While we can all get caught up in the latest trends and fads in the fashion industry, there’s an appreciation to be had for the history that allows us to make fashion an iconic part of our lifestyle. Here at Threads, we value taking the time to reflect on the history of the industry and how we got to be where we are today. 

Innovation
The roots of the fashion industry that we know and love today have been shaped by the innovative technologies of the cotton gin and the power loom. Can you believe that we started here and are now able to grow and compete on international levels? A civilization once dominated by an agrarian economy transformed into an industrial powerhouse. These technological innovations launched our textile industry, boosting our economy and allowing us to gain independence from Great Britain.  

British Beginnings
The textile industry began in Great Britain in the late 18th century during their industrial revolution. In 1820, people such as Eli Whitney and Francis Cabot Lowell brought intellectual property rights to America and helped launch our textile industry.

Unfortunately, the tradition of using African slaves for cotton harvesting was also brought over from Britain, starting a long struggle for emancipation that culminated with the final enslaved Americans being freed on June 19, 1865.

The Corporation
The textile industry originated as partnerships and investment opportunities, until a new business enterprise surfaced - the corporation. This led to an increase of jobs and further expansion of land. The textile industry alone employed hundreds of thousands of people and continues to do so to this day.  

Women 
The textile industry also allowed women to work, giving them a sense of independence, slowly jump-starting the women's suffrage movement.  

As we reflect on our great nation, we remember all of those who have risked their lives protecting our land and people. We remember those who were wrongfully treated and enslaved, those who paved the way in the battle for for civil rights in the transitioned from The Thirteen Colonies to The United States of America. 

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