Global apparel markets: product developments and innovations, 1st quarter 2009
The global apparel market has been characterised by a number of developments in recent months. In design, Asda a UK-based supermarket chain which is owned by the US retail giant Wal-Mart has introduced mid-sized jeans.
In fibre and yarn developments, Japanese scientists have developed genetically-modified fluorescent silk and Nilit has introduced an eco-friendly nylon yarn which is made from recycled polymer waste.
Several developments have been witnessed in fabrics. For example, a water repellent clothing fabric which “never gets wet” has been developed using nanotechnology. Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) has introduced a new range of Merino wool fabrics for applications such as activewear and sportswear, while Scabal has introduced its Four Seasons fabric made from eco-friendly wool for suits, and Vermont Organic Fiber Company has introduced a fabric called O-Wool Washable which is resistant to shrinking and felting during washing. Meanwhile, Nanoforce Technology and FabPad are collaborating in the development of colour changing fabrics, and US researchers at Texas Tech University have launched a project to develop nonwoven fabrics for apparel, and In clothing, Greensource has launched two new styles of jeans made from organic cotton which will be sold in Wal-Mart and Kmart stores. Sanyo Shokai has introduced a coat for men which features pollen resistance, and ThinkGeek has developed the Electronic Drum Kit Shirt. Other innovations include a range of quick drying swimwear, called Sun Dry Swim, from Sun Dry Technologies and a body-shaping garment which is able to lift and support the lower portion of the buttocks.
In fibre and yarn developments, Japanese scientists have developed genetically-modified fluorescent silk and Nilit has introduced an eco-friendly nylon yarn which is made from recycled polymer waste.
Several developments have been witnessed in fabrics. For example, a water repellent clothing fabric which “never gets wet” has been developed using nanotechnology. Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) has introduced a new range of Merino wool fabrics for applications such as activewear and sportswear, while Scabal has introduced its Four Seasons fabric made from eco-friendly wool for suits, and Vermont Organic Fiber Company has introduced a fabric called O-Wool Washable which is resistant to shrinking and felting during washing. Meanwhile, Nanoforce Technology and FabPad are collaborating in the development of colour changing fabrics, and US researchers at Texas Tech University have launched a project to develop nonwoven fabrics for apparel, and In clothing, Greensource has launched two new styles of jeans made from organic cotton which will be sold in Wal-Mart and Kmart stores. Sanyo Shokai has introduced a coat for men which features pollen resistance, and ThinkGeek has developed the Electronic Drum Kit Shirt. Other innovations include a range of quick drying swimwear, called Sun Dry Swim, from Sun Dry Technologies and a body-shaping garment which is able to lift and support the lower portion of the buttocks.
SUMMARY
DESIGN: SIZING
Asda has introduced mid-sized jeans
FIBRES AND YARNS FOR APPAREL
Japanese scientists have developed genetically-modified fluorescent silk
Nilit has introduced an eco-friendly nylon yarn which is made from recycled polymer waste
FABRICS FOR APPAREL
A water-repellent clothing fabric which "never gets wet" has been developed using nanotechnology
Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) has unveiled its new Merino Perform range of fabrics
Nanoforce Technology and FabPad are collaborating on the development of colour changing fabrics
Scabal has introduced its Four Seasons fabric for suits
US researchers have launched a project to develop nonwoven fabrics for apparel
Vermont Organic Fiber Company has introduced its O-Wool Washable fabric
ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY APPAREL
Greensource has launched two new styles of jeans made from organic cotton
FUNCTIONAL APPAREL
Sanyo Shokai has introduced a coat for men which features pollen resistance
INTERACTIVE APPAREL
ThinkGeek has developed the Electronic Drum Kit shirt
SPORTS APPAREL
Sun Dry Technologies has launched a range of quick drying swimwear
SUPPORT GARMENTS
Karen E Jones has developed a body-shaping undergarment which supports the lower portion of the buttocks
DESIGN: SIZING
Asda has introduced mid-sized jeans
FIBRES AND YARNS FOR APPAREL
Japanese scientists have developed genetically-modified fluorescent silk
Nilit has introduced an eco-friendly nylon yarn which is made from recycled polymer waste
FABRICS FOR APPAREL
A water-repellent clothing fabric which "never gets wet" has been developed using nanotechnology
Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) has unveiled its new Merino Perform range of fabrics
Nanoforce Technology and FabPad are collaborating on the development of colour changing fabrics
Scabal has introduced its Four Seasons fabric for suits
US researchers have launched a project to develop nonwoven fabrics for apparel
Vermont Organic Fiber Company has introduced its O-Wool Washable fabric
ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY APPAREL
Greensource has launched two new styles of jeans made from organic cotton
FUNCTIONAL APPAREL
Sanyo Shokai has introduced a coat for men which features pollen resistance
INTERACTIVE APPAREL
ThinkGeek has developed the Electronic Drum Kit shirt
SPORTS APPAREL
Sun Dry Technologies has launched a range of quick drying swimwear
SUPPORT GARMENTS
Karen E Jones has developed a body-shaping undergarment which supports the lower portion of the buttocks
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Electronic Drum Kit Shirt
Figure 2: Double-O Push-up Brief LITE featuring Karen E Jone’s patented body-shaping design
Figure 1: Electronic Drum Kit Shirt
Figure 2: Double-O Push-up Brief LITE featuring Karen E Jone’s patented body-shaping design
