17/1/2025
UK clothing sales bucked an overall retail sales slowdown in December with industry onlookers urging retailers to start adapting to changing market conditions. According to the Office of National Statistics’ latest figures, retail sales volumes (quantity bought) are estimated to have fallen by 0.3% in December 2024, following a small rise of 0.1% in November 2024. Falls in supermarkets were partly offset by a rise in non-food stores, such as clothing retailers, which rebounded from falls in recent months....
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17/1/2025
From mergers and acquisitions to investing in digital technologies, Just Style reveals the ten trends the fashion industry should embrace in 2025 to stay on top in a volatile global market. Financial concerns are still driving many consumers to cut back on fashion spend in 2025, according to GlobalData’s ‘Top Trends in the Apparel Market for 2025’ report. Its global consumer survey, which was conducted in Q3 2024 reveals over half of shoppers (54.5%) are concerned about their personal financial situation....
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16/1/2025
Mass and prestige fashion brands have an opportunity to grow their consumer base with middle-income luxury shoppers trading down in 2025. McKinsey & Co’s ‘The State of Luxury Fashion’ report suggests macroeconomic headwinds, shifting customer preferences and a deteriorating value proposition will all weigh on the global luxury sector in 2025. The market experienced a period of “exceptional value creation” between 2019 and 2023, but as we step into 2025, it is expected to face a “significant slowdown that the report suggests has “hit even top brands hard”....
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16/1/2025
Online returns may be convenient for the consumer, but at what cost to fashion retailers and the environment? The issue of overconsumption is well-reported, with the British Fashion Council stating that there are enough clothes on the planet for the next six generations. The surge in online shopping has exacerbated this problem, but the convenience of doorstep deliveries is offset by the inability of consumers to try items before buying. Retailers must therefore offer generous return policies, but online returns can have a detrimental impact on businesses and the environment....
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16/1/2025
The European jeanswear market is a fiercely competitive space, with numerous established manufacturers, brands and emerging contenders vying for the top spot. 2024 has seen some interesting shifts in market share, driven by evolving consumer preferences, sustainability concerns, and innovative marketing strategies....
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15/1/2025
In the ongoing debate over international trade, tariffs are often a contentious topic. Some argue that tariffs protect domestic industries and create jobs, while others contend that they harm consumers and stifle economic growth. The reality, as is often the case, is more nuanced. To understand how tariffs can impact an industry, here is a closer look at the apparel industry as an example....
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15/1/2025
US retail sales saw a rise in December, with clothing and accessories stores experiencing a 4.07% increase from the previous month and a 14.47% rise compared to the same period last year, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor. US retail sales saw a rise in December, with clothing and accessories stores experiencing a 4.07% increase from the previous month and a 14.47% rise compared to the same period last year, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor....
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15/1/2025
A survey by the British Retail Consortium (BRC) encompassing 52 UK retail sector chief financial officers (CFOs) has found two-thirds of respondents (67%) plan to increase prices due to higher National Insurance costs from April. There is widespread apprehension regarding the UK’s economic climate in 2025 with the general mood among retail financial leaders being downbeat, according to the BRC’s sentiment index. The majority (70%) expressed a lack of confidence in future trading conditions, whereas only 13% held an optimistic view. The remaining 17% remained neutral....
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14/1/2025
UK garment manufacturers are experiencing a significant surge in business optimism heading into 2025, following a report that highlighted impressive growth in both sales and procurement activities in Q3 2024. During the third quarter of 2024, small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the garment manufacturing sector reported an average increase in sales of 128%, coupled with a substantial 123% rise in the volume of purchase orders from suppliers, according to the Manufacturing Health Index....
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13/1/2025
There are warning signs that President-elect Donald Trump's second term could be more disruptive to the fashion supply chain than his first. We all know the countdown is on for Trump’s return to office (20 January if you’ve managed to miss it), and he’s already taking more than his fair share of global headlines. In just one week the news was awash with his threat to grab Greenland from Denmark by financial or even military means for “national security” reasons and the “unconditional discharge” verdict from his hush money court trial....
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13/1/2025
The once-booming European textile recycling industry is facing an unprecedented crisis, with far-reaching implications for the global fashion landscape and the environment. For years, Europe led the way in textile recycling, diverting millions of tons of used clothing from landfills and incinerators. However, recent global disruptions have severely impacted the sector, pushing it to the brink of collapse....
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9/1/2025
UK retailers are preparing to grapple with a projected £7bn ($8.59bn) surge in costs in 2025 due to the budget's impact, contributing to an expectation of rising retail prices. This caution about upcoming challenges comes from British Retail Consortium (BRC) chief executive Helen Dickinson, who noted: “As retailers battle the £7bn of increased costs in 2025 from the budget, including higher employer National Insurance, National Living Wage, and new packaging levies, there is little hope of prices going anywhere but up. Modelling by the BRC and retail CFOs suggest food prices will rise by an average of 4.2% in the latter half of the year, while non-food will return firmly to inflation....
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9/1/2025
Egypt is investing $1.1 billion in revitalizing its textile industry, with a focus on modernizing the spinning and weaving hub of al-Mahala al-Kobra. The country aims to overhaul its century-old textile, spinning, and weaving factories by them into large industrial complexes capable of producing tens of thousands of tons of fabric daily. The government's modernization initiative is aimed at revitalizing an industry that once accounted for 40 per cent of Egypt’s export revenues but now contributes only 2.5 per cent to 3 per cent....
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8/1/2025
While the desire for exclusivity and craftsmanship remains strong among luxury buyers, there is a clear bifurcation between high-end and affordable luxury. This shift is due to evolving consumer demographics, economic pressures, and changing perceptions of value....
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8/1/2025
Just Style examines the threat facing fashion’s shipping routes and supply chains in 2025 after US president-elect Donald Trump criticises the Panama Canal's high fees and refuses to rule out using military force to retake its control when he re-enters the White House. Ahead of his second term as US president, Trump has demanded the Panama Canal reduce its “exorbitant prices” or he claims it’s at risk of being placed under US control.
Writing on his Truth Social social media platform Trump claimed: “Our navy and commerce have been treated in a very unfair and injudicious way. The fees being charged by Panama are ridiculous, especially knowing the extraordinary generosity that has been bestowed to Panama by the US.”...
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7/1/2025
UK total retail sales in 2024 saw a marginal increase of 0.7% compared to 2023 with the surge in spend for Christmas failing to offset sluggish growth for retailers amid ongoing economic woes, according to the BRC-KPMG retail sales monitor.
For the quarter concluding in December, known as the Golden Quarter, there was a slight growth of 0.4% from the previous year.
In December alone, there was a significant rise of 3.2% in overall retail sales compared to the same month in 2023, which had recorded an increase of 1.9%. This figure surpassed both the three-month and 12-month average growth rates of 0.4% and 0.7%, respectively....
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7/1/2025
The US apparel industry should prepare for uncertainty as reports claim US President-elect Trump's advisors are considering a new tariff approach that might not include apparel.
US President-elect Donald Trump’s aides are said to be considering this new approach to tariffs, according to a report by The Washington Post, which cites three individuals familiar with the ongoing discussions.
Shortly after the publication of The Washington Post’s report Trump took to his Truth Social platform to denounce its coverage as erroneous and labelled it another instance of “Fake News.”...
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6/1/2025
Fast fashion might be dubbed dirty and bad for the environment but there are some simple steps that can be implemented this year that will make the sector more sustainable by 2030.
Welcome to 2025 and the official five-year countdown for when many fashion brands and retailers need to have hit their self-proclaimed 2030 sustainable goals.
Given the clock is ticking, it is essential the apparel industry keeps sustainability front of mind, and remains open minded about how its environmental goals can be achieved....
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6/1/2025
The global fashion industry is changing constantly, pushed forward by evolving consumer demands, technological advancements, and socio-economic pressures. To stay ahead of the curve, brands and retailers are adopting innovative strategies to redefine how they design, manufacture, distribute, and market their products. Here are five of the most significant shifts…...
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3/1/2025
The global denim fabric sector was marked by both challenges and opportunities in 2024. While the industry grappled with economic slowdown changing customer choices, it also saw a lot of innovation and a renewed focus on sustainability. Here is a look at the key trends, challenges, and triumphs of the denim fabric sector in 2024, and outlook for 2025....
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3/1/2025
Nearshoring and domestic production offers a chance to rethink apparel sourcing strategies, and balance cost efficiencies with sustainability and equity, however the path forward isn’t clear-cut, writes Gherzi Textil Organisation partner Robert P. Antoshak. Over the holidays, I caught up on my reading and gathered my thoughts about apparel trade in the new year. Pondering the future — gosh, there’s lots to consider....
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3/1/2025
December's drop in consumer presence across UK retail venues made 2024 the second year retail foot traffic declined overall. During the five-week period from 24 November to 28 December 2024, British Retail Consortium (BRC) and Sensormatic data reveals that across the UK in 2024, there was a 2.2% reduction in overall foot traffic compared to the previous year....
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3/1/2025
UK retailers face the prospect of lower consumer spending in early 2025 as sentiment about the economic outlook worsens, with consumer confidence dropping by eight points to -27, according to British Retail Consortium (BRC) and Opinium data. Insights from BRC-Opinium indicate that over the first quarter of 2025 intentions for UK retail spend saw a downturn to -3 in December, falling from the positive stance of +3 in November....
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2/1/2025
Just Style shares its predictions for which fashion brands look tipped for success and which ones might have their work cut out for them in 2025. In 2025, industry onlookers say a successful fashion brand will be determined by its ability to respond quickly to evolving consumer demand, staying ahead of the game when it comes to sustainability despite waning interest, and having an agile supply chain able to withstand unexpected challenges....
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2/1/2025
The Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act has been extended beyond its original 2025 expiration date, thanks to US President Biden's signing of year-end legislation on 22 December 2024. This act, which was first enacted on 17 June 2020 and applauded by the Uyghur Human Rights Project (UHRP), will now remain in force for at least a decade....
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2/1/2025
The US apparel and footwear sector is among several industries that have urged US President-elect Donald Trump to crack down on the illicit trafficking of counterfeit goods. The group, which includes the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA), outlines immediate considerations related to counterfeit goods for the first 100 days of US president-elect Trump’s Administration. Trade in counterfeit products is considered a high-risk area that threatens the US’s innovation economy, the competitiveness of businesses, and the livelihoods of US workers....
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2/1/2025
The US apparel sector has recorded a 3.6% uptick in sales during the festive period spanning 1 November to 24 December 2024, according to Mastercard SpendingPulse. This growth was particularly evident in the online retail domain where apparel purchases surged by 6.7%, while brick-and-mortar stores saw a modest increase of 0.2%....
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2/1/2025
Valued at $425.5 billion in 2022, the global activeewar market to grow at a 6.2 per cent CAGR to reach $771.8 billion by 2032.
Growing awareness of physical activity's benefits, such as enhanced focus and problem-solving skills, drives increased spending on activewear among youth. Educational systems worldwide have incorporated fitness programs into curricula, fostering interest in physical activities....
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1/1/2025
The global apparel trade is undergoing a significant transformation, says a recent report by Wazir Advisors. Titled ‘Apparel Trade Scenario in Key Global Markets and India’, the report offers a comprehensive analysis of the changing dynamics in the industry, highlighting key trends in imports, exports, and retail sales....
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31/12/2024
Year 2024 proved to be a dynamic one for the global apparel sector, marked by a complex interplay of economic, social, and technological forces. This report looks at the key trends, challenges, and triumphs that shaped the industry, examining its performance against projections, highlighting winners and losers in global trade, and offering an outlook for 2025....
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30/12/2024
Year 2024 has seen dynamic shifts and surprising resilience in the global textile sector. Despite facing numerous challenges, the industry demonstrated an impressive ability to adapt and innovate. Here is a look at the key trends, challenges, and triumphs in the textile sector and outlook for 2025....
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24/12/2024
The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) has released its latest International Textile Industry Statistics (ITIS) for 2023, featuring updates on global spinning mill capacity and raw material consumption. The data reflects a comprehensive review with a new calculation method applied to historical series....
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24/12/2024
A new analysis of EU garment import data from the International Trade Commission reveals a shift in sourcing patterns. While overall imports have stabilized, with a minor 2 per cent dip year-to-date (YTD) September 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, a notable trend is the reversal of consolidation. In 2019, top garment exporting countries held a commanding 98.1 per cent share of the EU market. However, this dominance has weakened, with the figure dropping to 93.9 per cent YTD September 2024....
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24/12/2024
As 2024 concludes, the wool industry stands at a crossroads, balancing significant challenges with meaningful advancements. Australian wool prices reached a four-year low, straining growers with rising costs and declining volumes. Yet, the unwavering dedication of the supply chain highlights wool’s enduring value and potential....
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24/12/2024
From $2.5 billion in 2024, the global e-textile market is poised to grow to $6.8 billion by 2030, according to the latest report from HTF MI. From its original value of $1.1 billion in 2019, the market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 19 per cent from 2019-2030, as per the report. As per the report, this growth will be driven by a rising demand for e-textiles from industries such as healthcare, sportswear, and consumer electronics. These smart textiles offer innovative solutions ranging from health monitoring to interactive wearable devices, fueling demand and driving market expansion....
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23/12/2024
The US textile and apparel industry is a complex web of domestic manufacturing, imports, and exports, interwoven with trade agreements and policies that shape its competitive landscape. The US's textile and apparel trade relationship with the CAFTA-DR region has had a significant impact on the industry....
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23/12/2024
The global apparel market is on a growth path and projected to reach a $2.97 trillion by 2033, says a report by Straits Research. The sector is moving ahead at CAGR of 8.02 per cent, with several factors like rising affluence in developing economies, expanding influence of e-commerce, and a growing demand for sustainable and ethical fashion catalyzing growth....
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21/12/2024
Textile and apparel imports experienced notable growth from August to October, rising 9.8 per cent to 10.7 billion square meter equivalents (SME) in October, according to the Department of Commerce’s Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA). This represents a 33.1 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. Textile imports totaled 8.22 billion SME in October, up 14 per cent from August and 37.2 per cent year-on-year, while apparel imports stood at 2.51 billion SME, down 2.4 per cent from August but up 21 per cent from last year....
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20/12/2024
According to the latest data from the Office of National Statistics, UK clothing store sales volumes sank in November with experts blaming the fall on unseasonable weather and warning greater pressures could see price rises or cost cuts. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) data for November shows UK non-food retail stores sales volumes – the total of department, clothing, household and other non-food stores – rose 0.2% over the month with a strong positive contribution from other retail sales. This sub-sector rose by 7.9% in November, rebounding from a 7.1% fall in October 2024. Household goods stores rose by 1.1%, with furniture stores having the largest upward contribution to growth....
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20/12/2024
The latest data from the UK Office for National Statistics (ONS) indicates that as of September 2024, the retail sector employed 2.81 million individuals as employers turn to outsourcing, automation amid rising costs and industry transformation. This period typically marks the annual low in employment figures, which generally rebound in anticipation of the holiday season. Comparing year-over-year data, there has been a reduction of 40,000 jobs, and a more pronounced decline of 225,000 jobs when looking back five years....
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19/12/2024
Men’s shirt imports by the US grew notably in the month of October 2024, as per the latest OTEXA data. Analysed by team Apparel Resources, the data shows, men’s shirt imports by the US grew by 3.80 per cent Y-o-Y to $251.78 million during the month. In terms of volumes, imports of men’s shirts by the US increased by 9 per cent Y-o-Y to 2.78 million dozen. Bangladesh and India remained the top two exporters of men’s shirts among leading Asian manufacturing hubs....
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19/12/2024
The UK consumer price index (CPI) rose by 2.6 per cent in the 12 months to November this year, up from 2.3 per cent in the 12 months to October, according to the Office of National Statistics (ONS).
On a monthly basis, CPI rose by 0.1 per cent in November compared with a fall of 0.2 per cent in the same month last year. The largest upward contribution to the monthly change in CPI annual rates came from transport....
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19/12/2024
Fashion industry experts share their insights on the top garment manufacturing countries to watch in 2025. It is widely accepted there will be an acceleration in fashion brands sourcing from countries where they have more political alignment as costs continue to surge, trade policies become less favourable and expectations to comply with social and environmental sustainability rise....
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18/12/2024
The latest survey from the National Retail Federation (NRF) in partnership with Prosper Insights & Analytics reveals an increase in consumer shopping activity anticipated for the final Saturday before Christmas. The projection of 157.2 million shoppers on Super Saturday marks a rise from the previous year’s 141.9 million and is second only to the record set in 2022 with 158.5 million....
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18/12/2024
Supply chain executives are most concerned by a need for data accuracy to bolster supply chain integrity and the use of AI, new research from Impinj, RAIN RFID provider and Internet of Things pioneer has shown. Impinj’s research is based on a survey of 1,000 US supply chain managers, and the report reveals a data accuracy gap that leaves many struggling to find the level of insights, visibility, and accuracy required to drive confidence in their supply chain and respond quickly to market changes....
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18/12/2024
Just Style investigates whether the global fashion industry can fulfil its 2030 sustainability ambitions over the next five years. Global fashion retailers have publicly committed themselves to achieving ambitious sustainability goals, ranging from reduced emissions to greater circularity of materials through more effective recycling. Some of these goals have been adopted from external sources, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), which target 2030 deadlines, the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles and national net zero emission policies, while some brands have set their own internal targets....
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18/12/2024
Source Fashion, Europe’s leading responsible sourcing event, will feature an exclusive Egyptian Pavilion at its next show from 18th-20th February 2025 at Olympia London. With over 20 Egyptian manufacturers participating, this pavilion highlights the country’s exceptional craftsmanship, sustainability, and competitive advantages for UK and European buyers....
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17/12/2024
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), managed by the non-profit organisation Global Standard, has been officially recognised in the Recommendations of Specifications, Standards, and Ecolabels for Federal Purchasing by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). EPA’s Recommendations have been established to assist federal buyers in identifying and acquiring products and services that are environmentally preferable. These guidelines incorporate over 60 private sector standards and ecolabels across more than 40 categories of procurement....
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17/12/2024
Extreme weather events, trade disputes, geopolitical tensions, increasing regulation and more complex shipments are expected to impact the global cotton supply chain in 2025, but traceability and innovation could reinvent the sector. According to the US department of agriculture 2024/25 global cotton consumption is forecast at 115.2m bales, which is more than 9m bales below the record level witnessed four years ago, thanks to more production and consumption of man-made fibres....
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17/12/2024
Experts concede 2025 is looking challenging for the fashion industry but there are wins to be had for those exploring AI, sustainability and focusing on supply chain resilience. During 2025, experts agree the outlook in general looks bleak and fashion brands and retailers will need to drain the small pool of opportunities that can result in big wins if leveraged correctly. Among the most popular suggestions from the industry experts quizzed by Just Style were greater investment in AI, digitalisation, more focused approaches toward sustainability, and building agility in the apparel supply chain....
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16/12/2024
The American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) has hit out at measures aimed at bolstering government procurement of US-made defence goods, a conversation it says cannot take place until forced labour in US prisons is eliminated. The House of Representatives has passed the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) which helps preserve the Berry Amendment supply chain and authorises the Department of Defense (DOD) to take steps to build up the defence textile stockpile and directs DOD to be more transparent and disclose all waivers submitted for the procurement of defence textiles not made in the United States....
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16/12/2024
Challenges in the apparel sector in 2025 will come from stiffer competition with the rise of cheap Chinese online retailers, tougher incoming legislation on environmental and social responsibility, and ever-evolving trade policy. Just Style has tapped into its pool of apparel industry experts who all agree on one thing: 2025 is going to be anything but plain sailing as competition heats up and the industry battles rising costs and tougher rules on environmental and social responsibility....
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16/12/2024
2024 will be best known as the year artificial intelligence became mainstream and it's starting to impact the apparel supply chain but other hot industry topics from sustainability to social responsibility went round in circles so will 2025 be any different? ChatGPT and Generative AI became mainstream in 2024 and arguably the public’s acceptance of artificial intelligence was one of the year’s biggest themes with fashion supply chains starting to take note too....
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13/12/2024
A recent report by Source Fashion, Source Home & Gift, and Insider Trends highlights the potential impact of proposed US tariffs on global sourcing strategies. The report, titled ‘The State of Sourcing Report’, suggests tariffs on goods imported into the US, particularly from China, could make near-shore sourcing more attractive for US retailers. The report is based on a survey of UK retailers conducted in 2024. The survey found the majority of UK retailers (74 per cent) source internationally, with China being the most popular sourcing region (49 per cent)....
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13/12/2024
McKinsey & Co has outlined three essentials that can make or break apparel supply chains in 2025. McKinsey & Co says over 2025, apparel brands that are deemed successful will be ones that remain in tune with their sourcing footprint and tweaking their supply chains as needed. Brands and suppliers that have a “partnership” model in place as opposed to a transactional relationship will also succeed as well as ones whose vision around sustainability aligns with that of their stakeholders....
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13/12/2024
A study conducted by Source, Europe's premier forum for ethical sourcing within the fashion, home, gift, and garden sectors, sheds light on the shifting paradigms of UK retailers' and brands' sourcing strategies. The report, titled “The State of Sourcing Report – Sourcing and Sustainability in 2025,” was produced in collaboration with retail trend experts Insider Trends, a retail trend analysis firm....
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11/12/2024
US retail activity in November 2024 showed a slight increase on a month-by-month comparison despite key shopping days falling into December, says NRF president and CEO Matthew Shay. Clothing and accessory stores saw a slight sales decline of 0.18% month-over-month on a seasonally adjusted basis but enjoyed a 4.21% annual uplift on an unadjusted basis....
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11/12/2024
A new report from Source Fashion has revealed sustainability is moving lower down the list of priorities for companies and as the effects of the Covid pandemic wear off, businesses appear less willing to shift their apparel supply chains out of China and wider Asia. The State of Sourcing Report by Source Fashion aims to explore what is happening in terms of apparel sourcing and sustainability trends over the next 12-18 months....
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10/12/2024
Import volumes at major US container ports are expected to see a sustained increase well into the following spring as potential strike threat looms and tariffs increase under President-elect Donald Trump. Last month, Trump said he plans to sign an executive order imposing a 25% tariff on all goods coming from China, Mexico and Canada....
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10/12/2024
US apparel shipments increased for the top 10 biggest suppliers in October due to sourcing executives trying to get ahead of Trump tariffs, however Mexico fell out of the top 10 after seeing its shipments slide 10% with Trump's latest threats suggesting it could also be hit with duties. US apparel imports increased 21% in October to 2.45bn SME with shipments from all ten of the biggest suppliers showing an increase according to the latest data from the US Office of Textiles and Apparel (Otexa)....
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9/12/2024
The National Retail Federation (NRF)'s chief economist Jack Kleinhenz has stated expectations for a strong holiday sales period are intact following a robust third quarter and positive economic indicators. Kleinhenz said the momentum for US holiday shopping has been building well in his economic outlook for the latest issue of the NRF’s Monthly Economic Review....
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9/12/2024
Latest figures would indicate the fashion industry is not doing enough to shift the needle on sustainability. Shocking figures on the environmental footprint of the apparel and textile sectors were released last week and among them was the realisation the amount of materials coming from recycled sources is negligible at best, begging the question has the fashion industry spun too far out of control?...
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9/12/2024
The European Apparel and Textile Confederation (Euratex) director general tells Just Style the EU-Mercosur agreement will pave the way for "considerable growth in bilateral trade" for the European textile and apparel sector. The President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and her counterparts from four Mercosur countries, namely Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay, have finalised negotiations for the EU-Mercosur partnership agreement....
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6/12/2024
A survey conducted by Oxfam, British-founded non-governmental organisation, indicates that 27% of adults attending holiday events are considering purchasing previously owned garments.
Oxfam is advocating for a reduction in single-use holiday fashion, noting that nearly one-third of adults confess to wearing new party attire only once, but it says a significant portion of the population is gearing up for the holiday season by opting for second-hand clothing in the UK....
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6/12/2024
A new report from the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) has explored the role of the fashion industry in driving environmental change, particularly in relation to land. The aim of the UNCCD report is to encourage the industry to consider how its fibre choices are impacting the industry’s land footprint and to promote more sustainable production and consumption patterns....
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5/12/2024
The global textile and apparel industry in 2025 will be defined by its ability to navigate a world of rising protectionism, shifting geopolitical alliances, and increasing demands for sustainability, writes Gherzi Textil Organisation partner Robert Antoshak.
Whew, what a trip! For me, that sums up 2024. As so many commentators have noted, we live in a time of significant change. To see evidence of that, look no further than the election of Donald Trump as president of the United States. Who could have predicted that?...
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5/12/2024
US president-elect Donald Trump has suggested the BRICS countries which include fashion majors China and India, could be at risk of 100% tariffs if they try to replace the dollar. Trump posted on his social media platform Truth: “We require a commitment from these countries that they will neither create a new BRICS currency nor back any other currency to replace the mighty US dollar or they will face 100% tariffs and should expect to say goodbye to selling into the wonderful US economy.”...
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4/12/2024
The latest annual survey by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Prosper Insights & Analytics indicates that approximately 197 million shoppers participated in the five-day shopping period from Thanksgiving to Cyber Monday . This number ranks as the second highest recorded in the survey’s history, following last year’s peak of 200.4 million. It also exceeds NRF’s initial projection of a record-breaking 183.4 million shoppers, both in-store and online....
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4/12/2024
The annual production of forest-derived fabrics rose in 2024 so the Man-Made Cellulosic Fibre (MMCF) sector is being urged to make Next Gen solutions a priority in 2025. The latest Hot Button report published by non-profit environmental organisation Canopy has revealed nearly all MMCF producers engaged with the company are either actively using Next Gen products or are working on R&D....
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3/12/2024
UK overall retail sales for November 2024 saw a decline of 3.3% on a yearly basis, compared to an increase of 2.6% observed in the same month the previous year, according to BRC-KPMG retail sales monitor. This figure falls short of both the three-month average growth rate of -0.1% and the 12-month average growth rate of 0.5%....
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3/12/2024
The online apparel market is expected to make up 29.3% of total apparel sales by 2027, however a new report has warned fashion brands and retailers face four key challenges that could inhibit growth.
GlobalData’s Global Online Apparel Market to 2027 report projects that by 2027, the online channel will make up 29.3% of total apparel sales, which it adds is only 0.9ppts higher than the share it reached in 2020 and stands as a testament to the “enduring appeal and benefits of stores.”...
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2/12/2024
A UK study published by media company Clear Channel UK has revealed clothing only sits behind food as being the most popular sustainable purchase for UK consumers (34%). The study, which featured over 2,000 respondents suggests UK consumers are more aware of the perils of fast fashion, including the waste it causes and how it exploits workers, which is why they are increasingly seeking sustainable alternatives to purchase....
