Mantis World gives its take on the womenswear market - Printwear & Promotion – garment decoration and promotional clothing/merchandise news & information

Mantis World gives its take on the womenswear market

Published: 04 June, 2008

1. Has the womenswear market continued to grow over the past year?

Demand for innovative womenswear has continued to grow, and with promo' wear now closely mirroring retail trends, customers have more choice than ever before. The Mantis collection offers 27 styles just for women, ranging from hoodies to basic tees, to high fashion pieces all available to order from stock. Over the past one to two years, the market has turned its attention to more sustainable production with growing interest particularly in organic cotton clothing. The Tender Loving Clothing collection (‘TLC' from Mantis World) offers a range of 100% organic cotton styles in more colours for women as well as men, kids and even babies.

2. Are there any areas where womenswear is particularly strong?

Women's T-shirts in all shapes and sizes, continue to be popular with all ages. "Maybe it's because this versatile style continues to reinvent itself, adapting and readapting to changing trends," says Mantis World md Prama Bhardwaj. "Like denim jeans, the women's tees are a wardrobe staple, ideally suited to large print and decoration to make a fashion statement or as a promotional tool or uniform."

To cater for this demand, in 2008 Mantis added the M103 Womens Jersey Box Tee to the existing collection which already offers T-shirt shapes in Interlock and Cotton/Elastane fabrics.

In addition to these Tees, Mantis offers other ‘classic basics' with a new fitted hooded jacket, M63 Womens Pull-on Hoodie, very popular not only for sportswear but amongst the fashionable youth market, and the sexy M62 Womens Raw Racer-Back Vest.

3. Are there any fabrics that are particularly in demand?

Because women's styles are fitted and closer to the body, it's even more important that the fabrics used in these styles offer breathability and extra stretch. All styles in the Mantis World collection are made from high quality combed cotton which produces a smooth, soft, breathable fabric. Taking this high quality cotton, Mantis has added 5% elastane for greater stretch, to create its signature ‘Stretch360º' (S360º) fabric range. Today, the S360º family includes Single Jersey, Pique and Loop-back Fleece in a wide range of styles.

In addition to this and reflecting the latest retail trends, the promowear market has a growing appetite for lighter weight as well as organic cotton and more environmentally friendly fabrics. Mantis has responded with more light weight 150gsm fabrics in both conventional and organic cotton, to suit all budgets and promotions.

5. Which colours are selling well so far this year?

Bright colours are popular especially with the summer season approaching. These colours are also ideal for creating eye-catching and attention grabbing promotional giveaways and uniforms. Each year, the Mantis colour palette is updated to introduce new shades. This year, new fashion colours have been added to the collection, such as Raspberry, Cool Grey, Apple Green, Canary Yellow as well as Melange Ash Grey and Heather Grey.

With demand for more organic cotton clothing, the Tender Loving Clothing range has also been extended with more colours to choose from across the entire range.

6. Are there any trends currently in retail and fashion that you expect to make an appearance in printwear?

As reflected in retail we expect to see a continued growth in demand for blended cotton/elastane fabrics, sheer/lightweight fabrics as well as organic cotton in ladieswear. Shapes also reflect the relaxed longer lengths which were made popular in the 80s.

Product focus:

With its sexy silhouette and flattering cut-away racer back shape, the new Mantis M62 Womens Raw Racer-Back Vest, is a popular addition to the collection. This style is made with Mantis' signature Stretch360° (S360°) Jersey fabric with 5% elastane for a stretchy, luxurious feel and finished with a silky thread overlock to accent the raw edge scooped neckline and armholes. Tipped to be one of this summer's hottest favourites, the M62 is available in the new Raspberry colour and classic Black or White, in sizes XS to XL.

Reflecting one of the growing high street trends for longer lengths and relaxed shapes is the new M103 Womens Jersey Box Tee. This is a fashionable relaxed tee complemented by a new lightweight 150gsm 100% combed cotton Jersey fabric. With five sizes (XS to XL) and six colours to choose from, this high quality tee is competitively priced to suit most budgets, says Mantis.

If it's the latest fashion colours that you are after, the M102 Womens Modern Stretch360° Tee now offers even more choice with a range of 11 shades that include sizzling Lime, Fuchsia, Apple Green, Turquoise, Electric Blue, Sunflower Yellow and even Cool Grey to name a few. Also available in five sizes, this style is ideal for all ages with size XS to fit teens and for younger girls aged 12 years (down to four years) old, the complementary Humbugz style HM102 Girls Modern Stretch360° Tee helping to bridge the generation gap.

For a warmer style that also keeps you looking cool, Mantis has introduced the M63 Womens Pull-on Hoodie with a more flattering women's fitted shape and with double lined hood and kangaroo pouch pockets to finish. Designed to suit any print or embroidery application, this hoodie is made from soft loop-back fleece that's available in fashion colours Raspberry, Heather Grey Melange as well as the ever popular Black and White.

All Mantis styles are ready to order from extensive stocks held across Europe.

Email: info@mantisworld.com

Tel: 0207 224 8991

Or contact distributors: UK Leisurewear: 0800 220955 or Prestige Leisure 0800 652 1234