Performance apparel markets: stain protective apparel: consumers splash out on easy-care clothing, 4th quarter 2004

21 pages, published in Issue 11, 4th quarter 2004   Report price: Euro 395.00; US$ 520.00

Against the backdrop of rampant price deflation, the apparel industry is focusing more sharply on technology in an attempt to boost volumes and achieve premium prices, and thereby revitalise sales. High-tech fabric finishes have enabled companies to greatly differentiate their apparel lines and tap into the growth opportunities created by growing consumer demand for convenience and easy care.

Today’s consumers want their clothes not only to look good but also to feel comfortable, stay fresh and clean, and be easy to care for. And there is widespread evidence that consumers are willing to pay extra for the key consideration of easy care. Recent technological advances in fabric protection, such as stain repellency and release, have struck a chord with consumers who want to wear clothing requiring the minimum of care. Although stain protection technologies have been in existence for around 40 years, it is only in the past five years that they have made a significant impact in the marketplace. New technologies have been developed to create stain repellents which are more effective than conventional coatings and do not affect the characteristics of a fabric.

Stain protection is no longer confined to niche applications such as workwear and outdoor wear as it has expanded strongly in the market for casual wear. Like moisture management and wrinkle resistance, which were once considered a novelty, stain protection is set to become a standard performance feature of garments for everyday wear, such as shirts and trousers. Since 2002 a number of big apparel names, including Eddie Bauer, Lee Jeans and Dockers, have been offering casual trousers which are stain repellent, and which are reported to be selling extremely well. As the penetration of stain protection technologies has been gathering momentum, the cost of using them has been declining. This should translate into lower prices for consumers and, in turn, create further demand.

Buy this Report now	Buy this Issue (11) now	Subscribe

Four times a year, Performance Apparel Markets provides intelligence, expert analysis and insight on the performance apparel industry. Performance apparel represents one of the fastest growing markets in the global textile and clothing industry--and market growth is being fuelled by an emergence of new fibres, fabrics and innovative materials. The market's growth prospects are also being spurred by increasing demand for performance properties in mainstream fashion.

What's in Performance Apparel Markets? Each issue provides an authoritative source of information on key industry topics, including: antimicrobial textiles; biomaterials; biomimicry; chemical protective clothing; circularity; compression and shapewear; cosmetotextiles; environmental sustainability; finishes; flame resistant clothing; footwear; graphene; insect repellent apparel; insulation materials; medical protective clothing; military clothing and equipment; moisture management; mono materials; outdoor apparel; personal protective equipment (PPE); smart textiles; sportswear; thermoregulation; waterproof breathable textiles; wearable technology; and workwear. A single issue of Performance Apparel Markets includes: an editorial think-piece on a topical issue from an industry expert a round-up of the latest product innovations a main feature on a new or established market insight and analysis of a key market leader or fast-growing start-up a round-up of the latest business developments An annual subscription to Performance Apparel Markets is a cost-effective way to keep informed about trends and developments in the global performance apparel industry. Subscriptions are available in printed and/or digital formats. Printed and digital subscribers receive each issue in printed format in addition to a digital PDF file, which is available immediately on publication. Subscribers also receive a complementary digital subscription to Performance Apparel Update, delivered directly by email once a month. This free supplement contains essential information on business news and the latest product developments. Like all Textiles Intelligence publications, Performance Apparel Markets is a reliable source of independently sourced business information, and it does not carry advertising. This is what our customers say: "Thank you for this information [on microencapsulation]; it’s been really helpful and has really allowed me to go into detail in my research." (Victoria Forth; student; )