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.
Grammy Apparel Set for Sophomore Season
The Recording Academy, which produces the annual Grammy Awards for the music industry, is preparing for a second go-round of putting the Grammy label onto apparel, beginning with Spr...
Lingerie Briefs Resource Guide
Barbara Hawatmeh started Santa Monica, Calif.–based Artillerie in July 2009 to provide glamorous yet functional lingerie travel bags and eyemasks. The luxury lingerie bags fe...
Ports Streamline Clean-Truck Fees
Cargo owners using the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles to ship their containers are getting a bit of a break on clean-truck fees....
California Economy Should Look Golden by 2011
California’s economy won’t see any major recovery until the end of 2010 or early 2011, but unemployment rates will still remain in double-digit territory, according to the UCLA Anderson Forecas...
Customs Revs Up Apparel and Textile Inspections
U.S. customs inspectors at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach have begun to pore over apparel and textile imports coming in from Asia, trying to determine if the goods are undervalued or misclass...
Surf/Skate Brands Focus on Swimwear
Swimwear is to surf/skate brands as coffee is to Starbucks. It’s a necessity. But that doesn’t mean action-sports brands are churning out predictable, uninspired bathing suits and boardshorts. ...
Gold-Medal Athlete Phelps Extends Speedo Swimwear Contract
The relationship between Speedo and Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps has been golden. And it will continue for a few years....
Cherokee, JEM Sign Licensing Agreement
Cherokee Inc. in Van Nuys, Calif., has signed a licensing agreement with JEM Sportswear, which will make men’s and boys’ knit tops in the United States under the Sideout label...
Will Gap's Latest Foray Into Premium Denim Impact Prices?
Gap Inc.’s recent rollout of its $59.50 1969 Premium Jeans has many in the fashion industry wondering if this means premium-denim labels will have to start whittling away at their $15...
Trying New Tactics to Combat the Bad Economy
The changes continue to come fast and furious....
Affliction Signs Two Licensees
Affliction Holdings, the edgy line of clothing that has sponsored several mixed-martial-arts events in the past, has signed two licensees to make footwear and accessories under the Affliction...
SwimShorts 2010
These short takes on Swim 2010 feature the latest styles and innovations from designers, manufacturers, and fabric, fiber and component suppliers. From feminine and flirty to athletic and trendy to retro and rock...
American Apparel to Lay Off About 1,500
About 1,500 American Apparel employees are slated for dismissal following an investigation last year by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. ...
CPSIA Testing in Focus, Exemptions for In-House Labs
Under the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, makers of children’s products must submit goods to approved laboratories for safety tests—something that is both costly and time-consuming as ...
Sourcing & Fabric Resource Guide
Apparel trade week in Las Vegas offers comprehensive sourcing across the entire supply chain for manufacturers as well as retailers. At the Las Vegas Hilton, Sourcing at MAGIC represents hundreds of companies...