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29/11/2024
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) believes that with significant price pressures on the horizon, November’s figures may signal the end of falling inflation in the UK, however fashion remained in deflation.
Shop price deflation was 0.6% in November, up from deflation of 0.8% in the previous month, according to the BRC-Nielseniq Shop Price Index. This was slightly above the three-month average rate of -0.7% and shop price annual growth remained its lowest rate since September 2021....
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28/11/2024
In the run up to Christmas, spending is likely to remain muted as consumers remain concerned about the state of the economy, a new survey from the British Retail Consortium has found. The BRC-Opinium data reveals UK consumer confidence remains weak as Christmas approaches.
Fieldwork conducted by market agency Opinium for the BRC sampled data from 2,000 UK adults with results weighted and a net score assigned....
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26/11/2024
AI uptake across fashion businesses is likely to spike in 2025 as fashion executives look to lower consumers' ‘choice paralysis’. AI is proving an essential tool for fashion businesses as brands are facing a surge of abandoned carts due to customers being overwhelmed by too many options.
According to McKinsey’s State of Fashion 2025 report, 74% of shoppers report walking away from purchases due to volume of choice and 80% say they are annoyed by the online search function which poses a barrier to purchase....
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26/11/2024
A report from Vinted and RetailEconomics has revealed consumers in 2024 are embracing pre-loved with secondhand accounting for just over 10% of all gift spending. The Recommerce 2024 report shows shoppers are set to spend £20.5bn ($25.80bn) on gifts in total and overall 84% of secondhand shoppers are likely to spend a proportion of their budget on pre-loved Christmas gifts this year....
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22/11/2024
The Product Environment Footprint (PEF) methodology has a key role to play in the EU's apparel sustainability strategy, however industry experts argue it discriminates against natural fibres such as cotton, in favour of synthetics. Over the past five years the EU commission has focused on its Green Deal and implementing sustainability-based legislation.
Its main objective is to ensure apparel and textiles on the EU market are durable, recyclable, made of recycled fibres, free of hazardous substances and produced in a way that is respectful of both people and planet....
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22/11/2024
UK shoppers are relying on user-generated content more than ever to make informed buying decisions according to a report from Bazaarvoice which reveals half of shoppers surveyed say they are unlikely to buy a product without reviews or other customer content. Bazaarvoice’s Shopper Experience Index surveyed over 7,000 shoppers worldwide and highlights the continued importance of customer reviews and user-generated content (UGC) in shaping purchasing behaviour and building trust with brands....
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21/11/2024
The emergence of challenger brands could be a concern for sportswear brand executives in 2025, especially as in 2024 these brands are forecast to generate over half of the sportswear segment’s economic profit, up from 20% in 2020.
While sportswear grew faster than the broader fashion market in key regions in 2023, fast-growing challenger brands such as Deckers are now expected to make up 57% of the sportswear segment’s economic profit, nearly tripling since 2020....
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21/11/2024
A UK garment industry expert tells Just Style producing more garments in the UK will ensure better regulation and improved worker protections after more than 1,200 garment workers in Leicester are alleged to have been illegally underpaid over the past five years.
The data released by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and claimed to be obtained by UK news publication the BBC, covered the period from 2019-20 to 2023-24 and is said to highlight significant wage exploitation in the local garment industry....
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21/11/2024
The European Council (EC) has enacted a regulation that bans products manufactured using forced labour from being sold, exported or made available in the European Union (EU).
This adoption marks the final phase in the EU’s legislative process for banning forced labour goods. The council established its negotiating stance on 26 January 2024 and a provisional agreement was reached between both co-legislators (the Council and Parliament) on 5 March 2024....
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20/11/2024
Major retailers in the UK, including H&M, M&S, Next, and Amazon have expressed concerns that the recent budget from the Labour government could lead to an annual increase in retail industry costs of up to £7bn ($8.86bn). On Monday (18 November), over 80 UK retailers communicated their concerns in a letter, coordinated by the British Retail Consortium, to Chancellor Rachel Reeves over rising costs primarily resulting from the impact of changes to National Insurance, the National Living Wage, and the ongoing packaging levy....
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19/11/2024
The US Census Bureau data reveals a steady increase in retail sales over the past two months, reflecting consumers’ ability to spend and indicating ongoing economic stability, according to National Retail Federation (NRF) chief economist Jack Kleinhenz. In October, overall US retail sales rose by 0.4% from the previous month, seasonally adjusted, and increased 2.8% year-over-year unadjusted....
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19/11/2024
Can the US become a potential sourcing base for clothing made from recycled cotton and what are the opportunities and challenges of using textile recycling to support apparel that is "Made in the USA".
With millions of tonnes of textile waste generated annually in the US and globally, consumers and fashion companies demonstrate a growing interest in using more recycled materials in clothing and building a more circular fashion industry....
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19/11/2024
The European Commission has proposed to delay the implementation of its deforestation regulation giving fashion companies longer to comply with rules that aim to ensure all products sold in the EU are not linked to deforestation.
This decision comes in response to concerns from EU member states, non-EU nations, traders, and operators about the feasibility of meeting the original compliance deadline of 30 December 2024....
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18/11/2024
A new survey suggests over half of UK shoppers plan to wait for sales to purchase clothing and accessories during the holiday season and almost half (45%) will buy secondhand gifts to save money.
The EY survey, which polled 1,000 UK consumers on their views and attitudes towards the upcoming holiday sales season suggests 53% of UK consumers are worried about how to afford the gifts, clothing, food and drink required for Christmas in 2024....
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18/11/2024
A new wave of research is exposing a stark reality: our wardrobes are overflowing with unworn clothes, a testament to the rise of fast fashion and a ‘buy now, wear once’ mentality. This global phenomenon is not only draining our wallets but also contributing significantly to environmental damage....
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15/11/2024
The National Retail Federation (NRF) suggests a record 183.4m US consumers will shop in-store and online from Thanksgiving Day through to Cyber Monday in 2024. The NRF’s Thanksgiving weekend prediction is based on its annual survey which was published with Prosper Insights & Analytics and shows the figure is up from the previous record of 182m in 2023 and 18.1m people more than five years ago in 2019....
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14/11/2024
Challenges facing fashion brands and retailers in 2024 are set to persist over the next year with a predicted slowdown coming into play as consumers become increasingly price sensitive, McKinsey’s State of Fashion 2025 report suggests. The annual report, intended to guide fashion executives sourcing and business decisions over the coming year, indicates while there are still pockets of growth to be found in 2025, economic uncertainty, geographic disparities as well as shifting customer behaviour and preferences mean “seizing it will require navigating a maze of compounding challenges at every turn”....
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14/11/2024
S&P Global Ratings expects US holiday sales growth to slow to about 3% in 2024 from 4.7% last year and suggests boosting value will be key to US retailer success. US financial information firm S&P Global says its outlook is influenced by waning but persistent inflation that has pressured US household budgets.
Additionally, it suggests the late Thanksgiving holiday will result in five fewer shopping days than last year, which may weigh on sales....
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13/11/2024
A new report from the NYU Stern Center for Business and Human Rights sheds light on the current failures in corporate accountability and calls for stronger regulatory frameworks and compliance assessments to ensure corporations respect human rights across global operations. The report explores current regulatory efforts in the field of business and human rights and outlines best practices for ensuring measurable success and respect for due diligence rights....
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13/11/2024
US retail sales during October 2024 increased thanks to a resilient economy and consumers moving past port strike concerns. The Retail Monitor, powered by Affinity Solutions, retail sales, excluding automobiles and gasoline, rose by 0.74% month-over-month in October after adjusting for seasonal fluctuations. On a year-over-year (YoY) basis, sales increased 4.13%....
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12/11/2024
Brexit, a global pandemic and a shift in consumer buying habits have all changed the fashion landscape and a new report uncovers how fashion stakeholders can support the industry going forward.
A new report from the British Fashion Council and London Business School has detailed how fashion industry stakeholders including brands, designers, trade bodies and the UK government can support industry growth and revenue....
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11/11/2024
Move over athleisure, jeans are back! After a period of sales slump and stiff competition from comfort-focused clothing like athileisure, denim is experiencing resurgence. Market research reveals an industry shaking off the pandemic blues and embracing new trends to reclaim its position as a wardrobe staple. Recent reports from research groups like Circana and retail intelligence firms like Edited suggest denim is staging a comeback. This revival is due to factors like innovative styles, sustainable practices, and a renewed appreciation for classic fashion....
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11/11/2024
In October, the consumer price index (CPI) for garments in the US showed a notable increase of 1.1 per cent month-over-month. This marks a significant shift following a period of declining prices throughout the latter half of 2023. The upward trajectory aligns with the trend seen post-pandemic, where clothing prices have generally risen after an initial collapse during the onset of COVID-19, as per Cotton Incorporated....
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11/11/2024
New analysis from the British Retail Consortium and Provenance suggests that 74% of all products marketed online by British retailers feature some form of green claim. In fact, the research found an average of 2.9 green claims per product.
The research, which analyses 390k claims across nearly 132k SKUs, from seven major UK online supermarket retailers, suggests UK retailers are responding positively to a rise in consumer expectations around sustainability in recent years....
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11/11/2024
Import volumes at major US container ports may exceed previous forecasts for the remainder of the year due to concerns about a potential East Coast/Gulf Coast port strike and anticipated tariff hikes under President-elect Donald Trump.
In September, US ports handled 2.29m Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEU) in terms of import volumes, although final data from the Ports of New York/New Jersey and Miami are still pending. This represents a 12.8% increase compared to September last year and a slight 1.3% drop from August....
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9/11/2024
Will Trump presidency in 2024 be beneficial for the global textile and apparel industry? The answer is complex, as Trump's trade policies have historically been marked by protectionism and a focus on rebalancing trade relationships.
Protectionism and its effects on supply chains
Trump's trade approach includes higher tariffs, especially on Chinese imports, to boost domestic manufacturing—a tactic that could disrupt the global textile supply chain....
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9/11/2024
The U.S.-China trade tensions that escalated under the Trump administration profoundly impacted China’s textile and apparel industry. The policies implemented primarily through tariffs disrupted supply chains, forced companies to adapt sourcing strategies, and reshaped the global apparel trade landscape. Examining the long-term effects, adjustments within the industry, and the broader economic implications…an analysis below. c Impact of tariffs on trade volumes and prices...
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8/11/2024
Donald Trump may have won the presidential election, but he has a wardrobe problem. That’s not a fashion statement but an economic reality, writes Gherzi Textil Organization partner Robert P. Antoshak. The economic costs are daunting. If Trump enacts his proposed trade and fiscal policies, clothing will become more expensive in the United States. During the presidential campaign, he said he’d raise import tariffs, slash income taxes, and boost domestic manufacturing, a volatile formula for higher prices and increased inflation....
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8/11/2024
The National Retail Federation (NRF) forecasts ‘steady’ retail sales growth for the winter holiday season, despite mixed signals in recent economic data, according to NRF chief economist Jack Kleinhenz. This comes after the NRF projected that retail sales during the November-December holiday period would rise by 2.5% to 3.5% from 2023, reaching a total of $979.5bn to $989bn. The NRF continues to project steady growth and cited a resilient economy, maintaining its momentum despite ongoing challenges....
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7/11/2024
Trump's presidential win has been met with mixed feelings in the US apparel, footwear and retail sectors which welcome plans for a tax cut but are concerned by proposed tariff hikes. As the US and much of the world gears up for life under newly elected President Donald Trump, the US apparel, footwear and retail sectors consider what changes they can expect to see and what it will mean for the way they do business.
For US retail an anticipated tax cut will be welcomed, but there is significant concern around looming tariffs under Trump which could further pressure consumer spending in an already constrained environment....
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6/11/2024
A victorious Donald Trump with his protectionist policies has warned of higher import tariffs and while that might boost domestic production, the US economy can expect a $16bn to 18bn net loss from apparel and $4bn to 8bn from footwear as consumers grapple with higher prices. In his public address he promised to fight for the future of US citizens, adding it was “very nice” to win the popular vote. But for the US fashion and retail industries, Trump at the helm could prove problematic....
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6/11/2024
UK retail sales edged up by 0.6% in October, but fashion lagged behind as the mild weather delayed winter purchases. The UK retail sales rise in October 2024 showed a slower pace than the previous year’s 2.6% growth and was below the three-month average growth rate of 1.3%, according to the latest BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor. In contrast to fashion’s drop, beauty products performed strongly, buoyed by robust demand for seasonal items like beauty advent calendars....
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5/11/2024
A recent study by the National Retail Federation (NRF) revealed that if new tariffs on imports to the US are implemented, American consumers could lose between $46bn and $78bn in spending power each year. NRF’s study, ‘Estimated Impacts of Proposed Tariffs on Imports: Apparel, Toys, Furniture, Household Appliances, Footwear and Travel Goods’ outlines the potential impacts of former President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs....
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9/10/2024
Imports at major US container ports are expected to remain strong in October, despite a three-day strike last week that temporarily halted operations from Maine to Texas. The port strike by members of the International Longshoremen’s Association, which began on 1 October after contract negotiations stalled, ended after a tentative agreement was reached on a wage increase and a short-term contract extension until 15 January....
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9/10/2024
Compliance is essential given the onslaught of environmental and social legislation on the horizon, but could upcoming regulations finally reduce the countless audits apparel manufacturers are expected to carry out?
The apparel sector is dealing with a raft of new regulation, explains the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA)’s senior vice president of policy, Nate Herman....
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9/10/2024
More needs to be done to ensure the long-term stability and sustainability of the US apparel, textile and retail sectors in the face of external headwinds like port strike action. US fashion retailers and brands breathed a sigh of relief over the weekend as a planned strike at the East Coast and Gulf Coast ports were averted following a tentative deal between dock workers and port operators....
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8/10/2024
Sustainability, social media, and fast access to cheap fashion remain the primary drivers for growth among apparel's consumer base, according to a new report. The Demographics in Retail report by GlobalData suggests apparel retailers must focus on sustainability credentials and attributes to capture growth, as well as capitalising on technology that allows the targeting of certain demographics. Ethical consumption, it says, is a trend retailers can’t afford to ignore, driven mainly by the demand for ethical and sustainable practices from Gen Z....
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8/10/2024
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) and accounting firm KPMG's retail sales monitor shows total UK retail sales rose by 2% in September, fuelled by demand for new season clothing, however industry experts warn of weak consumer confidence with retailers placing hope on the government's Autumn budget. BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson highlighted that UK retail sales experienced the strongest growth in six months, primarily driven by non-food categories as consumers seek wardrobe updates with the arrival of autumn, including coats, boots, and knitwear....
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3/10/2024
A recent report by GlobalData has revealed France's apparel market will remain sluggish as shoppers prioritise finances and reducing their environmental impact over following fashion trends. According to GlobalData’s ‘The Apparel Market in France to 2028’ report, clothing is set to be the weakest category among accessories, footwear, and clothing, with a projected CAGR of 1.9% from 2023 to 2028, and its market share falling by 0.6 percentage points to 68.8%....
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3/10/2024
The National Retail Federation and the American Apparel and Footwear Association are among more than 200 US organisations urging the Administration to end a labour strike at US East and Gulf Coast container ports. The port strike went into effect after the six-year master contract between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the US Maritime Alliance (USMX) expired on 30 September.
The two signed a letter to US president Joe Biden which says the matter has become one of economic and national security....
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2/10/2024
Non-food shop prices saw deeper deflation in September with significant reductions in categories like clothing and furniture driving overall shop prices down to their lowest rate since August 2021. Shop price deflation accelerated to 0.6% in September, down from 0.3% in August, according to the latest data from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) – NielsenIQ Shop Price Index.
The rate of deflation during the period 1-7 September also fell below the three-month average of -0.3%, indicating a continuing trend of reduced shop prices.
The non-food category remained in deflation at -2.1% in September, compared to -1.5% in the previous month. This is also below the three-month average rate of -1.5% and marks the lowest inflation level since March 2021....
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1/10/2024
Imports of apparel by the United States, the largest single-country apparel importer in the world, totalled $79.3 billion in 2023, with the majority sourced from Asia, according to a report on the export competitiveness of certain apparel suppliers to the United States released yesterday by the US International Trade Commission (USITC)....
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10/9/2024
Major US container ports brace for a busy September amid fears of a labour strike at East Coast and Gulf Coast ports, according to the Global Port Tracker report by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates. NRF vice president for supply chain and customs policy Jonathan Gold believes this is a “critical time” as retailers prepare for the all-important holiday season, and every port in the country needs to be working at full capacity....
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10/9/2024
The latest Globaldata report says consumer spending in Germany has been hit by inflation and is expected to be slow in 2024, as consumers focus on sustainable fashion trends and opt for secondhand and capsule wardrobes.
According to ‘The Apparel Market in Germany to 2028‘ report, the German apparel market surpassed past pre-pandemic levels in 2023, growing 4.1% year-on-year to €77.6bn ($85.68bn).
However, persistently high inflation limited potential, as consumers cut back on non-essential spending. Growth was primarily price-driven, with volumes only growing 0.4%, remaining 3.5% below 2019 levels....
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6/9/2024
A new report from Coresight Research dives into how demographics influence where consumers are shopping for apparel and footwear. When it comes to apparel, footwear and accessories purchases there is a clear division between different pay brackets and ages on determining where consumers shop....
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6/9/2024
In the ever-evolving world of fashion, one trend is dominating the global landscape: the undeniable preference for casualwear. From the bustling streets of New York to the vibrant markets of Mumbai, people everywhere are embracing comfort and versatility in their everyday attire. This trend is not merely a passing fad but a fundamental change in how consumers express their style, with 'comfort' now a key consideration alongside aesthetics....
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6/9/2024
The Manufacturers' Health Index has revealed small and mid-sized clothing, footwear and accessories manufacturers saw a 2.7% increase in profitability this fiscal year up to Q2 2024 and a 7% rise in revenue. The Manufacturers’ Health Index shows the the UK apparel manufacturing sector performed well in Q2 2024 compared to other manufacturing sectors....
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5/9/2024
The US' National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) believes a more tailored and comprehensive customs modernisation legislation as opposed to limiting de minimis entirely will prevent unintended consequences for the US apparel sector and beyond. The US Congress is considering changes to the “de minimis” rule, which exempts low-value shipments from tariffs and duties. However, the NFTC believes proposals to limit de minimis could have significant unintended consequences for the apparel industry....
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4/9/2024
Egypt's clothing exports between January and July this year were worth $1.55 billion—a 20-per cent year-on-year (YoY) rise, Marie Louis, president of the Readymade Garment Export Council (RMGEC) recently said. In July alone, such exports surged by nearly 37 per cent YoY to $268 million from $195 million in July 2023. Such exports to European countries during the seven-month period rose by 29 per cent YoY to $363 million compared to $281 million in the year-ago period....
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3/9/2024
A new report from data and analytics company GlobalData reveals how demographic shifts will change fashion retail in the coming years, from the rise of secondhand to the impact of ultra-fast retailers such as Shein and Temu. The ‘Demographics in Retail and Apparel’ report says apparel will have to deal with changing consumer behaviours in the coming years as the Baby Boomer generation retires and consumers in the Millennial and Gen Z age groups become increasingly prominent....
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3/9/2024
UK total retail sales increased 1% year-on-year in August, however industry experts are concerned a challenging retail environment could dominate the rest of 2024 unless the upcoming October budget offers some decisive action on business rates. The British Retail Consortium (BRC)’s chief executive Helen Dickinson noted that sales growth picked up in August, particularly for food but also for summer clothing, health and beauty products as people came together to host barbecue and picnic gatherings for family and friends, prepared for trips away and summer social events....
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2/9/2024
The US economy has shown mixed signals in recent months, impacting consumer buying behavior and the apparel industry. Inflation, fluctuating import prices, and shifting consumer priorities have all contributed to a complex market environment. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for apparel rose by 3.6 per cent year-over-year in July, following a 3 per cent increase in June, according to Cotton Incorporated's analysis. This increase reflects a broader inflationary trend impacting the US economy, potentially affecting consumer buying behavior....
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2/9/2024
According to British Retail Consortium (BRC) chief executive Helen Dickinson, despite retail footfall being severely impacted by riots earlier in August, the numbers improved later in the month as warmer temperatures prompted shoppers outdoors to browse stores....
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2/9/2024
Supply chain agility is key for fashion brands and retailers as the recent Bangladesh floods and political upheaval suggest supply disruption could take place at the drop of a hat. “These are unprecedented times.” Remember hearing that at the turn of 2020 when the reality of the Covid pandemic had begun to sink in and the apparel sector globally suffered from factory closures, logistics complications, and a consumer pullback on store closures? The last few weeks might suggest that those “unprecedented times” were just the start of a new normal.
Once again, the apparel sector finds itself in a pressure cooker situation, where turbulence across the supply chain is filtering across to brands and retailers who are again being forced to find a new normal....
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31/8/2024
Textile and apparel (T&A) exports by the United States witnessed a 3.17 per cent declineto $11.5 billion during H1, FY2024. Beginning in the first quarter of the year, this decline persisted throughout the following months, reflecting a broader trend of decreasing exports that had already been notable in 2023. Meanwhile, imports by the country also contracted, largely due to ongoing inflationary pressures....
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30/8/2024
In an era where sustainability and ethical practices are gaining traction across various sectors, the fashion industry continues to be a significant concern. The recent report by Fashion Revolution, titled ‘What Fuels Fashion’, highlights the environmental and social impacts of the fashion industry, revealing the hidden costs behind the clothing we wear. The report highlights startling data, case studies, and expert insights, urging both consumers and industry leaders to rethink their choices and practices....
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30/8/2024
Sustainable chemical management firm ZDHC Foundation has released its Air Emissions Guidelines V1.0 to establish performance criteria for air emissions within the textile, apparel, leather, and footwear manufacturing industries. ZDHC explained that the initial version of the guidelines is focused on sensitising the industry, enabling suppliers to establish their baselines and gain a comprehensive understanding of air emission requirements, rather than testing....
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29/8/2024
A new study highlights the urgent need for sustainable and circular practices in the fashion industry, offering actionable strategies for brands to minimise waste, extend product lifecycles and better align production with consumer demand. The study, ‘Towards circular fashion: management strategies promoting circular behaviour along the value chain’, explores the fashion industry’s need to transition towards sustainable and circular practices by examining how management strategies influence behaviours across the fashion value chain....
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29/8/2024
Expanding at a CAGR of 6.64 per cent, the global denim jeans market is projected to grow by $23.86 billion between 2024 and 2028. As per a report by Technavio, this growth is likely to be driven by the expanding retail space and a shift towards sustainable practices. Demand for denim jeans is particularly booming among baby boomers and women, who prefer loose-fitting, stylish jeans. Men's denim continues to be popular amongst laborers as manual attire, while women’s prefer low-rise, curve, and straight-leg skinny jeans....
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28/8/2024
Industry data reveals that one-third of all jobs advertised in the UK require at least one ‘green skill’ with recruitment software company Occupop recommending businesses to invest in upskilling their workforce to prepare for a sustainable future. Occupop believes that the growing demand for professionals with green skills in the UK spans multiple industries, including the apparel industry, revealing a significant talent shortage unable to meet this need....
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27/8/2024
A new report by GlobalData suggests apparel brands will encounter reduced demand, as Germany's society ages and birth rates decline. According to GlobalData’s ‘The Apparel Market in Germany to 2028‘ report, Germany’s population is expected to experience slight growth until 2026, before contracting in 2027 and 2028 due to falling birth rates. Its population is anticipated to reach 85.9m by 2028.
As a result, GlobalData says Germany’s population will continue to age, with the proportion of those aged 65 and over expected to increase by 1.9ppts to 24.4% between 2023 and 2028....
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27/8/2024
For the first time in almost three years, shop prices are in deflation, according to new data from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) driven by slashed prices, particularly in the fashion sector, as retailers look to shift summer stock. Poor weather and a continued cost of living crunch across the nation prompted the driving down of retail prices. While, in the short term, this may help win over consumers, industry onlookers question the sustainability of this tactic and long-term deflation....
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24/8/2024
Valued at $288 billion in 2023, the global plus size clothing market is projected to expand at a CAGR of5.7 per cent to surpass $501.35 billion by 2033. As per a report by Future Markets Insight (FMI), this growth will be driven by the rise of body positivity movement, changing fashion norms, and increased consumer awareness. The body positivity movement has played a key role, encouraging inclusivity and celebrating diverse body shapes, which has fueled demand for attractive plus size clothing. As fashion norms evolve, designers and retailers are increasingly offering trendy, stylish options for plus size individuals....
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23/8/2024
Amid rising inflation and the ongoing impact of Brexit, UK suppliers tell Just Style how fashion manufacturing in the country is changing. At the recent Source Fashion trade show in London UK suppliers shared how they are using their sustainable credentials to increase the appeal of ‘made in the UK’.
Made and sourced in the UK
TS Knitwear, a family-run knitwear business based in Leicester is using wool sourced in the UK in its designs. The company also offers a high-tech knitting plant, and what it describes as the latest in seamless garment technology....
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22/8/2024
The once-booming fashion and apparel sector is experiencing a noticeable slowdown, with growth figures slipping and consumption patterns changing dramatically. While the industry seemed impervious to economic fluctuations, recent statistics highlight a sector grappling with a new reality....
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21/8/2024
The US bottomwear market, once dominated by denim and athleisure, is undergoing a change. With an estimated value of over $40 billion, this sector is witnessing a shift in consumer preferences, fashion trends, and overall market dynamics. Recent years have seen a distinct change in the US bottomwear market. American consumers are increasingly moving away from activewear, sweats, and denim, and leaning towards more polished, casual styles like chinos and dressy trousers. This shift has led to a decline in denim sales, the third-largest apparel category in the US, despite the overall apparel market showing signs of improvement....
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21/8/2024
Non-profit Social & Labor Convergence Program (SLCP) has published new guidance on how its actionable and reliable data can help with EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) compliance. The guidance illustrates which aspects of SLCP’s Converged Assessment Framework (CAF) can support EU CSRD compliance, and which are out of its scope.
International Trade Centre Head of Trade for Sustainable Development Joe Wozniak says: “Clear and transparent guidance that outlines SLCP’s role in supporting European Sustainability Reporting Standards implementation is essential particularly for smaller companies to effectively navigate the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)....
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21/8/2024
From rising corporate taxes to new climate regulations and trade policies, industry experts weigh in on how US Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris' economic agenda could affect the US apparel industry if she were to win the race in November. In vice president Kamala Harris’ first major policy speech since accepting her Democratic Party nomination, she proposed what GlobalData retail analyst Neil Saunders describes as a “populist” economic agenda....
