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The Continental Clothing Company have recently announced their intention to go fully organic. For over a decade Continental have been designing and distributing quality blank apparel, and were the early pioneers of the movement towards fitted and fashionable T-shirts in the wholesale market. Now Continental are pioneering again, being one of the first blank apparel providers to announce their intention for their products to be completely organic.
Continental have purchased 750 tonnes of ‘100% organic cotton - in conversion’, which is due to be harvested in October. From November onwards all Continental cotton garments will be 100% organic, or 100% organic - in conversion. ‘In conversion’ is a term used to denote soil which has been converted to organic practices but is within a 3 year period from its conversion, therefore trace amounts of residue from before may remain. By buying ‘in conversion’ cotton one can support farmers in the transitive process who are trying to make their produce as eco-friendly as possible.
The director of Continental stated that this purchase “this is a major step towards going 100% organic – and by developing lasting & sustainable relationships with organic cotton farmers, we ensure our future supply of organic cotton in a time when demand might exceed supply”.
Winter is almost upon us (did it ever really end?) and the choice of jacket styles has grown again. Advances in technology mean that not only can you buy an expensive waterproof jacket with ports for your mobile phone, iPod or Blackberry but that even standard jackets have features that were not available a few years ago. Fabrics are now more easily manipulated, and promising to be very popular this winter are jackets made using ’soft-shell’ fabrics.
Shell refers to the outer layer of a jacket designed to block wind and/or water from entering and there a three main types. Completely waterproof jackets protect against water and wind, but conversely prevent moisture from escaping. A hard-shell layer, such as Gore-Tex, is waterproof and somewhat breathable. They are typically made up of a thin, porous membrane that blocks liquid water, but lets through moisture. A soft-shell layer allows moisture to evaporate freely, provides protection from wind chill and partially blocks water. When combined with a water repellent coating this option provides cover over all three categories. Soft-shell jackets are also lighter, less bulky and more breathable than their counterparts.
David Sanders-Smith, of Result, states that: “Soft shell fabrics is the latest line-up of must-have performance jackets. The fabric is lightweight that stretches to further enhance performance and comfort levels required for today’s ever demanding outdoor lifestyle. In addition, Soft shell offers high levels of warmth and has to be the first choice outer layer when worn in dry and cold weather conditions”.
Still the best selling jackets for outdoor activity are completely waterproof examples, with those such as the Regatta Stormproof Jacket proving particularly popular. And if it is too cold for the traditionally thin jacket it can always be used in conjunction with the warm but absorbent fleece, such as a Uneek Fleece Jacket.
As I have previously commented the discrepancies in size labelling on garments often leaves consumers confused and with a t-shirt several sizes too small or large. However now help is apparently at hand for clothing companies to deliver better fitting garments and eradicate the problem.
The Textile/Clothing Technology Corporation, based in North Carolina, is an apparel technology research and education organisation funded by the United States Department of Commerce and by private firms in the soft goods industry. Its mandate is to serve as a research and demonstration centre of emerging technologies and business processes in the apparel industry.
A product of this ongoing operation was an investigation into the feasibility of introducing body scanning technology into the apparel measuring system. They conducted a survey, entitled ‘SizeUSA’, of 10,000 men and women’s body shapes and sizes – an equivalent was conducted in the United Kingdom and is entitled ‘SizeUK’. The results of this survey have been utilised by many companies, including such recognisable brands as Victoria’s Secret and Chico’s. The survey was so successful that Size Thailand and Size Mexico equivalents are already underway, with several more planned in other major market areas. There are also many commercial organizations offering body-scan solutions for apparel companies such as Human Solutions.
With American clothing giants such as JC Penney utilising the findings of the survey for their size labelling it is surely only a matter of time before the system is expanded and adopted throughout the industry. If carried out on a global scale this technology could make clothes shopping over the internet far simpler than going to the shops and trying clothes on to determine a best fit, with a best fit already determined for you.
Mayer House Business Media Limited is set to launch the inaugural trade show which they hope will raise the standard of shows aimed “specifically for the UK garment supply, decoration and equipment industry”. Entitled ‘Printwear UK’ the show has been confirmed for 17-18 February 2008 at Cranmore Park. The announcement follows the successful launch of their industry magazine ‘Printwear Today’, whose immediate and resounding popularity “proves emphatically that the market for garment decorators has been, and is continuing to grow” according to Managing Director Nick Carpenter.
Printwear Today will host the exhibition and raising its own profile in the process, proving that their ambitions to become the leading garment decoration publication are not unfounded. The show will provide an opportunity to showcase garments, decoration applications, equipment and consumables. But the focus of the show is said to be new and innovative products, meaning that if successful this could well become the most important annual event for all garment decorators in the UK, and possibly even abroad.
A great deal of thought has gone into providing the ideal venue for the event, free parking is provided and Mayer House are very concious of the high prices associated with such events, often a turn-off for potential attendees. Carpenter states that there was a need for “a venue that appeals to both exhibitors and visitors alike. A venue that provides exhibitors, unrivalled value for money and gives visitors a much needed break from high costs associated with attending other venues in the area”.
Mayer House will no doubt be hoping their show becomes as successful as the annual FESPA convention (seen below) which has become the industry byword for a show on printing techniques.
An advertising campaign will be initiated to raise awareness of the show throughout the industry, comprising of trade press announcements, online campaigning and direct mail promotions, so this will certainly not be the last you hear of Printwear UK. It seems that the effort is barely warranted however, within a few weeks of marketing the event over 50% is already booked and reserved – so if you want to set up a stall and gain exposure, or keep up with all of the latest innovations in the industry, you had better book now before tickets are unavailable.
