Men's T-shirts

	Model YSP-1629 from Nanchang YoungSun can come in pure combed cotton or polyester weighing 210gsm.

To encourage overseas orders, makers are limiting price increases and reducing delivery time. New markets are also explored.

China suppliers of T-shirts and polo shirts are varying production and export strategies under efforts to stimulate sales amid the current economic climate. In the first five months of 2009, overall garment exports decreased 8 percent year on year, reaching about $37 billion.

To minimize manufacturing outlay and keep prices at competitive levels, some makers are using less-expensive versions of cotton and polyester in their latest releases.

Cotton, the primary material for the line, is currently $1,858 to $1,873 per ton. Many companies are expecting costs to increase in coming months as demand escalates.

Models in this particular line come in single jersey, rib and other simple knits. A number are treated for wrinkle and bacteria resistance. Elaborate prints, embroidery and applique boost the products’ perceived value.

Suppliers employing higher quality textiles, on the other hand, offer designs in simpler constructions, using the material’s properties as the main selling point.

Minimal and uncomplicated trimming is adopted because the fabric itself is already expensive.

Apart from limiting price adjustments, manufacturers have shortened delivery time by about 15 days. They are streamlining processes and improving management systems for a faster turnaround.

As regards export destinations, many makers are eyeing emerging economies such as South America, Africa and the Middle East to lessen their dependence on traditional markets. This comes after orders from the US and the EU dropped significantly due to the financial crunch.

Compounding supplier’s difficulties is the enforcement of the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership in June 2009. Under the AJCEP, products from member countries will enjoy zero tariff in Japan, boosting the price advantage of Vietnam and other lower-cost nations over their non-ASEAN counterparts such as China. Japan is one of the latter’s major importers of T-shirts and polo shirts.

	Jinjiang Huakai's model HK-8042 women's T-shirt features a printed motif.

Men’s models, which require large cuts of fabric, are priced higher than women’s versions even if the former have minimal embellishment.

Going for $1.20 to $2, low-end T-shirts come in single-jersey or rib cotton, T/C or CVC not exceeding 180gsm. They have short sleeves and basic round or V-neck styles. A small single-color motif can be silk-screened or embroidered.

Low-end polo shirts are made of similar materials. Quotes for such designs are between $2 and $3.

Mercerized or semicombed cotton, cotton-spandex, cotton-nylon and rayon are common in midrange products.

Weighing 180 to 240gsm, these can be treated with a quick-dry finish. Most are azo-free and contain low levels of cadmium.

Models can have a Henley, boat, square, V or scoop neck. Larger multicolor patterns are applied through silk screening, offset or dye-sublimation printing or heat transfer. Trimming options include patch- and beadwork, lace, iron- or stick-on rhinestones, sequins and glitter.

T-shirts and polo shirts for the midrange segment are priced from $4 to $8 and $5 to $10, respectively.

High-end releases are often made of combed, mercerized or Sanforized fabric, or cotton mixed with ramie or silk. Branded fiber blends such as Coolmax and Tactel are sometimes employed.

Decorated with multicolor prints or embroidery, T-shirts and polo shirts in this category are from $8 to $10, and $10 to $15, respectively.

Products also come in sustainable textiles, including organic cotton, soybean and bamboo.

Grown without the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers, organic cotton can be up to 50 percent more expensive than conventional versions.

Durable, moisture-absorbent and naturally anti-bacterial, soybean fiber has a soft hand, good drape, and luster similar to silk and cashmere.

Soybean can be combined with other materials to produce textiles with various functional properties. Polyester-soybean blends are resistant to UV rays and wrinkling, while models mixed with PP can be thermal regulating and moisture absorbent.

A combination of soybean fiber and silk yields fabric that is hygroscopic and extra-soft, and features an increased luster.

Bamboo is breathable, and can inhibit bacteria and mildew growth. Moreover, it is cool to the skin and inherently wrinkle-resistant.

The fiber is typically combined with spandex for stretch, and cotton or lyocell for increased softness and a quick-dry function.

Bamboo charcoal versions are also being utilized in some releases. The fabric is as soft as cotton and retains warmth better than wool. Furthermore, it is said to reduce odor, improve circulation, release negative ions and have far-infrared functions.

Eighty percent of China’s exports of T-shirts and polo shirts are shipped on an OEM basis. The rest are designs under ODM agreements or in-house brands.

	This V-neck shirt from Xiamen Xinyu has double-stitched cuffs and hem.

Although economic pressures have forced many factories to close down in past months, China still has about 2,000 exporters of T-shirts and polo shirts. More than 85 percent of companies are locally owned. The rest are foreign-invested.

Small and midsize enterprises make up the majority of the supplier base. Only 10 percent have large operations.

In terms of product specialization, at least 40 percent of manufacturers focus on men’s T-shirts and polo shirts.

An almost similar number offer an equal share of men’s and women’s styles. Very few concentrate on women’s designs.

Guangdong is one of the major sourcing centers. Models from the province are of better quality than other hubs and are priced higher. Many companies there produce garments for international brands.

A large number of manufacturers are also located in Zhejiang province. They specialize in promotional designs and usually accept small orders.