Production of knitwear is increasing in Ludhiana (India), as reputed foreign brands continue to source knitted apparel from all across the globe. Knitted tops occupy a fair share of these exports. The excellent quality and durability of the fabrics used to manufacture knitted tops at nominal rates has export houses buzzing with increased trade prospects.

Knitted tops are designed to be worn in all kinds of weather. They have soft, lightweight properties, depending on the fabrics used. Ladies knitted tops are made from synthetic and natural fibers. Knitted tops with a spandex blend add a stretchy quality to the fabric while cotton blends are breathable and comfortable to wear. Knitted tops are made of fine quality fabrics, and are teamed with pants or skirts.

Materials Used
Knitted tops are made from a variety of materials like:

• Cotton
• Rayon
• Viscose
• Polyester
• Silk
• Spandex
• Cashmere

Design and Style
Buyers have a wide range of knit tops to choose from, such as, tank tops, wrap tops, off-shoulder tops, poncho tops, hooded tops etc. Knitted tops may be collarless, or have collared necks, with or without pockets. They may be zippered, buttoned, or of the pullover types. Lengths vary from cropped, to waist-length, or below the waistline. Styles vary from texture and neckline, to sleeves and hemlines.

Necklines : Some of the most popular necklines include:

• Cowl neck
• Halter neck
• Round neck
• Split neck
• Turtleneck
• V neck

Sleeves

• Sleeveless
• Half sleeves
• Full sleeves
• Elasticized sleeves
• Puffed sleeves
• Pleated sleeves
• Split sleeves
• Drawstring/tasseled sleeves
• Flared sleeves

Hemlines

• Ruffle knit
• Rib knit
• Crocheted
• Drawstring/tasseled
• Elasticized
• Folded
• Laced

Specifications
Knitted tops are available in plain colors or ethnic prints. They may include pockets, buttons or zippers. Custom printed, beaded, or sequined tops are available according to buyers' specifications.

Buyers Tips
Simple things that will go a long way during bulk purchase of knit tops...

Fiber content
Knitted tops are made from various materials, so it is necessary to refer to the hang tag or garment label for information on fiber content. Take note of the percentage of each fabric present in the garments, as it affects the fabric performance.

• Cotton : This fabric is natural, absorbent and breathable. The higher the quality of cotton, the higher its price. High-quality cotton fibers like combed cotton or long staple cotton are smooth, and comfortable.
  
  
• Polyester : Polyester is a synthetic fabric. It is not breathable or absorbent. It reduces shrinkage and provides stability to knitted garments. Fabrics with a polyester knit will dry quicker than others like rayon or cotton knits.
  
  
• Silk : Silk is a natural fabric. Garments with a blend of silk are comfortable and breathable. Knitted silk tops are a bit dressier with a lustrous sheen. Silk does not stretch, or shrink like other fibers.

Fabric structure
It is always necessary to check the grain, loop structure, and finish of the fabric. Knitted garments (like tops) should have firm, even stitches. Knitted loops in the fabric should be round. Knitted fabrics are often stretched while processing, resulting in elongated knits, giving an appearance of being stretched. Round knitted loops lessen shrinkage of the fabric/garment.

Knitted garments have a variety of knitted structures like:

• Single knit
• Double knit
• Interlock
• Jersey knit
• Rib knit
• Waffle knit
• Pointelle knit
• Pique
• Jacquard

Garment construction
Check the quality of garment construction. There should be no broken stitches, needle holes, or loose threads. Seams, collars, zippers and pockets should be smoothly applied. Examine buttonholes to see whether they will be stretched out of shape with use. Buttons, buckles and embellishments like beads and embroidery should be firmly placed. Adjustable straps and elasticized portions should be checked thoroughly.

Care label
Care labels provide instructions on wash and care of knitted garments. Maintenance guidelines differ from fabric to fabric. Hence it is very essential to look for care labels on knitted garments. They should be firmly attached to the knitted garments.

Summary
Points to remember before placing a bulk order of knitted tops:

• Fiber content
• Fabric structure
• Garment construction
• Care label