adidas miCoach Fitness Watches & Trackers

Fitness watches come if various varieties.  Fitbit has become very popular, but that brand is not the only choice.  If you are in the market for a fitness device for your wrist, you may want to also learn about the devices below.  Obviously, fitness apparel is the best way to look great, but fitness accessories such as watches and trackers are also helpful.

Micoach SMART RUN Watch

Slip it on and step it up.  The miCoach SMART RUN watch delivers an advanced, intuitive blend of coaching and performance data designed to help serious runners maximize training every time you lace up your shoes.  Clean and simple, it delivers a strapless continuous heart rate, GPS, Bluetooth 4.0, wireless music player, WLAN and a color touch screen.

Real-time cardio coaching with miCoach training plans created by elite coaches; Animated strength and flexibility training; Customizable training data screens; Workout review; Watch and timer function; 4GB memory for music and data

Coaching with music: up to 4 hours battery life; Marathon mode without music: up to 8 hours battery life (usage times vary depending on user settings and usage environments)

Fully integrated strap-free heart-rate sensor; GPS-based speed, distance, stride rate and route; Single-button user interaction

Display: 1.45" full color transflective TFT LCD, 184px x 184px touch screen; Battery: 410mAh lithium ion, charging time max 4 hrs

Invisible sync to miCoach.com for automatic updates; miCoach SMART RUN requires Internet access over wifi

Materials: Soft touch silicone strap, stainless steel bezel, buckle and detailing, magnesium backplate; Weight: 2.8 ounces

Learn more about the miCoach Smart Run Watch. 

Video: https://youtu.be/goALXKi_IY0

miCoach Fit Smart Watch

All-day activity: Set goals and track steps, calories and distance; Measure and check your heart rate from your wrist

Meet your new fitness companion. With the miCoach® Fit Smart watch, you’ll never miss a beat, or a step. You can track your activity all day, and when you’re ready to work up a sweat, fire up the built-in heart-rate monitor to get in the zone. Fit Smart technology continuously measures the heart rate from the wrist, with no chest strap required. The watch provides simple-to-understand visual guidance for workout intensity and calorie burn to keep you on track, motivated and training more effectively. Features a built-in accelerometer to track speed, pace, distance and stride rate for walking, jogging and running. Sync your data using Bluetooth® Smart on your smartphone.  The adidas miCoach® Train and Run app lets you see your progress and enjoy access to hundreds of training plans created by the elite coaches at EXOS.

Record workout time, heart rate, calories, pace, distance and stride rate; Add GPS tracking using your smartphone

Train smart with guidance and personalized training plans to help you work out at the right intensity

Simple synchronization with miCoach® Train and Run app for iOS, Android and Windows 10 using Bluetooth® 4.0 (Bluetooth® Smart), 2.4GHz

Data memory: Up to 10 hours of workout data; Battery: 200 mAh lithium ion, 3-hour charging time

Soft-touch silicone strap; Dimensions: 1.5" x .5" x 8"

Note: In order to activate, use and update this product, a PC or Mac, an Internet connection via WiFi and a miCoach user account are required.  In addition, the acceptance of the Legal & Privacy Terms and Warranty Information is required.

Learn more about adidas miCoach accessories.

If you would like to learn about other smart watches and fitness trackers you may want to also review product from other companies.  Below may offer you some guidance for learn more about fitness trackers:

Fitbit Blaze A fitness watch that’s as stylish as it is smart.

Fitbit Charge HR - The power of heart rate on your wrist.

Garmin Vivosmart HR - Walk. Run. Bike. Swim. Golf. Climb. Skip. Jump. Go.
Meet the wearables that help you move a little more each day. Learn about the new vívofit® 3 Activity Tracker with Automatic Activity Detection. Whether you’re walking around the office or going for a jog, vívofit 3 can automatically detect your activity using Garmin Move IQ™ and display it on Garmin Connect™. Wear it comfortably 24/7 to monitor sleep and count steps. Even get reminded to move after an hour of inactivity, with the red move bar. It’s water resistant, has a 1-year battery life and can be dressed up with the interchangeable Style Collection bands, to suit every moment of your active lifestyle. If you want at a lower cost, maybe look at the Garmin Vivofit 2.

Garmin Forerunner 225

Jawbone UP2 - A dashboard of your activities isn't enough. That's why we created Smart Coach. Our exclusive intelligence engine that turns raw data into your personal fitness advisor. No pain. All gain.  They also have a Jawbone UP3 and Jawbone UP4.

Misfit Shine 2 - Thinner, stronger, and smarter, Misfit Shine 2 is our most advanced wearable. Shine 2 seamlessly tracks activity and sleep and delivers sophisticated information effortlessly and vibrantly with multicolor LEDs and a vibration motor. See your progress in a halo of rainbow-colored lights, or let Misfit Move encourage you to get active with a vibrational nudge and unique light animation. Get text and call notifications on your Shine 2 or connect Shine 2 with Misfit Link to control your world—play music, take a selfie, or interact with variety of internet services and smart home devices.

Under Armour Band - Your UA Band measures sleep, resting heart rate, steps, and even workout intensity when worn with UA Heart Rate.  Wear it all the time. Water-resistant fitness tracker so you can wear it all the time.

