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Wet printing traditionally has been conducted with the use of naturally occurring gums as the thickening agent. These natural gums are long chain polysaccharides and must be chemically and physically modified to make them suitable as textile print thickeners. As an alternative to natural gums the textile print market bas begun to investigate the use of synthetic thickeners with wet colors. These synthetic thickeners are long chain polymers derived from substituted vinyl compounds. Over the last three years synthetics have been introduced in wet printing applications, including the upholstery, carpet and apparel markets. The advantages and disadvantages of the synthetic system are reviewed, particularly as the system relates to apparel printing. In addition, proper methods of handling synthetics on a commercial basis are discussed, and projections are made concerning the future of synthetic thickeners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]