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20/8/2024
The Slow Fashion Caucus has told US president Joe Biden not to overlook the fashion industry’s potential to address the climate crisis. The Slow Fashion Caucus’ founder and chair Chellie Pingree is urging president Biden to include representatives from the fashion and textile industries in the new White House Task Force on Climate and Trade. In a letter written to the president, Pingree and members of the Slow Fashion Caucus highlight the significant climate challenges facing the fashion industry and argue the sector is a “fundamental missing piece” in discussions on the climate crisis....
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19/8/2024
UK retail sales in July 2024 rose 2.2% year-on-year with clothing and footwear benefitting from the return of warm and sunny weather. The Office of National Statistics’ most recent data on UK retail in July reveals sales were up 0.5%, compared to a fall of 0.9% the previous month. However textile clothing and footwear stores specifically saw a decline of 0.1%.
Total UK sales volumes rose by 1.1% in the three months to July 2024, when compared with the three months to April 2024....
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15/8/2024
How can manufacturers prepare themselves for the incoming EU Textile Strategy? ITMA outlines three changes they can expect to see.
The EU Textile Strategy, being developed by the European Commission (EC), forms part of the broader Green Deal programme of environmental measures aimed at making the 27 countries within the union completely carbon neutral by 2050.
Under the new rules, textile manufacturers globally, will see a swathe of changes to the modus operandi....
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14/8/2024
Two industry experts weigh up the current challenges facing the fashion industry as the sector attempts to tackle both sustainability and tighter consumer budgets. Does the fashion industry need to choose between making a profit and becoming more sustainable? At responsible fashion sourcing trade show Source Fashion in London, UK, the question was a reoccurring one with experts taking to the stage to discuss the current trends and issues facing in the fashion industry....
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14/8/2024
New research finds 55% of UK consumers continue to engage with their preferred fashion brands, despite ongoing economic challenges and diminished purchasing power. Specialist e-commerce platform Centra conducted a survey of 1,000 UK consumers and found consumer loyalty includes engagement through viewing new products, consuming brand content and following brands on social media, with the aim of resuming purchases once their financial situation improves....
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12/8/2024
The US experienced retail sales growth in July thanks to back-to-school shopping and retailers' special promotional events. The latest CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor released by the National Retail Federation (NRF) reported that total retail sales rose by 0.74% on a seasonally adjusted month-over-month basis and 0.92% year-over-year. This growth outpaced June’s figures, which saw increases of 0.47% month-over-month and 3.42% year-over-year....
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9/8/2024
The National Retail Federation (NRF) has called for a return to the negotiating table after contract discussions at US East and Gulf Coast ports stalled with the NRF adding "retailers and the economy cannot afford to see a prolonged strike." According to the latest Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates, monthly inbound cargo volume at major US container ports is projected to reach “near-record” levels this month as retailers rush to import merchandise ahead of a potential strike at East Coast and Gulf Coast ports....
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9/8/2024
The latest set of trade data from the United States Office of Textile and Apparel (OTEXA) shows stagnating imports. Just Style examines what this “uncertain outlook” could mean for apparel for the rest of this year. According to OTEXA, in May 2024, US imports of apparel totalled 1.963m square metre equivalents (SME) – down 1.3% compared to May 2023.
Dr Sheng Lu, professor of apparel studies at the University of Delaware, told Just Style the figures show US apparel import volume is continuing to “stagnate”....
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8/8/2024
After a slow start to summer recent warm and sunny weather provided a welcome boost to UK clothing retailers with total sales increasing by 0.5% year-on-year in July 2024. According to the latest figures released by the British Retail Consortium (BRC), the growth outpaced the three-month average of 0.3%. The British Retail Consortium (BRC)’s chief executive Helen Dickinson noted the late arrival of British sunshine boosted summer clothing sales as well as health and beauty as consumers prepared for social outings and holidays....
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8/8/2024
Industry experts tell Just Style the UK's recent extremist riots have disrupted apparel retailers across the country and in the short-term will "undoubtedly" have an impact on consumer spending in the areas where they have taken place. The UK apparel retail sector has faced a week of destruction and disruption after far-right extremists used social media to mobilise and start riots across the country. On 7 August many retailers made the decision to close after a warning from the police that far-right organisations had planned more than 100 rallies across the country. However, large groups of anti-racism counter-protesters gathered, outnumbering the far-right in many cases....
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7/8/2024
Just Style examines the latest OTEXA data for the month of June to see halfway through the year, who is the cheapest apparel supplier to the US and does it even matter as well as who is seeing the fastest growth? A lot of conversation around the US apparel sector particularly when it comes to sourcing, has been around diversifying away from China being the predominant supplier. Apparel brands and retailers have accepted it will never go away in its entirety and that their sourcing strategy needs to follow the format China plus many or Asia plus many. And six months into 2024, US apparel import figures reveal that is exactly what is happening....
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6/8/2024
US senator Sherrod Brown has joined a call to the Biden Administration to close the de minimis loophole, which is said to allow three million shipments a day to evade inspections and US trade rules. Brown joined manufacturers, retailers, law enforcement, and workers at MMI Textiles in Brooklyn, Ohio to push for the Biden administration to close the loophole he said allows foreign countries like China to exploit and avoid paying duties and fees they owe. Brown has introduced bipartisan legislation to address the problem, and says he has repeatedly called on President Biden to take executive action to close the loophole....
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6/8/2024
The fashion industry, like many others, grappled with significant price fluctuations due to COVID-19. Many key factors have impacted these shifts. From rising raw material costs to inflationary pressures and change in consumer demand the reasons are many.
Factors driving prices fluctuations
Several factors are responsible for price fluctuations. One major factor is supply chain snags. Pre-pandemic, globalization led to a steady decline in apparel prices....
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5/8/2024
The global wool yarn market is set to expand at a CAGR of 3.4 per cent from 2024-34 to reach a value of $8.05 billion by 2034. As per a report by FactMR, East Asia is forecasted to dominate the market, holding a 38.4 per cent share by 2034, with Japan accounting for 28.8 per cent of this share. The South Korea market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.6 per cent during this forecast period. China is also projected to be a major player in the East Asian wool yarn market, commanding 57.3 per cent of the regional share by 2034....
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5/8/2024
A wave of cautious optimism has spread across American consumers, reveals Euromonitor International’ latest ‘Voice of the Consumer: Lifestyles Survey’ study. The report, which surveys consumer attitudes and behaviors across 40 countries, reveals a significant shift in sentiment compared to previous pandemic years. “Consumers are feeling more optimistic about the future and increasingly less worried about global affairs,” says Euromonitor in the report’s introduction. “This presents an opportunity for brands to connect with consumers on an emotional level and create positive experiences.”...
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5/8/2024
Big global fashion brands must urgently invest at least 2 per cent of their annual revenue into a just transition away from fossil fuels to renewable energy, according to the latest report from Fashion Revolution, a not-for-profit global movement. The fashion industry remains one of the most polluting, with fossil fuels burned at every stage of production. Despite the escalating climate crisis, the report finds that big brands' reduction targets are insufficient to meet the global goal of limiting temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels....
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5/8/2024
Flexibility, adaptability and versatility are going to be essential sell points for fashion suppliers going forward as the market becomes more volatile due to spending cutbacks, unpredictable weather and growing concern over ethical and environmental practices in the supply chain. Globally, consumers are pulling back on clothing spend as evidenced this week in second-quarter results from brands including Hugo Boss, adidas, Kontoor Brands and Columbia Sportswear....
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5/8/2024
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certification warns the partial suspension of testing, inspection and certification firm Intertek Testing Services could create issues within the supply chain. Intertek Testing Services’ partial suspension from GOTS is due to alleged “serious lapses,” however the certification body is keen to highlight its suspension could cause challenges within the value chain, especially to those who are certified by Intertek or for those who have value chain partners certified by Intertek....
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2/8/2024
A recent report titled What Fuels Fashion?, by Fashion Revolution indicates, major fashion brands including DKNY, Tom Ford and Reebok have failed to outline plans to reduce carbon emission emissions in their supply chain. The report ranks 250 of the world's largest fashion brands and retailers, each with a turnover of $400 million or more. It evaluates these brands based on 70 sustainability criteria, such as emissions targets, supply chain transparency, and the use of renewable energy in factories....
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1/8/2024
A new study by Public Desire ranks the United States with a 10.873 per cent share as the eighth largest sustainable fashion market in the world. Leading the rankings is the United Arab Emirates, followed by Estonia, Finland, Japan, France, Canada, Australia, the US, India, and Latvia. The study analyses over 20 countries to determine those most advanced in sustainable fashion....
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30/7/2024
The president of the National Council of Textile Organisations (NCTO), Kim Glas, has applauded a new law aimed at combatting international trade crimes and fraud. The “Protecting American Industry and Labor from International Trade Crimes Act,” is a bill that aims to combat trade fraud and hold those committing the crimes accountable.
The bill was introduced by chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI), alongside congresswoman Ashley Hinson (R-IA) and ranking member Raja Krishnamoorth, and openly aims at the “harm” caused to US companies at the hands of companies based in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) which, it says, “frequently commit crimes violating US trade laws including fraud, duty evasion, and transhipment which benefit the PRC’s non-market economy and undermine US companies and workers.”...
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29/7/2024
As the US Fashion Industry Association (USFIA) publishes its 11th annual Benchmarking Study, Just Style explores the biggest issues weighing on apparel sourcing executives' minds, with the US economy, forced labour management in supply chains and geopolitics leading the way....
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29/7/2024
In a week that reshaped US politics, Biden's exit and Harris's ascension into the US presidential race have sent shockwaves through the nation. As the dust settles, questions loom large over policy shifts, economic impacts, and the future of the US apparel industry. Last week, the US presidential race took an unexpected turn when President Joe Biden announced he was no longer seeking re-election....
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26/7/2024
A new report from Avery Dennison has revealed the majority of US and UK retailers are in “theft crisis” mode with a third saying resources for theft detection and reduction are insufficient. Research commissioned by Avery Dennison has shown almost 42% of retailers believe theft is more of a concern today than it was 12 months ago....
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25/7/2024
Apparel is experiencing the highest level of mixed online and in-store shopping in the US, highlighting significant shifts in consumer behaviour, according to Walmart's State of Adaptive Retail Report. As customers embrace new retail channels at varying speeds across categories, the fundamental values of price, quality, and trust remain paramount. With increasing comfort in tech-powered choices, consumers are becoming more channel agnostic. Early tech adopters and Gen Z are already shopping relatively equally across all channels for general merchandise....
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24/7/2024
Europe, including the United Kingdom, accounts for more than a third of global used clothing exports, and this share may continue to grow as collection rates are expected to rise, according to a report recently published by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC)....
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24/7/2024
The US government is being urged to adopt progressive apparel trade policies that are both offensive and defensive to boost domestic manufacturing and US jobs while cracking down on duty-free loopholes. “The US has a complicated relationship with China,” says National Council of Textile Organization (NCTO) president and CEO Kim Glas, kicking-off a live discussion on the ‘Progressive prescription for US-China trade’.
She claims China’s “predatory trade practices” and its accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) over the last year has crystallised even more with the economic headwinds the Chinese economy is facing....
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23/7/2024
New EU regulation is underway to ban the destruction of unsold textiles and footwear as part of wider plans to make products sold on the EU market more sustainable. The law will enable the setting of ecodesign requirements and information for almost all categories of physical goods that come onto the EU market. Source credit: EU Commission....
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23/7/2024
Just Style investigates what US President Joe Biden exiting the US election race and vice president Kamala Harris attracting the support of Democratic delegates as his replacement means for the apparel industry. With just a few months before voters head to the polls in November, President Biden’s announcement has turned the US election on its head and a repeat of 2020’s Biden/Trump presidential race is no longer on the cards.
Writing on X (formerly known as Twitter), Biden said he believed it was “in the best interests of [the] party and the country” for him to stand down and focus on fulfilling his duties as president for the remainder of his term....
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22/7/2024
As the climate crisis makes extreme weather more likely, and blurs the lines between summer and winter, is it time that fashion stepped away from traditional seasons?
Here in the UK, we’re immune to unpredictable weather.
As we head toward the end of July, it was only last week that many of us were finally packing away our boots and rain macs, swapping them out for shorts and t-shirts as the country was finally treated to a burst of sun and warmth after weeks of damp and wet weather....
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19/7/2024
The cotton shirt, a wardrobe staple for generations, is facing a new challenge: man-made fibers (MMF). This shift in the global shirt industry is driven by a confluence of factors – functionality, affordability, and ever-evolving fashion trends.
A balancing, cost vs performance
Cotton reigns supreme in breathability and comfort, but its price fluctuations and water-intensive cultivation cast a shadow....
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19/7/2024
A wet June and a Euros loss dampened consumer spending in the UK but industry onlookers are hopeful that easing inflation and a new government will inject some confidence in consumers and boost spend in the second half of 2024. According to the latest figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS), UK retail sales fell In June for the fourth time in six months on the back of a colder-than-usual June and high costs for households....
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18/7/2024
Waste from the global apparel industry is leaking millions of tonnes of plastic into the environment each year – an overlooked pollution source which may be getting worse over time, as per the findings detailed in a recent study from North Carolina State University researchers, which found that global apparel consumption resulted in over 20 million tons of plastic waste in 2019. Around 40 per cent of that waste may have been improperly managed and become environmental pollution, a process known as ‘plastic leakage’....
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17/7/2024
US clothing sales dipped in June from a month earlier but were up year-over-year according to the latest data from the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor as consumers continued to de-prioritise non-essential purchases....
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17/7/2024
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is rolling out a “groundbreaking” additional standard it has confirmed.GOTS said the new standard will be an expansion to include other sustainable fibres and does not imply a departure from GOTS as the leading organic standard. “This extension will further enhance people’s lives and the environment, as stated in the organisation’s vision....
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17/7/2024
The UK consumer price index (CPI) rose by 2 per cent in the 12 months to June 2024, the same rate as in the 12 months to May, and well below its recent annual peak of 11.1 per cent in October 2022, according to the Office of National Statistics (ONS). The October 2022 peak was the highest rate in over 40 years. The annual rate in June this year has not been lower since April 2021, when it was 1.5 per cent, an ONS release said....
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16/7/2024
Sustainability at all levels of the fashion supply chain can only be realised with a standardised set of rules and practices, a group of industry experts has conceded. AI supply chain management platform, Inspectorio, interviewed several industry executives for its State of the Supply Chain report, authored by lead researcher Tomas Bayas Erazo, which aims to capture the dynamic and evolving landscape of the supply chain, addressing the significant influences of technological advancements, sustainability practices, regulatory changes, and consumer behaviours on how companies are managing their supply chains today....
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13/7/2024
Egypt's exports of readymade garments (RMG) increased by 19 per cent year on year (YoY) in the January-May period this year to hit $1.08 billion compared to about $912 million during the corresponding period last year, head of the Readymade Garment Export Council Marie-Louis recently said. RMG exports increased by 25 per cent YoY to European Union (EU) nations during the period to $254 million. The EU is the second largest market for Egyptian RMG....
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12/7/2024
There is an irony in the fact many apparel brands diversifying outside of China are going full circle, but it makes sense as the benefits far outweigh the cons, writes Gherzi Textile Organisation partner Robert P. Antoshak. Once upon a time US clothing brands owned their manufacturing. Today, that’s a rarity. In the 1970s, clothing companies saw manufacturing as a fixed cost, a cash drain, with limited upside. The value, so the thinking went, was in the brand itself. Making stuff took a backseat to designing stuff....
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11/7/2024
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) says that as a result of its focus on enforcement in apparel and cotton products, importers have shifted supply chains from the People’s Republic of China to mitigate their risk....
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11/7/2024
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for garments experienced a modest decline of 0.3 per cent month-over-month in May in the US, following a significant increase of 1.5 per cent in April. On a year-over-year basis, average retail prices for apparel rose by 0.8 per cent. Current price levels are the highest since the early 2000s, with index values approximately two per cent higher than those recorded from 2012-18 and about nine per cent higher than those from 2004-11, according to Cotton Incorporated....
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10/7/2024
US container ports reported a 3% increase in import cargo volumes in May despite high shipping rates, unresolved port labour negotiations and ongoing Red Sea disruptions but an industry expert warns “risks to global trade growth continue to increase.” National Retail Federation (NRF) vice president for supply chain and customs policy Jonathan Gold noted: “We’re experiencing the strongest surge in volume we’ve seen in two years, and that’s a good sign for what retailers expect in sales.”...
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10/7/2024
As UK consumers’ discretionary incomes remain squeezed amid economic challenges, their apparel shopping habits have become increasingly polarised. While 66.4% of UK apparel shoppers in GlobalData’s June 2024 UK consumer survey stuck with the same brands and retailers over the past year, 22.0% traded down to more affordable players....
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10/7/2024
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has revealed June's total UK retail sales decreased 0.2% year on year with clothing and footwear particularly hard hit by the unseasonably cooler weather. The BRC’s chief executive Helen Dickinson explained UK retail sales of weather-sensitive categories such as clothing and footwear were hit particularly hard in June, especially compared to the surge in spend during last year’s heatwave....
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9/7/2024
GlobalData has revised its 2024 retail growth forecast down to 2.1% and the clothing and footwear sector now projects a 3.1% decline due to “disappointing” retail sales in the first half of the year, despite improving consumer sentiment. Global Data’s latest forecast for the UK retail market reveals that despite inflation falling to the government’s 2% target in May and wage growth outpacing inflation, retail spending remains subdued....
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8/7/2024
The Office of the US Trade Representative is backing a renewal of AGOA ahead of its September 2025 expiration, but calls for "tweaks" have faced pushback from experts that say it is more important to secure its timely and long-term renewal given its huge benefits for US apparel brands and retailers. A new report from the Office of US Trade Representative (USTR) has revealed US trade with African Growth and Opportunity Act beneficiary countries (AGOA) has increased over the past two years....
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6/7/2024
Valued at $288 billion in 2023, the global plus size market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.7 per cent to reach $501.35 billion by 2033. This market expansion is likely to be driven by the body positivity movement, shifting fashion norms, and increased consumer awareness.
The body positivity movement has significantly boosted demand for plus size clothing, promoting inclusion and celebrating all body types. This shift encourages people to embrace their bodies and seek attractive clothing options. Additionally, fashion norms have evolved to prioritize diversity and openness, with designers and retailers offering trendy plus size clothing that meets the fashion-forward demands of plus size individuals....
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5/7/2024
Just Style speaks to industry experts to find out what the Labour Party's landslide victory and the UK having a new government will mean for the apparel sector and wider supply chain over the next four years. Keir Starmer has become the UK’s first Labour prime minister since Gordon Brown left Downing Street in 2010. “We did it! You campaigned for it; you fought for it; you voted for it; and now it has arrived, change begins now,” he said after his party’s victory in the UK general election....
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5/7/2024
Currently valued at $26.05 billion, the global maternity apparel market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.80 per cent to reach $50.51 billion by 2034. As per a report by Future Market Insights (FMI), growth in this market is being driven by a rising demand for comfortable and stylish clothing options by expectant mothers. The trend is expected to continue with increasing birth rates, sustaining a steady demand for maternity wear. Additionally, new mothers are contributing to this growth as they look for clothing to transition back to their pre-pregnancy body shape and size during the postpartum period....
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4/7/2024
A new consumer survey by GlobalData suggests inflationary pressure is causing increased polarisation in the UK apparel market. In the past year, 22% of consumers have traded down to cheaper apparel, while 66.4% are still shopping with their usual brands and retailers. Only 11.6% of UK consumers have traded up to more expensive apparel brands, although for consumers under 35 this rises to 22.1%. GlobalData surveyed 2,000 UK consumers in June 2024 who had purchased clothing, footwear and/or accessories in the past 12 months for the analysis....
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3/7/2024
The premium apparel industry is thriving, with a market size of $422 billion in 2023 and a projected CAGR of 3.8 per cent to reach $547 billion by 2030. This growth is fueled by several factors.
The rise of social media has been a game-changer. Luxury brands are leveraging these platforms to connect with consumers on a deeper level, fostering emotional connections through powerful branding. Additionally, globalization and rising disposable incomes worldwide are expanding the market's reach and potential....
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3/7/2024
The second-hand apparel market is expected to rise past $284 billion by 2030, fueled by a growing taste for sustainable and affordable clothing. This segment, valued at $71 billion in 2022, is projected to rise at over 14.8 per cent annually.
The trend is driven by several factors. The booming e-commerce market offers convenient platforms for buying and selling pre-loved clothes. Consumers are also becoming more environmentally conscious, seeking ways to reduce textile waste and embrace sustainable fashion....
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3/7/2024
UK shop price inflation eased to 0.2% in June, its lowest since October 2021, as retailers' investments in operations and supply chains began to yield results. The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has reported a significant slowdown in UK shop price inflation, with annual rates dropping to 0.2% in June 2024, down from 0.6% in May and marking the lowest rate since October 2021....
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2/7/2024
UK fashion retailers trading and importing forced labour goods are exposed to legal risk after the Court of Appeal ruled the UK National Crime Agency's refusal to investigate Uyghur forced labour cotton imported from China was unlawful. The landmark case means if a UK fashion retailer knowingly, or with suspicion, imports goods that have been made in criminal circumstances, such as through forced Uyghur labour, they could be prosecuted under the Proceeds of Crime Act for trading criminal property....
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29/6/2024
The global apparel sector is set for a significant transformation with the creation of over 62.5 billion digital product passports (DPPs) by 2030, according to a report by global technology intelligence firm ABI Research. These DPPs, coupled with supporting software and IT revenues estimated at US$1.59 billion, are poised to accelerate traceability and drive positive change across the fashion industry....
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28/6/2024
The US second-hand clothes industry makes significant environmental and economic contributions, according to a new report from Garson and Shaw. The report emphasises that reusing unwanted clothing is the most effective strategy to reduce the environmental impact of textiles. The second-hand clothing (SHC) industry is projected to save around 20 trillion gallons of water over the next decade, equivalent to 30 million Olympic-sized swimming pools, by providing an alternative to the production of new clothes....
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28/6/2024
With less than a week until Britain goes to the polls to elect its next government, industry experts anticipate a potential "bounce back" in consumer spending post-election, with UK party manifestos offering varied strategies to boost the apparel sector's growth and address environmental concerns....
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28/6/2024
The term ‘Global South’ encompasses a diverse array of developing countries, primarily in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Traditionally viewed as reliant on raw material exports and basic manufacturing, the economic landscape of the Global South is undergoing a significant transformation....
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28/6/2024
Denim, that iconic fabric synonymous with casual cool, continues to be a global fashion staple. But the trade winds that carry jeans around the world are shifting. While the global market for denim jeans is projected to reach a $95.2 billion by 2030 at CAGR of 5 per cent from $64.5 billion in 2022, the trade landscape is changing....
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27/6/2024
Imports and exports of textiles and apparel in the US dipped in the first quarter of 2024, reveals Department of Commerce US Department of Commerce statistics. This follows a year of significant decline in clothing imports, which plunged by 22 per cent in 2023 to €77.8 billion. Notably, European luxury goods were the only category to escape this downward trend....
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27/6/2024
The global fashion market is expected to grow by almost 40% in the next three years to become a trillion-dollar industry according to new data from Stocklytics.com. Stocklytics.com points out the fashion industry has picked up its pace of growth following a lull over the past two years after inflation caused a cut in consumer spending....
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27/6/2024
Fashion companies are being forced to reimagine their entire value chain operations from design to end-of-life but circular models come with both challenges and opportunities. In an industry long defined by its linear take-make-waste model, circularity is a concept that’s rapidly gaining traction across the fashion world, promising to change how we approach production, consumption, and waste management....
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26/6/2024
Fast fashion's grip on the clothing industry may be loosening, as a growing movement – slow fashion – takes root. Fast fashion, with its emphasis on cheap, trendy clothes and frequent turnovers, has dominated for decades. However, a growing awareness of its environmental and social costs has led to the rise of slow fashion – a movement promoting ethical production, quality garments, and mindful consumption....
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26/6/2024
Robert Antoshak, a consultant for the global apparel industry presents a mixed outlook for the US apparel market, acknowledging recent improvements while highlighting ongoing concerns. In a United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA) webinar featuring him, Antoshak highlights signs of recovery while acknowledging ongoing challenges....
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25/6/2024
Consumers in key European markets, including the UK, France, Italy, and Spain, have shown a clear demand for greater transparency and responsibility in fashion sourcing, according to a recent survey titled 'Fashion from Sustainable Forests'. Commissioned by forest certification organisation PEFC International and conducted by YouGov, the survey underscores consumers' commitment to making environmentally conscious choices in their fashion purchases....
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25/6/2024
A significant rise in health and wellness spending, particularly in emerging markets, is fuelling growth in the global sportswear sector with consumers continuing to prioritise their fitness and embracing more active lifestyles. A new report suggests the global wellness market is estimated at over $1.8tn and is growing 5% to 10% annually. The report by McKinsey & Co explains health and wellness products and services have seen “high demand” in advanced economies over recent years....
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24/6/2024
Despite its staggering £60.7bn contribution to the UK’s economy, the fashion industry is often overlooked and with the upcoming general election the sector desperately needs concrete policy commitments from potential leaders. With the UK election only 10 days away the apparel industry is keen on hearing positive measures to help boost the economy and be presented with unique opportunities to support the industry while simultaneously addressing pressing environmental concerns....
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24/6/2024
UK retail sales in May 2024 surged with clothing the beneficiary of an uplift thanks to better weather following a wet April. The Office of National Statistics most recent data into UK retail in May reveals sales volumes rose across most sectors, with clothing retailers and furniture stores rebounding following poor weather in April. Overall retail sales volumes (quantity bought) rose by 2.9% in May 2024, following a fall of 1.8% in April 2024 (revised from a fall of 2.3%)....
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21/6/2024
The Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification International (PEFC), a forest certification organisation, revealed that nearly 74% of consumers surveyed believe it’s important that clothes made from forest-derived fibres are sourced from sustainably managed forests. A new consumer survey by PEFC, titled ‘Fashion from Sustainable Forests’, conducted in four key European markets (France, Italy, Spain and the UK), offers an in-depth exploration of consumer awareness, attitudes and expectations towards the use of forest fibres in fashion collections....
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19/6/2024
Brand loyalty is significantly under threat in the apparel sector as consumers are given a wider pool of offerings and are struggling with soaring prices. According to a new report from McKinsey & Co., weakened brand loyalty, affordability over sustainability, and heightened interest in wellness products and services reflect the preferences and priorities of consumers across ages and geographies....
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19/6/2024
Figures released by the US Census Bureau on estimates of US retail and food services for May 2024 show an increase in clothing and clothing accessories from April to May, with an industry insider suggesting much of the boost has come from sales and discounts. Advance estimates of US retail and food services sales for May 2024 were up 0.1% to $703.1bn from the previous month and up 2.3% above May 2023. These were adjusted for seasonal variation and holiday and trading-day differences, but not for price changes....