Microsoft Band 2 - For people who want to live healthier and achieve more there is Microsoft Band. Reach your health and fitness goals by tracking your heart rate, exercise, calorie burn, and sleep quality, and be productive with email, text, and calendar alerts on your wrist.

Moov Now (also for swimming) - MOOV NOW™ is ready to work out whenever you are.  Advanced fitness wearable for boxing, running, cycling, and swimming.

Garmin Vivoactive - Ultra-thin GPS smartwatch with a sunlight-readable, high-resolution color touchscreen.

Mondaine Helvetica No.1 Smart

Samsung Gear Fit - The Gear Fit was designed to wear not only while you’re working out, but for whatever situation you’re in, day or night. Its curved display contours comfortably to your wrist, while interchangeable bands provide you with multiple color options.

Apple Watch - Instantly receive and respond to your favorite notifications. Get the motivation you need to stay active and healthy. Express your personal style in a whole new way. From the way it works to the way it looks, Apple Watch isn’t just something you wear. It’s an essential part of who you are.

Polar A360 - This waterproof fitness tracker is the first to have both a wrist-based heart rate monitor and Polar personalized training guidance, as well 24/7 activity tracking. It even has smartwatch features like smart notifications and a color touchscreen.

Learn more about fitness trackers & smart watches here on Apparel Search.

You may want to read the best fitness trackers 2016 article and the best smart watch roundup from wearable.com as well.  Also, be sure to read the CNET Best Fitness Tracker review.  PC Magazine also has a best fitness tracker article to research.

Honestly, there are almost too many choices.  It is hard to pick a favorite.  Do you have a favorite fitness watch?  Share your reviews, comments, and suggestions in the discussion area below.  By the way, what is the difference between a fitness watch and a fitness tracker?  I guess one tells time and one does not.

Thank you for taking the time to read our fashion blog post. We hope that you have found this news to be informative. If you have comments or questions, please add your thoughts in the discussion area below.

HanesBrands to Acquire Pacific Brands

HanesBrands, a leading worldwide marketer of underwear, intimate apparel and activewear, announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Pacific Brands Limited, the leading underwear and intimate apparel company in Australia.

The acquisition would be Hanes’ sixth in the past three years and would add Australia and New Zealand to the list of countries where the company holds the No. 1 or No. 2 market share position for underwear, intimate apparel or hosiery. The countries include the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and South Africa.

HanesBrands projects that under its ownership publicly traded Pacific Brands (ASX: PBG) would have calendar 2016 net sales in its core Underwear and Sheridan businesses of approximately AUD800 million (US$600 million) and adjusted operating profit of AUD75 million (US$56 million). The Melbourne-based company, which has a June fiscal year end, sells primarily in Australia with some distribution in New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Asia.

“Pacific Brands is a natural addition to the HanesBrands portfolio with its strong market-leading brands that will be complemented by our global supply chain,” Hanes Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Richard A. Noll said. “In the span of 10 years, we have transformed the company through acquisitions and our Innovate-to-Elevate initiatives. We have tripled operating profits and expanded from a $4 billion company concentrated in the United States to a $7 billion global underwear and activewear powerhouse spanning the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific. This foundation will serve as a catalyst for even further growth and value creation for the foreseeable future.”

Pacific Brands has three business units – Underwear, Sheridan, and Tontine & Dunlop. The company has undergone significant restructuring over the past two years to streamline its portfolio to focus on the core Underwear and Sheridan businesses.

Pacific Brands’ restructuring and focus on Underwear and Sheridan has resulted in significant sales and profit growth.  Based on fiscal 2016 expectations, the core businesses have a combined two-year compound annual sales growth rate of approximately 8 percent.

Of the core business, Underwear accounts for three-fourths of sales and includes underwear, bras, socks, hosiery, babywear and outerwear. The Underwear group is successfully executing growth strategies to reshape its wholesale business, expand distribution, and increase retail and online sales. The group operates more than 150 company retail stores and retailer shop-in-shops.

Underwear has a three-year compound annual sales growth rate of 7 percent. The company’s biggest Underwear brand is the fast-growing Bonds, an iconic century-old brand that holds the No. 1 market share for men’s underwear, women’s underwear, children’s underwear, babywear and socks, as well as the No. 3 position in bras. In addition, the Berlei brand of premium bras sold in department stores is No. 2 in overall bra market share and No.1 in sports bras.

The acquisition is expected to result in significant savings through the use of Hanes’ large-scale, low-cost global supply chain. Pacific Brands sources the significant majority of its underwear and intimate apparel production from third-party manufacturers, while Hanes relies primarily on company-owned manufacturing. The acquisition also would add to Hanes’ global product design, development and innovation capabilities that span the Americas, Europe and the Pacific Rim.

The Sheridan business, which accounts for a quarter of the core business, has benefited from newly combined infrastructure with the Underwear group.  Sheridan markets luxury linens, towels, bedding accessories, and loungewear in the retail and wholesale channels and has recently launched babywear.

In the press release it mentions that Hanes will seek to retain the Pacific Brands’ senior management team to run the business after the acquisition.

The definitive purchase agreement has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies. The acquisition, which is subject to Pacific Brands shareholder approval and other customary closing conditions, is expected to close in the third quarter of 2016. Goldman, Sachs & Co. is serving as exclusive financial advisor to Hanes, while Baker & McKenzie is serving as legal counsel.

