Category: Trend

The European Commission adopted the world’s first comprehensive plastics strategy to decrease single-use plastics accounting for marine litter. As a result, the European Union is taking legislative action against single-use plastic items and plastic fishing gear – plastics that account...

Cotton Market Fundamentals & Price Outlook All benchmark prices decreased over the past month. +  The May NY/ICE futures contract fell from 88 to 78 cents/lb between early March and early April. In later trading, prices have rebounded to levels...

U.S. Macroeconomic Indicators & the Cotton Supply Chain The International Monetary Fund (IMF) just released an updated set of forecasts for economic growth around the world. The latest IMF estimate for global economic growth in 2021 is 6.0%. This is...

Grupo Familia, one of the largest personal care and hygiene brands in South America, has adopted cotton into a range of products. The cotton enhanced™ and cotton natural™ trademarks are identified in their line of feminine pads, tampons, and pantyliners...

The global brand P&G has launched the first feminine pads labeled with the Seal of Cotton trademark in Mexico. The pads have a 100% cotton topsheet and are sold under the brand NATURELLA JUST NATURAL. P&G’s website highlights the Seal...

Wolverine has adopted TOUGH COTTON™ technology under the name Guardian Cotton. Wolverine claims that Guardian Cotton “provides the comfort of cotton with 4x-8x the abrasion resistance for the hardest of workers.” The Guardian Cotton product line includes work pants, work...

Cotton Market Fundamentals & Price Outlook Most benchmark prices increased throughout February but decreased in early March. +  The May NY/ICE futures contract rose from values near 85 cents/lb one month ago to levels approaching 94 cents/lb on February 24th....

U.S. Macroeconomic Indicators & the Cotton Supply Chain The U.S. Senate narrowly approved a third set of stimulus measures. This package features another round of direct payments, an extension of supplemental unemployment payments, support for state and local governments, and...

Have you made the leap into digital product development? As a leader in cotton product innovation and a resource for digital fabrics, Cotton Incorporated is pleased to take part in the upcoming CLO Virtual Fashion User Summit on February 23...

Cotton Market Fundamentals & Price Outlook Most cotton benchmark prices increased over the past month. +  Trading activity has started to shift out of the Nearby March NY/ICE futures contract and into the May contract. Values for March were relatively...

U.S. Macroeconomic Indicators & the Cotton Supply Chain The U.S. economy is estimated to have grown at a 4.0% annualized rate in the fourth quarter. This followed record growth in the third quarter (33.4%) and record contraction in the second...

Sourcing Cotton is a special resource that provides you with essential information about cotton that can help answer relevant sourcing questions.

Are you attending Outdoor Retailer Winter Online? Connect with Cotton Incorporated virtually at OR for the latest in digital cotton design, innovation, sustainability, and trend. As a CottonWorks™ member, here’s your exclusive preview. OR Exclusive: Digital Fabric Education Digitized for...

Cotton Market Fundamentals & Price Outlook Global cotton prices continued to rise over the past month. +  The NY March futures contract climbed from 74 cents/lb to 82 cents/lb. The December futures contract, reflective of price expectations after the 2021/22...

U.S. Macroeconomic Indicators & the Cotton Supply Chain COVID was a dominant force in 2020, and it has already underlined its importance in 2021. In the U.S., daily rates for new case counts, hospitalizations, and deaths are all at near-record...

Missed Our Latest Webinar? Consumers & Clothes: Adapting to a Changing World takes a deeper look at the effects COVID continues to have on consumer trends.

Cotton Market Fundamentals & Price Outlook Most international benchmark prices increased over the past month. +  The NY March futures contract climbed from 70 cents/lb to 74 cents/lb. Cotlook’s A Index rose from 76 to 80 cents/lb. +  In international...

U.S. Macroeconomic Indicators & the Cotton Supply Chain The latest jobs report signaled a significant slowdown in hiring in November.  Even before the latest surge in COVID cases, a deceleration in economic activity had been anticipated in late 2020 and...

As the pandemic continues, about three-quarters of consumers plan to purchase clothing in the next few months. Based on data from Cotton Incorporated’s third COVID-19 Consumer Response Survey, the latest “Things To Know About” explores pent-up consumer demand for clothing...

Cotton Market Fundamentals & Price Outlook All international benchmark prices increased over the past month. +  The NY December futures contract climbed from 67 to as high as 72 cents/lb near the end of October. More recently, prices  eased back...

U.S. Macroeconomic Indicators & the Cotton Supply Chain The U.S. presidential election is over, and one source of uncertainty for U.S. and global markets has been resolved. While a new president has been chosen, the elections did not generate a...