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13/6/2024
US textile executives told the US Trade Representative (USTR)'s newly appointed chief textiles and apparel negotiator, Katherine White they would like to see increased Section 301 China tariffs on finished textile and apparel imports and the closing of the de minimis loophole. USTR apparel negotiator White made her inaugural trip to a major hub of American textile production facilities and visited six plants in total in North Carolina, including American & Efird, Parkdale Mills/US Cotton, TSG Finishing, Shuford Yarns, Schneider Mills, and Unifi....
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13/6/2024
Apparel is the most counterfeited item according to a new report that found 54% of apparel items were suspected to be fake in the last 12 months followed by sneakers at 33%. For the first time ever, StockX, an online market for sneakers, apparel, accessories, electronics and collectables says its platform has reported apparel as the product category most susceptible to counterfeiting....
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13/6/2024
With much of fashion’s supply base located in and around Asia and Africa, one of the biggest concerns is the impact of extreme heat which is escalating as a result of the climate crisis and impacting factory worker wellbeing. Workers in the apparel and textiles industries are considered highly vulnerable to extreme heat....
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13/6/2024
An academic study compares US apparel imports from Africa and Asia to see whether the region is ready to serve as an alternative sourcing destination for US fashion companies. University of Delaware professor of fashion and apparel studies Dr Sheng Lu who conducted the study describes the prospect of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) as an apparel-sourcing base for US fashion companies as a “growing heated debate”....
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12/6/2024
The plus size clothing market has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years, reflecting a shift in societal attitudes towards body positivity and inclusivity. With a market value of US$ 288 billion in 2023 and projected to exceed US$ 501.35 billion by 2033, the industry is on an upward trajectory, expanding at a steady 5.7 per cent CAGR. Key drivers behind this growth include the body positivity movement, evolving fashion norms, and increased consumer awareness....
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12/6/2024
Following a US hearing on renewing and revitalising trade preference programmes such as the African Growth and Opportunity Act, Just Style finds out why the apparel industry is eager for it to be renewed before its 2025 expiration date and ideally with a ten-year-plus extension period....
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12/6/2024
Although the global online childrenswear market experienced a pandemic boost, its penetration still lags behind menswear and womenswear, but GlobalData expects online sales to reach $62.5bn by 2028 driven by brand investments into advanced technologies. The global childrenswear market is witnessing a shift towards online channels, but the sector’s digital transformation still trails behind its counterparts in menswear and womenswear, according to a GlobalData report titled: “Global Childrenswear Market to 2028.”...
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11/6/2024
Monthly inbound cargo volume at major US container ports is forecast to reach its highest level since 2022 this summer, driven by robust consumer spending and retailers stocking up for peak season. In the latest Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates, Jonathan Gold, NRF vice president for supply chain and customs policy, attributed the anticipated spike in US cargo imports to sustained consumer spending and retailers replenishing inventories ahead of the peak shipping season....
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11/6/2024
The CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor revealed a jump in retail sales during May, with clothing and accessories stores seeing a 1.44% month-over-month increase and a 6.24% year-over-year uptick, which the National Retail Federation (NRF)’s president believes is down to consumers’ resilient ability to spend. The latest CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor data, released by the NRF, showcased a rebound in US consumer spending in May with clothing and accessories stores among the top-performing categories....
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11/6/2024
Prominent industry groups have jointly called for a "visionary, confident and proactive trade agenda" in a letter to the Financial Times editor, stressing the importance of US-allied cooperation in promoting democratic values and tackling global challenges. In a display of unity, a coalition of industry associations and trade groups have penned an open letter to the editor of the Financial Times, urging the US and its allies to adopt a bold and forward-looking trade agenda....
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11/6/2024
AGOA members see imports of apparel into the US fall by 23.7% in value in April 2024 compared to 2023, according to the latest figures from OTEXA, with Ethiopia particularly affected. US apparel imports from Ethiopia dropped sharply by almost 40% between April 2023 and April 2024, according to the latest set of trade data from the United States Office of Textile and Apparel (OTEXA)....
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10/6/2024
Growing at a CAGR of 7.36 per cent, the global yoga clothing market is estimated to grow by $18.88 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The growthwill be driven by an increasing number of yoga practitioners with a trend towards introduction of new technologies and features in yoga clothing. However, unpredictable raw material prices will continue to pose a challenge to this growth. Currently experiencing several new trends, the yoga clothing market is dominated by a growing demand for items like yoga pants and tops. Besides comfort and functionality, consumers are demanding yoga clothes that allow them to move freely and breathe easily. To cater to these demands, brands are offering yoga apparels in a variety of colors and prints....
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10/6/2024
The global textile and apparel industry, while a giant in economic terms, is also a notorious environmental polluter. However, wave of new regulations around the world is targeting the sector's environmental and ethical shortcomings, pushing brands towards a more sustainable future. For decades, fast fashion has thrived on a model of cheap clothes and high turnover, often at the cost of the environment and garment workers. But the tide is turning. Consumers are demanding more transparency and accountability, and governments are stepping in with regulations to enforce these demands....
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10/6/2024
SME clothing makers in the UK saw revenues fall by 40% in the first quarter of the year according to figures from the Unleashed Manufacturers’ Health Index.
The assessment of SME manufacturers in the UK is compiled quarterly by inventory management software brand Unleashed and based on data from every purchase, sale and stock movement made by over 1,790 manufacturers over the last six years. Of all manufacturing categories, clothing suffered the sharpest decline....
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10/6/2024
New analysis from GlobalData suggests UK supermarkets’ share of the country’s apparel market has fallen as consumers become more selective and continue to cut back on less essential items. Between 2021 and 2023, the UK’s ‘Big Four’ supermarkets’ share of the country’s apparel market fell 1.6ppts from 8.4% to 6.7%....
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8/6/2024
The global wedding wear market is experiencing a notable shift towards sustainability, reflecting broader fashion industry trends. A recent market research study on the "Global Wedding Wear Market" highlights the increasing demand for eco-friendly and sustainable wedding attire. This trend is driven by couples who are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their fashion choices and are seeking dresses and suits made from sustainable fabrics or those that can be reused or repurposed....
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8/6/2024
Textiles and clothing imports by the US declined by 4.7 per cent to $24.6 billion during Q1, FY24.Exports by the country also contracted by 4.46 per cent to $5.7 billion. According to reports by the Department of Commerce, China was the leading supplier of textiles and clothing to the US with imports from the country increasing by 3.6 per cent to $5.5 billion. Imports from Vietnam remained stable at $3.7 billion while thos from India fell by 4.37 per cent to $2.3 billion. The most notable decline of 17.3 per cent was reported by Bangladesh totaling 1.8 billion....
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7/6/2024
Ignoring pressure to shift away from plastics could cost businesses up to $100bn annually by 2040 according to a new report which identifies the measures that brands and retailers can put in place today to accelerate diversification from the material.
The Post Plastic Economy report from Plastic Free & Fashion Snoops says the shift to natural plastic alternatives and incorporating reuse and right-to-repair models is paramount and businesses must get on board before legislation is passed requiring them to do so....
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7/6/2024
Early summer sales figures for US apparel chains offer a glimpse into consumer spending habits. While reports from big-box retailers paint a mixed picture, mall-based apparel chains are showing signs of a comeback. Mall revival with focus on fashion freshness The story of US apparel retail is one of contrasting fortunes. Mall-based chains like Abercrombie & Fitch (A&F) and American Eagle Outfitters (AEO) are expected to see continued revenue growth, with on-trend styles like wide-leg pants. Gap Inc. also anticipates a modest increase in comparable sales, hoping its focus on in-season trends will drive full-price purchases....
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6/6/2024
Reports suggest companies are starting to ship products intended for the festive season earlier than usual, Just Style looks at what is causing the issue and what it means for fashion retailers. Recent reports suggest that European fashion retailers are placing orders intended for this year’s festive season even earlier than usual, due to rising shipping costs and route disruption....
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6/6/2024
Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia hold significant potential as sourcing bases for clothing made from recycled cotton for Western fashion companies, but there are a number of advancements that will need to be made to make it viable on a larger-scale. A new study has shed light on the potential of Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia as sourcing bases for clothing made from recycled cotton....
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5/6/2024
Brexit, as expected, has been detrimental for UK clothing exports to the EU, recent data suggests. But there are ways to mitigate the effect, experts say. UK clothing exports to the EU have fallen 60% since Brexit as suppliers struggle to wade through red tape. This sharp drop has put considerable pressure on brands and retailers lacking the necessary expertise, resources, or financial capacity to navigate the complexities of the new regulatory landscape....
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5/6/2024
As the UK's total retail sales in May increased by 0.7% year on year against a growth of 3.9% in May 2023, UK retailers are keen to hear positive measures from the next government to help boost the sector. The UK’s non-food retail sales, which includes clothing decreased 2.4% year on year over the three-months to May, which was against a growth of 0.7% in May 2023....
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3/6/2024
The European Union has cemented its decision by adopting the "right-to-repair" directive to make repair a more “attractive” economic activity for the EU, consumers and the environment. The EU has approved the right-to-repair directive to make it easier and more economical for consumers to repair defective products instead of replacing them and repair services will become more accessible, transparent and attractive....
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31/5/2024
As fashion's global supply chain continues to feel the strain of geopolitical tensions, brands are rethinking how they operate with more efficient sourcing models and doubled-down supplier relationships in key stable locations proving critical.
Fashion brands embracing the sector’s best ESG practices are in an ideal position to make some bold moves and turn their supplier base into a competitive advantage....
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30/5/2024
Plans to construct a readymade garment factory in Egypt, which GlobalData estimates already holds 2,500 garment factories, have been announced, as the region looks on track to become a “critical trade hub.”
Local Middle Eastern news site Amwal Al Ghad reports that the General Authority for the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE) has signed a land usufruct agreement with Eroglu Egypt....
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30/5/2024
A new McKinsey report, based on a global survey of apparel Chief Procurement Officers (CPOs), suggests a significant shift in the way fashion brands approach their supply chains. The study, ‘Reimagining the apparel value chain amid volatility’, highlights a growing emphasis on efficiency, resilience, and sustainability. These factors are prompting a potential paradigm change in sourcing strategies, particularly for brands in the US and EU....
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29/5/2024
The EU Council has adopted the ecodesign regulation, which sets requirements for sustainable products from the design phase, however GlobalData company filings data suggests apparel ESG mentions have declined in the last 12 months. The EU’s new ecodesign regulation introduces new requirements for apparel products such as product durability, reusability, upgradability and reparability as well as a direct ban on the destruction of unsold textiles and footwear....
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28/5/2024
The signatory brands that are part of the Action, Collaboration, Transformation (ACT) initiative only achieved a “slight increase” from 2021 in scores across the ACT Purchasing Practices 2023 Survey, with specific areas requiring “special attention.” In its “Accountability and Monitoring Report 2023: Pivotal Progress in Responsible Purchasing Practices” ACT surveyed 19 of its signatory brands to evaluate the progress of garment, textile and footwear brands in meeting their due diligence responsibilities....
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28/5/2024
The latest figures shared by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed that in April 2024, UK sales volumes fell across most sectors, with non-essential segments including clothing performing badly after "poor weather reduced footfall."
Retail sales volumes fell by 2.3% during April 2024 following a broadly flat February and March 2024....
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28/5/2024
A recent global survey by McKinsey & Company of apparel chief procurement officers (CPOs) highlights five key themes shaping the industry's approach to sourcing. The findings indicate a significant shift towards prioritizing efficiency, supply chain resilience, and sustainability, with a growing emphasis on collaboration with suppliers....
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28/5/2024
Valued at $194.1 billion in 2022, the global kidswear market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.1 per cent from 2023-32 to reach $286.9 billion by 2032. The market encompasses a wide range of clothing, footwear, and accessories designed specifically for children aged 0 to 17.
According to a report by Allied Market Research, the apparel segment held the largest share in the global kidswear market in 2022, and is expected to maintain its dominance throughout the forecast period. This segment includes outerwear such as coats and jackets, special occasion dresses, tops like blouses and sweaters, and bottoms like trousers and skirts....
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27/5/2024
Artificial intelligence (AI)-driven technologies can be harnessed for climate action and significantly advance environmental and market performance in the fast fashion industry, according to a new study by an international team of researchers. Research by the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Business School's David Grant found AI-powered climate service innovation models can improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions and increase renewable energy sources....
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24/5/2024
Can the fashion industry finally overcome the disconnect between wanting to sell as much as possible while fulfilling new sustainability objectives, asks Gherzi Textil Organisation partner Robert P. Antoshak.
As a consultant, clients ask me two questions more than any other: How do we become more environmentally sustainable, and when will the apparel market turn around?
Not surprisingly, these are the central questions of our times. Still, they set up a seemingly interconnected relationship between sustainability initiatives and business objectives....
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24/5/2024
Fashion brands are being urged to get on board with collective financing to support the global apparel supply chain's goal of becoming more sustainable. With 90% of emissions caused by the fashion sector stemming from its supply chain, the industry will need to work collaboratively with manufacturers and suppliers to tackle the issue. And collective financing for sustainable innovations could play a key role....
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23/5/2024
Fashion for Good, in collaboration with various industry stakeholders, has unveiled the Sorting for Circularity USA report, marking a significant milestone in understanding and advancing circularity within the textile industry in the United States. This pioneering report provides insights into consumer disposal behavior, textile waste composition, and the potential for fiber-to-fiber recycling, guiding strategic decisions for further investments and infrastructure development....
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23/5/2024
A survey by Optimove Insights, the analytical and research arm of Optimove found most consumers want less marketing so brands are being advised to strike a balance between staying "top-of-mind and respecting boundaries."
Optimove surveyed 305 US citizens in January to explore consumer attitudes towards marketing fatigue. The findings revealed a growing concern among consumers regarding excessive marketing messages with 81% willing to unsubscribe from brands that inundate them with communications....
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22/5/2024
Apparel industry experts discuss what the global fashion sector can do today to prepare for upcoming ESG legislation. The Realistic Road Ahead for the Greening of the Apparel Industry conference highlighted the magnitude of the Environmental and Social Governance (ESG) legislation that is on the horizon for the global fashion industry....
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22/5/2024
New research by the UK national standards body, BSI, indicates that progress towards net zero could be jeopardised, as nine in ten UK businesses are calling for greater government support to help meet their decarbonisation targets, and half of them cite cost as a significant barrier. BSI published its fourth annual Net Zero barometer, based on a survey of over 1,000 senior decision-makers from UK businesses of all sizes and across all sectors, including apparel....
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21/5/2024
The EU Commission's 2030 Vision for Textiles means products not built with recyclability in mind should not be sold in the EU market in six years' time. The EU’s Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles sets out a plan – including concrete action points – to ensure that all textile products sold in the EU are long-lasting, recyclable, made as much as possible of recycled fibres, free of hazardous substances and produced in respect of social rights and the environment by 2030....
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20/5/2024
A report by Journo Research and fintech group Plus500 has revealed a significant increase in wages in the UK with textile, leather and clothing manufacturing roles coming out on top. The research analysed the latest data from the UK’s Office for National Statistics, featuring results from its Wages and Salaries Survey and compared the percentage increase in weekly earnings from December 2022 to December 2023....
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20/5/2024
Fashion brands and retailers will continue to be tripped up by laws targeting forced labour in supply chains until they advocate for the scaling of solutions that tackle the issue.
The complexity of importing cotton-made clothing into the US just stepped up a notch after the Department of Homeland Security added another 26 Chinese suppliers to its Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act Entity List....
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16/5/2024
The NRF has cited data from the US Census Bureau to show retail sales moderated in April as consumers remain willing to spend despite 'stubbornly high inflation'.
The Census Bureau said overall retail sales in April were unchanged seasonally adjusted from March and up 3% unadjusted year over year. That compared with increases of 0.6% month over month and 3.8% year over year in March. The year-over-year increase was due, in part, to recent downward revisions to data from last year....
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15/5/2024
? El Showroom de productores textiles de Egipto se realizó el 8 y 9 de mayo en la Casa Fuster de Barcelona.
? Las empresas de moda catalanas se inclinan hacia proveedores de mayor proximidad debido a los desafíos en el transporte desde Asia y las regulaciones ambientales recientes....
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14/5/2024
El showroom “made in Egypt”, organizado por el Clúster catalán de la moda (Modacc) junto al proyecto “Reforma y desarrollo del comercio en Egipto (Trade)” tuvo lugar los días 8 y 9 de mayo en Barcelona y reunió a una veintena de productores egipcios y a un centenar de marcas españolas del sector de la moda, con la meta de impulsar los contactos comerciales entre ambos países....
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14/5/2024
A new report by Cotton Inc. highlights, US garment prices witnessed their largest monthly rise since late 2021 in March 2024. This uptick comes despite a slight year-over-year increase of only 0.2 per cent. However, it's important to note that apparel import costs remain 4.8 per cent higher than pre-COVID levels. Cotton Inc's ‘Executive Cotton Update: U.S. Macroeconomic Indicators & the Cotton Supply Chain - May 2024’, also highlights a concerning trend of declining consumer confidence for the third consecutive month. This could potentially dampen spending habits and impact the retail apparel industry....
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13/5/2024
The 2024 Textiles Market Situation Report by WRAP paints a mixed picture of the UK's clothing industry. While there's good news in terms of declining clothing costs and a rebound in consumption, significant challenges remain regarding textile waste.
The WRAP report reveals average cost per item of clothing in the UK has dipped 2 per cent to £16.70 ($20.84) in 2023, a trend observed since 2015. At the same time, while COVID-19 initially caused a significant drop in textile consumption, with a decrease of 330,000 tons between 2019 and 2020, consumption figures rebounded swiftly, reaching 1.42 million new textile products in 2022, nearing pre-pandemic levels....
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13/5/2024
In Q1, FY’24, apparel imports by the US dropped by 7.14 per cent to 18.07 billion from 19.46 billion in the corresponding quarter of the previous year.
As per data from the Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA), apparel imports by the US from Bangladesh declined by 17 per cent to $1.75 billion from $2.13 billion during Q1FY23, indicating a significant shift in sourcing preferences or market conditions....
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10/5/2024
Apparel brands and retailers are being warned to expect further hiccups across supply chains and increased costs as logistics provider Maersk says it will be avoiding the Red Sea route for the foreseeable future.
Maersk has updated its customers and warns the effects of the situation in the Red Sea are “widening and continuing to cause industry-wide disruptions”.
In its update, Maersk said it is rerouting around the Cape of Good Hope “for the foreseeable future.”...
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9/5/2024
The National Retail Federation (NRF) said recent import levels show that supply chains have ‘adjusted’ to disruption and consumers are set to continue spending during the back-to-school and holiday seasons.
According to recent data released by NRF and Hackett Associates, inbound cargo at the US’ major ports will be “consistently above 2m on twenty-foot equivalent units” (TEU) this summer.
The data also suggests these levels will remain until autumn 2024....
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9/5/2024
Consumers are scaling back on clothing purchases for children and are opting for more affordable alternatives due to lingering high inflation, according to GlobalData’s recent report on the global childrenswear market.
The ‘Global Children’s Market to 2028‘ report reveals the global childrenswear market experienced a modest growth of 3.5% in 2023 with a 2.7% increase in global volumes and declines in Western Europe and North America...
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8/5/2024
The National Retail Federation has revealed the US economy's pace of growth declined in the first quarter (Q1) with an unexpected bout of inflation, however a solid job market kept consumers spending.
The May edition of the NRF’s Monthly Economic Review revealed the US economy’s gross domestic product grew only 1.6% in the first three months of this year (Q1), which is less than half the 3.4% seen in Q4 of 2023 and the lowest level since 2.1% in the second quarter of last year....
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7/5/2024
Clothing sales in the UK remain “subdued” on the back of poor weather, contributing to a 2.8% year-on-year fall in non-food sales over the three months to April.
According to the latest figures from the British Retail Consortium for the four weeks to 27 April, the 2.8% year-on-year fall in UK non-food sales, which includes clothing, was steeper than the 12-month average decline of 1.5%. For the month of April, non-food was in decline year-on-year....
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7/5/2024
Fashion's ESG revolution has finally arrived, which means the fashion supply chain must prepare now to meet the EU's new ESG standards that will ensure the good no longer has to compete against the bad or ugly.
It’s been a rollercoaster but the EU is finally getting its ducks in a row for issuing every kind of ESG legislation imaginable for all sectors, including fashion....
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7/5/2024
France has proposed legislation that could see a €5 ($5.38) fee added to each fast fashion purchase. Just Style investigates the impact for global apparel if it were to go ahead as well as its similarities to US tariffs on consumer goods. The proposed fast fashion law, which could be raised to €10 by 2030 and see a ban on advertisements for the most inexpensive fashion items, received unanimous support in France’s lower house in March and has been passed on to the Senate....
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3/5/2024
Clothing’s share of the UK apparel market is expected to fall by 0.4ppts to 72.1% by 2028, as consumers opt for capsule wardrobes, second-hand and become less interested in following the latest fashion trends, even as inflation stabilises.
The UK apparel market is expected to slow further in 2024, with growth dropping 0.3% to £60.9bn ($76bn) and will ”remain soft” till 2028 as shoppers continue to spend cautiously according to a GlobalData report titled: “The Apparel Market in the UK to 2028.”...
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3/5/2024
Fashion brands and retailers are being warned to double down on implementing responsible purchasing practices to ensure compliance with the EU's new Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD).
The power imbalance between suppliers and buyers in the fashion sector is widely documented. As too are its its dangers....
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3/5/2024
Despite the apparel sector's focus on sustainability, recycled polyester still only accounts for 15% of the total polyester textiles used today. What's the solution, asks Gherzi Textile Organization partner Robert P. Antoshak and Grey Matter Concepts SVP of production and sourcing Radhika Shrinivas.
We have more than 60 years of experience together in the textile and apparel industry. Over our careers, we have witnessed significant change in the industry, with globalisation most profoundly affecting it and the invention of polyester, another major innovation....
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3/5/2024
The American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) told a US Trade Representative (USTR) hearing on supply chain resilience that more free trade agreements are needed along with the removal of prison labour, while the National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) focused on the impact of de minimis. AAFA’s senior vice president Nate Herman told the hearing 3.2m US jobs depend on the apparel industry and they also depend on access to foreign customers and global supply chains for their existence....
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1/5/2024
According to GlobalData's latest report, almost half (47%) of consumers are always or often influenced by how the world around them is changing. Just Style navigates the impact of geopolitics on the apparel sector. GlobalData’s Geopolitics: Executive Briefing report revealed the uncertainty created by geopolitics is influencing consumer perceptions of brands and their trustworthiness. As a result, consumer choices are being impacted by geopolitical tension....
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30/4/2024
New research from climate action NGO Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) has revealed almost half (49%) of used textiles are going in the bin, as it urges stakeholders to step up efforts toward a circular fashion ecosystem. WRAP is advocating for support through grants, investments and legislation so the secondhand clothing market can fuel the transition towards a more circular fashion ecosystem....
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30/4/2024
Inflation is expected to ease to 2.9% in 2024, however US consumers are not “reassured” about the outlook of the US economy with 51.5% planning to cut back on retail spend. As the US economy grapples with the effects of inflation, 46.6% of US consumers believe it will worsen in the first half of 2024, according to GlobalData’s latest report “Apparel Consumer Insights: United States of America.”...
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30/4/2024
GlobalData shares a roadmap to help fashion businesses navigate the changing tides of the $2.1tn global apparel industry. The global apparel market’s growth forecast for the first half of 2024 is expected to be just 2.2%, before rebounding to a more robust 4.4% in 2025, explained GlobalData’s apparel analysts, Chloe Collins and Louise Deglise-Favre during a recent apparel market trends webinar....
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29/4/2024
Though the global luxury market is experiencing a slowdown following the post-pandemic surge in demand, it is poised to regain momentum in 2025 as inflation rates begin to stabilise and aspirational shoppers re-engage, with the market forecast to grow by 27.8% between 2024 and 2028 to reach $268.6bn. According to GlobalData’s latest report GlobalData’s Global Luxury Apparel Market to 2028, while capturing growth in 2024 will remain challenging due to low consumer confidence, luxury will still outperform the total apparel market....
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26/4/2024
A coalition of US apparel and retail organisations is urging the US Trade Commission to eliminate import tariffs on apparel sourced from key sourcing countries and to renew and expand the scope of the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) to include certain apparel products.
The American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA), the National Retail Federation (NRF), the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), and the United States Fashion Industry Associated (USFIA) have submitted a post hearing statement to the chairman of the US International Trade Commission....
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19/4/2024
According to the latest figures shared by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) muted clothing sales in March contributed to a retail sales stagnation. Retail sales in March saw both sales values (amount spent) and volumes experience no change on the month (0.0%), suggesting that increased prices were affecting consumer spending habits....
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19/4/2024
Four major American trade bodies, including the American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA), the National Retail Federation (NRF), the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), and the United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA), have united to oppose the proposal for increased tariffs on apparel imports from Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Pakistan....
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18/4/2024
American consumers are opening their wallets again, with retail sales experiencing a modest uptick in recent months. According to the US Census Bureau, sales rose 0.7 per cent in March 2024 compared to February, and are up 4.0 per ent year-over-year.
However, the picture within the fashion sector is less clear. While overall retail sales data lumps fashion in with other categories, anecdotal evidence suggests a mixed bag. Some retailers report strong demand, while others continue to grapple with excess inventory from pandemic shutdowns....
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17/4/2024
US apparel imports increased by 12.9 per cent increase in quantity and a 2.9 per cent increase in value in Feb 2024 compared to the same month previous year.
Seasonally adjusted US apparel imports also increased by 10 per cent in February 2024 compared January 2024, according to a report by the World Trade Organisation....
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16/4/2024
US retail sales grew throughout March, propelled by a combination of factors including an early Easter holiday, increased tax refunds, and a growing job market which the National Retail Federation (NRF)’s chief economist believes put more money in shoppers pockets. Jack Kleinhenz, chief economist of the National Retail Federation (NRF) confirmed that consumer spending from the latest data by the US Census Bureau remained steady despite “inflationary pressure.”...
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15/4/2024
A new report by data analytics company GlobalData suggests that relying solely on marketing and advertising is not enough to drive consumers purchases, instead retailers should prioritise delivering a consistently positive experience at every interaction point to effectively encourage buying behaviour. GlobalData’s report titled Connected Consumer in Retail and Apparel argues that consumers are increasingly informed about all aspects of products they buy and consume, through both active and passive use of technologies, such as conducting research, using review sites, viewing user generated content, seeing influencer campaigns and adverts and listening to podcasts....
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15/4/2024
Non-profit Textile Exchange has published a report outlining strategies for the fashion and textile industry to transition away from using virgin fossil fuels as a feedstock for materials if it is to meet the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission targets currently associated with synthetic fibres.
