High Tech Is Future of Textile Jobs and Careers
by Alex Russel
alex.russel@computeranimationschoolreview.com
Computer Animation School Review Columnist
Faced with overwhelming Chinese competition, US and European textile manufacturers are trying to devise a plan for the future. As it turns out, high technology, not commonly associated with clothing design, might just be the only road to survival.
Government leaders in Europe and the US are up in arms over the overwhelming Chinese domination of the textile market. Since global quotas were lifted in January 2005, China's share of the apparel market has skyrocketed.
While politicians argue for new quotas against the Chinese, some analysts argue that the future of textiles in the US and the European Union is in high tech.
High Tech Textile Jobs
High tech textiles were once reserved for the sporting goods department. Now, according to a recent article in USA Today, high-performance textiles that insulate, are stain-proof, and otherwise enhance everyday fashions are luring customers and pumping up profits for a growing number of apparel companies that would otherwise be in trouble.
Technologically embellished fabrics can now be found in khaki pants, Oxford shirts, ties, and even suits. Some are wrinkle-free or odor-resistant; others let body heat escape while keeping water out. Some keep out the sun, and still others keep bugs away. Next up according to researchers are fabrics that resist static.
A New Textile Career
China's dominating advantage in textile manufacturing is low cost wages, which the US and Europe simply can't compete with. But Western textile manufacturers have training and access to high-tech research that the Chinese don't have and consumers will pay more for products if they offer something conventional products don't.
As reported in USA Today, according to Donn Tice, chief executive of Nano-Tex, which develops and markets treated textiles, retailers can charge $3 to $10 more per item for clothing with high tech properties. Tice says that Nano-Tex has seen 60 percent year-over-year growth in a specific product line after adding its treatment to a product.
Textile Jobs to Stay
As of yet, China can't compete with this niche market. High tech (and high end) still holds its own in the textile business.
Accordingly, anyone pursuing a career in textile will have to get some training in the high tech end of the business. Old school textiles no longer offer enough differentiation from Chinese mass producers. High tech and performance are right now the critical competitive difference.
About the Author
Alex Russel is a freelance writer living in Brooklyn, NY. Since graduating from Syracuse University he has worked at many different media companies in fields as diverse as film, TV, advertising, and journalism. He holds a dual bachelor's degree in English and History.
Sources
Posted on June 23, 2005 at 12:30 AM
