Battered by foreign competition and imports, the domestic textile and apparel manufacturing industry is re-emerging. A renewed focus is on product innovation and technological investment as manufacturers explore fresh approaches. Import tariffs protect the domestic industry but are disputed internationally. Apparel manufacturers seek to meet demand by quickly reacting to changing consumer trends, chiefly driven by disposable income. Additionally, manufacturers are working with retailers to strategize how to maintain low inventories. A strong economy along with intellectual and technological advancements will aid manufacturers in increased production of groundbreaking products and maintain the vigor of this culturally significant industry.