Artwork Files for Knitwear Design November 9 at 1 p.m. EST (10 a.m. PST) Join us as Alexis Mondragon – technical designer, knitwear specialist, and sweater consultant for Cotton Incorporated – takes a deeper look at: Artwork and body mapping solutions...

Cotton Market Fundamentals & Price Outlook All international benchmark prices increased over the past month. + The NY December futures contract climbed from 64 to 67 cents/lb. + Cotlook’s A Index rose from 70 to 73 cents/lb. + The China...

Missed Our Latest Webinar? The New Normal: Accelerating Consumer Trends in the Current & Post-COVID World takes a deeper look at the effects COVID has had on consumer trends.

U.S. Macroeconomic Indicators & the Cotton Supply Chain The COVID diagnosis for the president, along with rising daily case counts in locations such as Europe, emphasizes how coronavirus remains a threat to global health. As the pandemic lingers, the possibility...

Celebrate World Cotton Day with us this Wednesday, October 7! World Cotton Day is a global celebration designed to promote cotton and all its stakeholders in production, transformation, and trade while also promoting the many technological advances and ongoing research...

Percentage who are very concerned about the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic (by age):   As the pandemic continues, consumer spending is level   Consumers spend more on clothing Pent-up demand for clothing realized   64% of consumers feel comfortable shopping for clothing...

Lands’ End promotes TOUGH COTTON™ technology on their website and catalog: “We just made the best leggings ever. The secret? TOUGH COTTON™ technology. This cool technology uses innovative treatments to make the fabric stronger for longer by creating bonds with...

Vancl features the Seal of Cotton trademark and their support of the Cotton LEADS℠ program on the hangtag of their cotton apparel. These hangtags allow their consumers to easily identify cotton in their products. Vancl is a leading casual brand...

KEY INSIGHTS   MARKET OPPORTUNITIES   PERFORMANCE FEATURES DESIRED   All content sourced from Cotton Incorporated’s 2020 Home Textiles survey, a survey of 6,000 consumers in the U.S., China, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, India, Turkey, Mexico, Colombia, Germany, Italy, and the...

Vancl adopted the WICKING WINDOWS™ technology on a line of performance t-shirts. WICKING WINDOWS™ performance manages moisture keeping the wearer cool and comfortable. Vancl is a leading casual brand and one of the largest online apparel retailers in China. The...

Cotton & the Climate Roadmap: Strategies for the Apparel Industry to Reach Net Zero September 30 at 2 p.m. EDT (11 a.m. PDT) How are apparel companies planning to reduce greenhouse gas emissions? Join us for our upcoming webinar as...

Urban outdoor sportswear brand An Ko Rau 0® adopted TransDRY® technology in their women’s and men’s apparel lines on products such as t-shirts, pants, and dresses. The TransDRY® moisture management technology is featured on garment hangtags. Product will be sold...

Cotton Market Fundamentals & Price Outlook The NY Nearby and the A Index were stable over the past month. Asian benchmarks increased. + The NY December futures contract held to levels near 64 cents/lb. + Cotlook’s A Index was steady...

U.S. Macroeconomic Indicators & the Cotton Supply Chain The U.S. economy has significantly improved since the second quarter. Following the record quarter-to-quarter decrease in GDP in the second quarter, a record increase is expected in the third. However, even with...

Duluth Trading Company has adopted TOUGH COTTON™ technology, claiming that “while it wears like armor, it never moves like it!” Duluth states that “while the occasional scrape never bothered you much, the cotton in usual work clothes can’t say the...

Just in time for back to school, Kohl’s has launched its TOUGH COTTON™ girl’s leggings. The TOUGH COTTON™ technology provides durability and can stand up to the toughest challenges. The leggings are available in a range of solid colors and...

JEEP® cotton apparel in China continues to boast the Seal of Cotton trademark and Cotton LEADS℠ branding to ensure consumers recognize the natural cotton fiber. Due to its unique American DNA, JEEP® is welcomed by Chinese consumers and this product...

Cotton Market Fundamentals & Price Outlook Movement in benchmark prices was mixed over the past month. + The NY December futures contract moved lower (to below 60 cents/lb in late July) and then higher (near 65 cents/lb in early August)...

U.S. Macroeconomic Indicators & the Cotton Supply Chain The U.S. economy was estimated to have contracted at a 32.9% seasonally-adjusted annual rate in the second quarter. This followed a 5.0% contraction in the first quarter and easily ranks as the...

