LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Calvin Klein Inc said on Tuesday it hired G-III Apparel Group Ltd to replace Kellwood Co, which had been manufacturing and distributing its better sportswear for women.

Calvin Klein, a subsidiary of Phillips-Van Heusen Corp , said that G-III will take over Kellwood's rights to manufacture and distribute to department stores and specialty stores in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, as well as additional Central and South American territories, starting with the Spring/Summer 2009 shipping season.

The company said G-III currently holds licenses under the Calvin Klein brand name for men's and women's better outerwear, women's better dresses and suits, and most recently, a line of women's performance apparel.

(Reporting by Lisa Baertlein, editing by Phil Berlowitz)