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Styles of the Clothing We Wear (or Wore Back in ’74)

Pity poor grandfather.
 A summertime trip to the beach for him was never as exciting as it is today. Today’s male can soak up the sun surrounded by epidermis-exposing bikinis, tank suits with revealing cut-outs, and maybe this summer, even streakers!

But in grandpa’s day, bathing beauties were swathed from neck to ankle in itchy wool or scratchy linen suits. Pity for the poor grandmas who had to wear them!

Even in the 1920s, policemen were hustling brazen young girls off the beach for venturing out in swimsuits that boldly exposed their thighs. And who says things were better in the good old days?

Visit www.zund.com to discover the latest Zünd innovations in industrial digital cutting technology: specialized tooling for a perfect cut, no matter what materials go into your sewn products, a full range of hardware and software options all geared toward easy, efficient workflow automation—Zünd has it all! What’s more, multifunctional cutting systems from Zünd are modular by design and easily adaptable as your cutting needs grow or change. Find the cutting solution perfectly tailored to your needs, present and future!

Contact Zund America anytime for a personal demonstration, or visit us in 2026 in person at Furniture Manufacturing Expo, June 3-4, Charlotte Convention Center, Charlotte, NC • CamX, September 21-24, Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, GA • Printing United Expo, September 23-25, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV • SEMA Show, November 3-4, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV.

Industry Opinion

Factories Are Not Classrooms—But They Must Become Them Again

By Joe Altieri, FIT Adjunct Professor, Mentor, Educator, and Trainer  

The apparel industry is talking—again—about reshoring.

New facilities. Advanced equipment. Automation. Digital systems. Investment capital is beginning to move, cautiously, back toward domestic production. The conversation is gaining momentum, and for the first time in decades, rebuilding the U.S. apparel manufacturing base feels within reach.

But there is a question that is still not being asked with enough urgency: Who is going to run these factories?

Because an industry is not rebuilt by facilities alone—it is rebuilt by the people who know how to operate them. And right now, that capability is in short supply.

The Missing Layer in the Reshoring Conversation
Much of the current discussion around reshoring focuses on infrastructure where factories will be located, what technologies will be installed, and how supply chains will be structured. These are important questions and necessary ones. But they assume something that no longer exists at scale: a workforce that understands how production systems actually function. Read More>

C and C Enterprise has teamed up with JACK, one of the world’s finest industrial sewing machine manufacturers, to form Jack of the Americas. Jack of the Americas distributes JACK machines throughout North America, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean Basin. When you buy from Jack of The Americas, we don’t just ship you a box! We help you get set up and answer any questions you may have! With over 100 years of combined experience in the industrial sewn products industry, we are proud to say that we are one of the world’s leading industrial sewing products authorities and are here to serve you! Not sure if Jack is right for you? Click on the button below for a short video showing off some of our machines. Watch it and see what Jack can do for you!

When “Fit” Becomes a False Diagnosis

From Pat Trautman, Consultant in Preproduction Design Process for the Apparel Complex Worldwide

One of the most expensive habits in garment engineering is not poor execution. It’s a misdiagnosis. More specifically, it’s the tendency to use “fit” as a catch-all explanation for failures that originate somewhere else.

A sleeve twists, so we call it fit. A garment drags backward, so we call it fit. A sample feels wrong on the body, so we call it fit.

But often what we are calling a fit issue is actually the final visible expression of a much earlier decision.

And once a problem is named incorrectly, the entire correction path starts drifting away from the truth.
The cost of naming the wrong problem 
Diagnosis is never neutral. The moment a team labels something a “fit issue,” it’s deemed a problem for “technical design,” activating a very specific response pattern. Read More>

Is Private-Credit Echoing the Subprime Meltdown?

By Nironjan Roy, CPA, CMA — Certified Anti-money laundering Specialist and Banker  

During the last few months, discussion on private credit has captured an important area in the U.S. financial market where analysts and experts are speculating on this issue from different perspectives. The U.S. financial market has emerged as the largest and most efficient investment hub in the world, where a wide range of sophistication and diversification in developing financial products has taken place. 