Learn more about HanesBrands here on Apparel Search, the world’s greatest fashion website (greatest, according to us).

Thank you for taking the time to read our fashion industry blog post. We hope that you have found this news to be informative. If you have comments or questions, please add your thoughts in the discussion area below.

Creative Sensation pro II sewing and embroidery machine

Only PFAFF® can proivde you with the precision and control you need along with an abundance of options for personalization.

The creative sensation™ pro II sewing and embroidery machine is the latest evolution of PFAFF®‘s advanced technology.

NEW - PRECISION PORTFOLIO 

The creative sensation™ pro II machine introduces the Precision Portfolio - 5 features which uniquely provide performance with the highest precision and control in each and every stitch.

• ActivStitch™ Technology
• The Original IDT™ System
• Precise Positioning Feature
• Stitch Creator™ Feature
• Shape Creator Feature

NEW - DOUBLE RIBBON STITCHES

Add dimensional elements to your decorative stitching with beautiful ribbon stitches. With this patented technique, narrow ribbons and trims are woven into these special stitches as you sew. New double ribbon stitches are exclusive to the creative sensation™ pro II machine.

A few of the key features:

With three patents, this revolutionary technology delivers precise, gorgeous embroidery even when using challenging novelty threads like metallic. Sensors measure the fabric thickness to regulate the amount of thread needed to achieve perfect balance between the needle and bobbin threads. Results are perfect on both sides of the fabric.

Integrated Dual Feed only from PFAFF® for over 45 years! A PFAFF® exclusive feature that delivers absolutely even fabric feed from both the top and the bottom, and ensures perfect seams on all fabrics.

Place every embroidery design exactly where you want it. Easily match multiple hoopings to create embroideries of unlimited size.

Create new 9mm stitches or edit built-in stitches for unlimited creativity. 

Combine decorative stitches or design elements instantly to create truly unique borders and designs. Shape Creator™ Appliqué feature reinvents how to create appliqués with speed and precision. Choose from a variety of distinctive shapes – all built-in. 

Add dimensional elements to your decorative stitching with beautiful ribbon stitches. With this patented technique, narrow ribbons and trims are woven into these special stitches as you sew. New double ribbon stitches are exclusive to the creative sensation™ pro II sewing and embroidery machine. 

The PFAFF® creative sensation™ pro II sewing and embroidery machine features a large embroidery area - up to 360x350mm. Embroider your unique, personal creations in one hooping with the largest turnable hoop on market.

Beautiful cutwork embroidery is completed quickly and easily with INSPIRA™ cutwork needles. Four different needles, each with a different cutting angle, cut the fabric as you embroider.

Above is only some of the benefits.

Learn more about this equipment at PFAFF.

Mother’s Day and Graduation Season Fast-approaching

Spring is in the air (finally!), which means Mother’s Day and Graduation season are fast-approaching. It's time to think about gift ideas.

Watches For Graduates

CHARRIOL is launching their first-ever “Watch Me Graduate” program – a partnership with Graduate Women International, the nonprofit organization whose goal is to empower women and girls through lifelong education. As part of the partnership, a percentage of all proceeds from the sale of CHARRIOL’s St. Tropez 35 Collection will be donated to the charity.  What better way to celebrate one of the most pivotal times in a young woman’s life than with a watch to represent the transition from college to the world before her. 

Jewelry for Mother

Mother’s Day and CHARRIOL’s new ‘FABULOUS’ collection is hitting stores to make any mom feel just that …. FABULOUS! Choose from earrings, bangles, pretty pendant or collier necklace accented with rubies, rainbow moonstone and citrine, as well as cable designs in steel, yellow gold or orange PVD. 

Coralie Charriol-Paul, NY-based Creative Director for CHARRIOL.

DuPont™ Cyrel® EASY Flexographic Printing Plates

Fashion is not only about the clothing & shoes.  The labeling and packaging that is used for some products being sold at retail is equally as important in regard to the presentation of product.

DuPont offers specialized, cost-effective solutions that help brand owners, converters, manufacturers, tradeshops, and printers meet branding, performance, and sustainability goals.

DuPont Advanced Printing (DuPont) announced that more than 100 customers globally are successfully using DuPont™ Cyrel® EASY flexographic printing plates.  Launched in 2015, Cyrel® EASY plates simplify the prepress process with flat top digital dots that are built directly into the plates, resulting in increased productivity and consistency.

“We are extremely pleased to have reached this significant milestone so quickly,” said Andy Kannurpatti, global marketing manager, DuPont Advanced Printing. “With Cyrel® EASY, customers are able to deliver improved print quality while at the same time simplifying their workflow.”

Developed specifically for flexible packaging such as tags and labels, Cyrel® EASY plates are based on a new polymer technology that produces higher ink transfer, color saturation and resolution. Significantly higher solid ink density has been demonstrated in customer testing, without compromising on highlights. The plates are available globally for FAST/thermal and solvent processing in engineered and smooth surfaces. Additional Cyrel® EASY flexographic printing products are currently in development for the corrugated, beverage and folding carton markets.

Close customer collaboration has been instrumental in ensuring the Cyrel® EASY system delivers the needed quality and processing benefits. “Thanks to high color-saturation and repeatability, Cyrel® EASY plates allow converters to produce jobs in flexography, which before was only possible with other printing systems. Our converters using both flexography and gravure have made the direct comparison and confirm new Cyrel® EASY plates offer a better handling process,” said Massimo Cipolla, owner of Zincopar in Parma, Italy.

