Those who view the global garment and textile industries through the prism of labour costs see it as an industry dominated by commodities.

ECONOMIST: American textiles

Ross still sees plenty of Eastern promise: According to media reports, he inked an agreement Friday with the state-owned Vietnam National Textile Garment Corporation (Vinatex), based in the capital Hanoi.

FORBES: Billionaire Ross Weaves Textile Deal In Vietnam

The November fire at the Tazreen garment factory drew international attention to the conditions workers toil under in Bangladesh's textile industry.

NPR: 87 Dead In Bangladesh Garment Factory Collapse