Beyond Design: The Synergy of Apparel Product Development

This practical text takes students step-by-step through the pre-production processes of apparel product development: planning, forecasting, fabricating, line development, technical design, pricing, and sourcing. It demonstrates how these processes must be coordinated to get the right product to market when consumers want it and at a price they are willing to pay. Now in full colour, this Third Edition includes a greater focus on sustainability and business ethics, fast fashion calendars and their impact on product development, and the effect of social media on design and distribution. The text also includes a discussion of how technologies - such as colour matching, body scanning, and the use of avatars for fitting and patternmaking - have advanced in their accuracy and commercial applications. Chapters have been updated to incorporate current practices in sourcing, pricing and costing with a more focused point of view on how increasingly sophisticated distribution channels impact the product development process.

Sandra J. Keiser is associate professor and chairperson of the Fashion Department of Mount Mary College.

Myrna B. Garner is associate professor in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences at Illinois State University and a member of the Graduate Faculty.

Planning for Success
• The Role of Product Development in the Apparel Supply Chain
• Business Planning
• Consumer Markets

Creative Planning
• Trend Forecasting
• Color Management
• Fabrication
• Findings and Trim
• Garment Styling
• Line Development

Technical Design
• Translating Concept to Product
• Sizing and Fit
• Quality Specifications and Vendor Compliance

Production Planning and Distribution
• The Role of Sourcing
• Pricing and Costing
• Retail Distribution