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.
XCVI Movement: Crossover Contemporary
Los Angeles–based contemporary label XCVI introduced a new athleisure collection, called XCVI Movement, at the beginning of the year.
Otis Fashion Design Students Create Bicycling Outfits for MTA
Last year, the board of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority—which runs the mass transportation systems in Los Angeles County with 2,300 buses and more than 80 rail stations—launched an action plan to go beyond traditional marketing schemes to attract new riders—particularly those young urban dwellers who might be more inclined to ditch their cars.
Blue Jeans Imports by LA Company Challenge Labeling Requirements
In 2010, JBlu Inc., a longtime Los Angeles clothing company, imported some 500,000 pairs of blue jeans from China in 11 shipments through the Port of Long Beach—all headed for retail stores around the country.
Thomas Wylde: L.A. Collection Looks to Build the Brand and the Business
For 10 years, Thomas Wylde built a reputation as a high-end collection that balanced its luxe pieces—and equally high price points—with a rock ’n’ roll edge.
Obituary: Marik Zeltzer, co-founder XCVI, 70
Marik Zeltzer, who cofounded the XCVI brand with his wife, Gita, died on Feb. 23 after suffering a heart attack. He was 70 years old.
New President Named at Mountain Hardwear
After more than six months of searching for a new president, John Walbrecht has been appointed to take over the top job at Mountain Hardwear.
Ross Stores Supplier in L.A. Ordered to Pay $212,000 in Back Wages
A Los Angeles manufacturer that supplies garments for Ross Stores has been ordered to pay $212,000 in back wages for employees of 13 of its subcontractors after the labor department found YN had violated requirements for minimum wage and overtime, according to a labor department release.
D&A to Launch U.S.–Made Concept in Partnership With N.Y. Economic Development Group
At the September run of Designers and Agents in New York, a new concept will bow showcasing designs that are made in New York.
Wolves + Wildflowers: T-shirts for the Bad Girl
The Wolves + Wildflowers young contemporary brand, which will roll out later this year, was inspired by the girl who likes bad boys, said Tina Rani, a cofounder of the Huntington Beach, Calif.–based label.
California and Nation to See Continued Economic Growth
The latest LAEDC economic forecast calls for continued growth in California and the rest of the country.
Finding a Niche for Made-in-USA Headwear
Cloquet is a small town in northeast Minnesota, about 20 miles west of Duluth. It is not a typical textile manufacturing center, and it’s home to a not-typical company called Wear-A-Knit.
Staud Clothing: Customizing with Accessibility and Quality in Mind
Staud clothing is a customizable luxury line that takes women virtually to the design table.
Saltwater Luxe; For Beach & Evening
After a decade of designing for some of the biggest surfwear designers, including Billabong and Rip Curl, Christa Bischofberger and Kristy Kalsman started their own brand, Saltwater Luxe, which is headquartered in Long Beach, Calif.
American Apparel Emerges From Bankruptcy
After four months in bankruptcy, Los Angeles clothing maker American Apparel announced on Feb. 5 that it had exited Chapter 11 bankruptcy after a reorganization plan was approved days earlier by the U.S. bankruptcy court.
Turkish Denim Mill Bossa Opens Showroom in LA
To celebrate the opening of its new showroom in downtown Los Angeles, Turkish denim mill Bossa hosted a grand opening party and denim trend presentation on Jan. 15.
