American Apparel Manufacturers Association refers to an association of American Clothing manufacturers founded in 1933 with the name Southern Garment Manufacturers Association (SGMA)
, then in 1960, it was renamed American Apparel Manufacturers Association (AAMA) as national association representing U.S. apparel manufacturers.
However, many believed the industry was too fragmented to make this possible, leaders of the Southern Garment Manufacturers Association forged ahead and, together with the National Association of Shirt, Pajama and Sportswear Manufacturers, formed the American Apparel Manufacturers Association - an organization that represented every segment of the industry, regardless of company size, location, product line or type of distribution. AAMA's mission was to help create an environment in which the U.S. apparel industry could operate competitively and profitably in a global economy.
The result of this effort is one of the strongest national trade associations representing approximately 80\% of wholesale apparel sales of U.S. companies and includes manufacturers of allied needle trade products as well. Its membership has plants located in almost every state in the union. Activities include advocacy towards Congress and federal agencies as well as strong programs in economics, education, technology, government affairs, marketing, communications and industry relations. Industry executives pool their resources and talent as part of AAMA's programs, committees and services.
But in August 2000, AAMA was renamed American Apparel & Footwear Association with the merger of two highly regarded trade associations: the American Apparel and Manufacturers Association (AAMA) and Footwear Industries of America (FIA). Drawing from a broad, strong membership base, AAFA is the national trade association representing apparel, footwear, and other sewn products companies, which compete in the global marketplace. It promotes and seeks to enhance members companies" competitiveness, productivity and profitability in the global marketplace.