For the Business of Apparel Decorating
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Uniform options in the wholesale market speak to function as well as fashion. (Images this page and opposite courtesy Edwards Garment) What are good choices for uniform programs for clients on a tight budget? Poplins offer clients tremendous versatility and meet budget concerns. These shirts and blouses are an excellent choice for uniform programs because the fabric has a soft hand, they are easy to shape and style, and the fabric is incredibly durable and wash/wearable. Also consider performance poplin fabric, comprised of a polyester/cotton blend, which withstands daily wear. Not only is it fashionable, but offers the wearer easy care with a wrinkle-resistant finish—an important factor for any uniform program. They are available in short and long sleeves for seasonal comfort, and there are trendy options for women with styles such as the 3/4-length sleeve. Taraynn Lloyd, Edwards Garment What are the benefits of ring-spun cotton? Ring-spun yarn is a superior cotton yarn that results in a softer, more durable fabric than open-end yarn. Ring spinning requires three more processing steps than open-end yarn production and ring-spun yarn takes five times longer to produce. The additional steps involve continuously twisting and narrowing the rope of cotton fibers. This continuous fiber "helix" or twist gives ring-spun yarn extra softness and strength. The resulting garments feel softer wash after wash. Customers can feel the extra softness of a ring-spun shirt, but you can let them know it is also 25 percent more durable than open-end cotton. Andrew Verga, HANES What exactly is a performance T-shirt? What features do they deliver? Not all performance T-shirts are created equal, and you are smart to ask what features and benefits are important to delivering true performance. The performance category spans a wide pricing portfolio but higher price does not necessarily mean better performance. In general, performance T-shirts should deliver wicking and quick-dry performance. Wicking refers to the shirt's ability to quickly and broadly disperse a liquid (sweat) on the fabric. The further and more quickly the liquid disperses, the quicker most fabrics can dry. Polyester products tend to dry quicker than cotton since they do not absorb moisture. Additional features to look for include stretch, flatlock seams to reduce abrasion and odor resistance. Tom LaPonte, Champion Apparel 2013 October Printwear PW_OCT13.indd 81 | 81 9/18/13 11:53 AM