Apparel

HanesBrands, Winston-Salem, N.C., reported strong net sales growth and comparable diluted earnings per share in the second quarter of 2011, in line with company expectations.

For a few moments, the fashion savants in the room must have wondered whether Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) would butcher the introduction. It wouldn't have been the first time Lazaro Hernandez, designer and co-founder of Proenza Schouler, heard his celebrated young label mispronounced.

Goodlatte, whose name, too, is often accidentally given an extra syllable by Starbucks enthusiasts, introduced Hernandez as though the Congressman were a fanatical subscriber to Vogue.

This year, for the back-to-school shopping season, it is, as a sage once said, getting late early out there.

Target began its back-to-school pitches, above, the first week of July.
J. C. Penney, however, is starting its back-to-school campaign, left, a week later than last year.

Many retailers and advertisers are moving up the start of their sales and marketing campaigns devoted to children's clothing, stationery, computers and other back-to-school merchandise. In at least one instance, ads that promote buying such items on layaway appeared in mid-June - when schools in several parts of the country were still in session.

Promo Marketing's July issue includes a showcase on Fleece apparel. It may seem odd to highlight the one type of fabric that you want nothing to do with in 90 degree weather, but before you know it, autumnal chill will surround us again.

Hanesbrands Inc. is trying to do the apparel equivalent of herding cats—timing the fickle apparel tastes of teens and young adults.

The company is launching a division, called Hanes Ink, which focuses on graphic T-shirt sales. Some images will be made available exclusively to larger retail customers, such as JCPenney, Kohl's, Target and Walmart.

The benefits of using full-color printing to display end-buyer's logos.

World Emblem International will expand internationally with the opening of its Canadian manufacturing plant on August 1, 2011. This is World Emblem’s tenth manufacturing operation worldwide with U.S. locations in Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Nevada and California, as well as international locations in the United Kingdom, France and Mexico.

This is the Brando from Beardmore Leathers. I will not attempt to write a joke about Marlon Brando. Instead, I recommend everyone take a half day today and go watch "On The Waterfront," because everything related to Brando, including this jacket, is amazing.

Anvil Knitwear, New York, announced that Heather Stefani has joined the sportswear company as executive vice president of marketing, directly reporting to president and CEO Anthony Corsano.

The comfortable, layer-able, imprintable fabrication is not just for kids.