This development has opened multiple avenues of investment with potential growth, but at the same time, placed the industry on a highly risky pivot. Although there are stringent regulations, the diversification in multiple avenues exposes multilayer risks. 
Read More> 

Since 1898, Consew has designed and manufactured the most reliable machines in the sewing industry. Today, Consew has one of the largest varieties of sewing, cutting, and pressing equipment; as well as an extensive line of supplies related to the sewn products industry. From standard walking foot machines for upholstery to specialty 4 needle lockstitch machines for parachutes, from long-arm zig-zag (up to 30”) machines for boat sails to extra heavy-duty machines for webbing, Consew has it all. Our machines are well-designed for sewing leather, canvas, shoes, saddles, mattresses, tents, tarps, and sails, as well as jeans and other garments. With offices in New Jersey, Miami, and Los Angeles, as well as a distribution network throughout the world, Consew can quickly supply and service the machines you need.

Industry News

Pathfinder Launches Tecnología de Corte Pathfinder to Strengthen Presence in Mexico and Latin America

Pathfinder Australia Pty Ltd, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of advanced cutting room technology for the textile and related industries, today announced the launch of its new subsidiary, Tecnología de Corte Pathfinder, S. de R.L. de C.V.

This strategic expansion marks a significant step in strengthening Pathfinder’s presence across Mexico and Latin America and reinforces its commitment to delivering exceptional customer success and support in the region.

“Latin America represents a significant growth opportunity for Pathfinder,” said John Hollo, Global Director of Pathfinder Australia Pty Ltd. “The region is experiencing strong momentum in manufacturing, supported by investment in automation and a highly committed workforce. Establishing a direct presence in Mexico allows us to better support our customers, strengthen relationships, and deliver the level of service and responsiveness that Pathfinder is known for globally. 

Pathfinder is extremely excited to have Roy Shurling join the Pathfinder family, someone I have known and respected for over 30 years. Roy has a strong technical background with unparalleled industry knowledge and brings a customer-focused relationship model, which is aligned to Pathfinder's business model.”

Tecnología de Corte Pathfinder, S. de R.L. de C.V. will be led by Roy Shurling as Director General. Roy brings more than 30 years of experience in the automation of sewn product manufacturing and previously served as President of Lectra North America for over seven years. Read More>

Roy Shurling,  Director General
Tecnologia de Corte Pathfinder

Diamond Needle Corp., Founded in 1951, is one of the world’s largest distributors of sewing machine needles. Our alliance with ORGAN NEEDLE CO. of Japan, as their exclusive North American distributor, gives us the backing of the world’s leading quality maker of sewing machine needles.

U.S. and Mexico Seek to Deepen Trade Relations 

The 119th Congress is engaged in a range of legislative and oversight activities related to trade policy toward Mexico, which in 2025 was the largest U.S. trading partner in total trade (exports plus imports) of goods and services. Mexico’s proximity to the United States and the extensive bilateral trade and investment relationship under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) also make it a focus of congressional attention.

The United States shares strong trade and investment ties with Mexico; changes in economic conditions or in bilateral commitments could affect production patterns, investment, and employment in both countries, as well as regional economic competitiveness. 

Congress may consider whether, and if so how, to exercise its constitutional authority to shape U.S. trade policy with respect to Mexico, particularly regarding the July 2026 joint review of the USMCA.

In its oversight role, Congress may also assess economic cooperation with Mexico in areas of mutual interest, including supply chain resilience, regional economic competitiveness, and energy security.  Read More>

The Merrow Group consists of three unique divisions, all designed to support and accelerate the growth of soft-goods manufacturing. One of these divisions is their Wholesale Group: Superior Sewing Machine & Supply. Superior, the largest wholesale supplier of more than 72,000 products to sewing factories across North, Central, and South America, plays a vital role in supporting the broader manufacturing ecosystem. In an industry where precision, speed, and reliability are crucial for maintaining competitive production, having access to in-stock items is not just convenient, it is essential. Superior operates a network of 1,600 resellers that support approximately 70,000 factories across North, Central, and South America. This extensive network enables Superior to swiftly introduce new technologies and products that can significantly enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of soft goods manufacturing.

Retail Groups Rally to Defend US–Canada–Mexico Trade Deal

Retail trade bodies in the United States, Canada, and Mexico have called for governments to preserve the North American trade framework as it approaches its scheduled 2026 review, warning that major changes could disrupt integrated supply chains and raise costs for businesses and consumers.

