Abstract

Shirts fall in the category of formal, casual and occasional wear. There is further sub segmentation on the basis of pricing and buyer's profile in the metros and non-metros. The shirt industry is offering high quality fabrics in diverse designs and blends as per latest fashion trends. Shirting fabrics play an extremely important role in a readymade shirt. Fabric type is one of the important factors as the functional criteria during formation into a ready made garment. Shirt fabrics also play important criteria for selection and buying decisions. The performance of the fabric does not necessarily predict the performance of the shirt but the two are strongly related as the right fabric is required for shirt to meet aesthetic and functional performance expectations. Standards for fabric for shirts are based on factors such as design, fashion trends, consumer's preferences, price and market profile. Fabrics provide men with the right choice of fabric that suits their lifestyle. Besides colour and patterns, the fabrics also provide dress shirts with varying textures and give the men, literally, a different feel for each fabric. Men while making purchases; base their decisions on design as well as fabric. It is important for manufacturers, retailers and consumers to know emerging trends in fabrics for men shirts as men can try different dress shirts fabrics to create variation within their wardrobe. Also it is the task of textile technologist and designers to know in detail about the emerging raw materials of readymade shirts in order to help the common people to access the quality parameters of the garment before selection.

There is steady growth in the international men's wear industry. This is witnessed in last few years as men are becoming more fashion conscious.

Keywords: Shirts, readymade garments, mod a woven, ahimsa silk

1. Importance of shirts

Wonders can be achieved for a man through men's dress shirt as it is one of the most important parts of a man's wardrobe. Appropriateness for the occasion-leisure, work or business helps in selection of shirt style, and with a good fit, right colours and patterns it can definitely flatter the man's built and frame. Further a shirt can rejuvenate any of dull coloured suits. Every shirt can be different in terms of detailing of the fabric, pattern, collar, buttons, placket, and cuffs. Therefore shirts need not be homogenous and monotonous in shape, style, and design. A same shirt worn by two men will bring about a different feel and style because of the difference in the men's body frame, personality, as well as the combination with other apparels like suits. Self confidence and comfort are increased when a man shirt is clean, neat, fresh, and well fitted.

It is important for men to update their choice of shirts according to emerging fashion trends as a shirt can reveal a lot about a man's attitude and status especially in the corporate world. Knowing about detailing will empower men to make the right decision when buying shirts.[1]

2. Emerging trends in shirt industry

• According to the changing fashions in the men's garment industry, manufacturers have to adjust their production cycles as per these fashion oriented changes.
• Ready made garments have almost phased out the custom tailored garments which were earlier used by men.
• Now a days garment represents a status symbol and also makes a fashion statement, therefore importance is given on quality of fabrics, cuts and design.
• Large international players are emerging with standardized garments in numerous designs and styles.
• A lot of importance is being given on comfort of the finished garment.
• Working atmosphere is changing as companies are allowing men to wear semi formals and casuals at workplace. This has resulted in change of focus of manufacturers as they are also shifting production from formal wear to casual wear.
• Many countries are opening giant retail stores and selling quality and branded men's garments through them.
• By focusing on current fashion trends in the men's apparel industry, there are opportunities for manufacturers to increase exports.
• To increase efficiency and manufacture high quality garments, manufacturers are using sophisticated machinery.[2]