We fight for your business - and we need you in the fight
The garment and fashion industry is at a legislative inflection point. Bills that could reshape how you run your business, pay your workers, and manage your supply chain relationships are moving through Congress right now. The Custom Tailors and Designers Association is actively engaged — and your membership is what makes that engagement possible.
The CTDA is Your Voice in Washington, DC
What We're Working on Right Now
The Fabric Act - S.4312
The FABRIC Act — expected to be reintroduced in Congress by Senator Gillibrand and Representative Nadler — would make significant changes to how garment manufacturers operate in the United States. While it aims to protect garment workers (a goal our members share), several provisions could create serious burdens for small and mid-sized businesses like yours.
Key Provisions that affect our members
❋ Piece-Rate Pay Restrictions
The bill would prohibit paying workers by the piece or unit unless your shop operates under a collective bargaining agreement, eliminating the scheduling flexibility many workers and employers depend on.
❋ Mandatory Federal Registration
All manufacturers and contractors would be required to register annually with the Department of Labor, including detailed disclosures about ownership, staffing, and compliance history.
❋ Supply Chain Liability
Brands and contractors could be held jointly liable for wage violations anywhere in their supply chain, with heavy financial penalties. Its application to offshore manufacturing relationships is unclear.
❋ Limited Grant Access
The bill authorizes $50 million in grants for workforce development, equipment, and facility improvements, which we think is way too low, and current language prioritizes union shops, leaving most of our members at a disadvantage.
We’re working to change that.
CTDA leadership has already met with Senator Gillibrand’s Washington staff to advocate for changes to protect how our members operate. We’ve made progress — but sustained engagement and grassroots support from members across the country is what turns initial conversations into real legislative wins.
How the CTDA Represents You
We don’t wait for bad legislation to pass and then react. We engage early, when there’s still room to shape the outcome.
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We make a point of intervening on bills affecting domestic garment production, sustainability, labeling, and trade
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We work hand-in-hand with people who know our cause AND Capitol Hill. Their networks expand ours, giving us a familiar level of access with key policymakers
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We propose and enact policy changes that reflect the real-world operating realities of custom tailors and designers
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We need you involved in this fight so YOUR voice - not just ours - reaches the decision-makers in Congress
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We never want you to be blindsided by legislative action - Our goal is to communicate pending and emerging bills so you can be a part of the process of keeping our industry safe.
Get Involved
Legislative outcomes depend on more than what happens in one meeting. They depend on members like you making your voice heard.
Here’s how you can participate:
Attend our member webinar — We’ll walk through the FABRIC Act in plain language, explain what’s at stake, and show you how to make your voice count. Watch for scheduling details from CTDA leadership.
Contact your representatives — When the time is right for you to engage personally, we’ll provide talking points and direct links to make it easy.
Stay informed — Members receive legislative updates as bills develop, so you always know what’s coming.