Textile Insight - July, 2010
Show Stoppers
: Outdoor Retailer Summer Market Preview
The aisles of Outdoor Retailer are usually spilling over with seasonal standouts and this summer looks to be no exception. Textile companies continue to push innovation with lighter, yet, stronger, fabrics that are both durable and visually appealing...
The Shape of Things to Come
Men are sizing up the shapewear category and finding a good fit
In recent weeks the men’s shapewear business has been making headlines. To the surprise of some (women, mostly) and delight of others (manufacturers and retailers) the men’s shapers market is, well, shaping up pretty nicely. The complete July/Aug...
Small Fibers, Big Future
he University of Akron and SNS Nano Fiber Technology produce the first commercially viable nanofiber material
Nanotech materials continue to be one of the fastest growing marketable new products in the world today. On the textile side, we’ve seen the commercialization of a variety of nanotech fabric and leather innovations improving appearance, color, durab...
Designer and Students Awarded
RadiciSpandex Corporation celebrated Jeffrey Chow, creative director for contemporary womenswear label Poleci, as the honoree designer judge for the tenth annual edition of “Stretch to the Future,” one of the longest-running fashion design competiti...
Stepping Up
Comfort & Durability With Fibers And Fit
While the hosiery industry turns out constant innovations, Russell Fine decides what is right for REI stores nationwide. As product manager for socks, he helps decide which 20-25 brands like Thorlo, Wrightsock, Bridgedale and Lorpen line the shelves ...
The Skinny on Stink
What You Need to Know about Antimicrobials.
Here’s a textile riddle: “What technology do you know you want but don’t know what it means?” If you responded “antimicrobial” give yourself a pat on the back for a correct answer. However, if you can also define the term antimicrobial, then you des...
Dynamics of Change
An Industry in Hustle Mode to Meet Customer Needs.
Textile executives may be forgiven if heard mumbling a little nursery rhyme ditty under their breath this summer as the “Jack be nimble, Jack be quick,” phrase comes easily to mind in the current industry atmosphere. Doubtful any exec will be caught ...
The New Normal
Business Returns but with Complexity and Cost.
Some would call what has happened in the apparel business during the financial crisis a market correction. I would disagree. Apparel sales dropped off significantly during the previous two years and as a result companies throughout the entire supply ...
Getting to the Source
Talking fabric sourcing with some key performance running and outdoor brands.
Contributing to the conversation: Tarena Jones, apparel development manager for ASICS, a leader in running and fitness apparel and footwear; Nicole DeBoom, founder of Skirt Sports, a stylish performance brand with a fast growing niche in running, mul...
Focus on Denim
An up-to-the-minute look at key trends in the jeans industry.
Andrew Olah likes to joke that the denim industry is on rolling racks, starting in England, rolling to New England then the South, then Mexico and now Asia. Olah has been along for the ride having worked in the denim business his entire career. His ...
A Tale of Two Companies
What it takes to succeed in today’s global textile marketplace.
Put any two companies side by side these days and you’ll likely find good people, good products and good intentions at both organizations. Firms cannot have survived the turbulence of the textile business this past decade without savvy management and...
Shannon Savage
Lululemon stretches innovative styling to running apparel line.
What is you background and how long have you been with Lululemon? I’ve been at Lululemon for four and a half years. Prior to that, I designed outerwear and street wear. I went to college in Vancouver. My mom used to sew, so I was surrounded by cloth...
Going Outside the Comfort Zone Personally and Professionally Yields Some Surprising Results
A few weeks ago I got the bike out the shed in my backyard, washed off the grime, pumped up the tires and took it for a quick spin around my neighborhood. I had been casting around for an exercise routine that would fit a new set of life circumstanc...
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