“At Hub Labels, we take pride in the amount of technological advances we have adopted within the past few years. The new Cyrel® EASY plate technology is another one of those advances, and it will definitely help our customers make a visual impact in their marketplace,” said Josiah Storer, graphics supervisor at Hub Labels in Hagerstown, Maryland.  Hub labels can provide shipping labels for apparel warehouses.  Hub Labels also offers Hub Creative Services, combining design and creative concepts to provide customers with fresh, custom designed labels, direct marketing, and promotional products.

“The results are sensational – it is now possible for us to offer higher quality with improved productivity. Our customers are extremely satisfied with the benefits of Cyrel® EASY. It´s really a top product on the market,” said Fidel Fernandes, director at Fotograv in São Paulo, Brazil.

DuPont Advanced Printing brings together leading technologies and products for the printing and package industries.  DuPont™ Cyrel® is one of the world’s leading flexographic plate-making systems in digital and conventional formats, including the new Cyrel® EASY photopolymer plates and Cyrel® FAST plates and processing equipment.  Along with its printing technologies and products,

DuPont also offers DuPont™ Izon® anti-counterfeit solutions and document security systems to corporate and government entities and DuPont™ Artistri® high-quality inks for consumer, commercial, office inkjet and textile printing applications. 

Learn about apparel packaging manufactures.

Thank you for taking the time to read our apparel industry news blog post. We hope that you have found this news to be informative. If you have comments or questions, please add your thoughts in the discussion area below.

Nastro Azzuro's 5th Annual Search for Emerging Designers

With much excitement, one of Italy’s leading brands, Peroni Nastro Azzurro, is sponsoring its 5th Annual Emerging Designer Series contest in collaboration with Fashion Group International and FUNKSHION. Once again, the world’s No. 1 Italian beer will be holding the contest during one of the most high-profile fashion events of the season, Miami Swim Week. Held at Nautilius, a SIXTY Hotel, and supported by Italia Independent, Peroni is offering an unrivaled opportunity for emerging designers to participate in a noteworthy runway show attended by press, buyers, celebrities and fashion industry professionals, all at no cost to the designer.

For its fifth consecutive year in a row, the competition offers up-and-coming local talent a major platform to showcase their skill. “We’re delighted, as we have been since we started this venture, to be offering such a unique opportunity during one of Miami’s most widely attended and anticipated events of the year,” said Katya Bravo, Miami import brand developer for Peroni Nastro Azzurro. “The brand values true craftsmanship, artistry and style, so this partnership with FUNKSHION and Fashion Group is a rewarding one that gives us a chance to proudly champion and support exceptional talent.”

To apply, designers submit one design that best illustrates their view of Italian style. A panel of industry experts from Fashion Group International, including fashion aficionado Annie Vazquez, will select 10 finalists who will have the opportunity to showcase three looks in a group fashion show during the upcoming Swim Week in July. One of those lucky designers will be announced on July 13th as the winner of Peroni’s 5th Annual Emerging Designer Series and will be awarded a trip to New York Fashion Week along with a complete runway production showcasing their full line at Swim Week 2017 in Miami.

Last years winner and since acclaimed designer, Luis Aponte, will present his collection as the finale of Italian Style Night during the upcoming Swim Week at FUNKSHION in July. 

Designers can apply online, with the submission deadline being May 16, 2016. Designers must be 25 or older, US citizens and based in South Florida to apply. To apply and learn more, please visit www.funkshion.com.

The Emerging Designer Awards is a global Peroni Nastro Azzurro program that operates in key style markets around the world, illustrating its commitment to nurturing and championing rising design talent as only a leading Italian style brand would.

About Peroni Emerging Designer Series

Peroni Emerging Designer Series enters its fifth year this Miami Swim Week. In 2015, local Florida designers were asked to submit one design that best illustrates their perception of Italian style while also incorporating the “Nastro Azzurro,” Peroni’s iconic Blue Ribbon. From these submissions experts at Fashion Group International (FGI) selected nine finalists to showcase two looks at the Emerging Designer Fashion Series in July 2015 at Miami Swim Week. The winner received a trip to New York Fashion Week as well as a complete runway production showcasing their full line at the upcoming Swim Week 2016 in Miami. Learn more at FUNKSHION, www.funkshion.com.

About Peroni Nastro Azzurro

Peroni Nastro Azzurro – Italy’s No. 1 premium beer – is a crisp, refreshing lager that exudes Italian style. Created in 1963 in Italy, Peroni Nastro Azzurro launched in the United States in 2005, and today is enjoyed across six continents. The iconic Italian lager has won over tastemakers and trendsetters looking for a crisp, clean beer that complements their style. The brand’s history, taste, design and partnerships with well-known Italian chefs, designers and exclusive fashion events reinforce the beer’s stylish Italian heritage. For more information, please visit www.peroniitaly.com  

Thank you for taking the time to read our fashion industry blog post. 

Learn more about emerging designers in our fashion terms section.

We hope that you have found this news to be informative.   If you have comments or questions, please add your thoughts in the discussion area below.

Apex Dress Onyx

Apex Dress Onyx

Here is a look from the back.

Sleeveless long dress with a leather belt at low waist.  Leather piping on the neckline and armholes.

