It’s no secret that fast fashion imports from international brands like H&M, Zara, and Shein have come to dominate Americans’ wardrobes. The U.S. imported more than $24 billion of apparel in 2023, and consumer demand shows no sign of slowing. Fast fashion came to prominence in the early 1990s, though the concept had been around since the ’70s. Until about half a century ago, most Americans purchased textiles and clothing made in the U.S. of A. Since the Industrial Revolution, Americans enjoyed wide availability of mass-produced textiles, but only during two cycles: Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter, the traditional seasons for new fashion releases.