Training compensates for lean staff

	Xiamen Xinyun offers model XY-MS9025, a men's polo shirt in 160gsm polyester. The product features a rubber print on the chest. Price is $3.40.

In-house mentoring and third-party seminars strengthen the available manpower.

Troubled still by the tight labor market, China suppliers of T-shirts and polo shirts are taking steps to boost the skills of existing employees.

Worker outlay has increased 30 percent overall as companies augment salaries, add benefits such as medical insurance, and provide residential and recreational amenities.

In turn, makers are ensuring that the higher expenses pay off in terms of productivity.

Businesses are tapping independent organizations to teach managers and assembly line personnel how to optimize fabrication processes.

Less-experienced members are also being mentored by longtime staff. This enables factories to guide those who were hired regardless of their age and educational achievement.

Moreover, employees are being assigned to various departments to familiarize themselves with the different procedures. They may then be moved based on the urgency of positions to be filled.

Having numerous skill sets is an opportunity to keep earning high wages. Otherwise, minimum compensation will be given if a worker is rendered idle because designs being prepared do not involve his specialization.

With up to one-third of cutting and sewing requirements now being farmed out to inland plants, suppliers are offering know-how to subcontractors as well.

QC inspectors who oversee orders do double duty instructing partners on management and manufacturing techniques.

Further, local governments are helping in the endeavor. Shaxi, a town in Zhongshan, Guangdong province, will set up an industrial zone where occupants will receive funding to apply the garment standard time scheme. The system streamlines steps so that each piece can be finished in a shorter period.

	This women's polo shirt from Xiamen Yishan comes in pure polyester pique. It has moisture-wicking and quick-dry properties.

Prints and coloring effects are the emphasis for men's variants. The latest releases are tie-dyed, or come with abstract patterns or handpainted motifs. These are minimally punctuated with buttons, patches and nailheads.

Functional treatments are highlighted in men's T-shirts, and polo shirts for both genders. These include UV protection, moisture absorption and wicking, resistance to odor and static, and quick drying.

Prices are generally between $3 and $10, varying based on the materials, design complexity and printing method.

Cotton and cotton-polyester dominate utilization because they are the least expensive.

Other than polyester, suppliers blend the natural fiber with viscose, nylon, silk, ramie, bamboo rayon and soybean protein.

Low-end models come in single jersey. Interlock and pique are considered midrange, while tricot and double jersey are for the high end.

Weight is a factor as well. Heavier materials generally push up quotes.

Because men's styles consume more fabric, prices are 5 to 10 percent higher than women's counterparts in the same fiber and with similar details.

The addition of a collar and placket makes a polo shirt about 20 percent costlier than a T-shirt.

Silk-screening is the most economical printing option. It is widely utilized for the same reason. Heat transfer, on the other hand, yields more intricate images and has good colorfastness against washing.

Water transfer is suitable for white models, while dyed versions usually undergo offset printing. The discharge method is used to create light and bright colors on a dark substrate while maintaining a soft hand. It is the most complicated and expensive choice.

Within one technique, rates increase according to size and the number of shades adopted.

Low-end variants top out at $3 or $4 and are made of carded cotton, CVC or T/C in a single jersey or ribbed construction, weighing 180gsm at most. They have short sleeves and come in solid hues. A single-color silk-screened pattern, or a small embroidered motif or patch are the usual decorations.

T-shirts may also feature a round or V-neck, and minimal lace trimming.

Fiber options in the midrange include mercerized or semicombed cotton, cotton-spandex, cotton-nylon, and rayon. These are knitted into 180 to 240gsm interlock or pique and can be treated for softness, breathability or quick drying.

Multicolor designs created via silk-screening, and offset, water or heat transfer, or dye sublimation printing are available in this segment. Products are azo-free and have low cadmium content.

High-end variants adopt Sanforized, mercerized, combed and organic cotton, and cotton blended with bamboo rayon, soybean protein, ramie, silk and Lycra.

Items in CoolMax, modal, Tencel and Tactel fall under this category as well.

Releases are treated to resist odor, static and UV rays. They may also wick or absorb moisture, dry quickly and prevent bacterial growth. Many comply with the Oeko-Tex Standard 100.

Quotes of China-made T-shirts and polo shorts will increase up to 10 percent in the next six months as textile outlay continues to climb.

The cost of 328-grade cotton has jumped nearly 32 percent year on year to $2.46 per kilogram.

Following the trend for crude oil, 1.4d polyester staple fiber rose 12 percent in the same span. It now goes for 10,020 yuan per ton.

To avoid price sensitivity and boost profit margins, more companies are launching upscale models in premium fibers such as organic cotton, Tencel, CoolMax, Tactel and CoolDry.

In 2009, China exported 2.7 billion T-shirts and polo shirts worth $5.6 billion. This shows a 27 and 30 percent decline in terms of volume and value year on year.

Shipments in 1Q10 exceeded $1.6 billion for more than 747 million pieces.

Revenue and quantity increased 15 and 13 percent from the previous corresponding period, respectively.

Overall, makers anticipate overseas sales to rise at least 10 percent in 2010.

The main markets are Japan, the US and the EU. Together, they absorb two-thirds of China's exports in the line.

The country is home to about 2,000 suppliers of T-shirts and polo shirts. More than 85 percent of companies are locally owned. The rest are foreign-invested.

Small and midsize businesses make up the majority of the industry. 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. Its 2009 sales exceeded $1 billion, contributing 18 percent to the national total.

Models from the area boast better quality than those from other hubs and are also priced higher.

Many companies there produce garments for international brands.

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

Last year's revenue from foreign transactions was nearly $1.5 billion, accounting for 27 percent of China's exports.