Nike backs waterless fabric dyeing process
Sporting goods giant Nike Inc has teamed up with a Dutch textile machinery company that has developed a way to dye fabrics without using water - and says it hopes to boost the technology's uptake throughout the apparel industry.
"Much work to do" on zero discharge initiative
Plans by six apparel and footwear brands to eliminate the discharge of hazardous chemicals from their supply chains by 2020 have been widely praised by stakeholders - but should have been expanded to include suppliers, they say.
Economic slowdown could weigh on cotton prices
The International Cotton Advisory Board (ICAC) has cut global demand estimates for the fibre, signalling that slower global economic growth and ample supplies could place downward pressure on prices.
January/February 2012 management briefing: Apparel industry issues to watch in 2012
For this year's annual management briefing on apparel industry issues to watch in the year ahead, just-style asked leading executives for their feedback on the challenges and opportunities likely to emerge in 2012.
WTO approves EU tariff waiver for Pakistan
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has approved a request from the European Union (EU) temporarily lift duties on 75 products from Pakistan - the majority of which are textiles, apparel, and footwear.
Latest apparel and textile news 
US: Cotton stockpile figures weigh on futures prices
10 February 2012
Cotton prices for March delivery have dropped to 90.3 cents a pound on the ICE Futures US exchange in New York after the latest monthly figures from the US Department of Agriculture forecast a rise in production and a fall in consumption for the current season.
SRI LANKA: Hirdaramani factory in carbon neutral "first"
10 February 2012
A Sri Lankan firm's eco-friendly garment factory has been awarded CarbonNeutral certification - making it the first apparel plant in Asia to achieve this accolade and helping shore up the country's reputation as a leader in ethical and sustainable manufacturing.
Top stories on just-style this week...
10 February 2012
The most-read stories on just-style this week included news that Nike has lent its support to a new waterless fabric dyeing process, the recommendation that international brands and retailers address the low wages of Cambodian garment workers, and reports that despite facing a tough year, China's textile and clothing industry is set for further growth.
China's textile and clothing set for further growth
Despite a number of challenges, China's textile and clothing industry is set for further growth while its competitors suffer declines as a result of cutbacks by retail buyers, according to new research.
Hot issue
Cambodia's garment sector faces continued challenges
With much of the success of Cambodia's garment industry based on its well-publicised commitment to basic labour standards, it's perhaps not surprising that the sector finds itself under a spotlight when it comes to wider worker welfare issues.
Read more here / View all hot issues
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Comment: Perception is part of the Chinese apparel puzzle
2011 is shaping up to be the worst year for China in a decade. Full year figures have not yet been released, but in the 10 months ending 31 October 2011, China's US market share measured both in units and by value was down over 4% compared with the same period in 2010. The question, asks David Birnbaum, is why?
PHILIPPINES: Uniqlo to open first store in June
10 February 2012
GERMANY: Gerry Weber to buy insolvent retailer Wissmach
10 February 2012
CANADA: Trimera to speed domestic design and production
10 February 2012
US: Crocs to expand beyond footwear
10 February 2012
US: People’s Liberation changes name, business model
10 February 2012
US: True Religion Q4 profit dips, sales robust
10 February 2012
GERMANY: Hybrid yarn developed for sport and leisure wear
10 February 2012
US: Perry Ellis inks men's wear deal with Duckie Brown
10 February 2012
FINLAND: Investments weigh on Marikekko FY profit
10 February 2012
Cautious US consumers weigh on January retail sales
Post-holiday discounts helped many US retailers lift their sales in January, according to the latest monthly figures, but overall results were mixed as many consumers shopped cautiously amid the struggling economy.
Hot issue
January/February 2012 management briefing: Apparel industry issues to watch in 2012
For this year's annual management briefing on apparel industry issues to watch in the year ahead, just-style asked leading executives for their feedback on the challenges and opportunities likely to emerge in 2012. Their insight provides a fascinating overview of the state of the sector today.
Latest insights
Hong Kong's changing role in the apparel industry
10 February 2012
China's rise over the past two decades as the leading location for apparel sourcing has had a knock-on effect on Hong Kong's role in the global garment industry, shifting it from a manufacturer to a servicing and sourcing centre. It will take on even more diverse roles in the future, according to industry executives speaking at recent conferences in Hong Kong. Vicky Sung reports.
Emerging markets drive investment in nonwovens
10 February 2012
Rapid growth in demand in emerging markets is driving investment in nonwovens, according to a new report - with several nonwovens roll goods producers expanding to target markets in Asia, Australasia, the Middle East, North Africa, South America and Southern Africa.
Viewpoint: Cambodia's garment sector faces continued challenges
9 February 2012
With much of the success of Cambodia's garment industry based on its well-publicised commitment to basic labour standards, it's perhaps not surprising that the sector finds itself under a spotlight when it comes to wider worker welfare issues. Indeed, several events that have taken place in recent weeks highlight some of the challenges faced by the local industry.
Comment: Perception is part of the Chinese apparel puzzle
7 February 2012
2011 is shaping up to be the worst year for China in a decade. Full year figures have not yet been released, but in the 10 months ending 31 October 2011, China's US market share measured both in units and by value was down over 4% compared with the same period in 2010. The question, asks David Birnbaum, is why?
just-style's research roundup
6 February 2012
This week's highlights from just-style's research store include trends in world textile and clothing trade, prospects for the textile and clothing industry in Brazil, and an analysis of the apparel industry in Bangladesh.
China's textile and clothing set for further growth
6 February 2012
Despite a number of challenges, China's textile and clothing industry is set for further growth while its competitors suffer declines as a result of cutbacks by retail buyers, according to new research.
Cautious US consumers weigh on January retail sales
3 February 2012
Post-holiday discounts helped many US retailers lift their sales in January, according to monthly figures released yesterday (2 February), but overall results were mixed as many consumers shopped cautiously amid the struggling economy.
US: Retailers' January 2012 sales roundup
2 February 2012
The following is a general roundup of US apparel and shoe retailers' January 2012 sales results.
just-style management briefing: Other issues to watch in the year ahead
2 February 2012
Generally, 2012 is seen as being another challenging business year for the apparel industry. Uncertainties include the performance of the global economy, the European debt crisis, US consumer sentiment, and producer price inflation. Being able to react quickly to sourcing challenges, get more efficient in production, and reduce cycle times will help firms react to these volatile markets.
Mexican makers plea for tougher transport security
Mexico's apparel association has asked the government to toughen security on the country's roads amid rising crime against clothing cargoes aimed at the export market.
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The just-style blog
Diesel hijacked by shock tactics
By: Leonie Barrie
07 Feb 2012
Efforts to draw attention to the rights of women garment workers have taken a somewhat sinister turn after a hoax website was set up purporting to launch a new campaign by Italian fashion label Diesel.
A mixed bag for retailers in January
By: Leonie Barrie
06 Feb 2012
M&S breathes sigh of relief at Plassat appointment
By: Petah Marian
01 Feb 2012
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Dress to Impress at the Christmas Work Do
Party season is well underway and amidst the festive cheer is panic and dread over what to wear to the office Christmas party. This annual event is a fashion minefield, with potential pitfalls at every turn, so selecting the perfect outfit can take considerable planning.
