US Prez Wears GTN's Made-in-Hyd Golf T-Shirts

It may be the rapid strides in information technology here that found favor with United States President Bill Clinton and ensured his visit to the city. But, it is Hyderabad-manufactured garments that have, in fact, made a mark, albeit, in his wardrobe!

Very few, including probably Clinton himself, know that it is Hyderabad-based GTN Textiles group that manufactures the mercerized cotton T-shirts for the American Cutter and Buck brand that the U.S. President wears during his golf sessions.

Anjana Patodia, director of Perfect Knitters Ltd., part of the GTN group, told IANS that it is the company's factories in Balanagar here that actually manufacture 100 percent mercerized cotton T-shirts for Cutter and Buck's golf wear.

Mercerization is a chemical process that brings out the best and purest form of cotton and adds the properties of sheen, softness and durability to the garment.

"Clinton wears the XL size," Patodia exclaimed, adding: "Clothes worn by such a powerful man have to be of a good quality and we are proud that India is among those countries producing the best garments worn in United States."

"And it is not just Bill Clinton, but also Bill Gates who wears cotton T-shirts that are manufactured by us for major American brands. The world's most powerful and most moneyed figures are using these garments," Patodia told IANS.

Patodia claimed that Cutter and Buck, which was impressed by the quality of GTN work, increased its orders from the initial 15-20,000 units to 100,000 units. GTN had to set up a second factory in Balanagar in order to cater to their demands, she added.

Slyvester Saldhana, an agent for Cutter and Buck, confirmed to IANS that GTN Textiles produces an "extensive and top-most segment (about 10 percent) of the top of the line Cutter and Buck brands," adding that "it is well-known that Clinton wears Cutter and Buck brand shirts on the golf course."

GTN Textiles, which manufactures 100 percent cotton yarns, processed yarns, knitted and woven fabrics, supplies mercerized cotton T-shirts to other well-known brands abroad, such as Yves Saint Laurent (YSL), AM Player, Dockersgolf, Parisol and Lerros.

Its manufacturing units in Hyderabad, Nagpur, Alwaye and Palghat have an installed capacity of 140,000 spindles capable of spinning 12,000 tons of yarns every year. The company also has a state of the art garment making unit capable of producing 1.20 million garments every year.

GTN Textiles - Rs. 1.71 billion turnover group -- recently made the same upmarket garments available in India. It launched a domestic brand, Cotstyle, in Hyderabad and major Indian cities in November.

"The product that is available for more than a hundred dollars abroad is now available for Rs. 750 to 1,200, which is one fourth of that price," Patodia told IANS.

The "Cotstyle" range of products have been displayed in what they term "concept stores," a boutique offering only 100 percent mercerized cotton products, where there are no sales girls, only wardrobe coordinators.

They are also being retailed to company authorized franchised outlets and exclusive premium garment stores across the country.

"Cotton has moved from a poor man's wardrobe and become a rich man's statement, so we are making limited editions of Cotstyle shirts, that is, just 150 pieces per design countrywide," Patodia said.

GTN is planning to enter other segments such as ladies garments, jackets, socks, suits and furnishing soon, she added.