Since most digital printers operate using water based inks you will need to cure your t-shirts to achieve the best quality look on a printed garment. ‘Curing’ involves heating the t-shirt at a prescribed temperature so that any residual water left by the digital printing process evaporates. Currently the two curing methods available are heat presses and conveyor dryers.
Assuming you are not a major producer or distributor one machine will be enough to meet your needs. Most t-shirts will need between 30-90 seconds to be cured; for an exact guide and a recommended temperature be sure to consult the requirements for the ink you are planning to use provided by the manufacturer.
Though not incredibly expensive (a basic heat press starts at approximately £350) it is recommended that you don’t immediately purchase the cheapest model available. As with any new machine to be incorporated into your business you should thoroughly research the options available to you and seek out previous customers of the prospective company you are to be dealing with, after all you may need technical support. It is probably best to look at a fully digital heat press that will automatically raise itself once the pre-set time has expired to ensure against scorching the shirts. The Geo-Knight and Company’s digital heat presses (such as the DK20S, below) are usually a popular choice in this market for precisely the reasons outlined above.
The chances are that if you are a screen-printer and are moving into digital printing that you already own a conveyor dryer, and this will work fine, albeit slower than a heat press. But be aware that you will have to slow your dryer belt down from its settings to allow for a full cure. A full guide to price a specifications to the most popular models of heat press can be found elsewhere on our website Here.
Often the most prohibitive obstacles facing a small embroidery or garment printing business is the massive initial outlay on expensive technology and machinery, meaning that it is often difficult to break even in the first few years of business, let alone post a profit. The heat press manufacturer J&A International offer a unique solution which could help your fledgling business find its feet and weather the growing pains it encounters.
Pioneering a rental scheme entitled ‘Seal-Deal’, J&A are offering a new 3030 heat press with a choice of heat plate sizes, all repairs and maintenance covered (excluding non-wear and tear damage), an immediate replacement in the event of malfunction and carriage of machine for a small monthly outlay. There is no long term commitment necessary with the minimum term lasting just three months and the 15×15 headed machines start at just £15 a week, with the smaller machines costing even less. Obviously this is no long-term solution but for a small businesses the inherent benefits of rental are evident, with no capital outlay and low administration costs cash flow will be greatly improved and money will be freed up for other costs.
Another reason people may wish to join J&A’s piloting scheme is that they might wish to invest in a 3030 but would like to test the compatibility of the machine with their pre-existing framework. Adrian Apletree, the Sales & Marketing Director for J&A International told Printwear Today: “Many people use a try before you buy service, as it provides an ideal opportunity to work with the equipment and assure them that it is suitable for their needs before investing in the actual purchase. Furthermore, it provides the flexibility of being able to exchange a machine as their business and heat sealing requirements evolve.”
Whether you are looking to free up cash for a start-up business or looking to test-drive a prospective heat press it looks like this innovative scheme could be extremely popular.
With the Rugby World Cup 2007 fast approaching with the speed of Manu Vatuvei streaking down the wing, the demand for plain and embroidered rugby-style shirts is increasing exponentially.
Coming in six colours including white and red, blue, all-black and green and both men’s and women’s sizes this Uneek Rugby Shirt is perfect for you to take to France and show which team you’re supporting this tournament, or even to recreate the magic of the cup with your own team.
The popular clothing brand Hanes are taking to the road in a tour to prove that their shirts and underwear are the softest and most comfortable around – putting you firmly in the “comfort zone”.
Hanes has employed a ‘comfort force’ to act as roving ambassadors for their product, travelling in their van from event to event challenging men to change their t-shirts and underwear on the spot (under cover of a transportable cubicle of course) and feel the difference!
the Hanes comfort force - comforting at a venue near you
Currently only touring the U.S. here’s hoping that Hanes don’t forget their European customers! You can visit the dedicated ‘Comfort Zone’ website to track their progress Here and keep up to date with the Hanes challenge to switch to more comfortable t-shirts and underwear.
Printwear and Promotion Magazine recently reported that men “typically get by with a short list of clothing basics and, with the coming of the warmer months; the must-haves boil down to a few classic essentials. These fundamentals should be comfortable, durable and easy on the wallet”. Arguably the best fulfiller of all three categories is the advent of ‘performance fabric’, which employs technology and techniques pioneered by football shirt manufacturers.
Using their expertise it is possible to create a stylish and affordable t-shirt made with so-called “moisture management” or “cool-dry” fabric, which reduces body heat and keeps you cleaner by drawing sweat from the body and transferring it to the outside of the garment from where it can better evaporate.
This type of t-shirt is, according to Printwear and Promotion, “truly an essential item in a man’s wardrobe” and in recognition of this we have just introduced the Olympic Performance Tee Shirt (pictured above) which features the ‘cool-dry’ technology and combines it with raglan sleeves, a taped neck seam and self fabric collar for comfort and style. This ensures that the t-shirt is just as suitable for the high street as it is for the 5-a-side pitch, and all at an affordable price.
Record breaking mountaineer Kerry Regan has scaled 214 peaks, not much you may be scoffing, except for the fact that she is a seven year old. Kerry has been climbing since she was three and her achievement threatens only to be broken by her brother, already a veteran climber with 15 mountains under his belt at only three. Speaking as someone whose physical condition probably peaked at three years old and would never dream of approaching a mountain this is extremely impressive. When asked to put some of the outdoor specialists Regatta’s gear to the test Kerry was very impressed with their durability, comfort and the protection they afforded.
We have always found Regatta’s Children’s Fleeces and Waterproof Packaway Jackets to be extremely popular and it is good to know both an expert on climbing and a child agrees!
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