Latest textile & apparel news

Suppliers in several major clothing exporting countries could lose their preferential access to the UK market if and when Britain leaves the EU unless special terms of access are negotiated, a new report suggests.

US strengthens cooperation with East African countries 23 Sep 2016

The US has strengthened its relations with East Africa with a focus on improving infrastructure in a bid to realise the region's economic potential and significantly improve global trade between the respective countries and America.

Ciel Textile FY hit by lower knitwear earnings 23 Sep 2016

Ciel Textile has booked a decline in earnings for its last fiscal as its knitwear unit was impacted by the launch of a new factory in India and the company battled a challenging international retail environment.

Adidas accuses Bally of using its Three-Stripe trademark 23 Sep 2016

German sportswear giant Adidas has filed a lawsuit against Bally's US division, accusing the Swiss shoe brand of infringing on its Three-Stripe trademark.

Invista reveals new Lycra Moves Athleisure platform 23 Sep 2016

US fibre producer Invista has once again taken inspiration from the athleisure trend, unveiling a new platform for athleisure apparel, which it says is a "one-stop shop" for intimate apparel retailers.

New US tariff classifications impact woven apparel 23 Sep 2016

Modifications to the tariff classifications of many woven apparel products to cover recreational performance outerwear have had a knock-on – and confusing – impact on products such as jeans.

Ashley takes Sports Direct helm as Forsey retires 23 Sep 2016

Mike Ashley, the founder and majority shareholder of Sports Direct, has been appointed chief executive of the UK retailer following the resignation of Dave Forsey.

Space cloth is first non-woven material made from yarn 23 Sep 2016

UK researchers are developing a new form of sustainable fabric, claimed to be the first non-woven material made from yarn, which they say could be incorporated into antibacterial and aromatic clothing.

Shipping giant Maersk shifts focus to logistics in strategic split 23 Sep 2016

AP Moller-Maersk is to shift its focus to transportation and logistics services as part of a move by the Danish shipping giant to split its operations into two separate divisions following a strategic review.

Windsor adopts software solution to speed processes 23 Sep 2016

US apparel and accessories retailer Windsor has invested in a new software solution to help improve scalability, reduce risk, and improve speed-to-value.

Brazil's La Moda adopts design solution for production makeover 23 Sep 2016

Brazilian fashion giant La Moda has given its business a production makeover as part of a collaboration with Lectra which has seen the adoption of a new design solution from the technology specialist.

Accenture expands retail capabilities with Kurt Salmon buy 23 Sep 2016

Global management consultancy Accenture has acquired retail consultants Kurt Salmon in a move designed to expand its capabilities in delivering end-to-end strategy consulting services to the retail and private equity sectors.

Global news roundup 23 Sep 2016

The following is a round-up of apparel and footwear news from the world's local media.

The most-read stories on just-style this week include the US restoring Myanmar's GSP duty-free trade status, what the future is likely to hold for raw materials as part of our management briefing, and US retailers urge action following the bankruptcy of Hanjin Shipping.

Adidas unveils first Speedfactory running shoe 22 Sep 2016

German sportswear giant Adidas has unveiled the first running shoe created at its Speedfactory manufacturing facility in Germany, describing it as the first step in a "game-changing" moment for the industry.

New $300m financing facility aimed at exporters in Asia 22 Sep 2016

A US$300m financing platform has launched aimed at helping global suppliers, including those in the apparel and footwear sectors, to access and service buyers of their products in developed markets.

Thread and Timberland tackle child labour in Haiti 22 Sep 2016

Responsible fibre and fabric producer Thread International has teamed up with outdoor brand Timberland to tackle environmental hazards and child labour in global supply chains, through a targeted effort in Haiti.

New factory checklist to boost Bangladesh labour inspection 22 Sep 2016

A new inspection checklist developed to collect information on Bangladesh ready-made garment factories marks another major step towards building a modern and transparent labour inspectorate in the country.

Target confirms flex-format stores a key to growth 22 Sep 2016

US department store retailer Target Corp has confirmed to just-style that it sees smaller "flex-format" stores in its future, offering apparel products selected for local markets.

More major brands join Cotton Leads programme 22 Sep 2016