Ultimately, as the 19th century began automatic looms increased in number. Sewing machines also emerged in the 19th century. Both pieces of technology profoundly streamlined the production process. Thanks to the invention of the sewing machine, in 1831 George Opdyke, who later became the Mayor of New York, began to manufacture ready-made clothing (Bellis). He was not alone in his ventures, however, the industry of ready made clothing took off and remained prosperous. “Throughout the 19th century a succession of improvements in textile machinery steadily increased the volume of production, lowering prices of finished cloth and garments. The trend continued in the 20th century” (Abrahart). Nevertheless, the ways in which textiles can be