Did you see the Spectra Jacket in Carbon color?  That was another spectacular design from Nicholas K.

Apparel Industry Regulation Education Workshop

Are you confused about conflict minerals or Prop 65?  Need an update on children's product safety? Or a lesson in Made in USA labeling?

Sourcing Journal is hosting an educational workshop, "Regulation Education" on June 15, 2016 in New York City.  They will be providing insight regarding the elements of maintaining compliance.  Join them for a half-day workshop to learn how to adhere to regulations pertaining to the apparel or textile industry such as Conflict Minerals, Made in USA labeling, Children's Product Safety and Prop 65.  Plus get up to speed on the latest changes to various rules.

Before the half day is up, you'll should have a general understanding of the Conflict Minerals section of the Dodd-Frank Act, know how to properly test and adhere to required chemical and labeling regulations, and be well aware of the ramifications for non-compliance--key in today's world where compliance is ever-more paramount to business success.

WHEN: June 15, 2016

TIME: 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

WHERE: LIM College Townhouse, 12 E 53rd St, New York, NY 10022

Speakers include:

Barbara Jones, Attorney, GT Law - Conflict Minerals

David Callet, Attorney, Callet Law LLC - Children's Product Safety Act

James Kohm, Attorney, Federal Trade Commission - Made in USA Labeling

Ben Mead, Managing Director USA, Hohenstein - California Prop 65

Learn more at the Sourcing Journal website at http://sourcingjournalonline.us

By the way, the concept of 'conflict resource', or 'conflict commodity' emerged in the late 1990s, initially in relation to 'conflict diamonds' financing rebellions in Angola and Sierra Leone. (The media often called these 'blood diamonds'.)  The most commonly mined conflict minerals are cassiterite (for tin), wolframite (for tungsten), coltan (for tantalum), and gold ore, which are extracted from the Eastern Congo, and passed through a variety of intermediaries before being purchased by multinational electronics companies.  But the issue can also effect the textile & apparel industry.  The issue can raise its head with electronics on apparel, footwear, related products.  As wearable technology expands, this can become more of an issue for the fashion industry.  In fact, the AAFA has developed the below list to assist companies in determining where conflict minerals could appear in their apparel, footwear, fashion accessories, travel goods, and related supply chains.

Learn more about the Conflict Minerals section of the Dodd-Frank Act.

Find more about apparel industry educational seminars in our education section.

Thank you for taking the time to read our fashion industry seminar blog post. We hope that you have found this news to be informative. If you have comments or questions, please add your thoughts in the discussion area below.

IFF MAGIC Japan 2017

We are excited to let you know that on the heels of UBM’s recent acquisition of Business Journals, Inc., MAGIC, fashion’s largest global tradeshow, has announced the launch of IFF MAGIC Japan coming April 2017.  IFF MAGIC Japan will serve as a high-profile showcase for Japanese fashion brands and designers to promote themselves to Japan and the global market; and also an opportunity for international brands and suppliers to access the lucrative Japanese market.

UBM plc, a leading global business-to-business event organizer and marketing services organization, and producer of MAGIC, fashion’s largest global trade show, recently announced the launch of IFF MAGIC Japan, a new joint venture between MAGIC and JFW-International Fashion Fair, Japan’s longest running, bi-annual fashion business tradeshow organized by renowned publisher Senken Shimbun.

The two fashion powerhouses will join forces to launch the first IFF MAGIC Japan event next April 26-28, 2017 at the Tokyo Big Sight exhibition center.

MAGIC will bring its 80+ years of fashion tradeshow experience to guide JFW-International Fashion Fair in cultivating the overall look-and-feel of the new show.  IFF MAGIC Japan 2017 will be held as the cornerstone of Japan Fashion Week in Tokyo and will feature a re-imagined and re-merchandised show floor with new brands laid out in easily to navigate fashion neighborhoods that will maximize the experience for both retailers and exhibitors.  IFF MAGIC Japan will also launch with a freshly developed social media presence, innovative marketing strategies and show floor activations, taking note from its U.S. counterpart’s longstanding success.

“Fashion is a truly global industry, and we are thrilled for MAGIC’s upcoming expansion into the Japan market in partnership with JFW International Fashion Fair, and UBM Japan,” said Chris DeMoulin, Managing Director, Fashion, UBM America’s. “Our combined expertise will not only help IFF MAGIC Japan evolve quickly to meet the dynamic needs of the Japanese market, but will provide a new platform for UBM Fashion’s global customer base to find new business partners and brands in Japan as well.”

Japan is the third largest fashion market in the world after the USA and the EU. Japan’s fashion trends influence the fashion markets not only of Asia but all around the world and until now, Japan has not hosted a truly international trade fair for the fashion industries.

With the launch of IFF MAGIC Japan, UBM aims to further educate, inspire and facilitate commerce for retail buyers and attendees – while providing a unique experience to the Asia market. IFF MAGIC Japan will serve as a high-profile showcase for Japanese fashion brands and designers to promote themselves to Japan and the global market, and also as an opportunity for international brands and suppliers to access the lucrative Japanese market.

Thank you for taking the time to read our fashion industry event blog post. 

Learn more about the MAGIC Trade show and the Japanese Fashion Industry.  You may also want to visit the Japanese fashion designer page.  If you are interested, you can also learn about other fashion trade shows in Japan in our trade show directory section.