Textile Exchange’s recent The Future of Synthetics report suggests the domination of synthetic materials in global fibre production since mid-1990 has contributed to climate change....
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13/4/2024
Set to witness substantial growth, the global yoga clothing market projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.8 per cent from 2021-30 and reach a value of $70,291.0 million by 2030. This growth can be attributed to several key factors driving the demand for yoga apparel.
According to the report by Allied Market Research, a significant driver of this growth is the increasing awareness of the mental and physical health benefits associated with practicing yoga. There has been a notable rise in the number of people joining yoga classes, consequently fueling the demand for yoga clothing....
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12/4/2024
US’ consumer price index for all urban consumers (CPI-U) rose by 0.4 per cent in March 2024 on a seasonally adjusted basis, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This increase mirrors the rise seen in February. The index for apparel saw a significant rise of 0.7 per cent over the month. When compared year-on-year with March 2023, the apparel index increased by 0.4 per cent, indicating a steady climb in clothing prices....
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12/4/2024
The US trade organisation National Council of Textile Organisations (NCTO)'s Chairman Norman Chapman believes "predatory trade behaviour" and "customs fraud" are some of the issues currently plaguing the domestic textile trade in the country.
During the 20th Annual Meeting on 11 April, NCTO chairman Chapman highlighted the severe economic challenges facing the US textile industry....
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11/4/2024
Just Style explores the ‘de minimis’ loophole in US import law and considers how it is affecting the apparel sector.
As e-commerce continues to increase its share of the global apparel market, and consumers increasingly look to cheaper online brands, a small piece of US customs legislation is becoming a hot topic. While the de minimis rule may seem like a simple, straightforward rule on import duty, recent years have seem the exemption for packages valued under $800 come under scrutiny....
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11/4/2024
The US apparel and footwear sector has said it is behind new legislation being weighed to investigate price discrepancies between everyday products for women and men. The American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) backs the proposal of the Pink Tariffs Study Act, being introduced by Congresswomen Lizzie Fletcher and Brittany Pettersen from the New Democratic Coalition (NDC) Trade Task Force, voicing concerns over the alleged “century-long potential gender-bias and regressivity” within the US tariff system....
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10/4/2024
Baltimore's recent port closure adds to existing supply chain challenges, however the US's major container ports are still expected to top 2m units for the first time since last fall, according to the latest port figures by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates.
NRF vice president for supply chain and customs policy Jonathan Gold suggested US imports will continue to increase despite another disruption impacting US ports....
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9/4/2024
UK retailers are banking on warmer weather to boost summer clothing sales following a series of lacklustre months, the BRC said on the publication of UK retail sales for March. Though total UK retail sales grew 3.5% year-on-year in March 2024, against a growth of 5.1% in March 2023, the increase had little to do with clothing performance....
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6/4/2024
A recent report by Planet Tracker urges brands to adopt comprehensive water management strategies, including setting targets, collecting data, and supporting suppliers to transition to more sustainable practices.
According to the report, the fashion industry requires over 700 gallons of water to produce a single T-shirt, while the production of cotton—a staple material in the fashion world—requires a staggering 2,100 gallons of water for every 2.2 pounds of cotton lint. Despite these figures, only a fraction of fashion companies are actively reporting their water impacts, with just 15 out of 29 companies studied disclosing their data to the Carbon Disclosure Project....
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5/4/2024
The global garment industry is facing a potential paradigm shift driven by stricter regulations on sourcing and production. Export markets like the European Union (EU) are increasingly favoring garments where countries source their own textiles internally, driven by compliance with stricter Rules of Origin (ROO) regulations. ROO stipulate the geographic origin of a product for preferential trade treatment. These regulations determine the nationality of a product for customs purposes and preferential trade agreements. Countries that comply with these ROOs gain easier access to the EU market with lower tariffs or duty-free imports....
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5/4/2024
The fashion industry, known for its slow-moving behemoths, has become a surprising breeding ground for innovative startups. Forget the notion that fashion startups struggle to make a significant impact. Today's innovative companies are redefining the industry, from sustainability to personalization, with a focus on agility and technology....
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4/4/2024
With fashion brands soon being legally required to account for sustainability failings in their supply chains, blockchain adoption is on the rise. But is it the silver bullet? It’s pretty obvious that very soon fashion brands are going to come under immense pressure about where the goods they sell were made, by whom and in what conditions. It’s also alarmingly obvious that many of the hundreds of thousands of fashion brands that operate within the US, Europe and UK are unable to answer those questions. Not for want of trying but simply because their globalised supply chains are so complex that while they believe they are working with one supplier there is a lack of awareness of the various other supply relationships that supplier has....
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3/4/2024
Two thirds of fashion brands are behind on their own decarbonisation targets, however research suggests these brands could reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by more than 60%, using less than 2% of their revenues. Two fifths (40%) of fashion brands have seen their emissions output increase since making their commitments to decarbonise, according to an analysis by research company McKinsey & Co....
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28/3/2024
A new report by Wazir Advisors reveals a significant decline in apparel imports across major global markets in January 2024 compared to the same period last year. The US, EU, UK, and Japan all witnessed double-digit drops, with the US leading the decline at 16.53 per cent to $6.04 billion.
This slump in imports coincides with a complex economic picture. While US consumer confidence dipped in February, apparel store sales surged 10 per cent compared to February 2023. This suggests a market clearing out existing inventory, potentially paving the way for a rebound in imports later in the year....
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28/3/2024
Apparel's secondhand market is set to grow three times faster than overall global fashion, according to a new report. The global secondhand apparel market will be worth $350bn by 2028 and will comprise 10% of the fashion market worldwide by 2025.
The Resale Report, written for online fashion thrift store Thredup by data research company GlobalData reveals the sector grew 15 times faster than the broader retail clothing sector in 2023. With 163 brands owning resale shops in 2023, retailers are already embracing the opportunities presented by resale....
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28/3/2024
Concerns about sustainability and ethics within the fashion sector remain but affordability has become a greater focus for apparel consumers. In GlobalData’s consumer survey conducted across Germany, France, Spain, Italy, China and the US in December 2023, apparel shoppers showed that they prioritise sustainability and ethics far less than factors like price, quality and value for money, exacerbated by the ongoing economic crisis....
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25/3/2024
The United States Trade Representative (USTR) ambassador Katherine Tai visited textile manufacturer Glen Raven as part of her wider goal of gaining public and industry input to help shape domestic textile and apparel sector supply chain resilience policy in future.
Tai’s visit to Glen Raven’s yarn-spinning manufacturing facility and the headquarters of its Sunbrella brand in Burlington, North Carolina coincided with the USTR’s call for public comments on promoting supply chain resilience....
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25/3/2024
Tremors ran through the apparel industry with the announcement of Renewcell's bankruptcy, but assigning blame is easy — it's finding solutions that will be hard, writes Robert P. Antoshak, partner at Gherzi Textile Organization.
The angst among environmental advocates was palpable after Renewcell shared its bankruptcy woes with the apparel sector....
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22/3/2024
The US Department of Transportation (DOT) has announced its Freight Logistics Optimizations Works (FLOW) platform will publish data on inland freight hubs to give an enhanced view on future container import volumes and traffic.
FLOW’s platform, which will include rail terminal and warehouse end destination data, aims to inform capacity decisions, reduce supply chain disruptions and ultimately drive down costs for consumers....
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22/3/2024
Spring collections and promotions contributed to a UK clothing stores sales volume rise of 1.7% in February, according to the latest figures from the Office of National Statistics after repeated declines in previous months. The ONS said non-food stores sales volumes (the total of department, clothing, household and other non-food stores) rose by 0.7% over the month to February 2024, but fell 0.5% over the year....
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21/3/2024
The sports inspired clothing market is witnessing a transformation as it merges the worlds of athletics and fashion. As per study by Persistence Market Research, the global sports inspired clothing market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.3 per cent from $315.03 billion in 2023, to $452.2 billion by the end of 2030.
This dynamic segment within the fashion industry offers consumers a blend of performance features and fashion-forward designs, catering to the growing demand for comfortable and versatile attire suitable for both active pursuits and everyday wear....
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20/3/2024
Headline inflation has fallen to 3.4% in the UK according to the latest figures from the Consumer Price Index with the British Retail Consortium saying it was driven by falls in clothing and footwear. UK consumer prices are down to 3.4% in February from 4% in January following a fall in inflation and now sit at the lowest level in more than two years....
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19/3/2024
The children's apparel market is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 6.8 per cent from 2023-33 to reach $386.19 billion by 2033. As per a report by Future Market Insights, some of the factors driving this growth include an increasing demand for kids garments made from cotton fiber due to their easy washability, minimal shrinkage and resistance to color fade....
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18/3/2024
Every apparel business is being impacted by high interest rates and to make matters worse, since these higher rates have followed decades of low ones many fashion brands and companies are finding themselves without a playbook to navigate this ongoing challenge, writes apparel industry expert Roit Kathiala....
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18/3/2024
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has rolled out two new statistics dashboards focused on the Enforce and Protect Act and e-Allegations programme with insights on country of origin, volume and types of trade violation. CBP’s executive director of trade remedy law enforcement Eric Choy explained US Customs’ new tools “underscore our dedication to fair and effective trade enforcement by making key data accessible”....
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18/3/2024
China was one of only four of the top 10 apparel suppliers to the US to see market share increase in January, but across the board, apparel imports in 2023, sank on weakened consumer demand. The year 2023 was a rocky one for the US apparel market with political turmoil including global wars, disruption to shipping and logistics, surging energy costs causing a spike in inflation and in turn increased living costs, all contributing to a weakened confidence in a consumer unwilling to prioritise apparel spend....
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12/3/2024
The global sports apparel market is poised to reach $75.6 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 6.82 per cent between 2022-2027, as per a report by Technavio Research.
The market is expected to be dominated by industry giants like Adidas AG, Nike Inc., and Under Armour Inc with North America commanding 37 per cent of the global market share.
While offline avenues will thrive through specialty shops and department stores, e-commerce will emerge as a formidable force, reshaping buyer-supplier dynamics with its convenience and accessibility, as per the report...
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11/3/2024
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is seeking input to inform the development of trade and investment policy initiatives that promote supply chain resilience.
A notice submitted by the USTR to the Federal Register explains resilient supply chains provide a range of sourcing options; adapt, rebound, and recover with agility following shocks; uphold labour rights and environmental protections; and strengthen the US manufacturing base and workforce....
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11/3/2024
The negative impact to US import cargo as a result of disruption on the Red Sea appears to be tapering off according to the latest port figures by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.
Supply-chain adjustments to ongoing attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea show inbound cargo volume at the nation’s major container ports remains on track to show year-over-year increases through the first half of 2024....
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11/3/2024
As US President Biden and former President Trump look almost certain to be fighting once again for the US presidency in November, domestic issues are taking precedent with US senators seizing the chance to drive apparel sourcing away from China. As all eyes turn to the upcoming US election and its presidential candidates, some US senators have suggested a new bill that would encourage the US apparel and textile industry to focus on sourcing locally from both the US and its ‘partner countries’ instead of the likes of apparel sourcing major, China....
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7/3/2024
A bipartisan coalition hopes to close the de minimis imports loophole that allows packages valued at $800 or less to reach US consumers without facing any taxes, fees or inspection.
The coalition of labour unions, business associations, and stakeholders, including the National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), Alliance for American Manufacturing and American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) seeks to draw attention to the de minimis provision in Section 321 of the Tariff Act of 1930, which exempts shipments valued at less than $800 from import tariffs....
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6/3/2024
The British Retail Consortium, UK fashion retailer New Look, UK luxury sector body Walpole and shopping centre Westfield express "utter disappointment" after the UK government failed to address apparel retailer concerns on business rates, VAT and investment in its Spring Budget.
While the UK government claimed its latest budget delivers “lower taxes and more investment”, a number of apparel retailers and representative bodies say the latest financial statement will not help the fashion retail sector....
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6/3/2024
UK retail sales slumped in February 2024 as consumers took a noticeable swerve away from clothing and into homeware, dining, health and beauty as the BRC urges the government to find ways to stimulate the economy. The British Retail Consortium, commenting on the sales figures from the Office of National Statistics and the February SPI, said wet weather impacted consumer demand....
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5/3/2024
The European apparel industry's environmental challenges are becoming increasingly pronounced, with the sector's critical issues such as waste management, carbon emissions, circularity, and physical climate risks, according to the Sustainability Insights report by S&P Global. This comes at a time when the industry, known for its high-volume and low-cost model, faces potential disruptions from new environmental taxes, regulations, or supply chain complications....
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5/3/2024
Currently valued at $425.5 billion in 2022, the global activewear market is expected to reach $771.8 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 6.2 per cent from 2023 to 2032.
As per a report by Allied Market Research, an increase in awareness regarding the benefits of engaging in sports activities has led to the rise in popularity of fitness and sports apparel and footwear, particularly among young people....
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4/3/2024
The fashion industry waxes lyrical about the mission to become greener but do the CSDDD legislation failure and textile-to-textile recycler Renewcell's collapse last week point to it being more talk and less action?
Collaboration. It’s a word that has been floating around in the apparel industry for some time now. In fact, it formed the basis of a chat with the former Sustainable Apparel Coalition’s (SAC) executive vice president Andrew Martin last week amid the organisation’s rebranding to CASCALE, whose entire ethos is centred around collaboration....
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4/3/2024
Having surged to a staggering $863 billion in 2023, the global women's apparel market is projected to rise to $1,280 billion by 2033-end, growing at a 4 per cent CAGR over the coming decade.
As per a report by FactMR, encompassing clothing, footwear, and accessories, the women’s apparel market has witnessed remarkable evolution over the years. The market's dynamism is propelled by changing fashion inclinations, cultural shifts, economic fluctuations, and technological advancements....
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2/3/2024
US Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro along with 40 lawmakers recently wrote to homeland security secretary Alexander Mayorkas urging him to provide an enforcement plan to address illegal customs practices that undercut US competitiveness and violate international trade and labour laws.
The letter requested a crackdown on the de minimis trade loopholes allowing cheap fast-fashion products to flow into the country....
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1/3/2024
US Homeland Security Secretary Alexander Mayorkas is being urged to create a detailed action plan with immediate effect to crack down on customs practices that are said to be undercutting US competitiveness and threatening US textile and apparel manufacturers.
US congresswoman Rosa DeLauro and 40 bipartisan lawmakers sent a letter to Mayorkas asking him to come up with a “concrete action plan” to address illegal custom practices that undercut US competitiveness and violate international trade and labour laws....
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29/2/2024
An increasing number of apparel brands are setting up their own fashion resale platforms or offering a rental service for their garments. What is behind this trend and what does it mean for both the fashion sector and consumers?
Resale and rental have become an increasingly large part of the fashion sector. While eBay, Vinted and Thredup have been offering consumers a chance to buy and sell apparel second-hand for many years, more recently we’ve seen apparel brands launching their own fashion resale platforms and rental sites....
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29/2/2024
The latest Economic Experts Survey paints a concerning picture for the global economy, with a significant risk of recession looming by the end of 2024. While experts remain cautiously optimistic overall, the potential impact on the textile and apparel industry is particularly worrisome. The World Trade Organization (WTO) predicts a 2-3 per cent decline in global trade in 2024, impacting textile and apparel exports. In fact, a recent study by McKinsey & Company found that 70 per cent of apparel companies expect a decline in sales in the next recession....
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29/2/2024
The UK sportswear market is expected to experience another testing year despite consumers’ intending to be more active in 2024. 2024 looks to be another challenging year for the UK sportswear market, as despite 71.7% of consumers stating they intend to do more exercise in 2024, significantly less expect to buy sports clothing and footwear than last year, according to GlobalData’s UK monthly survey in January 2024....
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29/2/2024
The European Union has failed to approve the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence directive (CSDDD) with an industry expert warning that without the directive, fashion brands and factories will face an "ever-growing patchwork of local rules and regulations".
In the wake of the CSDDD being blocked by European Union countries, Fair Wear Foundation’s executive director, Alexander Kohnstamm, told Just Style exclusively all involved in making global supply chains work for consumers, workers and businesses “want this legislation”....
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28/2/2024
Just Style investigates how fashion brands will need to pay closer attention to any green product claims when new European Union (EU) laws come into force.
The EU Council of Ministers approved on 20 February a new EU ‘empowering consumers for the green transition directive’, which will enter into force in March; while progress is being made on talks between the Council and European Parliament on the final text of a ‘substantiation and communication of explicit environmental claims’ directive. The Council’s current Belgian presidency wants to reach a ‘general approach’ on this marketing legislation by June, ahead of the European Parliament elections that month....
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28/2/2024
The landscape of apparel exports to Europe is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by changing consumer demands, sustainability concerns, and geopolitical shifts. The European Union (EU) represents a vast and lucrative apparel market, one that is undergoing a significant shift in its import dynamics. While traditional giants like China continue to hold sway, a new wave of players is rising, driven by factors ranging from economic diversification to ethical concerns....
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27/2/2024
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has revealed the Red Sea crisis has led to increased costs and delays for 53% of UK manufacturers and retailers.
The BCC report, which surveyed 1,087 businesses found some firms saw a 300% hike in prices for container hire, and others experienced logistical delays that added up to three to four weeks to delivery times.
Knock-on effects of these impacts included cashflow difficulties and component shortages on production lines....
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27/2/2024
Industry onlookers have warned Fast Retailing must focus on "getting the marketing right" as it reportedly weighs the option of expanding its value GU brand in the US and EU markets.
Takeshi Okazaki, chief financial officer of Fast Retailing, which also owns the Uniqlo brand, believes GU has just as much potential as Uniqlo. He told Bloomberg of plans to bring the Japanese fashion label to the US and Europe....
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27/2/2024
Europe, the world's leading apparel importer, is experiencing a dynamic shift in its consumption patterns and sourcing strategies. This transformation is driven by numerous factors, including changing consumer preferences, sustainability concerns, and evolving supply chains....
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26/2/2024
The US economy defied recessionary whispers, growing robustly in Q3 and Q4 2023. This presents both opportunities and challenges for the apparel industry, navigating a "swirl" of economic influences. While interest rates remain a headwind, tailwinds like a strong labor market and rising consumer confidence fuel optimism for the apparel industry. However, key questions linger....
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26/2/2024
US senators Sherrod Brown and Rick Scott are calling on the Biden administration to use executive action under the Tariff Act of 1930 to close a key loophole known as the ‘de minimis’ rule, which they believe foreign competitors exploit to evade duties and fees, giving them "unfair" advantage over American businesses.
Senators Brown and Scott explained that based on “de minimis” rule, packages under $800 in valuation are exempted from US duties, taxes and fees and allowed to enter the country with little to no inspections....
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24/2/2024
The global yoga clothing market is poised to reach $70,291.0 million by 2030, exhibiting a robust CAGR of 7.8 per cent from 2021 to 2030, as per a recent report by Allied Market Research.
The market growth is propelled by various factors. Firstly, the escalating incidence of obesity and lifestyle-related disorders has prompted individuals to adopt fitness practices like yoga, driving the demand for associated accessories such as yoga clothing. Additionally, governments and fitness clubs globally have actively promoted yoga, following initiatives like the proposal of International Yoga Day by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Such efforts have increased awareness and participation in yoga, thereby driving the market....
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22/2/2024
Valued at $480,991.8 million in 2019, the global plus size clothing market is projected to reach $696,712.1 million by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 6.9 per cent from 2021 to 2027, according to a recent report by Allied Market Research titled ‘Plus Size Clothing Market by Type, Gender, Age Group, and Price Point: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2027.’
The surge in demand for plus-size clothing is attributed to the increasing obese population, heightened consumer confidence, and a greater number of brands offering plus-size garment ranges. However, challenges such as high pricing for retailers and manufacturing complexities somewhat restrain market growth. Nevertheless, the rise in availability through omnichannel retail and expanding brand presence present lucrative opportunities for market players....
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22/2/2024
The European Council has made several proposals to tighten up guidance banning products made with forced labour for sale on the EU market. But what does it mean for fashion brands and retailers? And how should they prepare?
The European Council announced proposals for improvements to the text that prohibits products made with forced labour from the EU market....
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21/2/2024
Projected growth rates for US cotton over the next two years are set to be well below the recent historical average on the back of weak demand, according to the National Cotton Council of America.
In its 2024 cotton industry economic outlook, the NCC said weak demand has translated to pressures throughout the supply chain....
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21/2/2024
The growing sway of celebrities and influencers on brands' success means social media strategies are increasingly important.
Social media’s influence over what is seen as cool is contributing to the growing trend of globalised retail, perhaps more so than sustainability concerns, GlobalData analysts suggest.
The comments follow recent survey results from market researcher YPulse which found that 69% of 13 to 39-year-olds are more likely to purchase brands that are considered cool than those that are not....
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21/2/2024
The disruption to shipping through the Red Sea by Yemen’s Houthi militants is having a mixed impact on Egypt's apparel exporting industry. Egypt, which is a key European nearsourcing hub, has seen shipping rates increase since the Red Sea crisis, and the import of raw materials from east Asia impacted. However, it has also experienced an uptick in orders from European clients to take advantage of Egypt’s proximity to Europe, without running the gantlet of Houthi attacks....
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16/2/2024
Just Style's round-up of this week’s news in numbers explores why the US footwear market is struggling, The Children's Place battling falling revenues and the impact of the Red Sea crisis on apparel imports.
This week’s top apparel-related datasets come from The Children’s Place, the National Retail Federation, the US Office of Textiles and Apparel (Otexa) and Shoe Carnival....
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15/2/2024
Companies will now be required to seek approval for any environmental marketing claims before use or face severe penalties after new rules were adopted by The EU Internal Market and Environment committees yesterday (Wednesday 14 February).
Under the directive accredited verifiers will evaluate any environmental marketing or green claims within 30 days, as per the adopted text. Violations of these regulations could result in severe penalties, including exclusion from procurements, revenue confiscation, and fines of a minimum of 4% of the offender’s annual turnover....
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15/2/2024
New rules proposed by the European Commission aim to prevent and reduce textile waste across the EU.
MEPs in the EU’s environment committee have voted in favour of adopting a proposed revision of the Waste Framework Directive.
The new rules will set up extended producer responsibility schemes for textiles sold on the EU market....
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15/2/2024
According to the latest figures shared by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the UK's gross domestic product (GDP) is estimated to have fallen by 0.3% in the fourth quarter of 2023 (October to December) indicating a recession as consumers tighten budgets.
ONS explains that this follows an unrevised estimated fall of 0.1% in the previous quarter (July to September 2023)....
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15/2/2024
The Houthi attacks in the Red Sea have led to shipping delays and additional costs for fashion brands and retailers. Just Style takes a deep dive into the crisis to reveal the short and long-term implications for the global fashion sector.
The armed rebel group from Yemen, which calls itself Houthis started targeting ships in the Red Sea in mid November 2023 as a response to the Israel war in the Gaza strip.
In early December global freight companies including MSC, Hapag-Lloyd and CMA CGM Group reported attacks on their vessels....
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14/2/2024
US-based non-profit Accelerating Circularity has released the next phase of the Building Circular Systems (BCS) initiative which aims to amplify the development of circular textile-to-textile systems, mitigating the industry's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and curbing the disposal of textiles into landfills and incinerators.
Accelerating Circularity’s BCS initiative aims to significantly ramp up material volumes, develop new tools and expand educational outreach based on insights from its previous work....
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14/2/2024
UK consumer price index (CPI) rose by 4 per cent in the 12 months to January this year. The rate was the same as the December 2023 figure.
On a monthly basis, CPI fell by 0.6 per cent in January 2024—the same rate as in January 2023.
Core CPI—excluding energy, food, alcohol and tobacco—rose by 5.1 per cent in the 12 months to January, the same rate as in December 2023....
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14/2/2024
Analysis of December data from the US Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA) suggests US brands and retailers are gradually increasing their sourcing from suppliers based in CAFTA-DR regions. US apparel imports in December enjoyed a 4.5% uplift on the previous month after several months of straight decline, but were down on a year-on-year basis after six of the 10 top supplier countries reported lower shipments....
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13/2/2024
Fashion retailers will find pockets of growth, despite ongoing economic pressures, writes Lectra’s Americas president Leonard Marano. Each new year signifies a time of transformation for the fashion industry with 2024 being no different. While the fashion industry has seen many changes over the past few years due to new technologies, economic strains, and supply chain disruptions, it remains resilient. This year, retailers will work to identify pockets of growth and how they can maximise benefits, despite any uncertainties that may be looming from an economic standpoint....
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13/2/2024
The latest Global Port Tracker suggests that despite ongoing disruptions in the Red Sea due to attacks on ships, US inbound cargo volume is expected to have a “year-over-year increase” in the first half of 2024.
The National Retail Federation (NRF)’s vice president for supply chain and customs policy Jonathan Gold pointed out that only 12% of US-bound cargo passes through the Suez Canal, but added “the situation is bringing volatility and uncertainty that are being felt around the globe”....
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13/2/2024
US’ consumer price index for all urban consumers (CPI-U) saw a 0.3 per cent increase in December on a seasonally adjusted basis, marking a rise from the 0.1 per cent increase witnessed in November, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. The index for apparel noted a slight uptick of 0.1 per cent during the same period.
The energy sector experienced a 0.4 per cent increase over the month, driven by notable rises in both the electricity and gasoline indexes, which helped counterbalance a decrease in the natural gas index. Similarly, the index for all items excluding food and energy maintained a consistent growth, matching November's 0.3 per cent increase....
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9/2/2024
The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) and the International Apparel Federation (IAF) have issued a joint letter with over 100 signatories calling for greater government support in ensuring the safety and accessibility of shipping routes. The signatories which represent a range of industries including retail, clothing and footwear, are urging governments to join, support, or align with the mission to support safe and secure maritime commerce in the Red Sea and across the globe....
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8/2/2024
The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) comes into force on 24 February 2024. But what is it? And what does it mean for the apparel supply chain?
The IPEF is described as a “first of its kind” agreement, bringing coordination between the US and 14 partner nations in four key areas....
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7/2/2024
International organisation Human Rights Watch criticises Germany’s Free Democratic Party (FDP)’s refusal to support the new Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). The FDP’s decision not to support the new laws could now cause the German government to abstain from voting in favour of its introduction, which Human Rights Watch says could cause other countries to reconsider or withdraw their support....
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7/2/2024
According to Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium (BRC), continued higher cost of living accompanied with weak consumer demand dampened sales, while milder temperatures hit clothing sales, particularly winter and footwear.
BRC reported that UK total retail sales, increased by 1.2% year-on-year in January, against a growth of 4.2% in January 2023. This was below the three-month average growth of 1.9% and below the 12-month average growth of 3.4%....
