness growth, but it will likely need to invest heavily in new technologies to remain relevant.
Fashion Manufacturing Employment Statistics 2025 #4: Statista U.S. Wearing Apparel Market
The U.S. wearing apparel market is projected to employ around 57,270 individuals by 2025, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.28% from 2025 to 2028. This modest growth indicates a slow but steady recovery for the U.S. apparel sector, particularly in the wake of the pandemic and the economic disruptions it caused. However, much of this growth will likely be fueled by technology-driven shifts in how apparel is designed, manufactured, and distributed. E-commerce and direct-to-consumer business models are set to dominate, reducing the need for traditional retail and increasing the demand for digital marketing and logistics professionals. The future workforce may consist of a higher concentration of roles in technology, logistics, and e-commerce, while traditional manufacturing jobs continue to decline.
Fashion Manufacturing Employment Statistics 2025 #5. Fibre2Fashion U.S. Employment Data
The U.S. apparel sector saw a rise in employment by 143,000 in January 2025, with a significant contribution from retail trade. This growth suggests that while manufacturing jobs may be declining, retail and e-commerce sectors are experiencing a surge. As fashion brands increasingly rely on online platforms, the employment landscape in apparel manufacturing will likely shift towards digital roles, including digital marketing, customer service, and logistics management. This trend also points to the growth of "fast fashion" as a dominant business model, requiring a larger workforce in retail and distribution. For the future, apparel companies will need to align with evolving digital trends while potentially investing in more sustainable practices to meet consumer demands for ethical fashion.
Fashion Manufacturing Employment Statistics 2025 #6. Bureau of Labor Statistics Apparel Data
The average hourly wage in U.S. apparel manufacturing was $24.93 in early 2025. This wage reflects a growing need for skilled workers who can adapt to emerging technologies like 3D printing and robotics in garment production. The future of apparel manufacturing will likely see an increase in wages as demand grows for tech-savvy professionals capable of handling the complexities of modern production systems. Automation may reduce the need for manual labor, but new roles will emerge in data analysis, supply chain management, and software development. As the industry focuses on more sustainable and ethical production methods, the workforce will need to be equipped with new skills to drive innovation and maintain competitiveness.
Fashion Manufacturing Employment Statistics 2025 #7. Vogue Business (Made in Italy)
Made in Italy remains a hallmark of quality, but its future depends on overcoming challenges posed by sustainability demands and global competition. As the global apparel industry becomes more sustainability-conscious, Italy's luxury fashion sector faces pressure to adapt and innovate. The rise of technology, particularly in digital design and manufacturing, will influence how Italian manufacturers produce their high-end garments. The sector may need to balance traditional craftsmanship with eco-friendly practices, which could mean an increased demand for specialized workers skilled in sustainable production methods. For Italy's apparel manufacturing industry, the future will likely involve a fusion of luxury with ethical and tech-driven innovation to preserve its iconic status.
Fashion Manufacturing Employment Statistics 2025 #8. Financial Times African Apparel Industry
The potential for African nations to industrialize through T-shirt production is gaining momentum as local manufacturing becomes more feasible. With a growing youth population and increasing investments in local manufacturing infrastructure, African countries could become key players in the global apparel supply chain. This shift could offer substantial job creation opportunities, especially in regions like East Africa, where labor costs are competitive. As African nations embrace the fashion industry as a catalyst for growth, there will be an increasing need for workers skilled in textile production, design, and logistics. Over the coming decades, Africa's fashion manufacturing industry could transform into a significant global hub, contributing to both local economies and global supply chains.
Fashion Manufacturing Employment Statistics 2025 #9. Wall Street Journal New York Manufacturing
New York's garment manufacturing industry is witnessing a revival, driven by local demand for sustainable fashion and a desire to reduce carbon footprints. The city's shift towards local production is boosting jobs in garment making, design, and distribution. However, this resurgence is dependent on overcoming high labor costs and ensuring that manufacturing processes align with eco-conscious consumers. As sustainability and ethical fashion continue to gain importance, New York's apparel manufacturing may face challenges in maintaining competitiveness with global suppliers. The future of fashion in New York could involve greater reliance on technology, automation, and sustainable practices to remain a key player in the U.S. apparel market.
Fashion Manufacturing Employment Statistics 2025 #10. Global Apparel Industry Statistics (Repeated)
The continued significance of the apparel industry, with a workforce of 430 million people, highlights its integral role in global employment. The growth of digital technology, coupled with a shift towards sustainability, will transform the landscape of fashion manufacturing. Workers will need to adapt to new tools like AI-powered design and automation in production to remain relevant. The future of apparel manufacturing will likely involve more specialized roles, particularly in areas like sustainability management and digital manufacturing. As consumer demands continue to evolve, the global workforce will need to be agile and prepared for an industry increasingly driven by innovation and environmental consciousness.
The Future of Fashion Manufacturing: Evolving and Adapting
As the fashion manufacturing industry continues to evolve, the future will be shaped by a combination of technological innovation, sustainability efforts, and changing consumer demands. The shift towards more sustainable and localized production models, alongside the growing reliance on automation and digital tools, will require the workforce to adapt and acquire new skills. While some traditional roles may decline, new opportunities in tech-driven sectors, sustainable practices, and digital marketing will emerge. For fashion manufacturers, staying ahead of these trends will be key to maintaining competitiveness and fostering job growth. The industry's ability to innovate and respond to global challenges will ultimately determine its role in shaping the economy and workforce of tomorrow.
Sources:
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Global Apparel Industry Statistics:
https://www.uniformmarket.com/statistics/global-apparel-industry-statistics -
Bureau of Labor Statistics (Apparel Manufacturing):
https://www.bls.gov/iag/tgs/iag315.htm -
IbisWorld Cut & Sew Apparel Manufacturing Employment:
https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/employment/cut-sew-apparel-manufacturing/2035 -
Statista U.S. Wearing Apparel Market:
https://www.statista.com/outlook/io/manufacturing/consumer-goods/wearing-apparel/united-states -
Fibre2Fashion U.S. Employment Data:
https://www.fibre2fashion.com/news/industrial-textiles-news/total-us-non-farm-payroll-employment-rises-by-143-000-in-jan-2025-300648-newsdetails.htm -
Bureau of Labor Statistics Apparel Data:
https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2025/apparel-data-in-fashion.htm -
Vogue Business (Made in Italy):
https://www.voguebusiness.com/story/sustainability/will-made-in-italy-survive-the-next-generation -
Financial Times African Apparel Industry:
https://www.ft.com/content/92b4f84d-229d-405b-85ec-7869529b7633 -
Global Apparel Industry Statistics (Repeated):
https://www.uniformmarket.com/statistics/global-apparel-industry-statistics