Leading brands are evolving their supply chains to incorporate digital tools, and a new future is being paved for the apparel and textile industry through the emergence of 3D simulation technology. As a leader in product innovation to advance the...

Color selection plays an important role in helping a trend come to life by telling the visual and emotional story that designers are attempting to portray to consumers. In the research process, Cotton Incorporated’s trend forecasting team takes an overarching...

Cotton Market Fundamentals & Price Outlook Chinese, Indian, and Pakistani prices were stable over the past month. NY futures and the A Index drifted slightly higher. + Prices for the December NY futures contract rose from levels near 60 to...

U.S. Macroeconomic Indicators & the Cotton Supply Chain The International Monetary Fund (IMF) released an updated set of forecasts for global economic growth last month. In those estimates, the IMF lowered its forecast for global GDP growth in 2020 from...

CottonWorks™ equips you with free resources to keep making decisions in your supply chain, including the FABRICAST™ digital library.

Deteriorating Expectations for Global GD Record Job Losses (U.S.) Record Monthly Drop in Consumer Confidence in April (U.S.) Record Drop in Consumer Spending (U.S.) Record Increase in Retailer Inventory/Sales Ratios6 Retailers Were Dealing with Tariffs Before COVID Record Downward Revisions...

Missed Our Latest Webinar? Navigate the Market: Economic, Consumer, & Retail Insights covers current market conditions and consumer behaviors that have resulted due to COVID-19.

Designed with those leisurely summer days in mind, Mack Weldon has relaunched the TransDRY® technology for men’s polo shirts and t-shirts. Whether you’re practicing your backhand, manning the grill, or lounging poolside, their TransDRY® shirts, called DRYKNIT, are designed to...

U.S. Macroeconomic Indicators & the Cotton Supply Chain Even a few weeks into the process of reopening, several indicators are signaling that the worst of the U.S. economic contraction may already be in the past. In most instances, data are...

Cotton Market Fundamentals & Price Outlook Several benchmark prices drifted higher over the past month. Indian prices were stable. Pakistani prices decreased. + The nearby July NY futures contract increased slightly, from 58 to 60 cents/lb. Prices for the December...

Chinese consumers spent ¥167 billion ($23.4B USD) on home textile products in 2019. While a drop in spending due to the COVID-19 pandemic is expected in 2020, this market is projected to recover by 2021 and to show a 5-year...

Mexican consumers spent Mex$44.3 billion (USD $2.3 billion) on home textile products in 2019. While a drop in spending due to the COVID-19 pandemic is expected in 2020, this market is projected to recover by 2022 and to show a...

U.S. consumers spent $66.4 billion on home textile products in 2019. While a drop in spending due to the COVID-19 pandemic is expected in 2020, this market is projected to recover by 2022 and to show a 5-year growth of...

Around the world, consumers are responding to COVID-19 by social distancing, working remotely when possible, and staying home. Following up on our U.S. survey to better understand the effects of the pandemic on consumer habits and attitudes, the Cotton Incorporated...

Around the world, consumers are responding to COVID-19 by social distancing, working remotely when possible, and staying home. Following up on our U.S. survey to better understand the effects of the pandemic on consumer habits and attitudes, the Cotton Incorporated...

Cotton Market Fundamentals & Price Outlook Most benchmark prices were flat to higher over the past month. Indian prices edged slightly lower. + The nearby July NY futures contract rose from 53 to 58 cents/lb. + The A Index climbed...

U.S. Macroeconomic Indicators & the Cotton Supply Chain The Bureau of Economic Analysis released its first estimate for U.S. GDP growth in the first quarter. The 4.8% contraction (seasonally-adjusted annual rate) is the biggest drop since the 8.4% decrease in...

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues across the globe, consumers adapt their shopping to this new normal. Based on data from the second wave of our COVID-19 Consumer Response Survey, our latest survey explores pent-up consumer demand and plans for shopping...

For nearly all industries, it has been a year full of uncertainty. This certainly has been true for U.S. cotton growers.  The Matter of Trade Cotton demand is sensitive to changes in global economic activity, and cotton prices can be...

On April 14, 2020, CottonWorks™ hosted the webinar Stop the Leak: Addressing Plastic Leakage in Your Supply Chain to discuss the Plastic Leak Project, an initiative designed to identify, measure, and develop scalable solutions to stop plastic leakage and pollution.

U.S. Macroeconomic Indicators & the Cotton Supply Chain Both the speed and scale of the COVID-19 outbreak are an unprecedented shock to the global economy. Although concerns had surfaced (Washington state declared a state of emergency on February 29), much...