We hope that you have found this news to be informative. If you have comments or questions, please add your thoughts in the discussion area below.

Dress Shirt Fabrics

Dress shirt fabrics come in various constructions such as oxford, herringbone, twill, poplin, end-on-end, pinpoint, basket weave, ginham, etc.  Most of which are woven fabrics.  Shirt fabrics are also referenced as "shirtings".   

Cotton is by far the most common fabric for dress shirts, and most fabric names refer to a particular method of weaving the shirting fabric.  The numbers sometimes listed with fabrics denote the thickness of the yarn from which the fabric is made; higher numbers mean thinner yarn.  The finer yarn results in a finer clothing and typically higher prices.

Yarn is the generic term for a thin, long, continuous strand of textile fiber before it is woven into cloth.

A yarn number tells you the diameter of the yarn used in the fabric.  Fabric has a lower yarn number because the yarn used to make the shirt is wider. Thinner fabric has a higher number.  Typically 80-100 signifies high quality.  Thread count is often referred to with a number like 50s, 80s, 100s, 120s, 140s 160s, etc. up to 200s.

Ply is a term used to describe the number of yarns that are spun together in the shirt fabric. Two ply means that two different yarns are twisted together before the shirting fabric is woven.  Fabrics can either be two-ply or single ply.

You might see a fabric’s construction described as something like “100/2×100/2″. The way to read this is that it has 100s two-ply threads running in both the warp and weft directions.  Warp threads run vertically. Weft yarns run horizontally.

Broadcloth—very similar to poplin–is a tightly woven fabric with a very simple over-under weave and slight sheen, which makes it very dressy.  Broadcloths are great for guys looking for as little texture as possible in their fabrics.  They are generally a thinner, lighter fabric.

Oxford vs. Pinpoint - The difference between the fabrics is not in the weave, but in the thickness and weight of the yarns that are used. Pinpoint generally has a higher thread count, and a lighter, finer weave then Oxford Cloth.  Thus, pinpoint dress shirts are preferable over oxford cloth dress shirts in formal situations.

The construction of the cloth and yarn count is only part of the shirt fabric puzzle.  The fabric also must complete a proper finishing process to be prepared for being cut and sewn into dress shirts.  There are a variety of processes that must occur before the cloth is considered “finished.”  These processes are referred to as the “finishing.”  This process can include dying, sizing, pre-shrinking, and sanforization (Sanforization is a process of treatment used for cotton fabrics mainly and most textiles made from natural or chemical fibres, patented by Sanford Lockwood Cluett) to name just a few common ones.  Some finishing techniques such as bleaching and dyeing are applied to yarn before it is woven while others are applied to the grey cloth directly after it is woven or knitted.  Each of these processes has a direct effect not only on the appearance of the cloth, but also on how it later performs.

A primer on dress shirt fabrics (dappered)

Dress Shirt Weaves (Charles Tyrwhitt shirts)

If you are a fashion designer looking for factories to manufacturer your dress shirts in the shirting fabric construction of your choice, you can check the dress shirt factory section of our clothing factory area.

You may want to also learn about suit fabrics if you would like to do a bit more reading.

Learn more about fabrics from our fabric mill section.

Do you know the difference between a made-to-measure shirt and a bespoke shirt?

Read our blog post about how to pick a proper dress shirt.

Thank you for taking the time to read our fashion industry blog post. We hope that you have found this news to be informative. If you have comments or questions, please add your thoughts in the discussion area below.

Eco PRK Sustainable Denim

Eco PRK has been washing and developing new ways to improve technology in the fashion industry for private labels and two lines of their own Tortoise Jeans and Natural Cast.  They want to expose the back end of the denim washing process, the problem and offer a solution that denim can be washed without the use of any chemicals and with little to no water at all.  They are continually finding and innovating new ways to an old process of washing denim.  The company was established in 2013, by co-founders Kevin Young, Daniel Park and Myung Koh.  

Eco PRK, People Reshaping know how, started with a dream of creating a place where laundry water runs clear and no chemicals pollute the environment.  This place was never heard of and many people did not believe that this could be true.  It was generally accepted that denim cannot be washed without water or chemicals.  So this company set out on a journey to prove to the world that anything is possible. They planted a little seed, nurtured it and saw how it has grown into what is now Eco PRK.

Kevin Young made living out of college in one of the best denim factories in the US where he had grown fond of indigo.  As his mentor, Adiano Goldschmied nurtured his love for denim and this passion lead him to dig deeper into the process of jeans manufacturing.  This enabled him to realize how the production of this standard jeans involves plenty of harmful chemical and tons of energy and water waste.

They came up with an innovative organic waste patent pending (#13746144) method with the goal of providing the possibility of creating beautiful, ethical organic and transparent denim without depleting the planet of its natural resources.

They use 80% less water, they use 70% less energy and they say that they use no harmful chemicals.

By going green on your blue jeans, you help preserve the planet for the next generation.

This all sounds like very good news for denim jean factories.  Hopefully they will be buying denim fabrics from mills that are working toward saving the environment.

Learn more about Eco PRK denim solutions at http://ecoprk.com/

You may want to also learn about stone washing jeans.  Also, if you have some spare time, I would suggest reading the denim dictionary blog post which will lead you to a nice denim glossary so that you can continue your research on this subject.

