Chapter 1 Textiles in Global Market

8. What is the difference between buying fabrics by specification and buying fabrics by sample?

A specification is a written document describing a fabric in great detail. The fabric delivered must conform to this written description. A sample is an actual duplicate of the fabric being purchased. The fabric delivered must conform in all details to the sample

2. Describe the following terms: fiber, yarn, fabric.

Fibers are hair-like substances. They are the smallest part of the fabric. Yarns are continuous thread-like strands composed of fibers that have been twisted together. Fabrics are the actual cloth made by combining yarns, usually by knitting or weaving.

1. A fully integrated textile mill purchases fiber and sells finished fabric. What types of companies does the mill purchase fiber from and what types of companies does the mill sell to?

Mills buy from chemical fiber companies and sell to apparel manufacturers, furniture manufacturers, etc.

10. How do private label department and/or on-line buying organizations enhance career opportunities for textile professionals

Private label buying groups need to create the designs, establish the standards, perform the buying, and monitor and control all aspects of the products that are manufactured for them

6. Describe the difference between fabric put-up called "shorts" and put-up called "remnants."

Shorts are pieces of 1 yard to 50 yards. Remnants are 1 to 10 yards

3. From whom does the converter buy and to whom does the converter sell?

The converter buys greige goods from textile mills and sells finished fabric to apparel manufacturer, furniture manufacturer, etc.

9. What is the difference between a private label and an exclusive brand?

The main difference is control and ownership. A private label is sold exclusively by the retailer and an exclusive brand is a national brand with distribution through one retailer.

5. What are some of the problems in sourcing imported products?

The problems include longer delivery schedules, higher transportation costs, difficulties in communication plus dealing with regulations, and laws both here and abroad, to name a few.

7. Briefly explain how the term "Fair Trade" is used.

The term is used to indicate that a product was produced without labor exploitation, by using environmentally sustainable practices, and that the producers received fair prices for their products.

4. Why are fabrics and apparel imported from foreign countries popular with American consumers?

They often cost less than comparable products made in the United States