When did the decline in the U.S. production of suits and coats begin?

The decline in the production of suits in the United States became noticeable in 1976. By the mid 1980s, the total number of both suits and coats dwindled, compared to the number produced in the 1970s, and nearly disappeared.

In the 1970s, the United States experienced a continuous downward trend in manufacturing suits and coats. This trend continued through the 21st century. Suits shipped from manufacturers totaled $2.08 billion in 2003, declining over the next three years to $1.84 billion in 2000. The downward trend in suit and coat production was blamed on large corporations changing their formal workplace dress codes to informal and relaxed.