Cotton Market Fundamentals & Price Outlook All benchmark prices fell over the past month. + The nearby May NY futures contract dropped from 61 to 53 cents/lb. + The A Index slipped from 72 to 64 cents/lb. + In international...

The response to COVID-19 is altering American life. Social distancing, working remotely, when possible, and the shift of education from public schools to the privacy of living rooms and kitchen tables is the strange new normal. To better understand the...

Do you know where the plastic leaks are in your business? Join us for our upcoming webinar, Stop the Leak: Addressing Plastic Leakage in Your Supply Chain on Tuesday, April 14 at 12 p.m. ET. This webinar, in cooperation with Quantis, will: 1....

Everyone needs a t-shirt they can rely on. Vans has adopted WICKING WINDOWS™ technology on their Off The Wall Classic Short Sleeve t-shirt for men and women. The interior WICKING WINDOWS™ print pulls moisture away from the skin to keep...

Awareness of the amount of plastic in the ocean has skyrocketed over the last two years, and, with it, a realization that part of the problem comes from our clothes in the form of both micro- and macroplastic pollution. The...

Spring Showers are right around the corner – are you ready? PrAna has you covered for those temperamental, unpredictable weather days. PrAna has adopted STORM COTTON™ technology on a men’s jacket for quick drying protection – the perfect jacket for...

Cotton Market Fundamentals & Price Outlook Most benchmark prices decreased over the past month. + The nearby May NY futures contract fell from levels near 70 cents/lb. in early February to those near 61 cents/lb. most recently. Prices for the...

U.S. Macroeconomic Indicators & the Cotton Supply Chain Spread of the coronavirus has dominated headlines and mindsets of financial traders. Fear of outbreaks outside China pulled U.S. stock indexes off record levels with the steepest declines since the financial crisis....

The trade dispute has been a major source of uncertainty for supply chains for the past couple of years. Since September 2019, the U.S. has maintained tariff increases on Chinese apparel. On February 27, 2020, CottonWorks™ hosted a webinar on...

Cotton Market Fundamentals & Price Outlook Most benchmark prices decreased over the past month. + The nearby March NY futures contract fell from 71 to 68 cents/lb. Open interest is migrating out of March and into the May contract. Values...

U.S. Macroeconomic Indicators & the Cotton Supply Chain The Bureau of Economic Analysis estimates that the U.S. economy grew 2.3% in 2019. Forecasts suggest that growth could slow a little in 2020, with many projections falling between 1.9% and 2.1%....

Searching for the perfect travel bag? Look no further – Vera Bradley adopted STORM COTTON™ technology on a range of iconic bag styles including a crossbody, hipster, tote bag, backpack, and duffel bag. The STORM COTTON™ technology provides functionality to...

“Mother nature made cotton, we made it better.” Under Armour released a new collection of Charged Cotton® women’s knit tops featuring TransDRY® technology. Under Armour has utilized TransDRY® technology in its Charged Cotton® performance line in the past and has reengineered...

Looking for innovation & inspiration in your cotton products? Connect with us at two upcoming trade shows for the latest cotton technologies, sustainability research, and fabric developments. ISPO Munich January 26-29, 2020 Booth C1.212 (map) Drop in or set up...

U.S. Macroeconomic Indicators & the Cotton Supply Chain January brought about not only a change in year, but also change in decade. Both the past year and decade brought important change to the U.S. and global economies. The past decade...

Cotton Market Fundamentals & Price Outlook Indian and Pakistani prices were stable over the past month. Other benchmark prices increased. + The nearby March NY futures contract increased from 65 to 71 cents/lb. The December futures contract, which reflects expectations...

Beyond adopted the Seal of Cotton trademark making it easier for consumers to recognize cotton products. Beyond also features their support of the Cotton LEADS℠ program showing their commitment to responsible cotton. Established in 1995, Beyond is a well-known home textile...

5th Street, a Taiwanese denim brand, adopted TransDRY™ technology on men’s and women’s denim jeans, shorts, skirts, and dresses. The technology of quick-dry and moisture-wicking cotton provides extra comfort for functional jeans. The denim products feature a TransDRY™ technology hangtag with...

Cotton Market Fundamentals & Price Outlook Most benchmark prices were stable over the past month. Pakistani prices decreased slightly. + The March NY futures contract held to values near 65 cents/lb. + The A Index was steady around 75 cents/lb....

