needle trades

plural noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of needle trades¹

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

And when touch-typing came along in 1878, women excelled at that skill, giving them options other than working in the needle trades in teeming factories, Russo said.

From Seattle Times

And when touch-typing came along in 1878, women excelled at that skill, giving them options other than working in the needle trades in teeming factories, Russo said.

From Seattle 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