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4/2/2024
National Retail Federation (NRF) chief economist Jack Kleinhenz has reported that while inflation is down from its peak, it has slowed less than expected and is still an important problem that remains to be solved. Kleinhenz underscored the role of consumer behaviour in driving the strength of the US economy, particularly in light of the Federal Reserve’s attempts to mitigate inflationary pressures....
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2/2/2024
Supply chain disruptions in the Red Sea are driving up apparel sector shipping costs, causing alternative routes to be used and could result in longer-term shifts in sourcing as well as logistics, if the crisis continues.
Since October 2023, Yemen’s Houthis, a Zaidi Shia Islamist militant group that controls much of northern and western Yemen, have attacked dozens of cargo ships in the Red Sea in response to the Israeli invasion of and bombing of Gaza, following Hamas’ October terrorist attacks. This has caused insurance companies to stop insuring vessels on that route and forced major shipping lines to divert cargo around the Cape of Good Hope, adding some two to three weeks in transport times....
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2/2/2024
Reports have surfaced suggesting apprehension in the German government on voting in favour of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) which may delay its introduction.
The EU vote on the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) takes place next week (9 January) but a Reuters report cites a letter sent by Finance Minister Christian Lindner and Justice Minister Marco Buschmann, which reveals the German government plans to “abstain”, though Just Style was unable to verify this at time of press....
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1/2/2024
Denim, the iconic fabric of rebellion and self-expression, faces a crossroads in 2024. While still a wardrobe staple, evolving trends and consumer preferences is leading to a dynamic shift in casual wear. Denim now faces competition from the revival of khakis. But is this a complete dethroning, or simply a wardrobe diversification?...
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1/2/2024
The National Council of Textile Organisations (NCTO) has welcomed a plan from the US Administration to crackdown on "unfair trade practices" which it says are responsible for the closure of eight production plants in the last three months. Secretary of US Homeland Security Alejandro N Majorkas has committed to a 30-day immediate textile enforcement action plan to tackle unfair trade practices and ensure the country’s domestic sector “is here long into the future”....
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31/1/2024
The demand for climate-adaptive clothing isn’t entirely new. What has changed is the type of clothing likely to be in demand due to climate change, writes Hologenix senior business developer Lucas Tyson.
Climate change is heating up the fashion industry with consumers beginning to seek out apparel that’s ready to adapt using tech given average global temperatures are steadily rising and the hottest years on record happened in the last decade....
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31/1/2024
A new study by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and LightCastle has sparked a debate in the Bangladeshi garment industry: Can e-commerce platforms directly connect manufacturers with Western consumers, cutting out middlemen and boosting profits? The research suggests immense potential, with an estimated $489 million in additional revenue by 2027 across the US, EU, and Africa....
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30/1/2024
Millennial and Gen Z shoppers lack awareness of the environmental and social harm of fast fashion, according to research by Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU), which suggests education is needed to change consumer behaviour.
Dr Yunzhijun Yu, a psychology instructor at KPU, conducted a trio of studies that shed light on the clothing consumption of young consumers and their understanding of fast fashion — a quick and inexpensive approach to making fashion trends available to consumers....
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30/1/2024
Apparel sector urged to create a solid fibre-to-fibre recycled PET polyester industry, given polyester is predicted to account for more than half of total fibre production by 2030.
Polyester will remain by far the most widely used type of fibre in textile and garment production for the foreseeable future, despite strong growth in other fibres, such as cellulosic, natural and those derived from bioplastics, according to a new report titled ‘Fibre innovations aid the creation of circular textile and apparel supply chains’....
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29/1/2024
The EU's new durability and anti-greenwashing law means the fashion industry can no longer hide behind sweeping statements of “environmentally friendly”, “natural”, “biodegradable” or “climate neutral” without solid proof, so what's next?
The European Union (EU) has officially adopted a law that will see a ban on greenwashing and other environmental claims or so-called ‘eco marketing’ being plastered across fashion items with a clear shift towards information on how long an item should actually last.
The European Parliament explained this new directive is meant to work together with the green claims directive which is currently being discussed at committee stage in Parliament....
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26/1/2024
Coach, Ellen MacArthur Foundation, and the Circular Economy Institute share insights into unlocking the next stages of circularity in the apparel sector and moving from supply chains to ‘supply networks’.
Speaking at the Practical and Scalable Implementation of a Circular Economy, an online event hosted by news agency Reuters in collaboration with The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), representatives from key organisations shared insight into the current state of the circular economy....
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25/1/2024
Just Style reveals three key growth opportunities for the fashion sector given 2024 is set to be the biggest year of travel since before the pandemic.
Fashion brands and retailers are being urged to refresh distribution and category strategies to meet travellers wherever they are in 2024.
According to McKinsey’s State of Fashion 2023 report, 80% of consumers surveyed in the US, UK and China expect to shop for fashion while embarking on travel in 2024, with 28% planning to spend more than the previous year....
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24/1/2024
Global hosiery market, encompassing socks, stockings, tights, and leggings, is expected to reach $75.71 billion by 2029, thanks to a perfect blend of comfort, fashion, and function.
The rise of dance culture is fueling demand for specialized hosiery. Dancers, from professionals to enthusiasts, crave flexibility, breathability, and a touch of flair, driving innovation in this niche.
With eco-consciousness among consumers, the industry is moving towards green options. Biodegradable fibers, organic cotton blends, and recycled materials are replacing traditional fibers, while brands are adopting sustainable practices across the board....
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24/1/2024
The online apparel market is expected to make up 29.3% of total apparel sales by 2027, however a new report has warned fashion brands and retailers face four key challenges that could inhibit growth. GlobalData’s Global Online Apparel Market to 2027 report projects that by 2027, the online channel will make up 29.3% of total apparel sales, which it adds is only 0.9ppts higher than the share it reached in 2020 and stands as a testament to the “enduring appeal and benefits of stores.”...
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23/1/2024
The bustling world of textiles and apparel finds itself in a complex situation of progress and peril in 2024. While consumer demand for sustainable and conscious clothing rises, challenges and concerns weave a tangled web across key regions, economies, and industry segments. Here is a look at the current state of this dynamic industry, examining the pivotal points, pressing concerns, and intricate issues within....
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23/1/2024
Just Style shares four key strategies for tapping the lucrative sportswear market which continues to outperform the global apparel sector and was worth $441bn in 2022. The Global Sportswear Market to 2027 report by GlobalData forecasts a 5.9% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) for the global sportswear market from 2022 to 2027, growing to a value of $587.2bn.
The report highlighted this growth will be driven by Asia-Pacific which is set to rise at a CAGR of 8.6% as its large emerging middle-class continues to embrace global trends such as streetwear and athleisure....
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22/1/2024
Days of scratchy recycled sweaters and uninspired eco-conscious options are passé. The European fashion market is embracing recycled textile materials with gusto, and a recent study by MDPI reveals the fascinating sourcing strategies behind this trend. Titled: “Importing Clothing Made from Recycled Textile Materials? A Study of Retailers' Sourcing Strategies in Five European Countries", the report highlights, how major retailers in the UK, Italy, France, Germany, and Spain are tapping into a global network of suppliers to bring sustainable style to their customers....
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22/1/2024
The European Union (EU) has adopted a new law to ban greenwashing and other environmental claims with a focus on clearer information especially on the durability of goods to help consumers make better purchasing choices.
The Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have adopted a directive that seeks to protect consumers from misleading marketing claims, with 593 votes in favour, 21 against and 14 abstentions....
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20/1/2024
The US International Trade Commission (USITC) is undertaking a new fact-finding investigation to examine the export competitiveness of the apparel industries in India, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia and Pakistan.
The probe was requested by the US trade representative (USTR) last December.
USITC will prepare a public report that will provide a comparison of the relative US market shares held by these nations at present and five and ten years ago. It will analyse changing patterns in market shares and trade, including against other top suppliers, noting any significant shifts....
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20/1/2024
While leading on innovation, the global fashion industry finds it difficult to transition to circularity and still largely depends on a linear business model, according to a report by Geneva-based World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).
Misaligned incentives and reward systems that do not factor in externalities prevent progress on the more circular and sustainable use of resources, and current incentives do not support the transition to circularity and companies lack actionable decision-making information, it notes....
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19/1/2024
US clothing sales jumped 3% in the two months from November to December as consumers enjoyed the easing of prices in certain categories, data analysis from the NRF reveals. The holiday season, defined by NRF as 1 November through 31 December, saw online and non-store sales increase by 8.2% to $276.8bn, surpassing the NRF’s forecasted growth of 7% to 9%.
Core retail sales surged 3.8% to $964.4bn according to data released by the US Census Bureau....
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19/1/2024
Move over, conspicuous consumption. In 2024, luxury is getting a makeover, with a focus on quality, sustainability, and accessibility. The rise of "bridge-to-luxury" fashion is reshaping the industry, blurring the lines between high-end and high-street.
This trend is driven by a growing awareness of fast fashion's environmental and ethical costs, coupled with a shift in consumer values. Shoppers seek today pieces that are well-made, long-lasting, and tell a story. They're willing to invest in quality over quantity, even if it means stepping outside the traditional luxury brands....
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19/1/2024
A new report found resale players are struggling to remain profitable despite the resale apparel market growing by 114.8% between 2017 and 2022 to reach $193.7bn with additional competition from major brands like Zara, Shein with their in-house resale services.
The Global Apparel Resale Market to 2027 report attributes the dampening of profits largely to the high operational costs associated with running resale platforms, which cannot be offset by user fees alone....
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18/1/2024
A new study with the board directors and senior executives who work for fashion brands and retailers in the UK, US and Australia, by Aquapak Polymers Ltd, which specialises in polymer-based material technologies that can deliver both performance and environmental responsibility at scale, has revealed that 12 per cent expect their business to be fully circular within one to two years, 34 per cent within two to three years and 31 per cent within three to four years. One fifth is expecting to reach this goal in four to five years....
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18/1/2024
Rising political tension is overshadowing the trend for friendshoring within the apparel sector with civil unrest unlikely to subside in key garment hubs in 2024.
The trend for friendshoring – or manufacturing and sourcing apparel from countries which are geopolitical allies – is under threat from rising political tension, according to a new report by risk intelligence company Verisk Maplecroft.
Verisk Maplecroft analysed five-year trends across 40 emerging markets, including key manufacturing hubs Indonesia, Mexico, Poland, Thailand and Türkiye, for risk across a combination of issues....
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18/1/2024
As the fashion sector combats a spike in counterfeit goods amid its mission to become more transparent with consumers about the journey of the goods they buy, an expert tells Just Style how blockchain can be leveraged to give customers "deeper insights" into their purchases including its origin and previous ownership.
Data analysis company GlobalData defines blockchain as an electronic ledger of transactions that is continuously maintained in blocks of record and is jointly held and run by all participants. It is coupled with cryptographic security making the ledger tamper-proof....
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17/1/2024
About 58 per cent of US’ consumers consider clothing labels as very important sources of information, with 7 out of 10 (72 per cent) agreeing that clothing labels are convenient to use, according to a recent survey conducted by Cotton Incorporated.
In terms of helpfulness, consumers rated various aspects of clothing labels, finding garment size information to be the most useful at 83 per cent. Description of garment care came in close behind at 80 per cent, followed by fibre content at 61 per cent and country of origin at 50 per cent, as per the Supply Chain Insights – Clothing Label Survey....
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16/1/2024
US clothing retailers benefitted from a strong holiday shopping season in 2023 according to new figures from the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor.
According to the latest figures, US clothing and accessories stores were down 0.44% month over month but up 4.28% year over year unadjusted in the December 2023 holiday period.
“December’s numbers combined with November’s results show retailers had a very successful two-month holiday season,” NRF president and CEO Matthew Shay said. “Clearly, retailers got it right this holiday season, providing consumers with what they wanted, options on when and where to make their purchases and with prices customers were comfortable paying.”...
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16/1/2024
Spurred by the growing integration of electronic devices into clothing, the global e-textiles and smart clothing market is project to grow at a robust CAGR of 32.3 per cent from 2024-2030 to reach $2.7 billion by 2030.
According to a report by Ameco Research, growth in the global smart clothing market will be led by upper wear including smart jackets and shirts, due to the speedy real-time data collection and processing capabilities of these garments....
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16/1/2024
European industry leaders, represented by EURATEX and 22 industry associations, have urgently appealed to the EU Presidents in a joint letter to expedite the finalization of trade negotiations with Mercosur. The letter, addressed to Presidents Metsola, Michel, and von der Leyen, emphasizes the time-sensitive nature of reaching an agreement. The associations, spanning diverse sectors from manufacturing to food-related industries, stress the potential economic benefits of the EU-Mercosur deal....
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16/1/2024
The American dream has long been stitched with visions of bustling factories and workers earning their fair share. But beneath the "Made in America" slogan lies a tangled reality, one where ethical production clashes with cost and convenience. Unravelling the complexities of ethical fashion, exploring the struggles of a small Maine-based manufacturer, the dark underbelly of the American garment industry, and the hopeful whispers of a future where fashion aligns with fairness, the story is beyond just patriotism, delving into the intricate web of economics, consumer choices, and the human cost of cheap clothing....
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15/1/2024
From audacious acquisitions to ethical awakenings, 2023 painted a vibrant yet starkly contrasting picture for the fashion industry. While some brands surged ahead with bold strategies and a tech-savvy embrace, others grappled with financial woes and ethical quandaries. This captivating story delves into the key themes that defined the year, from M&S's roaring comeback to Shein's explosive growth amidst legal controversies. But the tale doesn't end there....
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15/1/2024
As we move into the third week of the new year and Blue Monday, the apparel sector is still struggling with the same familiar problems, but it's not too late to start again.
The third Monday of the year — often dubbed ‘Blue Monday’ — is supposedly the most depressing day of the year. The concept is based on winter weather conditions, post-holiday season debt and the average time since new year’s resolutions have been broken....
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15/1/2024
Chemical management company Oeko-Tex will update its application test criteria, limit values and guidelines for its certifications in April, however a new limit value for total fluorine (TF) as part of its ban on the intentional use of PFAS (polyfluoroalkyl substances) came into immediate effect on 1 January.
Oeko-Tex said its new regulations, based on “new scientific findings and legal developments,” will come into force from 1 April 2024, following the regular transition period....
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12/1/2024
Egypt is opening what it claims to be the world's largest spinning and weaving factory next month with investments exceeding £30bn ($38bn), according to local news reports.
Mahmoud Esmat, the minister of the public business sector, told local news publication Arab Finance the factory is set to commence operations in the city of Mahalla al-Kubra during the next month as part of Egypt’s national project to develop the textile industry....
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12/1/2024
Renowned sustainability leader, Fashion for Good, is set to spearhead a groundbreaking strategy aimed at propelling regenerative fashion innovations to new heights. The bold move involves a substantial commitment to fortify the Innovation Platform, intensify efforts in brand integration, supplier collaboration, financing, and impact measurement. Simultaneously, the iconic Fashion for Good Museum is set to close its doors in a grand finale at the end of January, metamorphosing into a dynamic blended-use and co-working space by June 2024....
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11/1/2024
US’ textile and apparel (T&A) imports rose by 1.5 per cent in November 2023 as against the corresponding month previous year, as per a report by the Office of Textiles and Apparel of the US Department of Commerce (OTEXA).
The country’s imports from Mexico surged by 79.8 per cent to 443.9 million SME during November 2023 as against 246.9 million SME in November 2022, as per OTEXA....
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10/1/2024
Expected growth in the UK retail sector over Christmas was thwarted by dampened spending as cautious consumers hesitated over purchases.
The British Retail Consortium has warned 2024 looks set to be another challenging year for UK retail with spending constrained over high living costs.
In the three months to December, non-food sales fell 1.5% on a total basis, steeper than the 12-month average decline of 0.1%....
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10/1/2024
The National Retail Federation (NRF)'s chief economist Jack Kleinhenz warns tighter credit conditions and escalating borrowing costs may dampen US consumer spending in 2024.
Speaking in the January issue of the National Retail Federation (NRF) Monthly Economic Review, Kleinhenz acknowledged the resilience of the US economy throughout 2023 and the unexpected strength of consumer spending in the face of challenges such as high inflation and soaring interest rates....
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9/1/2024
High inflation rates and lasting macroeconomic troubles have driven the popularity of resale, with a new report from GlobalData revealing the sector grew 17.7% in 2023.
As customers seek more affordable options, the Global Apparel Resale Market to 2027 report revealed an increase in the importance of online platforms such as Vinted and Vestiaire Collective, which have also helped raise consumer awareness about the practice of secondhand online shopping from the perspective of both buyers and sellers....
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9/1/2024
The latest Global Port Tracker report revealed a "traditional" slowdown post the bustling holiday season but the recent attacks in the Red Sea have caused trade disruptions, leading to prolonged transit times and increased costs. According to the Global Port Tracker report released on 8 January by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates, the inbound cargo volume at the US’ major container ports should gradually slow during the first quarter of 2024 with the holiday season over, before beginning to build again in the spring....
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8/1/2024
The minimum wage protests and political violence that preceded Bangladesh's ruling party winning its fourth term serve as a stark reminder for why the fashion manufacturing sector must prepare itself for the biggest global election year in history.
More than 50 countries around the world with a combined population of around 4.2bn will hold national and regional elections in 2024, according to Forbes....
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5/1/2024
The insatiable appetite for denim took a surprising turn in 2023, as the global denim fabric trade wove a new narrative on the export and import scene. Some countries emerged as trendsetters, sporting vibrant threads of growth, while others faced a re-adjustment in their textile tapestry. Let's unravel the intricacies of this captivating story, revealing the winners and contenders who reshaped the denim landscape. We'll then peek into the looming threads of 2024, anticipating where the next twists and turns might lead....
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5/1/2024
UK clothing retailers are advised to brace themselves for multiple cost pressures this year with business rates set to soar in April and shipping disruptions in the Red Sea likely to impact product availability and pricing.
The British Retail Consortium (BRC)-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor (RSM), which is described as an accurate monthly measure of UK-wide retail sales performance showed shop price annual inflation held steady at 4.3% in the period 1-7 December, maintaining a level below the three-month average rate of 4.6%....
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4/1/2024
The world's love affair with denim took a fascinating turn in 2023, with some countries strutting in stylish new threads while others faced a wardrobe re-think. Let's unravel the tale of who soared and who slumped in the global denim trade, both exports and imports, and the reasons behind the sartorial shift....
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4/1/2024
The US fashion market witnessed a notable shift in 2023, as fast fashion brands exerted a substantial influence on consumer preferences, reshaping the dynamics of luxury fashion sales. A comprehensive report by Consumer Edge highlights, the allure of high-end fashion labels such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Burberry faced a challenging scenario due to the reproduction and sale of their designs at affordable price s by fast fashion counterparts....
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3/1/2024
Currently valued at $71.23 billion, the global jeans market is expected to grow at 6.31 per cent CAGR from 2023-29 to reach $109.32 billion by 2029.
By 2029, the online sales channel segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest rate of 11.2 per cent. The growth will be driven by the rise in participants and the popularity of e-commerce sites that offer a large selection of products, such Myntra, Amazon, Alibaba, and Flipkart....
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3/1/2024
In this essential guide to the ever-evolving world of fashion due diligence legislation, Just Style uncovers what it means and how it will impact everyone working within the fashion supply chain.
Regulators worldwide are cracking down on poor labour and environmental practices in fashion supply chains amid growing concerns about upstream parts of the clothing industry. Probes into major international fashion brands, who have been criticised about alleged malpractice by their suppliers have been encouraging legislation and regulation reforms....
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3/1/2024
Danish freight company A.P. Moller-Maersk has announced a suspension of all transits through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden until further notice, in response to the escalating Houthi attacks on its shipping vessels in the region.
Moller-Maersk has paused all transits through the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden and is conducting an ongoing investigation into the attack on its vessel, Maersk Hangzhou, which occurred on 30 December....
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3/1/2024
Artificial Intelligence (AI) software company Smartex says the apparel supply chain is shifting from one focused solely on price to one focused on price, speed, quality and compliance but without modernisation, factories will be overwhelmed by these competing priorities.
Smartex’s report titled ‘The Modern Textile Factory’ says the status quo of how an apparel factory is run will not serve the purposes of either financial growth or impact reduction....
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3/1/2024
A "rapid decline" in US job openings in November 2023 is being attributed to job closures outpacing the creation of new jobs along with the tightening of company money policies and advancements in generative AI with apparel jobs in particular seeing a strong decline by the end of 2023.
Data analysis company GlobalData said the upcoming US Job Openings and Labour Turnover Survey (JOLTS) report for November 2023, which is due to be released later today (3 January 2024), is expected to print between 8.3 to 8.5 million job openings....
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2/1/2024
A National Retail Federation (NRF) report has revealed that for every $1bn in sales, the average retailer incurred $145m in merchandise returns with shoppers taking advantage of policy, process and system gaps.
The report titled ‘2023 Consumer Returns in the Retail Industry,’ explained total returns for the US retail industry amounted to $743bn in merchandise and the total returns rate as a percentage of sales was 14.5%...
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2/1/2024
The certification label Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) has passed the requirements for the Green Button 2.0 certification scheme for sustainable manufacturing and wet processes.
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) has received recognition from the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) who expressed gratitude for GOTS’ active involvement and contributions to the Green Button 2.0 recognition process....
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2/1/2024
The Americans for Free Trade (AFT) coalition is “frustrated” with the short notice the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has given to businesses to prepare for an extension to its reinstated and Covid-related exclusions in its China Section 301 investigation and urges USTR to release the results of its four-year tariffs review "immediately".
AFT, which is a coalition of US businesses, trade organisations and workers united against tariffs, said it appreciates the short-term extension of the China Section 301 tariff exclusions by USTR to 31 May 2024....
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2/1/2024
Fashion brand and retailer success in 2024 and beyond will largely rely on repairing frays within the value chain, according to the latest McKinsey report, which says the "bullwhip effect" that kicked off around the Covid period is likely to linger well beyond 2024.
McKinsey & Co noted in its State of Fashion 2023 report that demand volatility has continued since the pandemic and disproportionately impacted upstream suppliers. It calls this the “bullwhip effect” and added that factories that were at full capacity in 2021 have been operating at 30%-40% below capacity in 2023....
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2/1/2024
New year, new start, big changes in the fashion world. The penultimate week of 2023 saw announcements around acquisitions, divestments and restructures roll in as the industry gears up for what looks set to be a challenging year.
It’s the start of a whole new year and fashion brands and retailers are keen to get their houses in order as evidenced by the raft of acquisition and divestment announcements in the last week of 2023....
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2/1/2024
Currently worth $70 million, the global denim jeans market is projected to grow to $114.6 million by 2030-end.
As per the 'Denim Jeans-Global Strategic Business Report' by ResearchAndMarkets, growth in the global denim jeans market will be driven by a surge in online sales that are expected to grow by 12 per cent CAGR during the analysis period.
On the other hand, the offline sales of denim jeans are projected to grow att 4.2 per cent CAGR and reach $77 million during the analysis period....
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30/12/2023
Despite malls witnessing an uptick in footfalls during the Christmas weekend, consumption across apparel category remained muted.
Apparel retailers witnessed a subdued demand during the October-November festive season as consumers continued to spend with caution. While demand surged during Christmas, the weakness in consumption spilled into December.
This year, consumers seem to have directed their spending to other essential categories. However, this may normalise next year, says Rajneesh Mahajan, CEO, Inorbit Malls....
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30/12/2023
In the period from January to October 2023, the United States encountered a significant 27.45% year-on-year decrease in trouser imports, tallying up to a worrisome $5.64 billion loss in the total value. This downturn raises concerns for global trouser exporters reliant on the US market.
Amid this challenging landscape, Vietnam managed to retain its lead as the top exporter to the US, despite a 29% decline, with exports totaling $3.02 billion. Bangladesh, the second-largest exporter, faced a substantial drop of 29.74%, reaching $2.57 billion, intensifying the competition with Vietnam in a sluggish market....
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29/12/2023
Forget your traditional fashion capitals! In 2023, the world's most captivating runways stretched far beyond the cobbled streets of Milan and the Champs-Élysées. From the vibrant bazaars of Mumbai to the sun-drenched shores of Rio de Janeiro, local designers and age-old traditions took center stage, redefining luxury fashion with a kaleidoscope of cultural influences and sustainable practices.
As 2023 gracefully twirls towards its finale, the global luxury apparel industry finds itself draped in a tapestry woven with shimmering threads of reinvention, resilience, and a dash of uncertainty. Let's embark on a sartorial odyssey, unraveling the key trends that defined the year and peeking into the crystal ball for 2024's prospects....
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28/12/2023
As 2023 draws to a close, the global fashion industry presents a tapestry woven with contrasting threads. While glimmers of recovery and innovation shine through, the year has been marked by uncertainty, economic anxieties, and the ever-present shadow of climate concerns. Let's unravel the key trends that shaped global fashion in this tumultuous year:...
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21/12/2023
Fashion sourcing experts share a roadmap for navigating transparency in 2024 and explain why the future of successful fashion sourcing will depend on collective responsibility throughout the supply chain.
Transparency and accountability have superseded sustainability as the driving forces for fashion sourcing as we head towards 2024....
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21/12/2023
Just Style reveals the top five fashion deals of 2023, ranging from luxury fashion company Tapestry buying its rival for $8.5bn to UK fashion retailer Next ending its recent acquisition spree with the purchase of mid-priced fashion brand Fat Face.
This year saw fashion brands plagued by high energy and material costs on the manufacturing end of the supply chain and a cost of living crisis with high inflation dampening sales and creating excess inventory at the consumer end....
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20/12/2023
Once upon a time, luxury was the symbol of exclusivity, an expensive proposition for the select few. For decades, there were a few luxury brands, mainly of European origin, that had the rights on exclusivity. Leading global luxury brands like Hermès, Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Dior maintained a tight grip on retail operations, mainly through their own outlets which allowed them to avoid discounts and fully control their brand image. The marketing mantra for this upper-most echelon of brands was they were never on discount. Of course these brands held the much-awaited sales a couple of times a year to clear stock and move in with the next season’s collections, tantalizing and teasing those who couldn’t afford them otherwise....
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20/12/2023
The relative absence of the fashion industry at COP28 suggests sustainable fashion has a marketing problem.
The textiles industry is estimated to account for up to 10% of global emissions – more than international flights and shipping combined – yet you probably wouldn’t realise that from scanning the schedule of events at COP28, the annual UN climate conference held in Dubai earlier this month. Of the many hundreds of side events that took place during the conference, just a handful centred on sustainable fashion. During one of those events, a panel exploring strategies to decarbonise the sector hosted by the Alpine Group, the apparel maker that was COP27’s official uniform sponsor, noted the industry’s absence in Dubai....
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20/12/2023
Experts from across the fashion supply chain share their predictions for 2024 as the sector navigates ongoing geopolitical and environmental concerns alongside unexpected twists and turns.
