Broad material options expand robes selection

Makers are employing various constructions of cotton, silk and polyester to yield models suitable for different seasons.

TOP TRENDS

• Fabric variety: China suppliers are adopting skin-friendly, moisture-absorbent and warmth-retentive materials in recently launched robes. They also choose textiles appropriate for specific seasons. Summer designs come mostly in cotton, cotton-silk and other lightweight fabrics, while those for spring and fall are made of polyester satin, velour or fleece. Winter variants have a cotton or T/C shell, polyester padding and pile textile lining.
  
• Colors & patterns: Blue, pink, gray, and camel and coffee brown are currently popular. As regards motifs, florals, plaids, hearts and animal-skin themes such as leopard spots and tiger stripes are still trendy. The decoration can be allover or localized.
  
• Price forecast: Quotes will likely remain unchanged in the next six months. While material costs are going down, companies expect labor outlay to escalate further and the yuan to continue gaining strength.
  
• Sales projections: Banking on an expanded clientele, manufacturers anticipate 2012 revenue from foreign transactions to increase between 10 and 20 percent.
  

PRODUCT GALLERY

Cinetex Mfg Inc.
Model: Cinetex-55
Description: Women’s robe; 55:45 silk-cotton; woven; shawl collar; floral print; sizes S to XL; polybag packaging

King Hwa Dee Textile Co. Ltd
Model: KHD-123
Description: Women’s robe; 100% polyester coral fleece; 280gsm; knitted; shawl collar; custom print

Mayfair Accessories International Ltd
Model: MBD-66
Description: Women’s robe; 100% polyester coral fleece; shawl collar; custom print; sizes S to XXL

Qingdao Fantex Clothing Co. Ltd
Model: FT200
Description: Men’s robe; 100% polyester coral fleece; 260gsm; knitted; shawl collar; printed plaid; sizes S to XL; polybag packaging

Qingdao Textiles Group Apparel Co. Ltd
Model: MensRobe
Description: Men’s robe; 100% cotton or CVC; coral fleece or velour lining

Qingdao Ying Tex Co. Ltd
Model: 3246
Description: Women’s hooded robe; 100% polyester coral fleece; printed pattern; sizes S to XXL