INDUSTRY ISSUES
The Desktop Revolution: How xTool is Democratizing Industrial-Grade Apparel Printing
| May 1, 2026
In the traditional apparel manufacturing landscape, the bridge between a creative concept and a finished garment has long been guarded by high entry barriers, complex industrial workflows, and prohibitive costs. However, a seismic shift is occurring. xTool, which has rapidly ascended to become the world’s second-largest DTF (Direct-to-Film) brand by GMV, is dismantling these barriers.
Afingo's Fashion Forum Highlights West Coast Fashion
New York–based Afingo, a social-networking resource and event producer for the fashion industry, focused on the West Coast fashion scene during its May 5 Fashion Forum at the Californ...
Denim Brands Look to Future for Growth, Change
Denim manufacturers are a prime example of Charles Darwin’s rule of evolution. It’s survival of the fittest, and those who don’t adapt die....
Apparel Sourcing May Be Coming Closer to Home
Central American factories are looking to capture more apparel business from Asia....
FBI, Eisenberg Offer Free Patternmaking Software Training
In June, the Joyce Eisenberg Apparel Job Skills Training Program will debut at Fashion Business Inc., the Los Angeles– based nonprofit business resource and training...
Pending Free-Trade Agreements Filled With Different Apparel Elements
The free-trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia and Panama could be approved by Congress as early as this summer....
PPR's Volcom Acquisition Brings Back the $600+ Million Deal
California brand Volcom is acquired by French luxury company PPR....
K-Swiss Gets New Apparel Man
K-Swiss, a footwear and apparel company based in Westlake Village, Calif., has named Michael Augustine as its director of apparel worldwide.Augustine will be r...
Volcom Announces Acquisition by PPR
The $607 million purchase price French luxury conglomerate PPR paid for California streetwear brand Volcom marks a return to the high acquisition prices that apparel brands commanded...
Columbia Expanding to Canada, Europe
Portland, Ore.–based Columbia Sportswear Co. is expanding its e-commerce business to Canada and up to eight markets in Europe this fall. Plans call for new e-commerce sites for its Co...
Billabong Partners With Universal Music
Billabong and Universal Music announced a “global brand partnership” under which Billabong and Universal Music will “collaborate on the development of a broad range of services an...
Vernon May Disband
On April 28, the California State Assembly voted 60–7 in favor of a bill to disincorporate the Southern California city of Vernon....
Kohl#039;s Lands Exclusive Rock & Republic Lifestyle Brand
Just one month after acquiring the bankrupt
Kohl’s Lands Exclusive Rock & Republic Lifestyle Brand
Just one month after acquiring the bankrupt
Iconix Acquires Majority of Ed Hardy License
For the Iconix Brand Group, owning 50 percent of the Ed Hardy license wasn’t enough. ...
Alex Maine Wants to Defend America, Apparel
Los Angeles entrepreneur Bron Heussenstamm is launching Alex Maine, a new menswear brand and retailer, to preserve American jobs. quot;Patriotism and entrepreneurship are what this country wa...