The National Retail Federation (NRF), the Retail Council of Canada (RCC), and Mexico’s ANTAD issued a joint statement during meetings in Washington, saying they “stand united in our support for preserving the USMCA/CUSMA.”

The groups framed the upcoming review as a key test for cross-border trade stability across one of the world’s most closely linked retail regions.

Call for stability
Retail organisations said the review should focus on maintaining the existing structure of the agreement rather than reopening core rules.“Our primary message… is clear: Above all else, do no harm,” the statement said.

They added that the agreement should be treated as a “successful framework” that may require limited adjustments rather than structural changes. The groups also stressed that maintaining a trilateral agreement is essential for long-term certainty in trade policy.

Industry leaders argue that predictable trade rules are particularly important for retail businesses, which rely on long supply chains spanning manufacturing, transport, and distribution across the three countries. Read More>

C and C Enterprise is the United States agency for Highlead sewing machines. These high-quality machines are available for your sewing needs and are sold only through local dealers and distributors. If you want more information on the Highlead brand, please feel free to contact us. www.candcenterprise.com

Henderson Sewing Machine Co, founded in 1968, is a global supplier of industrial sewing machines, sewing machine parts, and custom automated sewing machines for the SEWING PRODUCTS INDUSTRY. We have grown by offering customers the highest quality products at competitive prices with superior customer service. We also have a cutting-edge engineering team that designs custom automated systems to fill any need you may have.

U.S. Sets Talks with Mexico as USMCA Review Approaches

As partner countries prepare for a July 1 joint review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, bilateral talks have been scheduled with Mexico but not Canada.

The USMCA provides for its own termination as of July 1, 2036, unless each party confirms that it wishes to continue the agreement. That confirmation must take place at a joint review that will evaluate the operation of the agreement, consider recommendations for action, and decide on any appropriate actions. If any party does not agree to an extension, there will be additional annual joint reviews until agreement is unanimous or the agreement terminates. Read More>

Leading Apparel Brands Back unspun’s Plans to Build Domestic Manufacturing Hubs for Automated Apparel Production in the U.S.

Leading brands, including Walmart, have signed letters of support for Unspun’s plan to build domestic manufacturing capacity in the U.S. using an AI-enabled 3D weaving technology designed to bring apparel manufacturing closer to consumers at a commercial scale.

Supply chain partners Bethel Industries, Peckham, and PDS Ltd / GSC Link are also participating to help establish automated domestic production hubs, with initial production on the near-term horizon.

With more than $50M in Venture Capital funding, unspun is advancing its proprietary 3D weaving technology — an AI-enabled system that produces garments directly from yarn via a highly automated process. REI has also signed a letter of support for the initiative, reinforcing broad industry demand for reshored, next-generation apparel manufacturing. unspun has equipment ready for deployment and is currently evaluating sites across multiple states. Read More>

Pants made with 3D weaving technology are coming to a Walmart near you.
That is the goal of a new pilot project between the largest U.S. retailer and fashion tech company unspun.

The two companies will explore how unspun’s 3D weaving technology, called Vega, can be used to make workwear-style pants under a Walmart house brand. The pilot aims to help reduce the environmental impact of garment production, offer a more sustainable process for meeting apparel demand, and support the companies’ shared commitment to shift more textile manufacturing back to the U.S.

Traditionally, yarn is woven into one-dimensional fabrics, which are then cut and assembled into garments. This creates waste and takes significant time and multiple manufacturing steps. With 3D weaving, yarn is spun directly into completed garments.

YKK Launches “YZiP® Light” Aluminum Alloy Zipper for Cotton Pants

YKK Corporation (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo) has launched YZiP® Light, a lightweight aluminum alloy zipper for cotton pants. The introduction of YZiP Light expands YKK’s zipper portfolio—led by the flagship YZiP copper alloy zipper—providing customers with greater flexibility to meet diverse garment needs.

YZiP Light delivers a weight reduction in comparison to the YZiP copper alloy zipper for jeans. At the same time, sliding resistance has been reduced, and lateral pull strength has been improved compared to a conventional aluminum alloy zipper. This enables YKK to offer a zipper optimized for cotton pants and similar garments with a fabric thickness of 0.6 millimeters or less that do not require washing processes. Read More>

Kornit Digital Unveils Atlas MATRIX for On-Demand Apparel Production

Kornit Digital Ltd. unveiled Atlas MATRIX, redefining apparel production in the on-demand era.Atlas MATRIX is the first unified digital production system designed to deliver demand-driven manufacturing with complete flexibility across cotton, polyester, and blended fabrics, with no compromise on quality, durability, or efficiency. 

