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Satin is an excellent luxurious fabric, perfect for ties and scarves like these available from KTP Design Company (asi/63773).

A major emerging theme of recent fashion forecasts is the emphasis on "sophisticated chic" and "low-profile luxury" – in essence, fabrics that aren’t over-the-top gaudy but still radiate sophistication and class. As a result, satin has soared in popularity for this year and beyond.

"Satin is a good fabric choice for garments and accessories such as ties and scarves because it gives off an expensive look," says Patrick Walsh, president of KTP Design Company (asi/63773). "It has an extremely soft hand and it drapes very nicely – an advantage when designers want to make a loose-fitting garment with flowing lines." 

Satin is a glossy, smooth-surfaced fabric that is usually made with silk or rayon fibers. Its luxorious, high-end appeal makes satin a fabric favorite for fashion-related fields such as bridal wear outlets.

However, Walsh thinks the fabric is overlooked is because it’s not the first thing that comes to mind for logoed apparel and decoration. "In [our] business, the number one thing a customer looks for is how a tie will look with his company logo," Walsh says. "Then they’ll inquire the make of the fabric such as cotton, polyester or silk. The type of weave (such as satin, twill or jacquard) may not even cross their mind. But business owners should still keep satin in their inventory and find ways to let their clients know the benefits of having satin represented in their orders." 

Be sure to keep an open mind with satin as a unique layering piece with a more traditional, rugged fabric. Combining it with ripped denim, for example, provides a singular clash of textures and styles that encapsulates both high society and comfortable living.

Question: I am searching for a wholesale supplier of organic baby shirts and accessories. Do you have any suggestions? Thank you.
Answer: Not a problem! Try American Apparel (asi/35297); (213) 488-0226; www.americanapparel.net/wholesaleresources; product 4009ORG. This 100% combed organic cotton hat is soft, stylish and adjustable. Available in six colors. The company also has a 100% organic combed cotton one-piece(4001ORG) that features short sleeves.

Or, try Royal Apparel (asi/83731); (866) 769-2517; www.royalapparel.com; product RA2031ORG. This infant colored lapover T-shirt is made of 100% certified organic. Available in seven colors.

Selling Tip: Parents care deeply about the health of their babies and infants. Be sure to mention that organic apparel uses less chemicals and is less harmful to the environment.

Question: Do you know of any winter hats with ear flaps that are available? I have several customers who are looking for them. Your help would be greatly appreciated.
Answer: Try Daystone Intl Corp. (asi/48726); (800) 323-2360; www.daystone.com; product 99099. This 100% polyester winter cap features ear flaps and is inner lined with fleece. Available in five colors.

Or, try Dynamic Solutions (asi/51189); (877) 788-8887; www.cheap2promote.com; product C3006. This 100% cotton twill cap features ear flaps and comes in a camouflage pattern.

Also, try Hammacher Schlemmer (asi/59444); (866) 714-0530; www.hammacher.com; product 75593. This driving cap is made of waterproof cashmere and includes ear flaps. Good luck!

Selling Tip: The warmer months are approaching, which means you shouldn’t ignore winter apparel. End-users will look for discounted items and you too can capitalize on late-season discounts from your favorite suppliers.

Aprons Etc. (asi/36558) announced that it is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2010.

Bodek and Rhodes (asi/40788) announced its partnership with apparel and accessories manufacturers Adidas and TaylorMade for a two-month-long promotion offering $25 Dining Dough certificates to customers for every 12 pieces purchased of the two. The company also announced the development of a virtual studio for design-to-print artwork creation called The Apparel Design Studio.

Broder Bros Co. (asi/42090) is hosting an open house at its newly expanded Houston Distribution Center on Wednesday, March 24 from 10-6 p.m.

Carrigar (asi/44080) is relocating to a larger office. Effective March 15, the company's new address will be: 743 Alexander Road, Suite #9, Princeton, NJ 08540. To contact the company, call 1-866-331-0624.

Charles River Apparel (asi/44620) has announced that it is partnering with Circle of Hope, a charitable organization, to aid relief efforts in Haiti. Charles River is also providing 5% of its February profits from selected apparel styles to Partners in Health, a non-profit global health care provider.

Dunbrooke (asi/50930) has hired Diane Leslie to provide representation for the company in southern California, southern Nevada and Hawaii in both the promotional products and decorator markets.

Executive Apparel (asi/53418) has announced the release of its new EA Career Catalogs.

Gildan has announced the launch of a program called "I Support…," awarding a selected charity up to $100,000. It is designed to create awareness of the importance of charitable donations.

Hanes/Outerbanks (asi/59528) has announced that it is transitioning its popular Hanes Beefy-T T-shirt to a tag-free neck label. 

Heritage Sportswear, Inc. (asi/60582) has announced that on Thursday, April 22, wholesale customers are invited to Columbus, Ohio for the BIG IDEA Show from 12-8 p.m.

Hirsch International offers a new double sequin attachment. It can be attached to any M series or Neo Tajima machine and will hold two reels of sequin.

OTTO (asi/75350) is offering new pique knit headwear and apparel. This six-panel cap features sewn eyelets, matching fabric under visor and adjustable hoop and loop closure. Available in 29 colors.

Phillips Van Heusen, the parent company of PVH Career Apparel (asi/75633), has announced that it will acquire Tommy Hilfiger for $3 billion in cash and stock. Tommy Hilfiger is currently owned by private equity firm Apax Partners.

Selco LLC (asi/86230) recently was presented with a plaque of gratitude from the Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation in recognition for a donation of watches.

Target Graphics Ltd. (asi/90549) has introduced a "Shirt of the Month" contest, with the winner receiving a $100 credit. The company has also announced a new customer incentive program and a "Plus It Up" spec sampling program, providing customers with an opportunity to receive free decorated garments.

Knowing these terms will make ad specialty distributors who just started sound like they've been in the business for years.

Backwasher: machine used for washing wool after carding to remove all impurities. It also dries the tops after washing by passing them over steam-heated cylinders, or perforated cylinders through which hot air is forced.

Cady: precious silk fabric originally produced in the French region of Languedoc, for couture and evening gowns

Halter: a woman's blouse that leaves the back, arms, and midriff bare and that is typically held in place by straps around the neck and across the back