Area-based and labour-intensive apparel industry of yesteryears is transforming itself into most globalised, technology driven, capital-intensive entity at a very faster pace. It is shifting its base from the most industrialised and developed countries like United States of America and lands to the developing and under-developed nations of Asian and African continents due to lower salaries and overheads in these areas.
Apparel industry of 21st century is taking more and more bigger players in its fold, thereby paving way for increased allocation for research and development, technological advancement and integration, greater quality consciousness, fashion friendliness and more style fondness. It is shifting its focus from natural to synthetic fibers; from woven to unwoven fabric; from local to multinational manufacturer; and from utilitarian approach to love for fashion and style. Thus, we are heading towards a sea change in the attitudes of apparel industry in the very near future.
Developing countries like India and China-with vast infrastructure, immense skilled manpower and low cost regime are set to gain maximum from these positive emerging trends. Big multinational companies are not only shifting their manufacturing units to these developing lands, but are also making use of the outsourcing phenomenon on a bigger scale. This is an ideal situation for our country-already basking under the glorious and benign sunshine of software industry.
Presently, we need hordes of specialised, skilled and semi-skilled manpower to encash the opportunities thrown open by emerging trends in this field. This treatise on CHANGING TRENDS IN THE APPAREL INDUSTRY is a humble effort in this pursuit. It deals with different aspects like weaving, measurement, manufacturing, sewing, dyeing and dry-cleaning processes under the flood-lights of modern times. Topics like Management of apparel industry and the labour rights also find due mention in this volume.
