A global over-view on microfiber yarns by Nilit fibers

07 Oct '08

4 min read

The global consumer market is undergoing a paradigm shift. Understanding the consumer's mind has come very unpredictable. Keeping up with changing trends has become a gargantuan task for companies' world wide.

In the midst of all these erratic behavioral tastes of consumers, Nilit Ltd is one company which has laid the foundations of its success by adapting to changing times and trends. Established more than 30 years ago by the late Ennio Levi, Nilit was founded on the principles of uncompromisingly high standards and unparalleled attention to quality, details, and service.

As a pioneer in the development of nylon microfibers and a leader in the global market for hosiery yarns, Nilit works with knitters, designers, and retailers to achieve high-quality solutions that meet specific manufacturing needs and requirements.

Nilit is a very competent research and development oriented company and is the only manufacturer world wide of nylon 6.6 polyamide fibers for the fashion bodywear, activewear, legwear, and intimate apparel markets.

Fibre2fashion spoke to Mr Fabio Kahn, Director, Nilit (Fibers Division) to get a better perspective of changing global consumer preferences and how Nilit manages to face them head-on.

Fibre2fashion: As a pioneer in nylon microfibers and hosiery yarns, how does Nilit read present scenario of global markets of these sectors?

Mr Kahn: The world has witnessed a high rise in consumer awareness over the past years with regard to microfibers in activewear, bodywear and intimate apparel. Consumers today associate high performance with fashion and realize the great benefits that microfibers generate: comfort with smooth handle, quality & diverse product offer, easy wear & care, lightweight functional apparel with high-performance properties.

On the other hand, presently, the situation worldwide is over-capacity with regard to supply vs. demand of microfiber yarns. Prices of raw materials have increased significantly, creating a situation where throughout the supply chain costs are surging and more and more sourcing is done in the Far East where prices and labor cost are lower. As a result, some “Western” yarn producers are left with excess stock or smaller market and others are shifting part of their production to new locations (i.e. – Nilit China).

Hosiery is another issue – women today find that there is less of a need to wear hosiery as women opt for trousers for both work and recreation. As a result, worldwide sales are sliding and drop in consumption per wearer is caused by the fall in popularity of skirts, replaced by trousers, the rise in durability of hosiery products themselves and global warming which diminishes the need to wear pantyhose for leg insulation.

From time to time we can see some points of increased demand for hosiery by the younger generation, as this item represents a "fashion statement". Unique designs enable teenagers and young adults with the opportunity to express their individuality and presence by wearing patterned legwear with mini skirts.

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