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.
After Decades as a Shirt Maker, Kennington Tries on Pants
In January, at the Agenda trade show in Long Beach, Calif., Kennington introduced a line of men’s pants.
Vapor Apparel Opening New Cut-and-Sew Facility to Meet Made-in-America Demand
South Carolina–based Vapor Apparel, a provider of digital print-on-demand services and performance apparel manufacturing, saw sales rise by 30 percent in 2014 and company management projects another 20 percent in 2015.
Security Sourcing: Made in LA and Under the Radar
Los Angeles–based STC-QST supplies products that provide the foundation of a garment, such as interlining, pocketing, shoulder pads and zippers. When STC-QST Chief Executive Officer Brian Weitman quietly launched a sourcing division 15 years ago, he began providing support for growing apparel makers and brands.
Free Movement Finds Bespoke Tailoring in Tees
Years ago, blue jeans made the unlikely leap from work pants to the realm of contemporary fashion. For Free Movement’s Andrew Suttner, it’s time for plain T-shirts to make the same leap.
Mr. Brainwash and House of T-shirts
Street artist Thierry Guetta was thrust into the spotlight in 2010 which kicked off a street-art career that led to Guetta’s own art exhibitions in Los Angeles, New York and London.
From Venice With Love
With roots in yoga and surfing, Electric & Rose is a lifestyle collection that draws its name from Los Angeles’ Venice neighborhood, which is home to company founders Eric Balfour and Erin Chiamulon.
Veteran Designer Barbara Lesser Launches New Line of Tops
Last fall, the Los Angeles label decided to pull back and revamp. The result is a new brand called Love Barbara, a line of tops that launches with a Fall 2015 collection that will be shown at the Stitch trade show Feb. 23–25 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City.
US Blanks: The Recycled T-shirt
The apparel industry has been criticized for wasteful manufacturing practices and fouling the environment with dyes to color clothes. This year US Blanks, a basics manufacturer headquartered in downtown Los Angeles, believes that it can offer an alternative.
Freedom of Expression
From classic denim blues to activewear inspirations and the return of the ’70s, there is something for everyone for Fall '15.
BCBG Max Azria Group Gets Infusion of Cash
The ailing BCBG Max Azria Group, which has a mountain of debt, received a $135 million infusion of cash from Guggenheim Partners and other affiliated investors.
New President at the Helm of Michael Stars
After 30 years as president of contemporary clothing label Michael Stars, Michael Cohen has stepped down as the head of the company, turning the job over to his wife, Suzanne Lerner. His title is now chairman of the board.
Intimates Market in China Poised for Growth
The intimate apparel market in China is expected to increase 17.99 percent between 2014 and 2019 as the consumer shifts from basics to fashion lingerie, according to a recent report.
Joe’s Jeans CEO Resigns
Marc Crossman has resigned from his position at chief executive officer of Joe’s Jeans Inc.
Style and Structure Meet Comfort and Versatility
Lime & Vine, which is based a mile away from the corporate headquarters of surf giant Quiksilver Inc. in Huntington Beach, Calif., introduced a full collection for the Fall 2014 season and is set to debut its Spring 2015 collection.
Kellwood Names New CEO
On Jan. 19, the New York–headquartered Kellwood announced that Joseph Lombardi, the former chief financial officer of Barnes & Noble, a major bookseller, was named the fashion company’s chief executive officer. Lombardi will assume his responsibilities helming Kellwood immediately.
