- Styles of the Clothing We Wear (or Wore Back in ’81)
Denim jeans have traditionally held a consistently significant share of the apparel market. During their long history, jeans have undergone few radical changes and until recently have depended on serviceability rather than style to maintain their popularity.
One significant improvement, however, was the introduction of metal rivets to reinforce the pocket openings. The original patent for this method of seam reinforcement was issued to Mr. Jacob Davis of Reno, Nevada back in 1873. Although they really held those seams together, you had to be careful not to lean against a hot stove. Those rivets could get a mite uncomfortable.
Over the years, improvements in seam construction, threads, and sewing machines have contributed to stronger, more durable garments, but the traditional rivets are still to be found on many makes of denim jeans. And we kind of hope they’ll be around another 100 years.
Remember, don’t lean against a hot stove if you are wearing jeans with rivets.
More About Rivets
Old denim jean rivets were both functional and distinctive. In the late 1800s, they were made from solid copper and were hand-set to reinforce the points where denim was most likely to tear.
Key characteristics:• Material: Solid copper was the original choice because it was durable and resisted corrosion. • Shape: The visible front was a small, smooth, rounded dome, typically about 8–10 mm (5/16–3/8 inch) in diameter.
• Construction: Each rivet consisted of two pieces: o A copper post that passed through the denim. o A burr (washer) placed on the back, after which the post was peened (hammered) over to lock it in place. • Patina: With age, the bright copper darkened to a rich brown and often developed green oxidation in humid conditions. • Placement: Rivets were installed at high-stress points: o Front pocket corners o The coin (watch) pocket o Originally, the two rear pocket corners (these were later removed because they scratched furniture and saddles).
One interesting historical detail is that the earliest riveted work pants were patented in 1873 by Jacob Davis in partnership with Levi Strauss. Those original copper rivets became one of the defining features of blue jeans. If you're interested in restoring or reproducing vintage jeans, you can also find period-correct reproduction copper rivets that closely match the original 1870s–1930s hardware.
Zünd cutters are entirely modular, the configuration possibilities virtually endless. The Product Finder helps you find what you are looking for more quickly.
Find the cutter that suits you.
Visit www.zund.com to discover the latest Zünd innovations in industrial digital cutting technology: specialized tooling for a perfect cut, no matter what materials go into your sewn products, a full range of hardware and software options all geared toward easy, efficient workflow automation. Zünd has it all! What’s more, multifunctional cutting systems from Zünd are modular by design and easily adaptable as your cutting needs grow or change. Find the cutting solution perfectly tailored to your needs, present and future!
Contact Zund America anytime for a personal demonstration, or visit us in 2026 in person at CamX, September 21-24, Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, GA • Printing United Expo, September 23-25, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV • SEMA Show, November 3-6, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV.
Zünd cutters are entirely modular, the configuration possibilities virtually endless. The Product Finder helps you find what you are looking for more quickly.
Find the cutter that suits you.
Industry Opinion
Foundations Before Technology: Why Technical Knowledge and Emerging Technologies Must Evolve Together
By Joe Altieri, FIT Adjunct Professor, Mentor, Educator, and Trainer
Walk into almost any apparel industry conference today, and you’ll hear conversations about Artificial Intelligence, Digital Product Creation (DPC), Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), automation, robotics, and data-driven decision-making.
These technologies are transforming our industry, and they should be. They promise greater speed, improved accuracy, enhanced collaboration, and entirely new ways of thinking about how apparel is designed, developed, and manufactured.
I recently had the opportunity to participate in a panel at the PI Apparel conference discussing one of the industry’s most important questions: What prevents organizations from successfully scaling Digital Product Creation?
The discussion quickly turned to familiar obstacles.
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When it came time to answer, my response surprised a few people. I said, “Scaling Digital Product Creation starts with people.”
