needle trades

American  

plural noun

1. the occupations and organizations involved in the manufacture of clothing.

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Etymology

Origin of needle trades

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

Our school, the High School of Fashion Industries founded in 1926, known back then as the Central High School of Needle Trades trained the thousands of immigrants that entered Ellis Island.

From New York Times

The Hillman Foundation has its roots in the needle trades unions, but it’s independent, and why anyone who believes in the value of the trade union movement would want to spoil this party is a profound mystery.

From New York Times

We have been watching Balanchine's ballets since they were performed at the Central High School of Needle Trades.

From Time Magazine Archive

Moreover, Mr. Dubinsky, who has always played second fiddle to Mr. Hillman in the needle trades, though his union is bigger, is now in a jurisdictional war with Mr. Hillman.

From Time Magazine Archive

Part i includes the early struggle of the needle trades workers to be born and survive as a union.

From Time Magazine Archive