Shoe boutiques in New York

If you are shopping for new shoes, New York is the perfect destination.  Partially because real state is so expensive in NYC, there are fewer large department stores and more specialized boutiques.  Sure the city has Macy’s, Bloomingdales, Barney’s, Lord & Taylor, etc., but many other big stores do not venture into the city.

The city has many distinct sections that have trendy consumers as well as trendy boutique owners.  Sometimes finding a fascinating shoe boutique in New York is as simple as stepping into Soho, Greenwhich Village, Nolita, etc.

Extra Butter NY: One of New York's premier first quality sneaker & clothing boutiques.  Buy trendy sneakers for men & women and shop for limited edition shoes and fashion.  EXTRA BUTTER LES (LOWER EAST SIDE) 125 Orchard St

New York, NY 10002 (917) 965-2500.  EXTRA BUTTER RVC (ROCKVILLE CENTRE) 266 Merrick Rd Rockville Centre, NY 11570 (516) 632-5150.

Kith NYC: Established in 2011, KITH operates on two planes - a multifunctional lifestyle brand for both men and women, and a progressive retail establishment. Their three brick-and-mortar flagship stores were designed in partnership with Snarkitecture, as we push the boundaries to deliver customers a completely unique experience. They offer an array of premium product, ranging from their own in-house label to a curated selection of multi-brand apparel and footwear.   KITH was founded by Ronnie Fieg, a prominent figure in the footwear industry, who has over twenty years of hands-on experience. Born and raised in Queens, Fieg has been involved with footwear since becoming a stock boy at New York-based franchise David Z. at age 12.  With steadfast perseverance, he rose through the ranks from floor salesman to assistant manager to eventually becoming head buyer.  Conceptualizing KITH as an extension of himself, Fieg seeks to shift the current landscape of fashion, while operating under a personal philosophy of giving the consumer more than what they pay for.

Oak:  OAK - A New York-based cutting edge retailer offering men's and women's designer clothing, shoes and accessories. Address: 28 Bond Street, New York, NY 10012

Modern Vice: A Shoe Shopping Experience Like No Other.  Nestled in the heart of New York City's garment district is a one of a kind shoe buying experience. When you visit our headquarters you will have access to our showroom, leather room, studio, glass shoebox and factory. Choose your own leathers, make a custom shoe, meet the designers and see shoes being made. If you are visiting New York City and you love shoes then you MUST stop by Modern Vice.  Modern Vice 247 West 38th Street #301 New York, NY, 10018, USA.

Shoegasm is a trendsetting shoe parlor with four locations in New York City and an online store offering styles you want at prices you'll love.

Learn about other best shopping destinations in New York for fashion and footwear.

Here are a few “best of lists” that you may find to be helpful for your shopping quest.

Top shopping streets in New York (Frommers)

10 Unique Shoe Boutiques in NYC (The Culture Trip)

Ten Best Sneaker Stores in NYC (Complex)

Best Shoe Boutiques in NYC (Yelp)

Best Places to Shop for Shoes in NYC (Refinery 29)

The Best Shoe Stores in NYC (TimeOut)

If you wish to focus on shopping in SoHo, you may want to check the Soho NYC Boutiques page for inspiration.  For those of you in Brooklyn or planning to visit, you may want to check out Chuckies Brooklyn.  Founded in 1980 by the Erani brothers on Brooklyn's famous Kings Highway, CHUCKIES brooklyn has been offering the well-heeled men and women of New York the chicest and most fashionable shoes and accessories for over 30 years. While other designer boutiques have come and gone, CHUCKIES brooklyn has consistently re-invented the joy of shopping, boasting well-known designer names along with hidden fashion gems that are curated especially for its diverse clientele.  With the latest in luxury designer shoes and accessories under one roof and a loyal and friendly staff to help, you will most likely walk away happy!

You may want to also check our previous Best Fashion Boutiques in New York blog post.  It is very possible that those fashion boutiques also sell footwear for women, men, and children.

Where do you shop when in New York?  Please add your favorite New York shoe boutiques in the comment section.

Made-to-Measure or Bespoke

Can you afford custom made clothing?  I can't, but I wish that I could.  Although I can't afford them, I know the importance of understanding different categories of clothing.  So, let's take a few moment to learn the difference between the term "made-to-measure" and "bespoke".  They are often referred to as being the same thing, but technically they are NOT the same.  Well, actually that depends on who you ask.

The British Advertising Standards Authority has made a ruling regarding the difference or lack of difference between the word bespoke and made-to-measure.  The ruling established that a "made-to-measure suit would be cut, usually by machine, from an existing pattern, and adjusted according to the customer's measurements," while "a bespoke suit would be fully hand-made and the pattern cut from scratch, with an intermediary baste stage which involved a first fitting so that adjustments could be made to a half-made suit." The ruling concluded, however, that a "majority of people... would not expect that bespoke suit to be fully hand-made with the pattern cut from scratch," effectively equalizing the terms bespoke and made-to-measure.  Some people may say that the ASA had made a rather silly decision to declare that there is no difference between bespoke and made-to-measure.  In the opinion of Apparel Search, their is a difference between the two terms.  Bespoke is 100% custom made for a specific individual.  Made-to-measure uses existing standard patterns and then tailoring is done to make the garment fit better to an specific individual.  

