The combination of cheap foreign imports and computerized production equipment has had a severely negative impact on the number of textile jobs available in the U.S. According to the National Council of Textile Organizations, over 300,000 textiles jobs have been lost over the past 5 years. All signs indicate that those losses will continue in every sector of the industry, from textile production to textile design jobs. However, highly skilled textile workers may still find opportunities, particularly in California, Georgia, and North/South Carolina.

In contrast, the U.S. fashion industry should provide steady employment growth in marketing, buying, merchandising and other sectors, though competition for fashion designer jobs will remain fierce. Internships or freelance jobs can provide a useful launching point for creative designers who are just beginning their fashion careers.