Atlas MATRIX features Kornit’s proprietary Karbon Shield technology, a protection layer preventing dye migration even on the most challenging deep-dyed and sublimated polyester fabrics. Read More>

Supply Chain

Bangladesh Becomes the Second-Largest Apparel Supplier to the U.S.

Bangladesh became the second-largest apparel supplier to the U.S. in early 2026. But this is not due to strong performance. Exports from Bangladesh to the U.S. reached $1.37 billion in January and February 2026. This is an 8.53% drop compared to the same period last year.

Despite this decline, Bangladesh moved up to second place. This happened because China’s exports fell sharply. China’s shipments dropped by 57.65% to $1.17 billion.
Vietnam remains the top supplier.
It exported $2.7 billion and posted a small growth of 2.88%. This change in ranking does not show growth for Bangladesh. It shows that Bangladesh declined less than others. Read More>

India’s Textile and Apparel Exports to the U.S. Decline

India’s textile and apparel exports to the U.S. contracted 28.7% year-on-year in February 2026. Other major textile and apparel manufacturing countries, such as China (45.2%) and Bangladesh (16.2%), also witnessed sharp declines in exports to the U.S. during the period. Among key exporters, only Vietnam recorded a single-digit growth of 5% in shipments to the U.S.

For India, the U.S. is the largest market for textile and apparel exports, accounting for nearly 30% of the country’s total exports of $38 billion in this segment. In 2025, India exported US$9.68 billion worth of textile and apparel products to the U.S.

According to data from the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry, India’s exports to the US had already declined 18.2% in January, compared to the same period in 2025. The decline in exports has been ongoing since U.S. President Donald Trump imposed reciprocal tariffs on several countries in April 2025.Meanwhile, China, the largest textile and apparel exporter to the U.S., recorded a decline of 56% in January and 45% in February. Bangladesh, the second-largest exporter, saw exports fall 1% in January and 16% in February.

Vietnam remains the only country to register positive growth in textile and apparel exports to the US, with shipments of US$1.64 billion and US$1.35 billion in January and February, respectively.

Recently, tariffs on Indian exports to the U.S. were reduced from 50–60% to 18% by the U.S. administration. In comparison, tariffs on Bangladesh and Vietnam stand at 19% and 20%, respectively. However, the U.S. has agreed to allow duty-free imports from Bangladesh if it sources raw materials such as cotton from the U.S.

Argentina Textile Industry Runs at 24% Capacity as Imports Surge and Output Hits Nine-Year Low

Argentina’s textile industry is posting some of its weakest readings in years, as a surge in imported finished garments coincides with a steep drop in domestic output and capacity use, industry groups said.

The textile industrial production index fell 23.9% year on year in January, the lowest level in the available series dating back to 2016, according to a March report by the Argentine Textile Industries Federation (FITA). FITA said the decline was driven by drops of more than 30% in segments such as “fabrics and finishing” and “cotton yarns,” contrasting with a milder 3.2% decline in overall manufacturing. Read More>

Understanding the Geopolitical Energy Nexus

The Strait of Hormuz oil crisis's impact on China's manufacturing presents a critical challenge for global supply chains and industrial competitiveness. 

This narrow waterway represents one of the world's most critical energy transit corridors, facilitating approximately 21% of global petroleum liquids movement according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. 

This narrow waterway, spanning just 21 miles at its narrowest point, serves as the primary export route for crude oil from major Gulf producers, including Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates. Read More>

Sustainability

Bezos Earth Fund Commits US$34 Million to Fund R&D of New Materials for the Fashion and Textiles Industry

The grants will back projects at universities and research groups in the U.S., aiming to reduce the environmental impact of clothing production by developing alternatives to conventional rayon, silk, and cotton.

The funding distribution covers four main initiatives: textile fibers grown from bacteria, plastic-free silk alternative, new cotton varieties, and non-GMO cottonseed.

Textile fibers grown from bacteria
Columbia University, in partnership with the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), will receive US$11.5 million to create a textile fiber grown from bacteria fed on agricultural waste. This material is intended to be strong, flexible, and biodegradable, with the potential to reduce microplastic pollution and minimize land use. 

