Makers are creating textural interest through jacquard, wool and knitted designs.

TOP TRENDS

• Patterned models in cool hues: Makers are veering away from solid-colored designs and releasing striped, dotted and paisley ties. Other geometric motifs are also used. The popular background colors are blue, green and purple.
• Unusual textures: Companies are exploring the use of wool and knitted silk, polyester and cotton. Unlike woven styles, these fabrics generally have a slightly duller finish and coarser hand. Wool is either pure or blended with 30 percent silk. Plain and ornamented variants are available.
• Medium widths prevalent: Suppliers offer items between 5 and 11cm wide to suit varying tastes and user sizes. Neckwear measuring 8.5 to 9cm across, however, are the mainstream.
• Price forecast: Silk rates increased 50 percent YoY, reaching a record high of $63,450 per ton in July 2011. Along with the appreciation of the yuan, this development will push up quotes 5 percent in the next six months.
• Sales projection: With demand from the US and Europe still weak, the industry expects overseas revenue to be flat in 2012.

Product gallery Hangzhou Fantastic Enterprises Model: FY-ST-001 Description: Silk or polyester; single- or double-brushed polyester interlining; plain, dotted or self fabric tipping

Hangzhou Newspring Co. Ltd Model: NS100239 Description: Microfiber; double-brushed interlining; polyester tipping; 8cm wide; in various styles, patterns

Ningbo Guangfa Import and Export Co. Ltd Model: Y005 Description: Polyester, Lurex; polyester interlining, tipping; 146x7x3.8cm

Ningbo Joining Import & Export Co. Ltd Model: 3575 Description: Silk; polyester interlining, tipping; 148x8.5cm

Shaoxing Tianyi Qingfang Trade Co. Ltd Model: S1190 Description: Woven silk or polyester; jacquard or printed pattern; in various designs, colors

Zhejiang Zhongda Wal-Well Co. Ltd Model: ZD0601 Description: Silk or polyester; 145x8.5x4cm; with cuff links, bandana; gift box packaging; custom designs

Note: This article "New ties highlight surface effects" was originally published by Global Sources, a leading business-to-business media company and a primary facilitator of trade with China manufacturers and India suppliers, providing essential sourcing information to volume buyers through our e-magazines, trade shows and industry research.

All price quotes in this report are in US dollars unless otherwise specified. FOB prices were provided by the companies interviewed only as reference prices at the time of interview and may have changed.

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