Global Jeans Sourcing Showed Signs of Major Disruptions in January

Global Jeans Sourcing Showed Signs of Major Disruptions in January - Sourcing Journal

Global Jeans Sourcing Showed Signs of Major Disruptions in January - Sourcing Journal
Rapper Nelly Teases Return of Apple Bottoms Jeans - Sourcing Journal
How Kate Middleton Styles Skinny Jeans and Flats on Day Off - Who What Wear
The Jeans Every Petite Woman Should Own - Yahoo Lifestyle

Global Jeans Sourcing Showed Signs of Major Disruptions in January - Sourcing Journal

Posted: 10 Mar 2020 02:35 AM PDT

It's only one month and historically not one of the biggest for shipping, but clear new patterns of jeans sourcing began to set in during January.

There were many anomalies in play–like companies getting goods early ahead of threatened tariffs hikes on Chinese imports, plus the outbreak of coronavirus in China and elsewhere, and the Lunar New Year factory shutdowns in China that impacted supply chains throughout Asia.

With that said, the first month of the year saw a decline in overall denim apparel imports, 97 percent of which are jeans, that indicate the sector could be in for a difficult cycle. As Tricia Carey, director of global business development for denim at Lenzing, said, "There is a general market slowdown."

A clear example of that is Wrangler and Lee parent company Kontoor Bands, which saw U.S. revenue in the fourth quarter fall 8 percent to $517 million, a decline it blamed partially on softness in broader retailer traffic during the holiday period partially offset by growth in digital, up 52 percent.

Jeans imports from the world to the U.S. fell 13.29 percent in value to $265.99 million in January compared to $306.78 million in the same month in 2019, according to the Commerce Department's Office of Textiles & Apparel (OTEXA). For the 12 months through January, denim apparel imports were down 4.43 percent to $3.69 billion, backing up the down cycle conclusion, as there is little jeans manufacturing in the U.S. to feed domestic consumption.

There were major shifts among the Top 10 suppliers, patterns for which began to emerge last year and seem to have been magnified under the January microscope. This was particularly true in the four most prolific jeans-making countries.

U.S. jeans imports from No.1 supplier Mexico dropped 32.28 percent in January to $41.47 million in value, according to OTEXA data, which could be indicative of the slowdown in demand. At the same time, China's shipments plummeted 60.17 percent to $33.94 million, clearly brought on by a combination of factors–the overall flight from China as a result of the U.S.-China trade war, the month's holiday factory closings and the COVID-19 crisis. For the year through January, imports from Mexico decreased 5 percent to $782.78 million, while China's shipments declined 31.05 percent to $644.66 million.

The expertise and relative stability of the next two top supplies–Bangladesh and Vietnam–led to major gains, at least for the one month. Imports from third-place Bangladesh jumped 45.18 percent to $51.87 million in January. For the 12-month period, imports from Bangladesh increased 6.96 percent to $601.86 million and shipments from Vietnam rose 27.61 percent to $384.51 million, according to OTEXA.

"We're seeing the surges from the production that moved from China to a number of different places," Julia Hughes, president of the U.S. Fashion Industry Association, said.

Other major gainers in January among the top suppliers were Egypt, up 25.33 percent to $15.16 million; Cambodia, jumping 91.37 percent to $16.1 million, and Sri Lanka, gaining 18.22 percent to $6 million.

Top supplier countries with significant declines in the month were Nicaragua, with imports down 18.46 percent to $5.14 million, and Indonesia, falling 24.34 percent to $4.77 million. Pakistan held steady with an increase in shipments of 1.57 percent to $21.4 million for the month.

Rapper Nelly Teases Return of Apple Bottoms Jeans - Sourcing Journal

Posted: 10 Mar 2020 01:00 AM PDT

March 10, 2020 8:00AM ET

There's a big market for nostalgic styles, and Apple Bottoms jeans may be the next denim brand to tap into it.

Platinum-selling musician Nelly—who co-founded the brand in 2003—posted a cryptic message to his followers on Instagram alluding to a comeback—though he doesn't want anyone to call it that.

"It's bout that time…!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Don't call it a come back..!!!!!" he posted alongside an image of the Apple Bottoms logo.

The brand's website seems to confirm an upcoming release, featuring the message "Back at it again" on its homepage. Nelly also may have alluded to an Apple Bottoms revival by performing at fashion trade show Magic in Las Vegas earlier this year.

Apple Bottoms made waves when it launched in the early 2000s as a denim brand tailored to a demographic of curvy women. During that time, premium denim and low-rise jeans—and the A-list celebrities who wore them—dominated the fashion scene. With low-rise jeans now making their way back into style and more brands embracing extended sizing, now would be a strategic time for the brand's return.

And it's not just jeans making a comeback.

Everything from footwear to pop culture is riding the nostalgic wave, with decades-old sneakers and TV shows regaining their relevancy. Last year, Ralph Lauren released a collection inspired by "Friends" character Rachel Green, who worked at the fashion label during season five of the series. The collection was a celebration of the show's 25th anniversary. Similarly, Will Smith launched a limited-edition streetwear collection "Bel-Air Athletics" in reference to the '90s hit TV show "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air."

While it's the older generations who lived through some of these styles, Generation Z is one of the main demographics championing the nostalgia trend, and could be the consumers who propel Apple Bottoms jeans back into popularity.

How Kate Middleton Styles Skinny Jeans and Flats on Day Off - Who What Wear

Posted: 10 Mar 2020 12:10 PM PDT

We're used to seeing Kate Middleton's polished presence at all kinds of events, from service at Westminster Abbey with Meghan Markle on Monday to playing sports with kids on her royal tour of Ireland last week. She's definitely known to dress down for more casual events, but we rarely get to see what she wears when she's truly off-duty. We're talking no itinerary to follow and no press releases from the palace. Naturally then, when she is photographed on a day off, we're all the more curious.

The Duchess of Cambridge was just snapped in London on a shopping trip at a book store. She wore a supremely relatable combo of skinny jeans and flats, but she also threw in some of her signature styling tricks: Match your accessories and go monochrome with your clothes. She chose a baby-blue Mulberry coat and a coordinating sweater along with a black Smythson crossbody bag and black loafers. Chic yet practical—just as we'd expect from Middleton. Scroll down to see Kate Middleton's day-off outfit, and shop the look.

The Jeans Every Petite Woman Should Own - Yahoo Lifestyle

Posted: 09 Mar 2020 10:00 PM PDT

I'll be the first to admit that finding a great pair of everyday jeans when you're petite can be challenging. I've experienced many trials searching for denim brands that fit my figure without a trip to the tailor. Today I'm sharing the best places to stock up on petite jeans and highlighting one of my favorite denim brands.

While I have a few brands I hit up when I'm looking for a new petite pair, Grlfrnd denim is definitely at the top of my list when it comes to figure-flattering and stylish jeans. Thanks to the thoughtful silhouettes and comfortable fit, I always feel 100% when I wear my jeans from the brand (not to mention the compliments they earn me). I'm particularly eyeing the Natalia and Helena styles right now—both are designed for a flawless fit and would look great with a simple summer top and heels. Keep reading to shop more of my favorite styles from Grlfrnd and to find out the other denim brands I shop for petite jeans.