The number of employees in the US clothing sector has been experiencing a significant decline. Estimates place the number of employees at 60,000 in 2024, dropping to 51,000 in 2025, 41,000 in 2026, 32,000 in 2027, and reaching 23,000 in 2028. This trajectory indicates rapid job losses in the industry. Compared to the actual value in 2023, the year-on-year decline from 2024 to 2025 is approximately 15%, from 2025 to 2026 is 19.6%, from 2026 to 2027 is 22%, and from 2027 to 2028 is 28.1%. The compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) reflects an average annual decrease of around 21.4% over the forecast period.
Future trends to watch for in the US clothing sector include advances in automation and digital technologies, which might further reduce the need for a large workforce. Additionally, the shift towards more sustainable and ethical fashion practices may also drive structural changes within the industry, potentially impacting employment numbers further. Monitoring technological integration and industry practices will be critical for understanding longer-term employment trends.