As we head towards 2024 and share expert predictions, there is no doubt that 2023 has been another challenging year for fashion sourcing. The world seemed to be ready to get back on its feet post-pandemic, however the ongoing impact of high inflation led to increased production costs and reduced consumer spend....
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19/12/2023
The price of cotton is depressed and weak demand combined with hefty crops in some parts of the world have dampened prices, but by mid-2024 the cotton market could regain its mojo, writes Robert P. Antoshak, Gherzi Textile Organization partner. Common sense suggests that cotton demand would pick up when prices are down, except in 2023 and potentially 2024 demand for yarns, fabrics, clothing, and home textiles is anaemic. Nothing is selling; production sits in inventory or is side-lined in the shadow of idled equipment....
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18/12/2023
This year has been a rollercoaster ride for the fashion industry with the hype of the metaverse and China reopening its doors post-Covid feeling like a lifetime ago, but has the sector learned anything in 2023 or will the same merry-go-round keep spinning in 2024?
If we rewind back to January 2023, global fashion brands were still raving about the potential of the metaverse and there were high hopes for fashion supply chains to return ‘back to normal’ when China finally reopened its borders and bid farewell to Covid lockdowns for good....
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15/12/2023
The United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) ended with the announcement of a new agreement described as “the beginning of the end of the fossil fuel era”, as leading apparel sector bodies react to the new deal.
UN climate change executive secretary Simon Stiell said in his closing speech at COP28: “Whilst we didn’t turn the page on the fossil fuel era in Dubai, this outcome is the beginning of the end.”
Stiell added that all governments – as well as businesses – need to turn the pledges made into “real-economy outcomes, without delay”....
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15/12/2023
Frequent extreme weather events are having a negative impact on the fashion value chain according to McKinsey & Co’s latest report with GlobalData's filings data showing an increase in natural disaster mentions in 2023.
McKinsey & Co’s recent State of Fashion report warned the fashion industry needs to build resilience into its supply chain as climate change makes extreme weather events more frequent. It estimates that extreme weather events could jeopardise $65bn worth of apparel exports by 2030....
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15/12/2023
A new study suggests the US adaptive clothing market has significant growth potential but fashion retailers could make it more affordable to people with disabilities by using the import duty-free tariffs available.
One in four US consumers have experienced at least one type of disability, indicating significant growth potential for the adaptive clothing market, according to the authors of a recent study published in the International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology and Education Journal....
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14/12/2023
Multiple experts speaking at the World Fashion Convention echoed the same key fashion sourcing regions and countries to watch in 2024 based on the diversity, agility and transparency criteria that remain high on fashion sourcing executives' priority lists.
This year is coming to an end filled with uncertainty but there are still rays of hope in terms of new fashion sourcing countries to watch in 2024.
Fashion sourcing executives preparing strategies for 2024 have a lot to navigate. There are wars in the Middle East and Eastern Europe as well as geopolitical tensions between the US and China....
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14/12/2023
Global apparel brands are realizing the importance of diversified partnerships in today's market. The working between retailers and suppliers requires more flexibility to enhance relationships and drive sales. The global supply chain, originating from low-cost sourcing destinations, is currently facing logistical challenges due to geopolitical tensions and fluctuating demand driven by inflation....
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14/12/2023
The rise of knitwear from its traditional role as innerwear to a fashion statement has been remarkable, capturing the attention of both consumers and designers. The fabric's exceptional versatility has empowered designers to break barriers and explore novel trends, with emerging fashion creators enthusiastically embracing its flexible and unconventional characteristics. The period of global lockdowns in 2021 and 2022 underscored knitwear, as consumers gravitated towards its comfort and adaptability. In a noteworthy shift, knitwear appears poised to outshine its conventional counterpart, woven fabric....
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14/12/2023
In early December 2023, the Consumer Wise team at McKinsey published a report on consumer research findings from France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK. The study, based on Q3 data ending September 31, highlighted on the varied sentiments of European consumers regarding the recovery of their respective economies. The prevailing Russo-Ukrainian conflict and unrest in the Middle East have intensified feelings of uncertainty among....
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14/12/2023
The EU has agreed a new set of rules that will require EU and non-EU textile and apparel companies to safeguard human rights and the environment within their policies and risk management systems or risk financial penalties. The EU Parliament and council negotiators have informally agreed on new legislation for corporate sustainability due diligence that will apply to all big companies as well as smaller companies deemed to be in high-risk sectors, such as the textile and apparel sector....
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13/12/2023
The consumer price index for all urban consumers (CPI-U) increased by 0.1 per cent in November on a seasonally-adjusted basis, after being unchanged in October, the US Bureau of Labour Statistics reported. Over the last 12 months, the all items index increased by 3.1 per cent before seasonal adjustment.
That index for apparel fell by 1.3 per cent in November, after rising by 0.1 per cent the previous month, a BLS release said....
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13/12/2023
Just Style sits down with the man behind the fashion supply chain industry's most hotly anticipated report of 2024 to find out how its new business model intends to turn the industry on its head - from a global laggard into a global leader for sustainability, social ethics, and of course, profitability.
It’s no exaggeration to say this interview was a year in the making and a case of third-time lucky (perhaps persistence pays-off). Just Style first met John Thorbeck, chairman of Chainge Capital LLC, which is an expert on speed-to-market applications at retail and short life-cycle product companies, in November 2022 at the International Apparel Federation’s World Fashion Convention in Bangladesh....
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13/12/2023
At current estimates, clothing and footwear consumption is expected to increase by over 60%, from 62 million tonnes in 2022 to 102 million tonnes in 2023 as GlobalData figures reveal company mentions of sustainability are flagging.
Sustainability is struggling to move from beyond talk to measurable action, according to McKinsey & Co’s State of Fashion 2023 report which notes while there is some industry progress, the pace of transformation falls short of what is needed to prepare for impending regulations....
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12/12/2023
US apparel shipments from all sources sank in October as consumer demand continued to wane with Bangladesh bearing the brunt after wage protests in the country and a sluggish economy.
US apparel imports fell 8.3% in October to 2bn SME with shipments from six of the ten biggest suppliers showing a decline according to the latest data from the US Office of Textiles and Apparel....
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11/12/2023
The latest Global Port Tracker report suggests the inbound cargo volume at the US' major container ports should continue to slow in the final weeks of 2023 after reaching its peak in fall, which was later than expected.
The Global Port Tracker report, which is released by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates revealed October should turn out to be the peak of the holiday shipping season in 2023....
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11/12/2023
Sportswear retail companies have thrived in recent years, so could the fact a handful have fallen into financial difficulty recently signal the wider fashion sector is about to face yet another crisis?
Last week saw two European sports companies fall on hard times despite the activewear category usually being one of the most resilient in the sector....
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8/12/2023
A new study suggests US policymakers should consider supporting small and medium sized US textile and apparel manufacturers, strengthening US fabric production and supporting exports from outside the Western Hemisphere to improve US apparel manufacturer and export strategies.
Textiles and apparel “Made in the USA” have gained growing attention in recent years amid the increasing supply chain disruptions during the pandemic, the rising geopolitical tensions worldwide, and consumers’ increasing interest in sustainable apparel and faster speed to market....
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8/12/2023
The European Apparel and Textile Confederation (Euratex) believes the European Commission's approved rules aimed at facilitating trade and investment across Pan-Euro-Mediterranean countries will unlock the "biggest and most integrated region of sustainable apparel manufacturing and trade".
European textile and clothing industry body Euratex has welcomed the new rules on origin, which will be introduced across the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean (PEM) region, covering 27 EU member states and 24 partner countries in the region....
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7/12/2023
The European Parliament and the Council have reached a provisional agreement on the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation which promises to redefine product standards and make sustainable products the “new norm” in the EU.
The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation builds upon the success of the Ecodesign Directive, which has played a key role in enhancing energy efficiency across EU products for nearly two decades....
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6/12/2023
The primary focus when purchasing children’s clothing is on ensuring safety, comfort, and ease of wear. These factors constitute the core value proposition in the global market for kids' wear. Despite the evolution of trends in kid’s apparel sector, cotton remains a fundamental and enduring choice as the staple fiber, catering to the sensitivity of children's delicate skin.
The market is experiencing substantial growth propelled by the demand for sustainable and ethically produced textiles that align with environmental concerns. Additionally, the surge in popularity of gender-neutral unisex clothing and heightened brand awareness among young children, driven by the widespread influence of social media, are key factors contributing to market dynamics....
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5/12/2023
UK retail sales witnessed a 2.7% increase in total retail sales in November, a slight slowdown compared to the 4.2% growth recorded in the same period last year as Black Friday momentum failed to hold out due to cautious consumers delaying Christmas spending.
The 2.7% increase in UK retail sales exceeded the 3-month average growth of 2.6% but fell below the 12-month average growth of 4.1%, according to the BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor (RSM), which is an accurate monthly measure of UK-wide retail sales performance over the four weeks 29 October to 25 November....
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4/12/2023
Fashion brands have not fully embraced sustainable practices involving chemical recycling, particularly in adopting innovative methods to transform old textiles into new ones for a more eco-friendly approach. High-tech materials like circulose-containing viscose, utilized in these fabrics, are not readily available and come with a significantly higher cost compared to traditional virgin materials derived from oil, cotton, and wood....
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4/12/2023
After the crazy times of Covid, the way we see denim is changing. Now, everyone's into being eco-friendly and thinking more about the planet. The fashion world, dealing with money ups and downs and global issues, isn't growing as fast. Big clothing companies had big plans for denim, but now it's not the superstar anymore; it's more about keeping things steady....
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1/12/2023
McKinsey’s 2024 ‘State of Fashion’ report points towards significant uncertainty looming over the global fashion industry. Prevailing sluggishness in global economic growth and unabated inflationary pressures signal a challenging landscape. With consumer confidence remaining pessimistic, if not weakened, leaders in the fashion industry are now confronted with the imperative task of pinpointing ‘pockets of value’ and uncovering ‘new performance drivers’....
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1/12/2023
An exclusive content analysis reveals how US fashion companies’ sourcing strategies have evolved in response to rising geopolitical tensions and economic slowdowns as well as the emerging sourcing trends worth watching in 2024.
The sourcing environment facing US fashion companies has significantly shifted over the past few years, from Covid-related supply chain disruptions, hiking inflation and economic slowdown, to rising geopolitical tensions....
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30/11/2023
Fast fashion online retailer Pretty Little Thing appeared to take a lower profile for Black Friday 2023 with Year over Year (YoY) traffic decreasing by almost half (45%). A record 200.4 million consumers shopped over the five-day holiday weekend (from Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday through to Cyber Monday) in the US, surpassing 2022’s record of 196.7 million, according to the National Retail Federation’s annual survey.
Some 36% of surveyed consumers said they shopped at clothing and accessories stores, while 49% of all gifts bought were clothing and accessories....
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30/11/2023
Supply chain resiliency will be a key area of focus for fashion industry executives in 2024, with transparency and communication across all supply chain stakeholders paramount in future-proofing businesses, the latest McKinsey & Co State of Fashion 2024 report reveals.
According to the eighth annual fashion report by McKinsey & Co, The State of Fashion 2024, 70% of chief procurement officers responding to the survey, believe that improving demand transparency with suppliers through systems and processes is critical in navigating market turmoil....
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30/11/2023
Supply chain resiliency will be a key area of focus for fashion industry executives in 2024, with transparency and communication across all supply chain stakeholders paramount in future-proofing businesses, the latest McKinsey & Co State of Fashion 2024 report reveals.
According to the eighth annual fashion report by McKinsey & Co, The State of Fashion 2024, 70% of chief procurement officers responding to the survey, believe that improving demand transparency with suppliers through systems and processes is critical in navigating market turmoil....
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29/11/2023
With heightened awareness around health and wellness in the post-Covid era, sports-inspired clothing has injected new vitality into the fashion industry. Particularly, the youth segment seeks stylish attire not only for gym sessions but also for home workouts. The surge in global sports events and tournaments has further amplified the demand for athletic clothing styles....
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29/11/2023
Continuing its efforts Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) introduces ongoing pilot for ‘Controlled Supply Chain Scheme’ (CSCS). Initiated in 2022, the CSCS pilot project is designed to aid small-scale operators in surmounting challenges associated with obtaining GOTS certification.
GOTS crafted the scheme to address the administrative and financial hurdles confronted by these operators. The project seeks to enhance supply chain efficiency by simplifying the group certification process, thereby reducing costs and mitigating administrative barriers....
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28/11/2023
Fashion industry experts reveal how digital technologies are already being used to lower the fashion industry's environmental footprint and are forging a path towards more sustainable production.
The intersection of technology and sustainability has sparked a revolution. We are all too familiar with the challenges facing the fashion industry, like excessive stock, overconsumption, and unsustainable production practices....
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27/11/2023
As Black Friday and Cyber Monday discounts continue, the disconnect between consumerism and sustainability within the fashion industry is ever more apparent.
Shoppers continue to seek out the best deals during the Black Friday weekend, but the instant gratification of a bargain and the growing need for sustainability in the fashion sector are very much at loggerheads.
At a time when the fashion industry is striving to reduce waste, promote slow fashion, and embrace sustainability, the irony of Black Friday cannot be ignored, especially as it lands just days before COP28....
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22/11/2023
GlobalData's Energy Monitor takes you through what to expect at COP28, the UN climate conference taking place in December in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
On 30 November, some 75,000 delegates including politicians, ministers, representatives from civil society, the private sector, international organisations and media organisations (including Energy Monitor) will descend on Expo City Dubai for what is expected to be the largest COP ever. Leaders including Pope Francis and King Charles III are set to attend (although reportedly, US President Joe Biden will not). Why is COP28 the most important COP since Paris in 2015?...
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22/11/2023
Unseasonable weather has become a key theme in apparel company filings as changing climate impacts consumer choices. Fast fashion brands have been defying the traditional four fashion seasons for decades, as products make their way to consumers faster than ever. Some online retailers now introduce 1000s of products every week, blurring the once clearly defined transitions between summer and autumn, winter and spring....
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22/11/2023
Research suggests sustainable “Made in the USA” apparel featuring recycled textile materials has growth potential. In recent years, the increasing awareness of fashion sustainability and the environmental impact of apparel production and consumption has motivated many fashion brands and retailers to provide “sustainable apparel” products. Although the concept of “sustainable apparel” continues to evolve, using preferred fibres like recycled materials and organic content are among the most popular and essential practices....
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21/11/2023
Latest stats from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics reveal, prices of men’s apparels rose 5 per cent in October 2023 as against the previous year. Comparatively prices of women’s apparels, rose just 1.6 per cent during the month. Prices of all items in men’s wear category surged 3.2 per cent in October, which was less than half the 7.8 per cent increase seen a year earlier....
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21/11/2023
Anticipation grows ahead of the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in the United Arab Emirates and the apparel sector is desperate to try and shake off its reputation as being one of the most polluting industries.
The fashion apparel industry has for long borne the burden of being one of the major contributors to pollution and inadvertently climate change; its impact stemming from pre-and post textile waste generation, chemical usage, water usage, energy consumption and carbon emissions among others....
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20/11/2023
As per a OTEXA report, apparel and textile imports to the US saw a 4.5per cent decline, equivalent to 8.4 billion sq. mt. (SME), in September this year compared to 8.8 billion SME during the same period the previous year. Over the first nine months of 2023, imports recorded a significant 16.5per cent decrease, amounting to 71.0 billion SME compared to 85.0 billion SME in the corresponding period of the previous year....
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17/11/2023
A bipartisan group of senators, led by Ron Wyden, have submitted a letter to the acting commissioner of US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Troy Miller, urging enhanced enforcement of textile and apparel trade agreements due to the potential impact on American livelihood and Central American partners.
The letter by a group of US senators including Ron Wyden, Bill Cassidy, Tim Kaine, Thom Tillis, Mark Warner, Lindsey Graham, Sherrod Brown, and Tim Scott, highlighted concerns about the potential impact on American livelihoods and Central American partners due to the reported closures of textile and apparel mills in the US....
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17/11/2023
The most recent annual survey conducted by the National Retail Federation (NRF) in collaboration with data-serving firm, Prosper Insights & Analytics unveils an unprecedented surge, with 182 million individuals gearing up for shopping sprees both in-store and online from Thanksgiving Day through Cyber Monday.
This figure reflects an increase of 15.7 million shoppers compared to the previous year, marking the highest estimate since NRF commenced tracking this data in 2017....
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17/11/2023
One year on from its release, OpenAI’s ChatGPT has started a public conversation about the effects of AI. But what will it mean for business?
ChatGPT will be celebrating one year since its launch at the end of November, a moment that many believe was a turning point for artificial intelligence (AI) leaving the realm of fiction and entering the mainstream.
The popularity of OpenAI’s breakout generative AI (GenAI) chatbot can not be understated. Four days after its launch on 30 November 2022, the site set the record for the fastest sign up of one million users....
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15/11/2023
In general, the goal of COP27 centered around adaptive measures to save those that are in danger of the effects of climate change.
The main perceived success of COP27 was the agreement between 200 nations to set up a “loss and damage fund”.
As part of the agreement, a fund would be established that would provide support to “developing countries” that have been impacted by climate change and need money to reconstruct social and physical infrastructure....
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15/11/2023
A report from UNESCO has suggested Africa has “all it takes” to become one of the next leaders in global fashion.
The African continent exports textiles to the value of $15.5bn annually.
A UNESCO analysis titled “The Fashion Sector in Africa: Trends, Challenges and Opportunities for Growth”, reveals as well as the African continent exporting textiles to the value of $15.5bn annually, it is a major producer of raw materials, with 37 out of 54 countries producing cotton....
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14/11/2023
People and planet should be prioritised in equal measure but the fashion sector continues to come under fire for neglecting its role in paying for a happy and productive workforce throughout the supply chain.
Last week UK retailer Boohoo made headlines following a BBC Panorama investigation for allegedly pressuring suppliers to drive down prices, even after deals had been agreed.
Boohoo maintains that it is continuing to deliver on the commitments it made as part of its Agenda for Change following the criticisms it received around the pandemic....
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13/11/2023
The United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA)'s Apparel Importers Trade and Transportation Conference discusses the impact of a potential US shutdown on 17 November for the wider apparel sector as well as the latest on US-China trade dialogue.
After a turbulent few months in US politics the USFIA’s Washington council and partner at Barnes & Thornburg LLP David Spooner told delegates at the Apparel Importers Trade and Transportation Conference in New York the newly elected House Speaker Mike Johnson is “a relatively new” member of Congress elected to the position after three weeks of negotiations....
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10/11/2023
International Apparel Federation's secretary general, Matthijs Crietee, hopes more fashion manufacturers and factories will break out of the low price trap in 2024 whereby higher volume orders are made to compensate for goods being sold at discounted prices.
The drinks, canapés and fashion industry networking are in full swing on the top floor of Philadelphia’s Bellevue Hotel when Just Style manages to pull Crietee away from his guests to discuss the first day of the 38th World Fashion Convention, which is being co-hosted by the IAF and the Sewn Products Equipment & Suppliers of the Americas (SPESA)....
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9/11/2023
The National Retail Federation (NRF)'s chief economist predicts a “record-breaking” 2023 holiday sales season in the US, despite challenges and opportunities, due to the resilience of consumers and the retail sector.
As we approach the 2023 holiday season, NRF chief economist Jack Kleinhenz predicts that it will come with a fresh set of dynamics, building on the unique challenges and trends of the past few years....
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9/11/2023
As we hit the third quarter of the year, official figures from the US Office of Apparel and Textiles (OTEXA) reveal US imports of apparel have fallen 25.2% in the year to September, with all 10 major apparel suppliers to the US experiencing a shipment decline over the period.
Over the nine-month period, the apparel supplier to see the biggest decline was Cambodia, with shipment volumes falling 32.9% to 759m SME....
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9/11/2023
The latest Global Port Tracker report, jointly released by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates, explains that inbound cargo volume at major container ports in the US is expected to decelerate as the holiday season approaches.
Even though US imports are winding down for the year, Ben Hackett, the founder of Hackett Associates, says the economic conditions in the US remain stronger compared to Europe and Asia....
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8/11/2023
In October 2023, UK retail sales witnessed a moderate increase of 2.5%, compared to the growth of 1.6% in October 2022, tempered by inflation and cautious consumer spending habits.
The BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor (RSM), an accurate monthly measure of UK-wide retail sales performance said that over the three months leading up to October, UK retail total sales increased by 2.5%, which is below the 3-month average growth of 3.1% and the 12-month average growth of 4.2%....
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6/11/2023
The International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) projects global cotton reserves will reach the highest level ever recorded in its 83-year history of data collection, with China’s 23/24 stocks expected to rise to 9.16m tonnes.
Global cotton production for the 2023/24 season is expected to rise by 3% to 25.41m tonnes, while consumption is anticipated to decrease by 0.43% to 23.35m tonnes.
As a result, global cotton stocks are poised to jump by 10%, following a 9% increase in the previous season (2022-2023), reaching 23.32m tonnes....
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6/11/2023
Recent research reveals a potential shift in consumer behaviour, with sustainability poised to influence over 50 per cent of purchasing decisions, marking a significant increase from the current 15 per cent. Where sustainability is taking centre stage, it has emerged as a pivotal metric for evaluating corporate conduct, shaping governance and policy frameworks, and even informing financial strategies. There’s no doubt that companies that embrace sustainability as an integral part of their business model are winning the public sentiment....
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6/11/2023
The latest Textiles 2030 Annual Progress Report from environmental NGO WRAP warns that steps towards sustainable production are being wiped out by “spiralling” production levels.
Apparel brands signed up to WRAP’s voluntary scheme Textiles 2030 have managed to reduce the carbon impact of the textiles they produce by 12%, while reducing water use per tonne of product by 4% between 2019 and 2022....
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3/11/2023
Non-profit Textile Exchange, business strategy firm Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and sustainability consultancy Quantis claim apparel brands can increase net profits by 6% through closing the raw materials gap with sustainable sourcing.
The researchers explain demand for sustainable raw materials could exceed supply by 133 million tonnes by 2030.
The report also cites 85% of leading fashion brands publicly declaring plans to decarbonise their supply chains as well as 35 pending pieces of sustainability-linked legislation due to come into effect in the next two to four years, as drivers of this change....
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3/11/2023
The Biden Administration is being urged to use its executive authority to impose guardrails around the Section 321 de minimis provision to stop the "abuse of duty-free shipments that put US manufacturers at a disadvantage".
The National Council of Textile Organisations (NCTO) has welcomed a call from Congressman Jeff Duncan for the US government to clamp down on the Section 321 de minimis loophole, noting that nearly three million de minimis shipments enter the US each day....
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3/11/2023
At the 38th World Fashion Convention Sewn Products Equipment & Suppliers of the Americas (SPESA) president Michael McDonald explains why now is the time to invest in the US apparel manufacturing sector.
Literally minutes before McDonald officially opened the World Fashion Convention to a live audience in Philadelphia, US, he casually sat down with Just Style for a chat on the balcony of the Bellevue Hotel’s exquisite ballroom overlooking grand chandeliers and a sea of empty chairs facing the main stage....
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3/11/2023
Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword, it's the driving force behind the fashion industry's evolution. Every decision a fashion brand makes design to where sourcing of raw materials, how the products are created even how they communicate their values must resonate with consumers.
An important part of a sustainable business is accounting for where raw materials come from. While sustainable sourcing can be a challenge due to the complex nature of global supply chains and market dispersion, stakeholders increasingly expect companies to maintain updated information on feedstock origin and demonstrate their efforts to mitigate environmental and social risks associated with sourcing....
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3/11/2023
Better Cotton, the world's largest cotton sustainability initiative, has launched a first-of-its-kind traceability solution for the fashion and textile sectors. The solution will provide visibility of cotton's journey through the supply chain and enable companies to accurately trace and disclose the origin of raw materials....
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2/11/2023
Global cotton stocks are poised to jump to 23.32 million tonnes in 2023/24, the highest level ever projected in the 83-year history of data collection by the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC). This represents a 10% increase over the 2022/23 season, and is driven by a projected 3% increase in global production and a 0.43% decrease in global consumption....
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2/11/2023
Fashion, one of the largest industries in the world, pulls in trillions of dollars in revenue annually. It’s no secret that the fashion industry’s practices greatly impact communities, natural resources, and the climate. With increasing pressure from consumers driven by intensifying climate change effects, reduced energy supply, rising costs, and the Covid-19 pandemic, many players in the fashion industry are rapidly shifting towards a greener, more socially accountable approach. Environmental and social impact have become a crucial benchmark for assessing company practices, influencing governance and policy strategies, and even financial decision-making. Companies that adopt a sustainable business model from design to sourcing, production, and communication gain market share, positive media attention, and stakeholder trust....
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30/10/2023
There's no 'silver bullet' for fashion sourcing executives but sourcing from a geopolitical lens is more important than ever given the US is no longer leading on free trade deals.
The World Fashion Convention, which was co-hosted by the International Apparel Federation and Sewn Products Equipment & Suppliers of the Americas (SPESA) in Philadelphia, US observed the world of fashion sourcing from both an international and US standpoint....
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30/10/2023
Wazir Advisors’ monthly report that covers latest apparel consumption and import data of the US, EU, UK, and Japan along with exports data of India has just released its October 2023 edition. Highlighting global market scenario in August and September, the report shows US import market is not too strong with online sales of clothing and accessories registering only a nominal 1 per cent growth in Q2 of 2023 over Q2 2022. Lower figures have also been recorded month-wise, with US apparel imports at $7.8 billion in August 2023, which is 25 per cent lower than August 2022....
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27/10/2023
The European Commission has proposed a revision of the EU Textile Labelling Regulation (TLR) to promote sustainable practices and enhance transparency in the textile sector. The revision will cover both physical and digital textile labelling, with a focus on incorporating sustainability and circularity provisions aligned with the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation.
The revision seeks to bring about significant changes, including:
Standardizing fibre composition testing methods, rules on leather, and sizing standards across EU Member States....
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27/10/2023
The European Union (EU) is set to implement a number of new sustainability regulations, with significant implications for businesses. The Empowering Consumers Directive, Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, and Waste Shipment Regulation are all in the pipeline, with businesses given varying periods to prepare for compliance.
The Empowering Consumers Directive will ban unfounded generic environmental claims, unverified emissions offsetting schemes, and planned obsolescence....
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27/10/2023
The voluntary, farm-level science-based sustainability programme US Cotton Trust Protocol reports that there are now 1.6m acres of cotton crop under its progamme in the US, as GlobalData filings analysis shows an increase in interest in US cotton.
The total number of cotton acres has increased 25% since the 2022 crop year, which is the single largest growth reported in the Trust Protocol scheme in any single year.