Organizations struggle with change. Employees fear failure. Some worry that artificial intelligence will eventually replace them. Others question whether the technology is mature enough to justify the investment. Read More>
C and C Enterprise has teamed up with JACK, one of the world’s finest industrial sewing machine manufacturers, to form Jack of the Americas. Jack of the Americas distributes JACK machines throughout North America, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean Basin. When you buy from Jack of The Americas, we don’t just ship you a box! We help you get set up and answer any questions you may have! With over 100 years of combined experience in the industrial sewn products industry, we are proud to say that we are one of the world’s leading industrial sewing products authorities and are here to serve you! Not sure if Jack is right for you? Click on the button below for a short video showing off some of our machines. Watch it and see what Jack can do for you!
Since 1898, Consew has designed and manufactured the most reliable machines in the sewing industry. Today, Consew has one of the largest varieties of sewing, cutting, and pressing equipment; as well as an extensive line of supplies related to the sewn products industry. From standard walking foot machines for upholstery to specialty 4 needle lockstitch machines for parachutes, from long-arm zig-zag (up to 30”) machines for boat sails to extra heavy-duty machines for webbing, Consew has it all. Our machines are well-designed for sewing leather, canvas, shoes, saddles, mattresses, tents, tarps, and sails, as well as jeans and other garments. With offices in New Jersey, Miami, and Los Angeles, as well as a distribution network throughout the world, Consew can quickly supply and service the machines you need.
How AI and Data Are Reshaping the Apparel Industry
By Dave Gardner, Editor, The Needle’s Eye (with the help of AI)
The textile and apparel industry has always evolved alongside innovation. From mechanized looms to automated production lines, technology has consistently transformed how fabrics are manufactured and garments are produced. Today, however, the industry is entering a new era, driven by artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, and digital intelligence.
As consumer preferences become increasingly dynamic and supply chains more complex, technology is no longer a competitive advantage; it has become a business necessity. AI is enabling apparel companies to forecast demand more accurately, optimize inventory, improve quality control, and create more sustainable manufacturing processes.
AI Is Making Manufacturing Smarter
Manufacturing decisions that once relied heavily on manual planning are now increasingly supported by predictive algorithms and real-time analytics. AI-powered production planning enables manufacturers to forecast order volumes, allocate resources efficiently, and minimize production bottlenecks. Machine learning models analyze historical sales, seasonal demand, and market trends to improve forecasting accuracy, reducing both excess inventory and stock shortages. Read More>
Industry News
NCTO Voices Concerns Over USTR’s Textile Mechanism, Part Of Administration’s Section 301 Actions On Forced Labor.
The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), which represents the full spectrum of the U.S. textile industry from fiber, yarn, and fabric production to finished sewn products, issued the following statement in response to the administration’s Section 301 forced labor actions.
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The administration announced it will impose Section 301 tariffs on goods from 60 economies for failing to implement and effectively enforce a prohibition on imports made with forced labor.
A textile mechanism will offer relief from the Section 301 duties for textile and apparel imports from Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Malaysia based on those economies’ imports of U.S. cotton and textiles through tariff-rate quotas. Furthermore, the administration did not exempt textile inputs and machinery that are not available domestically. Such exemptions are critical to onshoring the U.S. supply chain away from countries that fail to prohibit and combat forced labor effectively. Read More>
A textile mechanism will offer relief from the Section 301 duties for textile and apparel imports from Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Malaysia based on those economies’ imports of U.S. cotton and textiles through tariff-rate quotas. Furthermore, the administration did not exempt textile inputs and machinery that are not available domestically. Such exemptions are critical to onshoring the U.S. supply chain away from countries that fail to prohibit and combat forced labor effectively. Read More>
Diamond Needle Corp., Founded in 1951, is one of the world’s largest distributors of sewing machine needles. Our alliance with ORGAN NEEDLE CO. of Japan, as their exclusive North American distributor, gives us the backing of the world’s leading quality maker of sewing machine needles.
Mexico Retains Preferential Access Under USMCA Despite New U.S. Forced Labor Tariffs.
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) on July 23, 2026, imposed additional tariffs of 10 percent or 12.5 percent on imports into the United States from 60 economies, following investigations initiated under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 regarding the alleged failure to adopt or effectively enforce prohibitions on the importation of goods produced with forced labor. Mexico was assigned a rate of 10 percent.
