The apparel and accessories industry is a fast-paced business filled with the most innovative and creative minds vying for runway dominance. One of the easiest and most accessible ways to help your creative edge gain favor with the fashion masses is by regularly reading apparel and accessories publications. From the latest style magazine to hip clothing and accessories publications for industry professionals, these publications are mandatory reading for the industry's elite.

In addition to keep up on the latest news and research, you can use clothing and accessories publications to help predict upcoming fashion trends, get logistical textile manufacturing information and gather inspiration from fellow industry professionals. When choosing which publications to add to your research arsenal, consider the following:

1. Find apparel trade publications that focus on the logistics and technical details of textile and accessory production.
2. Look for clothing and accessories publications that predict future trends and provide breaking industry news.
3. Find magazines that help you build a niche in the fashion industry by focusing on specific goods and services.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find apparel trade magazines that cover logistics as well as trends

Sure, you know what's selling, but how do you make it and get it to the masses? These publications can help by highlighting the steps necessary to bring clothing and accessories from the textile factory to the rack.

I recommend: The Apparel Strategist is a must-read for textile industry professionals. Jr. is a beauty fashion magazine published by California Apparel News that focuses specifically on the rapidly expanding sector of apparel and accessories for "juniors."

Find apparel and accessories publications that keep you on fashion's cutting edge

Being 'fashion-forward' isn't a talent--it's a state of being that requires careful research and a good eye. These publications can help your fashion or accessories business obtain that coveted status.

I recommend: Just-Style is a high fashion magazine that brings you the latest news and information from the industry by sector, including apparel, footwear and manufacturing. TRENDZINE Fashion Information is a style magazine that aims to predict up-and-coming fashion trends.

Find apparel trade magazines that focus on specific clothing types

Specialty clothing businesses such as those that sell personalized or decorated apparel need their own type of useful information to keep business thriving despite faltering economic times. Look to these apparel trade publications for news, insights and tips.

I recommend: Impressions is a beauty fashion magazine that provides the news and technical information needed to start up and maintain a decorated apparel business. Wearables is a magazine that caters to the personalized clothing and accessory business.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Apparel publications aren't just a source of industry information--they can be a source of new job leads. Peruse the publications above for opportunities for you to forward your career or make contacts with other style houses and firms.