Denim products are likely to get costlier as manufacturers in country's largest denim producing countries like India have hiked the fabric prices amid soaring cotton and polyester prices, industry sources said on Monday.

We have increased the denim prices by 5 percent over the last one month or so. It is now available at US$ 2.02 per meter against US$ 1.91 a month ago," said managing director of a Indian denim production company.

This denim production company has manufacturing capacity of 60 million meters of denim per annum, out of which around 20 to 25 per cent is exported. Exports, however, are dependent on currency fluctuation, the managing director says.

The Indian state of Gujarat manufactures over 250 to 300 million meters of denim per annum, making it the largest producing state in India, it is also the state where most of the leading Indian textile houses are located.

Fibre specialist Lenzing has teamed up with Spanish textile processor Tejidos Royo to develop a new denim fabric that claims to combine organic cotton and Tencel fibres for the first time.

Due to be unveiled at the Bread&Butter show in Berlin from 1-3 July, E[DOS] Hybridenim fabrics are said to combine the properties of both fibres, such as eco-friendliness, being comfortable to wear and easy-care. They are also said to have a "shiny and luxurious" appearance.

Together with organic cotton, the special properties of Tencel, such as its smooth fibre surface and its naturally pure composition, make it an ideal fibre for next-to-skin apparel. Tencel fibre is also hydrophilic and gives good moisture absorption combined with optimum moisture management properties.

Significantly, the fibre combination in E[DOS] denim also requires only a low laundering temperature and has a reduced need for ironing, both of which contribute to a lower environmental impact during the garment’s life cycle.

We are probably all for wearing bright colors in the spring and summer. There isn't a better way tot shed those cold-weather blues. However, most of us normally opt to wear vibrant hues on top instead of on bottom. We tend to stick to basic denim all summer long.

But recently I've been noticing a lot of women sporting neon-colored jeans and I have to admit that they are really cute. Colored denim is a great way to make an outfit fun and carefree. Throw on a pair of bright blue skinny jeans, a gray tee and some big accessories and your ready for some summer fun, right?

So, what makes Hemp Jeans so eco friendly? According to the North American Industrial Hemp Council, hemp fibers are stronger, more absorbent and more mildew-resistant than cotton. Naturally resistant to most pests and out-competing weeds, it typically doesn't require pesticides or herbicides to grow.

One of hemp's greatest properties is that it's naturally bacteria resistant. That means it resists bacteria that creates odors. Hemp clothes can be worn many days without developing odors. This has the added benefit of reducing washing and water consumption. Reducing washing also means clothes last longer due to less wear from washing.

How does hemp clothing promote healthy lifestyles or fair for people with sensitive skin, allergies or multiple chemical sensitivities (mcs)? according to our expert, "They are great choices! Hemp, as well as bamboo and organic cotton, are non-irritating to the skin due to the absence of the chemicals used in many conventionally produced clothing." Also, there's no fear of skin absorbing cancer causing toxins while wearing clothes since the farming and manufacturing processes are also eco friendly.

Bamboo is a versatile, ancient plant that comes in clumping varieties. Its porous fibers make a cloth that breathes and is as soft as silk. In fact, there is such a stampede of fabric designers to China and Japan, where it is farmed and processed.

As a regenerated cellulose fiber, bamboo fiber's process is wet-spinning, and bamboo fiber was 100% made from bamboo through high-tech process. In combination with blends of other fibers this bamboo fiber can look and be as strong as denim and feel as soft and light as silk.
Bamboo is a tough plant that manufactures its own antibacterial compounds and can thrive without pesticides, this antibacterial compound is still active in bamboo fabrics even after washing the fabric more then 50 times, bamboo fiber fabric still possesses excellent function of "natural" anti-bacteria, bacteriostasis. Its test result shows over 70% death rate after bacteria being incubated on bamboo fiber fabric.

A new high-performance elastic fiber for use in denim fabrics and garments that need exceptional comfort stretch and recovery has been introduced by Dow Fiber Solutions.

This "next-generation" XLA for denim is said to be inherently resistant to high heat and harsh chemicals, enabling a luxurious hand and exceptional fit, yet maintains the authentic look and feel of cotton denim. It has been especially engineered for shape retentive garments, and because it resists harsh chemical treatments can be used in garments with a variety of denim finishes.

"Denim has become a wardrobe staple and with the combination of supreme durability, easy comfort and effortless style, we feel that we are approaching the denim market in a revolutionary way," says Akiko Inui, global brand marketing manager of Dow Fiber Solutions.

The Fall/Winter 2007/2008 season concentrates on fresh perspectives as concepts borrow from the delicate nature of change. Recognizing consumers ability to adapt to various conditions will be realized in dynamic fabrics, pairing form and function like never before. Peering in on the unprocessed aspect of living, we see color and fabric derived from a genuine place.

In both the landscape and within ourselves, the idea of renewal inspires. The shade range anticipates a grooving consumer interest in introspection and tranquility with versatile blue tones that soothe and evoke self-actualization. Warm tones will fluctuate between saturation and softness, articulating beauty in uncommon, unexpected ways homage to the ordered chaos of nature.

Six dominant themes of this season are Revival, Humble Arts, Haphazard Beauty, Still Life, Raw and Refined, and Epic.

Starting this fall, Levi's will introduce a jeans line made from 100 percent organic cotton in new and popular men's and women's designs within its Red Tab line. Organic jeans also will be part of its recently launched Capital E collection.

The jeans will be identified as "Levi's Eco" and will be available starting in November exclusively at selected Levi's stores, with additional products to be introduced in spring 2007.

The jeans made with organic cotton will be available in a range of fits and finishes and will be marked with subtle identifiers.