The increase means that 16% of all planted cotton acres in the US in 2023 are now enrolled in the programme, which the Trust Protocol says is a key milestone in the development of the programme....
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26/10/2023
A new Circular Design Toolkit has been released by the UK government’s Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP), with the aim of assisting the textile industry in reducing the environmental impact of textile products at the design stage.
According to WRAP, nearly 80% of the carbon footprint of a textile product is determined during its design phase. The Circular Design Toolkit serves as a comprehensive resource for the textile sector, presenting a consistent framework of circular design strategies....
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26/10/2023
For years, fast fashion brands the likes of H&M and Zara have been pulled up for not being truthful about their sustainable supply chain, mostly dismissed off as ‘green-washing’. What is interesting is sitting at the topmost echelons of fashion, most European luxury clothing labels haven’t been truthful either about their supply chains – the fact that from textile to stitching to embellishments, most haute couture are actually produced in Asian hubs that have been reliable providers of craftsmanship and quality for the likes of Saint Laurent, Dior, Chanel, Louis Vuitton and so on....
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26/10/2023
The apparel import of the European Union (EU) from the world has declined by 9.61% during the first eight months of 2023, according to data released by EUROSTAT. This represents a decrease from US$ 67.66 billion in January-August 2022 to US$ 61.15 billion in January-August 2023. The quantity of apparel imported by the EU also declined by 14.64% during the same period, from 3 billion kilograms to 2.56 billion kilograms....
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25/10/2023
As the apparel industry debates the use of recyclable and non-recyclable materials, it seems that interest in "recycled" is simmering down, as suggested by GlobalData's company filings data.
In the last few years, we have heard discussions about the apparel industry undergoing a transformation, with circularity increasingly becoming a priority. This has led industry stakeholders and consumers to raise questions on the materials used in the production of apparel and textiles and whether or not they can be recycled or upcycled at the end-of-life....
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23/10/2023
Environmental industry experts have come together to address their concerns on the revision of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for textiles and voice recommendations to the EU government.
The proposed Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for textiles, has come under scrutiny by environmental advocates and industry stakeholders who have voiced their concerns regarding the effectiveness of the proposal....
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20/10/2023
Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures for September 2023 reveal a 1.6% fall in clothing sales in the UK, as consumers put off shopping for warmer clothing.
September saw unseasonably warm weather in the UK, with the Met Office reporting that the month was the joint-warmest September on record. The ONS says many consumers delayed purchasing new seasonal items, such as warm coats and boots, as a result....
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20/10/2023
The European Parliament is taking steps to prevent products made by forced labour from entering the EU market by proposing a new legislation framework to investigate the use of forced labour within corporate supply chains.
The European Parliament’s Internal Market and International Trade Committees explain if this proposed regulation is ratified, it will introduce a comprehensive framework that would suspend the import and export of company-related goods at the EU’s borders if it is proven that it has used forced labour....
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19/10/2023
While cheap and cheerful fast fashion clothes are currently rocking the ready-to-wear garment industry, those who want to create their own sense of style are still going to their tailor for customized fits and a personal touch. Bespoke or customized clothes stitched to an individual buyer's specifications by a tailor have always been popular in India until the international and domestic fashion brands with their ready-to-wear item took over the bespoke category. Bespoke styling has had a long history in India because tailoring was cheap compared to Western countries and these garments become timeless legacies with a USP of individuality and craftsmanship....
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18/10/2023
American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) president and CEO Steve Lamar explains how the changing direction of US trade policy under the Biden-Harris administration is impacting global fashion sourcing and supply chains.
Lamar tells apparel industry executives, veterans and other stakeholders at the 16th Istanbul Apparel conference that US trade policy is at crossroads, adding that trade should be for the benefit of all....
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18/10/2023
"Made in the USA" fashion is not immune to social responsibility issues in its supply chain with California reporting what is being described as the state's “first” garment manufacturing business owner wage theft prosecution.
The State of California Department of Industrial Relations explains it is the first criminal prosecution of a garment manufacturing business owner under California Penal Code Section 487m (Grand Theft of Wages), which came into effect 1 January 2022....
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17/10/2023
Industry experts argue US fashion sustainability legislation is moving in the right direction at a state level but there is little appetite for country-wide policies that would give real incentives for fashion companies to change.
While many consider sustainability and climate legislation in the United States to be lagging behind Europe, a panel of speakers at the Global Fashion Summit in Boston argue that many state-level laws are starting to push for real change in the US....
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13/10/2023
A new National Retail Federation (NRF) report estimates the cost of adding tariffs to imported household goods, including apparel and footwear.
The NRF’s report considers how ending the country’s permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) trade status would impact common household products, including apparel and footwear as policymakers express a growing interest in changing current practice between the US and China....
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13/10/2023
The latest data released by the Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA) for the period of January-August 2023 shows that USA's apparel import from the world has declined by 22.77% to US$ 53.45 billion from US$ 69.21 billion in the same period of 2022. In terms of quantity, the import has declined by 26.80%.
USA's apparel import from Bangladesh also dropped significantly by 21.77% year-over-year to US$ 5.18 billion from US$ 6.62 billion. It has also declined by 29.10% in terms of quantity....
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11/10/2023
Import cargo volume at major container ports in the US has reportedly peaked for the year and is anticipated to gradually slow down as the holiday season approaches.
The most recent Global Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates indicates that discretionary spending growth has been impacted by concerns over inflation and high-interest rates, particularly in categories such as groceries, automobiles and mortgages....
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10/10/2023
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) says it welcomes the Global Framework on Chemicals to reduce chemical pollution and implement policies to promote safer alternatives by 2030.
The Global Framework on Chemicals is said to represent a shared vision for a world where chemicals and waste pose no harm, fostering safety, health, and sustainability....
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10/10/2023
The controversy just gets deeper and deeper as media fill column after column chiding the global fashion sector over its apparent half-hearted attempts at understanding the gravitas of climate change and coming up with solutions that work rather than making it all look good. In the process, allegations of green washing got thrown around, fast fashion was turned into the dirty outcast of the industry and sustainable supply chains couldn’t provide the required proof and so on....
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9/10/2023
As decarbonisation becomes essential for a sustainable future, the fashion industry is taking steps to reduce its carbon emissions, with global brands and organisations leading the way.
The textile and apparel industry has built up a bit of a reputation when it comes to its environmental footprint. The industry’s entire supply chain, ranging from the production of raw materials to manufacturing, transportation, and disposal, is closely linked to processes that emit high levels of carbon. This has led to an alarming prediction that global emissions from the fashion industry will rise by 50% by 2030, according to earth.org data....
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9/10/2023
Better Cotton and Cotton Egypt Association (CEA) inaugurated the launch of their renewed strategic partnership at a multi-stakeholder event in Cairo.
The event brought together representatives from Better Cotton, CEA, Better Cotton’s Programme Partners in Egypt (Alkan, Modern Nile and El Ekhlas), and a number of leading Better Cotton retailer and brand Members, as well as these members’ suppliers....
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7/10/2023
The Global Textile Industry Survey (GTIS) by ITMF, conducted in September 2023, reveals a cautious sentiment prevailing in the global textile sector. The key news angle is the persistent struggle of companies across the textile value chain, grappling with mounting costs and sluggish demand.
The business situation indicator paints a grim picture, standing at -27 percentage points, while business expectations have stagnated at around +20 pp since July, defying hopes of a boost from the Chinese economy....
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6/10/2023
Euratex urges the EU President to develop a new competitiveness strategy for the manufacturing industry to keep it competitive and says including the textile and clothing industry in the Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA) would be a positive first step.
Euratex’s president, Alberto Paccanelli together with CIE President, Jose Vte Serna, made the call ahead of the council in Granada on 6 October....
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6/10/2023
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) launches its GOTS Due Diligence Handbook for Certified Entities to promote sustainability and ethical business conduct in the fashion and textile sectors.
The GOTS Due Diligence Handbook, which was compiled in cooperation with the Hague-based UpRights Foundation, follows the inclusion of due diligence criteria in the latest GOTS 7.0 version, which launched in March....
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6/10/2023
The car industry realised the world was changing, clean technology was happening and it needed to embrace a new way of operating. Industry experts argue the fashion sector is at a similar crossroads in terms of tackling sustainability.
The fashion industry has considered ‘what’ it needs to do to become sustainable and it’s now time to move towards the ‘how’ and make it happen, argues Yuly Fuentes-Medel, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Program Director for Textiles, Climate Grand Challenges....
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6/10/2023
The American Circular Textiles (ACT) coalition for organisations advancing circularity in the US fashion industry have submitted a public comment to the Biden-Harris administration urging it to consider textile circularity within its efforts to expand sustainable product and service procurement.
ACT executive director Rachel Kibbe submitted the letter to the Biden-Harris Administration on behalf of the coalition, outlining the need to incorporate textiles into the procurement strategy and extend collaborative opportunities to textile industry stakeholders....
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4/10/2023
There are three key trends that could impact fashion sustainability compliance over the next year, according to market independent business sustainability rating company EcoVadis.
During the business sustainability fireside chat at Sourcemap’s Supply Chain Transparency Conference 2023, EcoVadis corporate development advisor Victoria Chartier revealed there are three key market-defining trends that will need to be looked at more closely in 2024....
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3/10/2023
Global fashion brands had hoped to grow a customer base in leading fashion sourcing countries such as China, India and Brazil, but 2023's choppy economy has impeded domestic sales.
In 2011 Brazil, which is the world’s 10th largest economy was considered by US-based consultants A.T. Kearney to be the most desirable country for global retail expansion....
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3/10/2023
China’s chips have been down since Covid started four years ago with a chain reaction of global supply-chain upheavals. The effects are expected to persist for many more years as the negative effects of a global economic slowdown has led to a continued drop in the country’s exports. The mega apparel sourcing power houses of the US and European Union are continuing their de-risking operations by cutting down imports and taking steps to make their trade with China less risky....
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2/10/2023
US senators and the National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) call on President Biden to tackle the impact of China’s so-called "predatory" trade practices" on the country's domestic apparel manufacturing sector.
A bipartisan group of US Senators seek immediate action to combat what they describe as China’s “illegal trade practices,” which they warn could lead to a “coming disaster” for domestic textile and apparel production and employment and throughout the Western Hemisphere....
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2/10/2023
The apparel industry is leveraging technology more than ever before, to drive efficiency and streamline processes, with leading brands at the forefront of this transformation.
In the ever-evolving apparel world, staying ahead of the curve is vital and technology is helping to deliver on just that.
Today, the apparel industry is undergoing a digital revolution that promises not only to transform the way garments are designed, produced, and sold but also to enhance overall efficiency with technology driving innovation across the board from streamlined supply chains to personalised shopping experiences....
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29/9/2023
US retailer Target cites retail theft as the reason for its upcoming store closures but an industry expert argues inventory mismanagement could be to blame.
US retail behemoth Target announced on Tuesday (26 September) that it would shut nine stores on 21 October, citing the threat of “theft and organised retail crime”....
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28/9/2023
The EU is ready to help the US "reach the same level of ambition" in terms of developing and enforcing fashion legislation to slow the effect of climate change but the task needs to be addressed as a matter of "urgency".
During the Global Fashion Agenda in Boston, the head of global issues and innovation at the European Union Delegation to the United States, Javier Sancho shared the EU stands ready to help the US develop its fashion legislation....
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27/9/2023
Active jobs in the global fashion sector have slipped during September as the industry continues to navigate falling sales with consumer confidence waning on economic pressures.
Global jobs across the fashion industry have gradually fallen over the three months to September with active jobs at 39,828 for June, 36,066 for July and 32,836 for August according to GlobalData’s jobs database. But by 1 September, active jobs had fallen to their lowest during the period — 27,118....
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27/9/2023
Circular fashion business models are on the rise, but too many initiatives today fail to scale because they are not rooted in business reality, writes Matthew Hawthorne, a footprinting expert at sustainability consultancy Quantis.
Fashion circularity is still treated as a quick fix – something to be done because of a push for innovation rather than potential solutions to minimise environmental impacts and maximise the creation of sustainable value....
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27/9/2023
The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) commends the reintroduction of the US Shop Safe Act, which aims to stop unsafe counterfeit products being promoted and sold online.
AAFA president and CEO Steve Lamar says counterfeit goods often pose product safety and environmental risks, sidestep social responsibility and sustainability standards, and evade accountability....
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26/9/2023
Since the pandemic fashion industry talk has moved from sustainability to the nearshoring market with some remarkable consequences, writes Gherzi Textile Organization partner Robert P. Antoshak.
The drumbeat of fashion environmentalists remains loud, but the cacophony of voices comprising the green crowd has increasingly had to share the stage with the reality of the marketplace....
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25/9/2023
The EU has moved a step ahead of the US once again, revealing the initial steps it is taking as part of its plan to eradicate greenwashing in the fashion sector.
There are almost 5,000 physical miles between the EU and US, but the nations are growing further apart in terms of green fashion legislation....
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25/9/2023
The US apparel sector urges the US government and private sector to work together to keep imports and exports moving ahead of a potential US government shutdown on 1 October 2023 due to a budgetary stand-off.
Lawmakers have warned the US is heading for a shutdown on 1 October as budget talks stall with news reports suggesting the economy could take a hit if a deal isn’t made....
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25/9/2023
UK Office of National Statistics (ONS) figures show retail sales volumes have grown 0.4% in August, up from a revised fall of 1.1% in July.
Taking a broader perspective, the UK’s retail sales volumes in the three months leading up to August 2023 increased by 0.3% when compared to the previous three months.
In terms of value, retail sales were notably higher, standing at 17.3% above their pre-COVID-19 levels in February 2020. However, in terms of actual sales volumes, there was a 1.5% decrease....
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25/9/2023
One of the most popular clothing items across the world, denim jeans never go out of style and that is why some global research conclude that between 2026 and 2030, the denim jeans market size will reach $88.1 billion. Facts Factors released its specialized and expertise-oriented industry research report that ¯scrutinizes the technical and commercial business outlook of the denim jeans industry and predicts that by 2026, the global market size will be $88 billion, growing at compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4 per cent between 2020 and 2026....
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25/9/2023
Researchers from US’ Penn State Smeal College of Business have discovered that consumers are willing to pay more for customisable clothing and are likely to keep these items for a longer duration, potentially reducing the fashion industry's environmental impact.
The study, led by Dan Guide, Smeal’s chaired professor of operations and supply chain management, and Aydin Alptekinoglu, professor of operations and supply chain management, was published in the Journal of Operations Management....
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22/9/2023
Europe was and continues to be in pole position for western wear for men, women and children. A recent report by a research house IMARC Group titled “Europe Menswear Market: Global Industry Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecast 2023-2028” reveals a CAGR of 4.5 per cent between 2023 and 2028 in the menswear category. The baseline of the report was January to December 2022....
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18/9/2023
Matthew Shay, president and CEO of the National Retail Federation (NRF) shares that consumers are focused on household priorities as evidenced by spending this back-to- school season, a trend which he believes will continue growing "moderately" entering fall despite uncertainties like inflation and higher interest rates....
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15/9/2023
The Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA) has released the latest data on United States' apparel imports for the period of January to July 2023. This report delves into the year-on-year progress of the USA's overall apparel imports from around the globe and highlights trends in imports from top sourcing countries....
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14/9/2023
Chinese textile and clothing manufacturers are increasingly relying on Egyptian cotton due to the US ban on Xinjiang cotton.
China has become Egypt’s second largest buyer of cotton over the past two seasons not only due to Xinjiang but also because of its competitive pricing and strong demand for luxury fibres....
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13/9/2023
The impact of climate change is here and how. Random flooding is commonplace and summer heat waves are the new normal. From the US to Australia, from Japan to Germany, climate change the new reality the world is grappling with alongside inflation, political conflict and wave after wave of uncertainty.
In this mix, there is the writing on the wall for readymade garment manufacturing hubs that the continual cycle of flooding and heat waves will have a huge detrimental impact....
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12/9/2023
Traceability is leading the way in apparel company filings as digital product passports gain traction and supply chains strive to become more transparent.
Apparel company filings data by GlobalData shows “traceability” was the most-used keyword in the apparel industry over the last five years (from September 2019 to 2023)....
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11/9/2023
Retailers are optimistic about the holiday season as US imports are anticipated to hit 2 million Twenty-Foot Equivalents Units (TEU) in September, for the second consecutive month.
The latest Global Port Tracker report, jointly released by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates, suggests that the US’s major container ports are on track to reach a significant milestone in import cargo volume....
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8/9/2023
The National Retail Federation (NRF) chief economist, Jack Kleinhenz indicates that while the US economy continues to expand, recent data suggests a noticeable slowdown in its momentum.
Within the context of the September issue of the NRF Monthly Economic Review, Kleinhenz observed that while the economy is indeed decelerating, it is not coming to a standstill....
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5/9/2023
The BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor (RSM) reports clothing and footwear saw weaker sales growth despite consumer confidence increasing as inflation remains dominant with families holding back on spending.
The latest retail sales data by the BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor (RSM), an accurate monthly measure of UK-wide retail sales performance, has revealed a surge in consumer confidence, leading to a 4.1% increase in total retail sales for the month of August....
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4/9/2023
Fast fashion is showing no signs of slowing and the textile waste mountain continues to grow. Is tech that predicts consumer demands the answer to ending the make-take-waste cycle?
The pursuit of “material wealth” has a complex relationship with overconsumption, especially clothing. And we live in a society where consumers are highly influenced by societal pressure and advertising; where the idea of having everything irrespective of need has led to a wasteful consumption culture....
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31/8/2023
The global coated fabrics market is projected to grow from $21.6 billion in 2022 to $29.79 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 4.1%. The growth of the market is driven by the increasing demand for coated fabrics in a variety of applications, such as protective clothing, furniture, roofing, and industrial applications.
Coated fabrics are treated with polymers and rubber to improve their properties, such as water resistance, UV resistance, and resistance to dirt and oil....
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28/8/2023
The latest projections from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the cotton market in the 2023/24 season indicate a 6% rise in global cotton mill use, reaching 116.9 million bales, the highest since 2020/21.
Notably, Pakistan and India are expected to drive this growth, with gains of 1.4 million and 1.0 million bales, respectively. As mill use is set to outpace production, global cotton ending stocks are projected to decrease by 2.7% (2.5 million bales) to 91.6 million bales....
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25/8/2023
The global plus size women's clothing market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.3% from 2023 to 2031. This growth is being driven by a number of factors, including the increasing number of overweight and obese women, the growing demand for fashionable plus size clothing, and the increasing availability of plus size clothing online.
The market is segmented by product type, age group, distribution channel, and region. The innerwear segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period, as there is a growing demand for comfortable and stylish innerwear for plus size women....
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25/8/2023
The women’s active wear promotional segment seems to be doing more harm than good with most women experiencing negative body image as they compare their own body shapes with fit and toned models in tight-fitting clothing on these websites. Most images are far from realistic as these photo-shopped body-focused marketing is used to attract attention and promote their products, ignoring the fact that women experience lower self-esteem and body shaming....
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25/8/2023
A report by GlobalData on global trends in the niche clothing sector suggests extending sizing across core ranges is preferable for shoppers, with 73.8% citing it would give them "greater choice."
The ‘Niche Clothing Trends in the Global Market‘ report by GlobalData states 71.1% out of the 2,000 surveyed feel that not enough retailers stock niche ranges. While 62.7% find it difficult to shop for niche clothing, with another 61.5% stating that they would like more retailers to provide styling advice for their size and shape....
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24/8/2023
Even as some companies redirect their attention to wholesale, direct to consumer mentions in apparel company filings continue to grow.
According to GlobalData’s analytics, mentions of “direct to consumer” (D2C) in apparel company filings increased threefold between 2019 and 2022.
The enthusiasm for direct to consumer apparel sales channels had appeared to be waning as several high-profile companies reported significant wholesale growth and interest....
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24/8/2023
A new research report by Advance Market Analytics titled "Insights into the Western Wear Market up to 2028" provides a comprehensive overview of the global western wear market. The report covers the market size, growth drivers, restraints, and opportunities, as well as profiles of key players.
The report estimates that the global western wear market will reach USD 82.8 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 4.6% from 2021 to 2027. The growth of the market is being driven by the increasing popularity of western wear clothing, driven by the rise of e-retailing....
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23/8/2023
With inflation easing across the UK, apparel shoppers are feeling a bit more positive. with 54% observed in a recent GlobalData survey expecting clothing prices to drop over the next six months.
Despite an expected price decrease for clothing as inflation eases, fewer people expect to be spending discretionary income on the category, according to the Retail Trend Tracker: Consumer Sentiment August report from GlobalData, which polled 2,000 consumers....
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22/8/2023
A recent survey found that over 80% of consumers in the UK, France, and Germany expect the economic downturn to last more than a year. In response, more than 90% of shoppers are changing their spending habits.
Specifically, consumers are spending less (54%), eating out less (49%), purchasing fewer non-essential items (51%), shopping with less expensive brands (44%) and limiting spending on clothing, footwear, and accessories (54%)...
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22/8/2023
The US government continues to curb the import of goods produced with alleged forced labour, however, a recent court ruling has criticised US Customs and Border Protection for detaining goods with "little to no information."
The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) continues to support the US government’s efforts to eliminate goods from the supply chain made from forced labour....
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22/8/2023
Non-profit British Fashion Council (BFC) has introduced an industry-wide audit to assess the industry's existing demographics and ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion exist throughout the UK fashion industry,
The British Fashion Council describes ‘The Fashion DEI [Diversity, Equality and Inclusion] Census’ as the “first of its kind” and says it aims to foster collective action and engagement across all levels of the industry....
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21/8/2023
Concerns over climate change are a hot topic for apparel company filings over the last year, beating both ESG and Covid, according to GlobalData
The climate crisis is arguably more notable than ever this summer with soaring temperatures being reported all over the globe and it’s putting the fashion industry’s contribution back into the spotlight....
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21/8/2023
As apparel brands reckon with ongoing claims of labour rights abuses, consumers are becoming more concerned about environmental and social issues within the fashion supply chain.
The apparel sector has responded to several worrying reports about human rights abuses in its supply chain and consumers are becoming more aware of the environmental and social issues at play when shopping, so the key question is – can apparel brands keep up?...
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21/8/2023
Overall imports fell by 4.2% from May and 16.7% from the previous year.
In June, imports of textiles and apparel experienced a decline following several consecutive months of growth. The combined volume of textile and apparel imports in June reached 8.43 billion square meter equivalents (SME), indicating a 4.2 percent drop from May and a significant 16.7 percent decline from the corresponding period of the previous year....
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21/8/2023
A new study suggests applying certain cutting and sewing methods during the fashion manufacturing process can significantly reduce the amount of microfibres released when the garments are washed.
The research paper ‘Impact of sewing on microfiber release from polyester fabric during laundry’ reveals that laser and ultrasonic cutting methods can reduce the microfibre release of garments by up to 20 times compared to using conventional scissor-cut edges....
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19/8/2023
The price of women's hosiery in the United States decreased by 1.5% in June 2023 to $488 per thousand pairs (CIF, US). This was the third consecutive month of decline, and the lowest price since October 2022.
The decline in prices was driven by a number of factors, including strengthening of the U.S. dollar against other currencies, which made imported hosiery more expensive, increased competition from domestic manufacturers and a decline in demand for hosiery, as more women opt for pants and other legwear....
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18/8/2023
UK Office of National Statistics (ONS) figures show average weekly online clothing sales hit a record high of £1.7bn in the first half of 2023.
Online sales in the UK increased in July 2023, despite overall retail sales falling by 2.6% as wet weather and the cost of living continue to trouble customers, according to the latest figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS).
Shoppers in the UK are increasingly choosing to shop online, with 27.4% of all retail sales in the country now taking place online in July 2023. This is the highest proportion since February 2022. The ONS says that 11p of every £1 spent online in the UK is now spent at textile, clothing and footwear retailers....
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16/8/2023
National Retail Federation (NRF) chief economist Jack Kleinhenz explains that retail sales had been slowing down, but July witnessed a revival thanks to “the special deal days orchestrated by several retailers”.
After a period of dwindling sales, the US retail sector witnessed a revival in July, powered by Amazon’s Prime Day, a flurry of enticing promotions from various brands, and an increase in wages, according to the NRF....
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15/8/2023
As the North Hemisphere swelters this August we're left knowing the fashion industry has the dubious honour of contributing to the planet's climate crisis, so what's next, asks Gherzi Textil Organisation partner Robert P. Antoshak.
The debate over climate change may have taken a turn this year as the North Hemisphere suffered through a brutally hot July. In fact, according to the United Nations, “July has already seen the hottest three-week period ever recorded; the three hottest days on record; and the highest-ever ocean temperatures for this time of year. The era of global warming has ended; the era of global boiling has arrived. Climate change is here. It is terrifying. And it is just the beginning,” reported the Washington Post....
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14/8/2023
The consumer price index for all US urban consumers (CPI-U) rose by 0.2 per cent in July this year on a seasonally-adjusted basis, the same increase as in June, according to the Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS).
Over the last 12 months, the all items index increased by 3.2 per cent before seasonal adjustment....
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14/8/2023
A US budget apparel retailer was on the look out for over 10 times more employees than its second closest rival in the apparel jobs ranking list for July 2023, according to GlobalData.
Data compiled by GlobalData suggests budget apparel retail is benefitting from the cost of living crisis and rising inflation in the US as Dollar General Corp, a US chain of variety stores that includes apparel looked to hire 61,272 employees as of 31 July 2023....
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11/8/2023
National Retail Federation (NRF) chief economist Jack Kleinhenz suggests US consumers are buying more than last year, but spending growth is slowing with a greater focus on purchasing services than apparel and other goods.
Kleinhenz explains the US economy was more resilient in the first half of the year than many expected, however he adds that consumers are still spending but are under financial pressure and have been adjusting how much they buy while also shifting from goods such as apparel to services....
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7/8/2023
Health and safety becomes increasingly important for apparel supply chain hiring between July 2022 and July 2023, according to GlobalData.
Data compiled by GlobalData suggests the importance of health and safety within apparel supply chain hiring has steadily increased from July 2022 to July 2023.
How is health and safety impacting apparel supply chain hiring
The health and safety theme remained in fourth place between this July and last July, sitting behind the global macro outlook in first place, US macro outlook in second place and social in third place....
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7/8/2023
New data reveals the number of US fashion brands and retailers sourcing from CAFTA-DR members grew substantially in 2023 and with the US set to introduce new trade policies the shift is likely to increase further.
Experts from the US fashion industry have predicted overseas apparel sourcing to dip in the near future, in part as a result of consumer confidence waning as inflation soars. But with the attention of apparel brands and retailers shifting from China when it comes to sourcing, there are some big opportunities for other apparel producer majors – particularly ones positioned closer to home turf....
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