Global apparel markets: product developments and innovations, 1st quarter 2009

The global apparel market has been characterised by a number of developments in recent months. In design, Asda—a UK-based supermarket chain which is owned by the US retail giant Wal-Mart—has introduced mid-sized jeans. In fibre and yarn developments, Japanese scientists have developed genetically-modified fluorescent silk and Nilit has introduced an eco-friendly nylon yarn which is made from recycled polymer waste. Several developments have been witnessed in fabrics.

For example, a water repellent clothing fabric which "never gets wet" has been developed using nanotechnology. Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) has introduced a new range of Merino wool fabrics for applications such as activewear and sportswear, while Scabal has introduced its Four Seasons fabric made from eco-friendly wool for suits, and Vermont Organic Fiber Company has introduced a fabric called O-Wool Washable which is resistant to shrinking and felting during washing.

Meanwhile, Nanoforce Technology and FabPad are collaborating in the development of colour changing fabrics, and US researchers at Texas Tech University have launched a project to develop nonwoven fabrics for apparel, and In clothing, Greensource has launched two new styles of jeans made from organic cotton which will be sold in Wal-Mart and Kmart stores. Sanyo Shokai has introduced a coat for men which features pollen resistance, and ThinkGeek has developed the Electronic Drum Kit Shirt. Other innovations include a range of quick drying swimwear, called Sun Dry Swim, from Sun Dry Technologies and a body-shaping garment which is able to lift and support the lower portion of the buttocks.