Impressions - March 2023 - 22

cally trying to convert as much of the product as possible to recycled
materials. We're seeing that from premium retail brands like adidas
to more basic names like Hanes and Gildan. Everyone seems to be
using more sustainable practices in building the apparel. "
In this same vein, Ostrom says that while it used to be mostly young
Colors and comfort are a big
part of today's womenswear mix.
Photo courtesy of Lane Seven
consumers with their eye on eco-friendlier options, everyone now sees
the importance of sustainability measures.
" People want to know who's making things, " she explains. " What
are their business ethics? How are they manufacturing apparel? So,
there's starting to be more awareness on single-fi ber clothing because
it's more recyclable. "
Ostrom adds there's also an increasing emphasis on carbon-neutral,
or C-free, lines. " Garments are being made of recycled fi bers from
scraps of fabric or regenerated yarns in the manufacturing process so
they aren't being wasted. Finally, there's awareness of natural fi bers
such as linen, fl ax and cellulose-based fi bers that are super soft and
drapey as well, " she explains.
As for Lane Seven, Gibson says the company has introduced something
it calls Future Fleece, a line of 100-percent sustainable, regenerated
yarn that is sold at an aggressive price point.
" Decorators will be able to go back to customers who wanted something
sustainable until they saw the previous price points, " Gibson
says. " We've got a solution for that in this line that works
beautifully with other environmentally friendlier
decorating processes like DTF, DTG and water-based
and discharge inks. "
Hoodies like this Lane Seven model are still
a mainstay. Photo courtesy of Lane Seven
Fabrics and Colorways
In terms of the nuts and bolts of production, fabrics used for
the basics market have come leaps and bounds over the years,
with todays' styles mimicking the softness, fi t and drapeability
of retail garments. As evidence of this fact, while the hottest
thing going for the past several years has been tri-blends,
the fabric is increasingly coming under pressure as new fabrics
enter the market.
" Tri-blends [and other softer fabrics] are still a big deal because
consumers want that softness and quality, " Ostrom says.
" Th ere's remains a lot more emphasis on pleasing yourself versus
pleasing others when it comes to dressing. We still care about
fashion trends but through the pandemic people realized they also
want to be comfortable. Th e emotional toll is real when you spend
two years at home, and so that comfort factor and confi dence you get
from feeling good in your clothes is changing our wearability trends. "
In terms of the nuts and bolts
of production, fabrics used
for the basics market have
come leaps and bounds over
the years, with todays' styles
mimicking the softness, fi t and
drapeability of retail garments
P.22
ImpressionsMagazine.com March 2023
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Impressions - March 2023

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