Upgraded designs to boost sales

	Haining Had offers socks made of cotton, polyester and spandex. Custom colors and motifs are accepted.

Suppliers find various ways of augmenting returns amid increased disbursements.

Children’s socks and tights manufacturers in China are taking diverse steps to protect profitability despite high production costs.

To widen margins, suppliers are enhancing construction and aesthetics. They are offering more models that come in quality materials and boast intricate workmanship. Higher quotes can then be justified.

Businesses are also generating savings by stocking up on their requirement. This is helpful in ensuring that there will be enough inputs when orders come in.

Makers are aggressively promoting their products via trade shows and the Internet as well.

Exports in the line remained stable throughout 2009, during which most industries experienced a decrease in foreign orders. Demand for hosiery started to pick up early this year as global economies bounced back from the slowdown. In fact, the turnout in several factories climbed roughly 20 percent.

Returns, however, are not as large because companies have been spending more on inputs. Rates for cotton, in particular, are currently 15 to 30 percent higher than 2009 values. Variants in 21 and 32s are $5.90 to $6.70 per kilogram, when previously the average was $5. The limited material supply is a factor behind the surge, which is expected to continue for the next few months.

Despite being expensive, factories still prefer cotton to other fibers. Most of their buyers require that the input be adopted in products as it is naturally soft, moisture-absorbent and safe on the skin.

In addition, manpower deficiency is leading to higher labor disbursements. Many businesses have augmented salaries and arranged for better benefits so that empty positions can be filled. This caused outlay to increase up to 30 percent.

Customers are also procuring smaller quantities, but in more variants. For instance, in the past an order of 12,000 pairs may consist of one model in three different colors. Now, the same number comprises a single style in five or six shades. Such changes raise expenses as well.

Companies are absorbing the extra costs as they cannot simply adjust quotes, especially for purchases that have already been finalized. Besides, buyers are still price-sensitive, and most suppliers would rather operate on narrow margins than lose clients.

	This hosiery set from Haining Changhui meets the Oeko-Tex Standard 100.

In the past few years, India and Pakistan have emerged as alternative low-cost hubs for the line in Asia. Models from the two countries are less expensive as they often come in basic constructions. Black and white are the usual color options.

Nevertheless, domestic factories maintain an advantage over India and Pakistan.

Years of experience in socks and tights production helped hone their skills and techniques. As such, most makers are now capable of yielding variants with complex workmanship and intricate patterns.

The country also boasts better logistics, well-developed infrastructure and a stable political situation. The lead time is therefore shorter and delivery faster.

Exported to the US, the EU and Asia, China-made children’s hosiery is mostly for the midrange. Socks come in casual, sports and school variants. The majority of tights are opaque.

Vibrant shades of yellow, orange, red, blue, pink and purple are often adopted for less formal products. White and gray are used in dressy types.

The latest releases are decorated with embroidered or printed patterns. Flowers, stars, polka dots, automobiles, animals and cartoon characters are common motifs. Some versions have stripes in various widths and multiple colors. Checkered and argyle styles are available as well.

Products intended for winter usually highlight Christmas themes with pine trees, snowflakes and snowmen.

Bowknots, rhinestones, ribbons and lace may be employed as trimming. Several models feature 3D embellishments such as plush animal heads. Suppliers also offer variants that have round rubber or PVC pieces on the soles. These help prevent users from slipping when walking without shoes.

The fiber composition, thickness, length and construction intricacy are the key price determinants. Socks are generally less expensive than tights because they consume smaller amounts of material.

Yarns and other inputs are domestically purchased, particularly from the Yangtze River Delta region. Hosiery factories prefer getting their requirement in nearby areas to save on transportation time and costs.

Low-end designs go for $0.25 to $0.50 per pair. Products under this category are primarily socks made of cotton blended with polyester, acrylic, nylon or spandex. Embellishments are few, small and simple. Most styles come in a single shade.

Releases that have 70 to 100 percent combed cotton content are considered midrange. Nylon or Lycra may be mixed in. Priced between $0.60 and $1, models typically boast reinforced toes and soles. Adornments include elaborate multicolor prints or embroidery. Some feature 3D applique trimming.

High-end hosiery reaches $3. Combed and organic cotton, and rayon from bamboo are usually adopted for such variants. The last is popular for being sustainable, anti-bacterial and odor-resistant.

Lycra is added for better stretch. A few designs intended for sports use are made of Coolmax, a material known for its moisture and temperature management properties.

Products are similar to midrange styles in terms of workmanship and decorations. Some are treated to withstand microbes.

Most factories utilize knitting machines from Taiwan, South Korea and Italy in fabricating children’s socks and tights. Imported equipment is considered more efficient and yields fewer defects than local counterparts.

The crotch, heel and toe are sewn after the main parts have been knitted. Special treatments are subsequently applied. Boarding is then carried out. Products are stretched and pressed into the desired shape and size. They are paired and packed using polybags, hangers or cards.

In-house QC personnel check materials prior to manufacturing. Output is inspected for snags, and uniform colors and patterns.

Children’s socks and tights are tested for REACH and Oeko-Tex Standard 100 compliance. Colorfastness, pH value, and azo, heavy metal and formaldehyde content are among the properties analyzed. The pull strength of both the actual product and the trimming is determined as well.

Examinations are usually performed by a third-party organization such as Intertek or SGS.