Purpose -Firms in the apparel industry seek operational information on ways to implement mass customization. The purpose of this research is to investigate the potential for concurrent engineering (CE) to realign the traditional, linear apparel product development process to a more concurrent and consumer-focused process in order to facilitate the implementation of the new supply chain process (i.e. mass customization) with sensitivity to time-to-market demands. Design/methodology/approach -The case study method was used with three non-competing apparel firms. Survey instruments and focus group feedback were utilized, which allowed the researchers to collect in-depth information about the apparel product development process, often considered proprietary in many industries. Findings -Product development activities in the lengthy apparel product development process were realigned with many activities being ranked as early or middle activities. This realignment into a compressed and nearly simultaneous process supports activities that must be done early and often simultaneously rather than late to support a mass customization strategy.Research limitations/implications -The case study approach and apparel-oriented sample reduces generalizability of findings; however, realignment of activities and provided operational information encourage future research to document the findings for apparel and other industries. Practical implications -Suggested movement of activities can be used as a guide for designers and manufacturers when trying to improve their product development process. Originality/value -The paper provides needed detailed or operational information about implementation of mass customization in the apparel industry.

An effective apparel design process is key to the successful launch of an apparel product. Application of engineering design process theory, the foundation of the design process, may enhance understanding of the apparel design process. Goals of this research were to: (a) interpret actions and decisions made during the apparel design process, (b) determine whether the specific stages of engineering design process theory were used by apparel designers and merchandisers, and (c) determine applicability of engineering design process theory to apparel design. The research method was interpretive qualitative research employing triangulated methods of long interview and observation. Interview questions focused on actions and decisions made during the apparel design process. Inter-rater reliability and respondent validation were used to increase research reliability. Results showed that there is a systematic building block process to designing apparel lines and a direct relationship between engineering design process theory and process steps used by apparel design associates.

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Professional dancers incur expense when their pointe shoes are damaged by rapid abrasion and tear degradation. The mechanical properties of a typical pointe shoe fabrication were compared with potential alternatives. Individual test results varied in tensile strength, abrasion resistance, tear strength, seam strength, and seam efficiency. Eco-friendly stretch (A), stretch satin (E), gabardine (L), and plain-weave linen (M) fabrications had lower breaking loads and less abrasion resistance than the control. Elmendorf tear strength showed Fabrics E, silk chiffon (G), L, and ripstop (N) gave better results than the control. Seam strength calculation of force perpendicular to a seam showed that poplin (B), E, L, and N fabrications performed better than the control fabric. Overall results indicated that Fabrics E, L, and N were highly recommended for use in pointe shoes.

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