“Covering All Walks of Life ™”

Did you know that there are now over 7 billion people on this earth?  Well, that means there are close to 7 billion pairs of feet and legs.   Have you ever wondered how many of these feet and legs are wearing socks and/or hosiery products?  Why are they wearing them?  Is it to make them look better, perform better or perhaps feel better?

A few interesting facts for you:  Wearing socks to bed facilitates better sleep.   Caffeine infused hosiery reduces the appearance of cellulite.   Toe socks are now widely worn for better running performance as well as a flip flop fashion statement.   Former President George H.W. Bush and Robert Griffin III enjoy wearing their unique sock collections.  Some pantyhose contain self-tanning properties.    There are sheer hosiery products designed specifically for men.   

Ever since 1905, The Hosiery Association (THA), formerly known as The National Association of Hosiery Manufacturers (NAHM), has existed and represented the interests of its members which include legwear makers, marketers, distributors and sellers of products for the entire family.  Suppliers to the industry, i.e. machinery, yarns, fibers, chemicals, packaging and other ancillary services also play a critical role in the organization.   Last year legwear sales at US retail exceeded $7 billion dollars.   THA’s members represent over 90% of the legwear products sold in the US.  Another interesting fact:  The US is only 5% of the global marketplace, and new sales opportunities abound.  Who is able to get the right products on the right feet and legs before the competition does…is there a new definition of “speed to market”?

Ongoing economic uncertainty, a US Presidential election year,  increasing government regulations, growing unemployment and ever-changing consumer demands …these are all macro trends that legwear companies and their suppliers are challenged with daily.   Those companies that remain in fact can attribute it to their flexibility and willingness to respond whereas the others that went the way of the dinosaur did so simply because they refused to adapt.

THA and its members are proactively engaged with the industry, government, retail and consumer segments to address and influence the decision makers.   The goal is to provide the information and guidance that ultimately works in the best interest of the membership’s entire value chain…transparency and predictability thus a return on investment and a better bottom line.

The legwear business continues to be both a vibrant and healthy segment within the apparel industry.  Subsequently, its respective trade organization continues to define the path as its members do indeed cover all walks of life!