Apparel

Cotton futures declined Wednesday, as improving U.S. cotton crop conditions and concerns over a slowdown in demand from China continued to weigh on prices.

On the ICE Futures U.S. Exchange, cotton futures for March delivery traded at $0.9322 a pound during European afternoon trade, dropping 0.63 percent.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture said in its final crop progress report for the season published last week, that nearly 92 percent of the U.S. cotton crop was harvested as of November 27, up from 84 percent the week before and above the five-year average of 82 percent for this time of year.

At the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund awards, where the red carpet teemed with actresses and designers dressed in complicated evening numbers of varying slits and cuts, the designer Rachel Roy was covered in a floor-length black skirt from her own collection and a sheer, flesh-colored turtleneck by Stella McCartney.

"I find that the turtleneck has one of the chicest silhouettes," Ms. Roy said later. "I don't always have to show a lot of skin, but what I do want to show all the time is a lot of brains. And the turtleneck is strong, elegant, smart. I'm a turtleneck believer."

Gildan Activewear announced Thursday that its net earnings for the fourth quarter dropped 14.6 percent, with $48.5 million in 2011 versus $56.8 million in 2010. The company said the drop in sales was expected, and projected further losses in the first quarter of 2012 before income increases later in that year.

With each passing year, apparel suppliers introduce more styles inspired by pop culture phenomenons, runway looks and professional athletic wear. 2012 will be no different.

Apparel supplier HanesBrands announced Tuesday that it intends to redeem $200 million of its floating rate senior notes due December 15, 2014, consistent with its intentions of using free cash flow to reduce its leverage and long-term debt over time.

I asked a few suppliers for their thoughts. Click through to read their responses.

On Monday, Los Angeles-based American Apparel's board of directors elected William Mauer to the company's board. In addition to his role as board member, Mauer will serve on American Apparel's audit committee and compensation committee.

J. America Wholesale Blanks, Fowlerville, Mich., announced the release if its 2012 catalog.

According to the latest figures from the Thai Garment Manufacturer Association, more than 160 companies in Thailand's textile industry are reeling from widespread flooding which has crippled the country over the last few weeks.

About 22 textile companies and 142 garment companies have been hit by floods, the association's secretary general Yuttana Silpsarnvitch said. The floods have stopped 25 percent of the country's garment production, with some firms unable to continue because of the broken supply chain, he said.

"The government is now trying hard to contain the water flow and make it dry as soon as possible," Yuttana said.

The Image Forge, Greer, S.C., has been awarded an American Graphic Design Award in the Catalog category for their work on The Aprons, Etc. Idea Book 2011.