AAFA news and archive

AAFA Publishes Industry Glossary of Traceability Terms

Today, the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) published for the first time The Global Apparel, Footwear, & Accessories Glossary of Traceability Terms. The glossary is intended to provide a common reference point for terminology used across the apparel, footwear, and accessories industry by defining key traceability-related terms and...

FashionPress Release

American Apparel & Footwear Association Celebrates 250 Years of Fashion

The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) today launched its new 250 Years of Fashion archival platform, celebrating individuals and brands that have contributed to American fashion and culture over the last two and a half centuries. The platform complements AAFA’s role as a supporting partner of America250, a bipartisan initiative...

Schools

AAFA releases educational guide on worker protection from heat

The American Apparel & Footwear Association has released a new guide aimed at helping fashion supply chains protect workers from extreme heat, as rising global temperatures increase health risks in manufacturing environments. Published on April 17, 2026, the AAFA Guide to Protecting Workers from Heat Stress offers practical recommendations for...

Member

Business

AAFA files legal complaint over California textile recycling scheme rollout

The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) has filed a legal complaint challenging the implementation of California’s Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024, marking a significant development in the rollout of the US’s first extended producer responsibility (EPR) scheme for textiles. The complaint targets regulator CalRecycle, arguing...

People

AAFA adds Fabletics president to board, New Balance CEO becomes chair

The American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) has named a slew of new members to its board of directors as part of a wider leadership renewal. In addition, Joe Preston, the chief executive officer and president of New Balance, has been named chair, succeeding Halide Alagöz, Ralph Lauren’s chief product and merchandising officer. Among the...

Member

Business

How US trade organisations responded to the Supreme Court’s decision on tariffs

On Friday, the US Supreme Court overruled Donald Trump’s tariffs, determining that the president had wrongfully invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose levies. The region’s trade organisations swiftly responded to the ruling, largely expressing support for the court’s decision, many grateful for the stability...

BusinessPress Release

AAFA Welcomes Announcement of the Berry Amendment Caucus

The American Apparel & Footwear Association applauds the launch of the Berry Amendment Caucus, a bipartisan group of members of the U.S. House of Representatives co-chaired by Representatives Pat Harrigan (R-NC) and Don Davis (D-NC). “We are grateful to Reps. Pat Harrigan and Don Davis for their tireless support of the Berry Amendment, and for...

BusinessPress Release

Industry Recognizes Progress With Enactment of AGOA and Haiti HOPE/HELP Programs

Industry welcomes this critical retroactive extension but calls on Congress to make progress on a long-term extension and ensure the program advances versus lapsing in December 2026. The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) celebrates today's enactment of the Haiti Economic Lift Program Extension Act and the AGOA Extension Act. The...

Fashion

AAFA study: Fashion fakes not only hurt brands but are also dangerous to health

Counterfeit apparel, footwear and accessories present serious chemical and product safety hazards to consumers. This is the conclusion of a recent study titled “Unboxing Fake Fashion Unleashing Real Dangers”. It was released by the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA), and supported by total assurance quality provider Intertek. As part...

People

Nate Herman named Executive Vice President of American Apparel & Footwear Association

The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) has promoted Nate Herman to Executive Vice President, the organization announced Monday. In his new role, Herman will work alongside AAFA President and CEO Steve Lamar to guide the association’s membership initiatives and support the Board of Directors. Herman previously served as Senior Vice...

FashionPress Release

Footwear and apparel group gets jump start on celebrating 250 years of America

WASHINGTON, D.C. – September 2, 2025 – The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) has joined America250.org, the bipartisan organization charged by Congress to lead the 250th commemoration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, as a Supporting Partner to amplify and celebrate America's heritage Today, AAFA represents more...

BusinessPress Release

Apparel and footwear industry responds to the suspension of the heightened tariffs on China

The American Apparel & Footwear Association responds following President Trump's executive order "Further Modifying Reciprocal Tariff Rates to Reflect Ongoing Discussions with The People's Republic of China," which extends the temporary reduction of retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports from China maintaining the baseline rate of 30 percent for...