Profile of Cifra: an innovative manufacturer of knitted seamless apparel
Cifra, based in Italy, specialises in the manufacture of warp knitted seamless apparel and supplies its products to some of the world's leading brands. The company prides itself on its innovative approach to manufacturing—notably its use of a proprietary production technique called Warp Knit Seamless (WKS). Using this technique, the company can easily customise seamless garments so that they incorporate a number of different knit patterns—including intricate lace-like patterns and breathable mesh-like patterns. The first collection of WKS fashion apparel was launched in 2010, and since then the company has significantly expanded its offerings to include athleisure apparel, sportswear, and hosiery and underwear. Furthermore, the company is committed to innovation and is continuing to develop novel garments. Also, it is experimenting with yarns made from natural fibres, and is looking to broaden its use of yarns made from bio-based materials and recycled materials. This report provides insight into the establishment of Cifra, and it explores the development of the company as it has worked to become a global leader in the production of seamless warp knitted apparel. Furthermore, it discusses the development of the company's WKS production technique, its latest innovations, its products and markets, and its production facilities.
SUMMARY
INTRODUCTION
WARP KNIT SEAMLESS (WKS)
Machinery
Advantages of WKS seamless garments
Choice of fibres and yarns
INNOVATION
CUSTOMERS AND MARKETS
Customers
Markets
Athleisure apparel
Fashion apparel
Hosiery and underwear
Sportswear
PRODUCTION FACILITIES AND ENVIRONMENTAL
SUSTAINABILITY
Production facilities
Environmental sustainability
CONCLUSIONS
INTRODUCTION
WARP KNIT SEAMLESS (WKS)
Machinery
Advantages of WKS seamless garments
Choice of fibres and yarns
INNOVATION
CUSTOMERS AND MARKETS
Customers
Markets
Athleisure apparel
Fashion apparel
Hosiery and underwear
Sportswear
PRODUCTION FACILITIES AND ENVIRONMENTAL
SUSTAINABILITY
Production facilities
Environmental sustainability
CONCLUSIONS
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: Selection of fibres and yarns used by Cifra, June 2018
Table 2: Cifra: standard fibre compositions, June 2018
Table 1: Selection of fibres and yarns used by Cifra, June 2018
Table 2: Cifra: standard fibre compositions, June 2018
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Cifra: WKS garments incorporating merino wool
Figure 2: Cifra: WKS fashion apparel garments
Figure 3: Cifra: WKS sportswear garments
Figure 1: Cifra: WKS garments incorporating merino wool
Figure 2: Cifra: WKS fashion apparel garments
Figure 3: Cifra: WKS sportswear garments
