Apparel Product Development, 2nd Edition

by Maurice J. Johnson, Evelyn C. Moore

This innovative, easy-to-read book explores the practical day-to-day realities and technicalities of the garment-making business—wholesale, manufacturing, designing, and private-label product development. It explains, step-by-step, how to handle a real, roll-up-the-sleeves job in today's fashion industry. “Insider” perspectives, wisdom from the “pros” , detailed illustrated procedures, and several “hands-on” exercises for real-world practice contribute to the making of this valuable self-help guide. Chapter coverage includes: cost and specification sheets, workboards, “triangle of balance” tool, customer demographics and psychographics, fabric knowledge basics, global trade, and apparel on-line. For anyone looking for not only the skills—but the means to acquire them—for a successful career in the garment-making industry today.

400 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2000

Reviews

[Hadriel Lone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book offers a rare, real world look into apparel product development. From cost sheets and specifications to fabric knowledge and global trade, every chapter is relevant and easy to understand. The authors clearly have deep industry experience, and their guidance feels authentic and actionable. A fantastic reference for students and working professionals alike.

[Vincentius P · Rating 4 out of 5]

good

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fantastic introduction to the fashion industry. And by fashion industry, I do not mean the public side with fancy designers who own yachts in every ocean and the media that regularly tongue bathes them. I mean the actual Industry of manufacturing and retailing clothing.

There were only 2 complaints I had about the book:
1. It is a bit outdated. It is probably time for another edition. Even though this one is only a few years old, it is really missing some crucial data such as the elimination of quotas from China and the impact of "fast fashion" on the industry.
2. It is written in a somewhat childish tone. I felt like the book thought I was 17 and trying to pick a major. It was to the point that I began to doubt it had serious merit in terms of real information until I started investigating on my own (via blogs of professionals, my teachers and a friend who worked in the manufacturing side until just recently).

Aside from these 2 little points, I thought the book was thorough, straight forward and interesting to read. Some of the best parts were the little asides of interviews with industry insiders. You could really get a sense of what every section of the production process was like, how long it would take and how much was involved. Very interesting stuff (in a dry, manufacturing lingo type way). I loved it!