You may also want to learn about suiting fabrics if you are planing to buy either a made-to-measure suit or a bespoke suit.  It would actually be a good idea to learn about suit fabrics even if you are planning to buy ready to wear suits off the rack.

Dow and Russell Collaborate on Intellifresh Powered Apparel

On April 25, 2016 the Dow Chemical Company and Russell Brands, LLC have announced a collaboration to provide advanced odor and freshness protection to apparel performance products using Dow’s patented SILVADUR™ technology.  Products treated with this technology will feature the Intellifresh™ brand.  The collaboration with Russell is among Dow’s first uses of the Intellifresh™ brand on performance apparel products.

“Dow research shows that more consumers are looking for products that promote a healthier lifestyle,” said Larry Ryan, business president for Dow Energy & Water Solutions. “Consumers surveyed indicated they are interested in purchasing a wide variety of products with durable protection against odor or odor-causing bacteria. The collaboration with Russell is a prime example of how Dow, with its innovative technology behind Intellifresh™, can partner with brand owners, manufacturers and retailers to fulfill consumer needs."

The Russell® COOLFORCE™ tee, powered by Intellifresh™, is the most recent performance apparel product to incorporate this invisible ingredient that provides built in freshness and odor protection. The secret to the long-lasting freshness comes from Dow’s patented SILVADUR™ technology, which neutralizes bacteria that can build up on fabric surfaces so fabrics stay fresher longer, even between washings. COOLFORCE™ tees are available in stores and online at Walmart.com

“We are thrilled to announce this exciting collaboration with Dow, which will allow us to offer our consumers one of the most innovative performance elements in today’s market,” said Rick Medlin, chief executive officer and president of Russell Brands, LLC, a subsidiary of Fruit of the Loom, Inc. “Our brand is committed to seeking the highest standards of performance in athletic apparel at an affordable price, and it’s a privilege to share this technology with all our consumers.”

Russell Brands chose the innovative COOLFORCE™ tee as its launch product due to the advanced technical nature of the SILVADUR™ technology. The COOLFORCE™ tee already includes a proprietary, chemical-free cooling technology that doesn’t degrade over time, allowing wearers to elevate their workouts by keeping them cool and dry to reach their maximum performance potential. The inclusion of the Intellifresh™ odor-protection ingredient complements these features, adding another superior benefit to the COOLFORCE™ tee.

The Intellifresh™ logo will be featured on Austin Dillon’s No. 3 Dow Chevrolet at the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race in Talladega, Alabama on May 1, 2016. Dillon’s crew will be wearing Intellifresh™-branded COOLFORCE™ tees during the race weekend.

The COOLFORCE™ tee powered by Intellifresh™ comes in a variety of assorted colors. It contains all the desired features for added comfort and even includes a small side pocket with a zipper to accommodate needs while working out.

About Dow

Dow (NYSE: DOW) combines the power of science and technology to passionately innovate what is essential to human progress. The Company is driving innovations that extract value from material, polymer, chemical and biological science to help address many of the world's most challenging problems such as the need for clean water, clean energy generation and conservation, and increasing agricultural productivity. Dow's integrated, market-driven, industry-leading portfolio of specialty chemical, advanced materials, agrosciences and plastics businesses delivers a broad range of technology-based products and solutions to customers in approximately 180 countries and in high-growth sectors such as packaging, electronics, water, coatings and agriculture. In 2015, Dow had annual sales of nearly $49 billion and employed approximately 49,500 people worldwide. The Company's more than 6,000 product families are manufactured at 179 sites in 35 countries across the globe. References to "Dow" or the "Company" mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted. More information about Dow can be found at www.dow.com.

About Russell Brands, LLC

For more than 100 years, Russell Brands has supplied America’s athletes and teams with the latest innovations to help them perform at their best and is a leading supplier of apparel and team uniforms at the high school, college and professional levels. Russell Brand’s collegiate licensed products and athletic wear are broadly distributed and marketed through department stores, sports specialty stores, retail chains and college bookstores. Russell®, available at Walmart, is the active apparel brand that connects a consumer’s product performance needs with value and comfort for life’s everyday activities.

More about Intellifresh: Textiles enhanced with Intellifresh do so much more for you than just stay fresh. If your textiles are fresh, maybe that gym bag won’t get so scary or that musty smell won’t invade your linen closet. In fact, you might get an extra use out of that t-shirt before you have to wash it. And that saves water, detergent, and energy. Not to mention your time! Intellifresh protects textiles against odor build up, so they not only stay fresh longer, they look and feel new longer too.  Freshness that works. Freshness that lasts. Freshness that is favorable to the environment. Freshness that makes fabrics last longer. Now that’s Intellifresh Intelligent Freshness Performance.

More about SILVADUR™: SILVADUR™ antimicrobial is a revolutionary microbial control technology that provides long lasting freshness and reliable protection against unwanted bacteria in clothing, uniforms, home textiles, industrial fabrics and more. The SILVADUR antimicrobial technology ensures that unpleasant odors, decay, and discoloration can't occur in textile fabrics because bacteria won't form or grow in the first place.

You may find the following to be interesting reading as well.

Silver Antimicrobial Fabrics

Copper Antimicrobial Fabrics

What is antimicrobial fabric?

Learn more about Russell Athletic here on Apparel Search in the apparel company section.