Men's casual jackets

	Model G 1-203 from Amrit is a 240gsm cotton jacket in blue and gray. The four pockets have yellow gussets. Price is $7.50.

Flexibility, vertical integration and R&D capability help makers manage unfavorable external conditions.

India suppliers of men's casual and fashion jackets are highlighting different aspects of their capability in order to cope with myriad challenges.

The garment industry is predicted to consolidate due to lower profits. This is based mainly on stiff price competition with manufacturers in China, Vietnam and Bangladesh. Margins continue to be cut as the dollar weakens against the rupee, in particular by 10 percent over the past 12 months. But according to Vijay Mathur of the Apparel Export Promotion Council, buyouts are not yet prevalent.

Small enterprises have staved off mergers with their flexibility. By operating on a cut, make and trim basis, they are able to turn out modest quantities of complex models at viable rates.

Large companies, meanwhile, still prefer subcontracting orders seasonally instead of investing in fixed assets because of less risk. Moreover, they are emphasizing vertical integration as a major advantage. The presence of spinning, weaving, knitting, dyeing, sewing and finishing machines in factories helps them control pricing, reduce lead time and supervise quality at all stages of manufacture.

As buyers prefer to source basic jackets from other countries in Asia with lower prices, product development is becoming more important to India makers. Companies are funneling R&D expenditure into attendance of trade shows by their designers. They are also taking advantage of the local craft of handembroidery.

The government is playing a role in cultivating exports as well. In the second half of 2007, it ratified a system of refunds for port, road and rail service taxes in order to ease losses caused by the appreciating rupee.

	Loyal offers the HV men's jacket model in pure cotton canvas. It has one sleeve, one waist and two breast pockets. Price is $9.

Designs in cotton make up the majority of India's men's jackets output, as the textile is abundant and of high quality in the country. Denim, corduroy, twill and double jersey constructions are available.

Among the suppliers interviewed for this report, Aarvee Denims & Exports Ltd offers models in denim, twill and canvas. The latest releases have tailored silhouettes, raw edges and leather trimming.

Hues Clothing Co. Pvt. Ltd specializes in men's garments. Denim, twill, corduroy and jersey fabric jackets are available. One new model is a reversible Harrington jacket with a solid-colored corduroy side. The other side features a checkered print.

Although Loyal Textile Mills Ltd is primarily a workwear manufacturer, it also produces casual garments and its own fabric. Most cotton jackets from the company feature a two- or three-tone design with numerous pockets.

Fleece-lined jackets are available from Amrit Exports Pvt. Ltd. Lightweight versions are unlined and use 240gsm cotton fabric. The ISO 9001:2000-certified company has Gerber AutoCAD machines.

The Shaw House offers traditional Kashmir designs in silk, wool and cotton. Products feature embroidery, patchwork and quilting.

Despite focusing on women's garments, Mona Designs creates some unisex models with minimal embroidery.