“THA members are the legwear companies that, working together as an association, just saved the entire industry an estimated $300 million in meeting Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act testing and labelling standards,” said THA Chairman Rich Stober of Accessory Exchange, a member company.   “I believe it is important that these companies are recognized for their commitment and support.”

Founded in 1905, THA claims to be the only trade organization that advocates exclusively for the very specific needs of global legwear makers, marketers, distributors, sellers and suppliers.  

The organisation says members represent more than 90% of legwear products sold in the U.S and with 95% of consumer growth for the legwear industry outside of U.S. borders, THA supports a combination of a strong U.S. base and growing presence overseas as being essential to the future health and growth of the organization and the industry.

“Our members have been instrumental in leading directives that are re-shaping the business environment,” continued Stober.  “We have taken a proactive stance in manoeuvring through the plethora of governmental regulations and testing standards as a hosiery vertical within the apparel space.”

According to THA legwear manufacturers are facing increasing numbers of state-based regulation.  “In the absence of a more robust Federal standard, individual states are devising their own, sometimes contradictory, systems.   Internationally, controls and standards differ widely from country to country.  Additionally, legwear is often mistakenly held to general apparel standards that are not applicable,” it says. 

“Working together through THA, members can more effectively navigate commercial trade compliance as an industry, in order to enjoy healthier growth competitively.” 

The Hosiery Association (THA) is the non-profit global trade organization that represents all categories of legwear makers, marketers, distributors, sellers and suppliers to the business. The mission of THA is to support members’ productivity and profitability globally by mitigating legislative, regulatory, trade and marketplace inhibitors.

www.hosieryassociation.com