However, the measure does not constitute an additional blanket tariff on all Mexican exports destined for the U.S. market. According to the USTR's official notice, Mexican products that qualify for duty-free treatment under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) are excluded from this tariff. Accordingly, goods that comply with the rules of origin and for which preferential treatment is properly claimed under the USMCA generally retain their zero-tariff rate. Read More>
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The Merrow Group consists of three unique divisions, all designed to support and accelerate the growth of soft-goods manufacturing. One of these divisions is the Wholesale Group: Superior Sewing Machine & Supply. Superior, the largest wholesale supplier of more than 72,000 products to sewing factories across North, Central, and South America, plays a vital role in supporting the broader manufacturing ecosystem. In an industry where precision, speed, and reliability are crucial for maintaining competitive production, having access to in-stock items is not just convenient; it is essential. Superior operates a network of 1,600 resellers that support approximately 70,000 factories across North, Central, and South America. This extensive network enables Superior to swiftly introduce new technologies and products that can significantly enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of soft goods manufacturing.
NSF Support Bolsters Textile Innovation, NC State Research
The Textile Innovation Engine of North Carolina has received $16 million in renewed funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF). The Textile Innovation Engine is a research initiative of The Industrial Commons and supports more than a dozen projects led by North Carolina State University (NC State) researchers. The funding could be extended to up to $45 million over three years.
The Textile Innovation Engine was launched in 2024 to support textile manufacturing, bolster supply chain resilience and foster the development of next-generation textile technologies.
The Textile Innovation Engine was launched in 2024 to support textile manufacturing, bolster supply chain resilience and foster the development of next-generation textile technologies.
“The Textile Innovation Engine continues to help the NC State research community connect with projects that bring meaningful benefits to North Carolina and the nation,” says Krista Walton, vice chancellor for research and innovation, NC State. “Our researchers are developing innovative solutions ranging from new wound-healing materials to embedded sensors that ensure seatbelts and load straps aren’t strained to the point of failure. We’re eager to continue translating research into real-world impact.”
Researchers from NC State’s Wilson College of Textiles are leading 19 of the Textile Innovation Engine’s research projects. These range from converting used military uniforms into new yarns and fabrics to transforming cotton textile waste into bio-based feedstock for 3D printing. NC State researchers are also involved in four translation projects, collaborating with startup companies to help move textile technologies closer to commercial viability. Read More>
“The Textile Innovation Engine continues to help the NC State research community connect with projects that bring meaningful benefits to North Carolina and the nation,” says Krista Walton, vice chancellor for research and innovation, NC State. “Our researchers are developing innovative solutions ranging from new wound-healing materials to embedded sensors that ensure seatbelts and load straps aren’t strained to the point of failure. We’re eager to continue translating research into real-world impact.”
Researchers from NC State’s Wilson College of Textiles are leading 19 of the Textile Innovation Engine’s research projects. These range from converting used military uniforms into new yarns and fabrics to transforming cotton textile waste into bio-based feedstock for 3D printing. NC State researchers are also involved in four translation projects, collaborating with startup companies to help move textile technologies closer to commercial viability. Read More>
C and C Enterprise is the United States agency for Highlead sewing machines. These high-quality machines are available for your sewing needs and are sold only through local dealers and distributors. If you want more information on the Highlead brand, please feel free to contact us. www.candcenterprise.com
Henderson Sewing Machine Co, founded in 1968, is a global supplier of industrial sewing machines, sewing machine parts, and custom automated sewing machines for the SEWING PRODUCTS INDUSTRY. We have grown by offering customers the highest quality products at competitive prices with superior customer service. We also have a cutting-edge engineering team that designs custom automated systems to fill any need you may have.
QIMA: Nearshoring in Theory
Last quarter, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz disrupted sourcing across Asia. This quarter's data shows how buyers actually responded, and it's not the diversification story you might have expected.
The latest Barometer, built on QIMA's global inspection and audit data, breaks down what's actually shifting and what to prepare for next.