U.S. Macroeconomic Indicators & the Cotton Supply Chain Since the trade dispute began to escalate in the first half of 2018, there has been an ebb and flow in optimism regarding the potential for a resolution. Although some concessions have...

Global Work, a Japanese casual wear brand, adopted TOUGH COTTON™ technology on kids’ apparel. The products call out “Cotton Incorporated-developed TOUGH COTTON™ technology” which improves the abrasion resistance of garments and gives high durability against repeated home launderings. The packaging...

In 2019, JOHNSON’S® has continued its global launch of the CottonTouch™ line of baby care products. The China brand team elected to take six products to market using cotton powder and cottonseed oil: wash & shampoo, oil, body lotion, cream,...

In 2017, Myles Apparel launched its Elements Hoodie featuring STORM COTTON™ technology. Now, they have a full sweats collection that includes an everyday zip-up hoodie, an everyday pullover hoodie, an everyday crew sweatshirt, and a weekend jogger, all in a...

Cotton Market Fundamentals & Price Outlook Most benchmark prices increased slightly over the past month. Indian prices were stable. + The NY December futures contract rose from 62 to 64 cents/lb. + The A Index rose from 72 to 75...

U.S. Macroeconomic Indicators & the Cotton Supply Chain The IMF released an update to its World Economic Outlook last month. The first sentence of the report states that the global economy is in a synchronized slowdown. Correspondingly, the forecast for...

JoS. A. Bank adopted STORM COTTON™ technology on a men’s quarter-zip pullover to keep inclement weather at bay. Known as a casual-wear favorite, the pullover is weather-resistant, warm and cotton-rich — the perfect combination for cooler temperatures. The quarter-zip pullover...

Crush goals, set records and break limits – all in the comfort of cotton. Cotton Incorporated is known for its innovative technology finishes that are designed for cotton-rich fabrics. These finishes are now available in specially formulated combinations that offer...

American Giant® is making it easy to weather the storm by continuing to run STORM COTTON™ technology on their famous full-zip hoodie. Their Classic Full Zip was originally called “The Greatest Hoodie Ever Made,” and now it’s even greater with...

Gnarly weather, beware – Hurley® has launched a 4 piece STORM COTTON™ technology collection with a range of men’s products to help block against the elements in comfort. The STORM COTTON™ finish is applied to classic styles of a jacket,...

SHOPPING JOURNEY The childrenswear shopping journey is marked by negotiation between parent and child, especially as children age and develop a growing sense of personal style. Beyond these struggles, parents look for clothes that will be comfortable for their children and will...

Cotton Market Fundamentals & Price Outlook Movement in benchmark prices was mixed over the past month. + The NY December contract has traded between 58 and 63 cents/lb since early September. Although resistance near 63 cents/lb sent values lower in...

U.S. Macroeconomic Indicators & the Cotton Supply Chain Concerns about economic growth remain. The commonly tracked producer manager indices (PMIs) released by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) were lower in September. The manufacturing PMI, which can be a leading...

For over a year, the trade dispute between the United States and China has alternately flared and calmed. For cotton supply chains, affected products span fiber through apparel. Webinar On Tuesday, September 24, CottonWorks™ hosted a webinar on this topic,...

Kathmandu® continues to run the STORM COTTON™ technology with its Federate pants for men and women. These pants are perfect for the modern traveler: the STORM COTTON™ finish provides the ultimate protection from light rain, a secure RFIDtech pocket protects passports...

Cotton Market Fundamentals & Price Outlook After falling in July, benchmark prices were stable in August and the first half of September. + The NY December contract has held to levels near 58 cents/lb since mid-August. + The A Index...

Wrangler brand in Thailand adopted the STORM COTTON™ technology on men’s and women’s hoodies and men’s t-shirts. The STORM COTTON™ technology provides a durable water repellent finish to provide protection for all adventures – rain or shine. Wrangler calls out...

U.S. Macroeconomic Indicators & the Cotton Supply Chain Concern about slowing economic conditions has resurfaced. Indices of manufacturing activity, which can serve as leading indicators for overall economic activity, signaled contraction for the U.S., the U.K., Germany, South Korea, and...

JOANN Fabrics, one of the leading fabric and craft retailers, has adopted the TOUGH COTTON™ technology on 100% cotton twill fabrics in multiple colorways. TOUGH COTTON™ technology is proven to improve strength, durability, and abrasion resistance that lasts the life...

Cotton Market Fundamentals & Price Outlook All benchmark prices decreased over the past month. + The NY December contract set new life-of-contract lows in dropping from 63 to 58 cents/lb between mid-July and early August. NY futures had not traded...