Apparel

The fallout from last week’s violent protests in Bangladesh’s key apparel industrial belts could lead to financial losses of around $77 million for apparel makers, higher production costs and heightened concerns from buyers over the country’s reliability as a source of clothes.

Garment exporters say the losses were incurred as a result of production disruption and vandalism during the six days of unrest, which began on 21 September.

A new movement demands 100 percent cotton in all garments. What about high-quality synthetic tech fabrics?

Charles River Apparel introduced its new 2014 catalog and apparel line at its annual sales meeting, which took place this year in Newport, R.I. Among the new styles launched this year are the Vapore Water-Repellent Sweatshirt, a yoga-inspired Women's Fitness Pullover and Capri Legging, and a variety of technical color-blocked polos that feature both wicking and anti-microbial properties.

The wearable sensor market looks set to expand with a new sensor-fitted T-shirt and companion device currently being developed in Canada. The Hexoskin system analyzes movement, breathing and heart activity, then sends the data to an online account via a smartphone. It is also designed to make life easier for sports professionals who need to manage teams.

The T-shirt component is machine-washable and water-resistant, and can be worn under any type of sportswear. High-tech, breathable Italian fabric was engineered to keep moisture and heat regulated.

More than 100 Bangladeshi garment factories were forced to shut on Monday as thousands of workers protested to demand a $100 a month minimum wage and about 50 people were injured in clashes, police and witnesses said.

Garments are a vital sector for Bangladesh and its low wages and duty-free access to Western markets have helped make it the world's second-largest apparel exporter after China.

But the $20 billion industry, which supplies many Western brands, has been under a spotlight after a series of deadly incidents including the collapse of a building housing factories in April that killed more than 1,130 people.

Delta Apparel Inc. recently announced that Rod McGeachy will be joining Delta Apparel as president of the company's Soffe division, effective September 17, 2013.

Gildan Activewear Inc. recently announced that the company is one of only two North American companies to be included in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index in the Textiles, Apparel and Luxury Goods sector, with effect from September 23, 2013.

Apparel manufacturer Columbia Sportswear is suing a manufacturing partner that allegedly supplied faulty electrical components for the company's line of heated outerwear. Hong Kong-based Fibretronic Limited produced components that shorted out and melted fabric on the jacket, the lawsuit claims.

What to look for in spring 2014: purple, blue, cubism and metallics.

On September 10, 2013, Seattle-based SanMar Corporation launched its 2013 Holiday Gift Guide featuring 99 gift ideas from some of the industry's top brands.