This practical text takes students step-by-step through the preproduction processes of apparel product development from planning through forecasting, fabricating, developing silhouettes and specifications, and pricing to sourcing. It demonstrates how these processes must be coordinated to get the right product to retail when consumers want it at a price they are willing to pay. Based on consultations with practitioners in some of the most successful and innovative firms in the fashion business, the text explains how apparel is developed in today's customer-driven environment. The discussion of modern technology includes tools for supply chain management, CAD, and mass customization. The text covers evolving partnerships among textile suppliers, product developers, manufacturers, and retailers, suggesting career possibilities for students in apparel manufacturing, design/patternmaking, and merchandise management curriculums.