9 Shocking Manufacturing Stats

American-made socks might seem simple, but the numbers behind them will surprise you. From the hidden environmental cost of a single pair to entire towns built (and nearly lost) by socks, these stats reveal just how much is woven into every stitch.

1. Only 3% of Clothing Americans Buy Is Made in the USA

Back in the 1980s, about 70% of clothing sold in the U.S. was made domestically. Today, that number has dropped to just 2–3%. That means the “Made in USA” label is one of the rarest finds in your closet.

2. More Than Half of America’s Socks Come from China

In 2023, China accounted for 56% of all sock imports to the U.S. One country supplies over half of the socks on American feet. That’s not just dependence, it’s a supply chain risk. Any disruption overseas can leave U.S. shelves bare, proving why local manufacturing matters more than ever.

3. One Small Town Once Made 50% of America’s Socks—Then Lost 6,000 Jobs

Fort Payne, Alabama, once proudly held the title of “Sock Capital of the World,” producing half of all socks made in the U.S. After a trade deal in 2005, the town lost about 6,000 jobs, nearly half its population. Today, Fort Payne is rebuilding, showing how buying American-made can literally keep communities alive.

4. A Pair of Socks Takes 100 Gallons of Water to Produce

It takes about 100 gallons of water to make just one pair of socks. That’s more than the average person drinks in eight months. Multiply that by the socks in your drawer and the environmental footprint grows quickly.

5. Americans Throw Away 2,150 Clothing Items Every Second

Every year, Americans send 11.3 million tons of textiles to landfills. That equals about 2,150 clothing items thrown away every second. Socks are among the most discarded items, especially when they wear out or lose their match. It’s a shocking reminder that buying longer-lasting socks is better for both your wallet and the planet.

6. The U.S. Could Be Short 2.1 Million Factory Workers by 2030

A labor gap could leave 2.1 million manufacturing jobs unfilled by 2030. Even if companies want to make more products in America, there may not be enough skilled workers to do it. This highlights why reshoring factories must be paired with training and inspiring the next generation of makers.

7. Reshoring Is Booming—244,000 Jobs Returned in 2024

In 2024 alone, U.S. companies announced 244,000 new or reshored manufacturing jobs. That’s part of a total 1.7 million jobs brought back since 2010. While many of these jobs are in high-tech industries, apparel and textiles are starting to benefit too.

8. One Sock Machine Can Knit Hundreds of Pairs a Day

Modern sock knitting machines can each produce 300–400 pairs of socks per day. One skilled operator can oversee multiple machines, meaning small U.S. teams can hit big output numbers without competing on cheap labor. Technology is giving American producers an edge.

9. Only 14% of Gen Z Wants a Manufacturing Career

Despite good pay and modern high-tech factories, only 14% of Gen Z say they’d consider a career in manufacturing. That’s a challenge for the future of American

From shocking water usage to hometown industries on the brink, these stats show that socks are anything but ordinary. They reveal the struggles, the opportunities, and the pride tied into American manufacturing.

Every U.S.-made pair tells a story of resilience, sustainability, and independence. When you choose American-made socks, you’re not just buying comfort for your feet, you’re investing in the future of U.S. manufacturing.