Performance Apparel Markets - Grado Zero Espace Srl

Performance Apparel Markets, 1st quarter 2006
Seamless knitting and stitch-free technologies
But there is a lack of widespread
technical knowledge,
little generic product
development work and a
lack of formal documentation—
—to help companies
ensure that seams are fit
for their intended purpose
Seamless knitting may not
hold all the answers to
reducing costs but it does
reduce the amount of
labour required
Seamless knitting and
welding will be used more
complementarily in
performance apparel
Ultimately, sewn seams
may be in the minority
Although there are solid reasons for optimism about the future of
stitch-free seaming, technical knowledge is not widespread and little,
if any, generic product development work is being undertaken. While
sewn seam technologies are widely documented, there is a lack of
formal documentation to support the claimed benefits of welded
seams.
For companies wishing to enter the market, there is little information
to help them ensure that the seams they are proposing to bond are fit
for their intended purpose. Any failures resulting from a lack of
knowledge may lead to consumer discontent.
Within the world of seamless knitting, much effort has gone into
finding ways of reducing costs associated with labour intensive cut
and sew knitting processes. For many textile and garment firms,
reducing such costs is vital to their survival as production in lower
cost countries continues to grow and competition intensifies. Seamless
knitting may not hold all the answers, but it does cut down on the
amount of labour required to produce a garment and may therefore
offer opportunities for struggling Western firms.
Ultimately, the two main types of making garments with a seamless
appearance—seamless knitting and welding—will be used more
complementarily. Manufacturers will use both techniques to produce
performance apparel which has no sewn seams.
Ultimately, sewn seams may be in the minority in performance
apparel.
© Textiles Intelligence Limited 37