Here's what the data is telling us:• Nearshoring stalled, not scaled. Nearshoring and reshoring made up just 7% of North American service volumes and 11% in the EU this quarter. Both are below 2025 averages, even though roughly half of US and EU businesses made plans to actively pursue it.• China becoming the fallback, not the exception. As fuel shortages tied to the Hormuz crisis strained capacity in Vietnam and Bangladesh, Western buyers pushed orders back toward China: its share of North America's inspection and audit volumes hit a six-quarter high of 35%.• Emerging-market buyers are doubling down on China. China now accounts for 78% of emerging-market inspection demand outside Asia and 81% in South and Latin America, specifically deepening the exact concentration risk diversification was supposed to reduce.• The quality gap is widening, not narrowing. Electronics and electrical orders placed by emerging-market buyers failed to meet AQL 26% of the time so far this year, versus 8% for developed-market buyers, sometimes from the same factories. Read the QIMA Q3 2026 Barometer.
Technologies
Textile Factory 7.0: Ecosystem behind Europe's future T&A manufacturing
By Yvonne Heinen-Foudeh, Senior International Correspondent
Mid-year 2026, the promising model project, known as Textile Factory 7.0 (T7), is being established and seeks to demonstrate how future textile production can become simultaneously digital, automated, circular, and economically viable.
The central venue is the historic German textile city of Mönchengladbach and home of the globally renowned Faculty of Textile and Clothing Technology – the largest department of the forward-thinking Hochschule Niederrhein (HSNR – University of Applied Sciences). Read More>
Far more than a conventional research program: Textile Factory 7.0 is intended as a real-world laboratory where new technologies, manufacturing concepts, and business models can be tested under industrial conditions. Strong partnership structures enable building industrial ecosystems. AI-created visual using ChatGPT Pro.
Sustainability
As Europe Bans Destroying Unsold Clothes, Morocco Prepares for the Ripple Effects.
Europe’s fashion industry can no longer quietly burn or dump piles of unsold clothes. As of July 19, large fashion companies across the European Union are banned from destroying unsold clothing, footwear and accessories, marking one of the bloc’s biggest moves yet to curb waste.
At first glance, the new rules seem like a European issue. But they could also have ripple effects for Morocco, a country closely tied to Europe’s textile industry both as a clothing manufacturer and as a destination for second-hand clothing imports.
The ban is part of the EU’s Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), which aims to make products more durable and reduce waste. Read More>
Supply Chain
Mexico Takes Additional Action to Thwart Illegal Textile, Apparel and Footwear Imports.
The Mexican government recently unveiled additional measures to crack down on illegal imports of textile, apparel, and footwear articles, including products of Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong origin.
Specifically, Mexico’s Tax Administration Service (SAT) recently amended its foreign trade rules for 2026 as well as various annexes thereof (including in particular Annex 29) to prohibit most, if not all, textile, apparel, and footwear products from taking advantage of strategic in-bond facilities (“recintos fiscalizados estratégicos”, or RFEs).
These are facilities located within the constituency of any Mexican customs office, belonging to any individual, that are enabled for the temporary introduction of goods into Mexico under the in-bond facility customs regime without being subject to tariff or non-tariff regulations. Read More>
Industry Events
Techtextil North America
August 4-6, 2026Raleigh Convention Center
Raleigh, North Carolina
Techtextil North America, the U.S.'s only trade show dedicated to technical textiles and nonwovens, is returning to the Raleigh Convention Center on August 4-6 in 2026. Exhibitors at Techtextil North America 2026 are invited to submit their latest innovations for the Innovation Awards, which recognize advancements in materials, technologies, products, and applications across the technical textiles and nonwovens industry.
Join SEAMS for its Fall Networking Conference in New Orleans, LA. You'll have a fabulous time and embrace the culture of New Orleans at this conference. Staying in the heart of New Orleans, you will be right on the corner of Canal and Bourbon Streets. You'll have a wonderful reception at the famous Antoine’s, a WOVEN Women’s Soiree, and with an extra night’s stay, you can join us for a Tour and Dinner at Mardi Gras World. SEAMS will, of course, have our standard array of informative and enjoyable line-up of speakers and invaluable Networking opportunities. Don’t miss out – Register Now!
SEAMS Fall Networking Conference • Astor Crowne Plaza • New Orleans, LA • September 15 - 17, 2026
https://seams.org/event/seams-fall-networking-conference-3/
