DENIM FABRICS

FABRIC SELECTION:

The first thing to consider when targeting a brand is the department involved.
Can be girls, men, children department. Every department will have, in general, a different requirement for choosing one fabric or another. How to find out is by visiting many retail shops.
f.e girls fabrics are in general lighter in weight. Could be in the range of 6 to 9 oz.

The second important issue is composition of the fabric:

Could be 100% cotton, or mixes of cotton with polyester or lycras. Sateens, knits, etc.
A common composition used in the market can be 98% Co, 2% lycra.

A third important issue is the brand itself. Brands do usually have different kind of styles depending on the market niche they target in their shops. For example, a well known company  like Zara may target an age group in between 25 to 40 in their ladies denim department. The suitable fabrics for this niche can be in the range of 7 to 10 oz, depending if the collection is for summer or winter. Color and intensity of the washing will also be an issue.

For now, we will focus on denim, a well known fabric type with great production versatility.

Another important company in the market is Levi´s. This is one of the top companies in the world for denim lines. Their product line is broad and targeting very specific age groups on each of their products. In man section, it is well known their historical 501 straight fit. Consumers may realize that some product lines can differ from region to region depending on weather seasonal reasons or consumer tastes of one country versus another. For example, some Latin American countries may prefer a style with  "lifted back" compared to a "flat back" in another place. This affects the way the garment is stiched in the factory.


There are many good denim fabric makers in the world. USA, Turkey, India, Pakistan, China, Vietnam, Egypt,Italy, Indonesia, Brasil, Peru, etc are top denim producing countries. China and Asian countries are the areas where more denim fabric mills are located. The approximate number of fabric mills worldwide is around 500 factories. 50% of worldenim is produced in China, India and Bangladesh. Denim garment makers are also located in those countries.





Note that due to different quality of cotton yarn on each country, the quality of denim may differ from country to country, therefore affecting the quality or look of the end product. Environmental issues having been in the recent years key factors determining fluctuations of prices. f.e. floodings, late harvesting, political and social unrest, etc..all have influenced in the cotton prices and denim related products.

When buying or offering a fabric&garment is important to consider these factors above mentioned.
All this can be a crucial factor to make your business adventure a success or failure.



Jacquard denims are coming up this season. Brands do use this type of denim when presenting their new collections. See below:




 


Flocking denim fabrics are also coming up for next winter as an stylish alternative for denim.