New cotton varieties
Clemson University will get US$11 million to engineer new cotton varieties through gene editing and synthetic biology, in collaboration with the University of Georgia. The resulting cotton aims to offer built-in color and resilience while lowering environmental effects compared to current synthetic materials. 
Read More>

With an $11 million grant from the Bezos Earth Fund, Clemson scientists led by Christopher “Chris” Saski, systems geneticist and professor in the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, will advance research aimed at creating cotton that performs better, uses fewer resources, and opens new possibilities for growers, manufacturers, and consumers. Collaborators from the University of Georgia are also part of the team. The project builds on Clemson’s advances in cotton transformation and eco-friendly fiber coloring.

Industry Events

Textiles Recycling Expo USA

Textiles Recycling Expo USA has announced the first confirmed speakers for its 2026 conference program, taking place April 29–30, 2026, at the Charlotte Convention Center in North Carolina.

Billed as the first dedicated textile recycling exhibition and conference in North America, the free-to-attend event brings together leaders from the textiles, fashion, waste, and recycling sectors to share insights, spotlight emerging technology, and accelerate progress on U.S. textile circularity.

Why this expo matters for textile circularity in North AmericaTextile waste and low recycling rates remain persistent challenges across the value chain, from design decisions and collection systems to sorting, end markets, and policy. Events like this create a rare “same room” moment for the people building solutions across recycling infrastructure, circular design, take-back models, and downstream markets.

The conference program is curated in collaboration with the expo’s Structural Partner, Accelerating Circularity, and is designed to surface practical pathways for scaling textile reuse and recycling in the U.S. and beyond.

FEDTEX

The North Carolina Military Business Center (NCMBC) will host the Federal and Defense Textile and Tactical Equipment Summit (FEDTEX) on May 19 – 20, 2026, in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Hosted by the Offices of U.S. Senators Thom Tillis and Ted Budd and the NCMBC, FEDTEX connects the U.S. Department of Defense and federal agency clothing and individual equipment buyers directly with U.S. textile manufacturers, supply chain partners, cut-and-sew contractors, R&D organizations, testing laboratories, and academic institutions.

This program reflects the mission to strengthen the domestic supply chain, increase industry engagement with federal and defense agencies, and support the evolving requirements of the modern warfighter. Attendees will hear from leaders in government, industry, and academia to provide critical updates on defense textile and tactical equipment priorities. 
FEDTEX offers direct access to federal buyers and decision-makers, helping businesses in the defense textile and tactical equipment marketplace. Whether you’re a manufacturer, supplier, innovator, or researcher, FEDTEX 2026 provides an unmatched opportunity for business, industry, and academia to engage directly with federal buyers, understand upcoming procurement needs, and participate in discussions shaping the future of US defense textiles and tactical equipment.
For more information, contact Lee Moritz, Regional Program Manager at NCMBC, or visit the FEDTEX website for registration and additional details: https://fedtex.ncmbc.us/.

Furniture Manufacturing Expo

June 3-4, 2026Charlotte Convention CenterCharlotte, North Carolina

After six editions in Hickory, North Carolina, Furniture Manufacturing Expo will be moving down the road to Charlotte, North Carolina, for the 2026 edition on June 3-4 at the Charlotte Convention Center.

The decision to move Furniture Manufacturing Expo to Charlotte requires a continued expansion of the attendee base to deliver better ROI for exhibitors. While the show currently welcomes hundreds of key decision-makers from leading furniture manufacturers each year, this move will make it easier for manufacturers outside North Carolina to attend as well.

While the heart of the furniture manufacturing industry continues to revolve around North Carolina, significant manufacturing also occurs in the Northeast, Midwest, Texas, and California. The show’s goal is to expand and become a must-attend resource for all furniture manufacturers in the United States.

Techtextil North America

August 4-6, 2026Raleigh Convention Center
Raleigh, North Carolina

Techtextil North America, the U.S.'s only trade show dedicated to technical textiles and nonwovens, is returning to the Raleigh Convention Center on August 4-6 in 2026. 

Exhibitors at Techtextil North America 2026 are invited to submit their latest innovations for the Innovation Awards, which recognize advancements in materials, technologies, products, and applications across the technical textiles and nonwovens industry.