Product News - March 2007

New products and additions have been added to the lines of Burlington , Unfi, Edwards Garment and Strategic Partners.

In early February, Burlington WorldWide announced that Burlington Labs, Burlington WorldWide’s technology incubator, had developed another activated carbon based product to its Cocona line, this time in wool.

The Cocona™ product line utilizes embedded activated carbon, derived from coconut shells, into the fiber and yarns. This new sustainable exclusive fabric combines the unique natural benefit of Cocona’s odor, moisture and UV management with the stretch and breathability of wool.

“Our performance product line was the first to utilize this process as part of Burlington ’s ongoing sustainable initiative” said Pat Palmer, executive vice president. “The market’s response has been overwhelming and generated further demand for other fabric applications…. As the industry leader, we had to be responsive.” Palmer added: “This is only the beginning!”

Burlington WorldWide (BWW), a business unit of International Textile Group, Inc. ITXN is a leading provider and marketer of technology and fashion driven products for the menswear, womenswear, activewear, uniform and barrier markets. With offices and operations in the United States , Mexico , Europe and Hong Kong , Burlington Worldwide provides global textile innovations to its customers.

International Textile Group Inc. is a global, diversified provider of automotive, apparel and interior furnishings fabrics and textile solutions. International Textile Group’s business units include: Safety Textiles International, Cone Denim, Burlington WorldWide, Burlington House and Carlisle Finishing. The company employs over 9,000 people worldwide with operations in the United States , Mexico , China , Germany , Romania , Czech Republic , South Africa , Nicaragua and Vietnam .

To learn more, visit www.itg-global.com

News of an additional advancement in fabric technology comes from Unifi Inc. The company has developed a new performance yarn under its aio, product offering - aio Repreve – 100 percent recycled yarn with permanent performance benefits. Furthermore, Unifi guarantees that Repreve is 100 percent recycled-all the time.

The company claims that, as part of Unifi’s aio (all-in-one performance) yarn family, Unifi can permanently engineer the benefits of Sorbtek moisture management and/or Reflexx performance stretch within Repreve, resulting in a 100 percent recycled yarn with permanent performance. The Repreve brand is a recycled polyester fiber that adheres to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidelines for recycled products.

A recent consumer study of performance apparel conducted for Unifi by the Leisure Trends Group found that more than half of active women and a third of active men would like to purchase garments that are eco-friendly. In addition, the study also found that eco-friendly consumers are unwilling to sacrifice performance features when purchasing eco-friendly garments. While 35 percent of all active males and 42 percent of all active females find the combination of performance and eco-friendliness important when purchasing apparel, more than 8 out of 10 eco-friendly consumers find performance features important when purchasing athletic apparel. These results indicate the high consumer demand for performance products that are eco-friendly.

“Research shows that today’s active consumers want eco-friendly athletic apparel that also offers technical performance features, which is precisely the solution Unifi is offering to the market in aio® Repreve®,” said Roger Berrier, vice president of commercial operations for Unifi. “Unifi wanted to offer the industry a solution, where our customers would not have to sacrifice performance for eco-friendliness. The quality, design flexibility and performance of aio® Repreve® offers a recycled polyester solution applicable to a wide range of end uses – from stretch denim to performance apparel and outerwear.”

Visit www.unifi-inc.com to learn more

Edwards Garment new security line promises to blend traditional style with a bit of flare.

The traditional style selection includes a security shirt, clip-on tie, belt and polyester pant. The shirts come in either 100 percent polyester (in white, blue or midnight navy) or the new poly/cotton blend (in white) and sports “X” stitch epaulets, permanent collar stays, badge tab with reinforced sling, traditional sewn-in creases front and back, and pleated patch pockets with scalloped flaps and Velcro closures.

The flat front pants are 100 percent polyester with a brass zipper and double hook and eye closure. The pants (in navy, black and heather grey) have two front and back pockets and the rubberized waistband ensures that the shirt stays tucked in.

The traditional look is complemented with flare by combining Edwards security pants with a black value shirt, herringbone tie and security blazer. The shirt (in white, black or French blue) is a broadcloth that is easy to care for and wrinkle resistant. It has one left chest pocket and is available in short- or long-sleeve.

The polyester herringbone ties are 58” long by 3.75” wide, available in 5 fashion colors and a woman’s companion neckerchief to match. The security blazer (in black, burgundy and dark navy) is a polyester weave that is fully lined and can be worn year around. It has one welt breast pocket, two outer patch pockets with flaps and two inside pockets.

For more information contact Edwards Garment at 800.253.9885 or visit us online at www.edwardsgarment.com .

Finally this month, there’s product news from Strategic Partners Inc., makers of Classroom School Uniforms, a leading provider of school uniforms for public and private schools.

The company recently unveiled its 2007 School Uniform Line, along with its Cherokee Authentic Workwear® line geared toward working men and women.

As school uniform programs continue to increase, Classroom continues to offer the standardized dress these schools require, the comfort, fit and style students want, and the affordability parents need. A year’s worth of Classroom School Uniforms retails between $120-150.

For the 2007 season, Classroom is pleased to offer new styles and quantities to compliment its already best selling school uniform program. This season, retailers have a variety of new options including:

• A tailored girls pant to offer a more contemporary look.
• A new flat front, relaxed fit pant for boys appropriate for school and beyond.
• Increased quantities of uniforms for pre schoolers (2T-4T and 4-6x) to meet growing demand.
• A wider selection of cotton/poly fleece.
• Expanded size ranges now from 2T-XXXL Adult.

In addition to Classroom’s new styles and sizing options for Classroom School Uniforms, Strategic Partners is pleased to introduce its comprehensive workwear line, Cherokee Authentic Workwear. The introduction of Cherokee Authentic Workwear meets the growing demand of businesses and schools looking to use workwear for their male and female employees.

“As with school uniforms, the right fit, a high level of inventory and the ability to consistently price apparel throughout all sizes is essential when creating a brand with staying power.” says Andy Beattie, SVP of the School and Service Apparel Division of Strategic Partners. “Introducing Cherokee Authentic Workwear bridges the gap schools and businesses have been looking for.”

With the latest data stating that more than 50 percent of working women are in non-office jobs, the Cherokee Authentic Workwear line is individually tailored for both men’s and women’s silhouettes.

“Our philosophy of being a partner to our retailers and schools across the country is important. These two brands help our retailers, schools and customers offer a comprehensive selection for all,” adds Beattie.

Strategic Partners Inc. is a nationally recognized uniform manufacture serving the healthcare, school, hospitality and workwear industries. With many brands including Cherokee Uniforms, Classroom School Uniforms, Cherokee Authentic Workwear, and Rockers Footwear, Strategic Partners is a leader in the design of fashionable and comfortable uniforms.

Want to showcase your new products next month? Send your news to Jackie@uniformmarket.com