Apparel industry outlook: Upcoming trends and market growth

November 3, 2023

Apparel industry outlook: Upcoming trends and market growth, Retail News, ET Retail

The apparel industry encompasses the design, production, and distribution of clothing, textiles and accessories. India is one of the largest producers of textiles in the world, its fashion and apparel industry is a vast and diverse industry that includes everything from high-end luxury brands to mass-market retailers.

As per CMAI’s research undertaken in 2019 across nearly 85,000 households spread over the entire country, the domestic consumption of apparel excluding women’s innerwear and winter clothing was to the tune of INR 5.30 lakh crores. Add to that the estimated consumption of women’s innerwear and winter wear of INR 1.50 lakh crores, and the size of the Indian apparel market would be INR 6.80 lakh crores.

The covid years of 2020 and 2021 saw a degrowth of nearly 25-30%. During these years online buying saw significant growth.

However, 2022 saw a revival with consumers going back to the physical stores and markets, and the year 2022-23 is estimated to have grown by between 15-20%.

Key industry trends for the upcoming season

The apparel industry is a dynamic and ever-evolving sector, influenced by factors like consumer behaviour, economic trends, social changes, and technological advancements. These trends reflect the evolving needs and preferences of consumers, as well as the industry’s response to environmental and social challenges.

Sustainability and ethical fashion: There will be a growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly fashion. Consumers are increasingly concerned about the environmental and social impact of the apparel industry. This will lead them to seek sustainable and ethically produced clothing made from eco-friendly materials, such as organic cotton, recycled fabrics, and other innovative alternatives. There will be a notable push from Consumers to Brands to adopt a transparent supply chain, reduce waste, and implement fair labour practices to meet the demand.

Embracing sustainability in processes is crucial for individuals and businesses to reduce their environmental impact and foster a more sustainable future. Sustainable processes aim to minimize negative environmental, social, and economic impacts while promoting long-term well-being and resilience.

Regional brands expanding nationally: Expanding from a regional clothing brand to a national one in the apparel industry can be a significant step for a company’s growth and success. Regional brands are now seeing the value in going national with careful planning, a deep understanding of the target market, and a commitment to delivering quality products and experiences. With the right strategies and a focus on meeting customer needs, regional clothing brands can successfully establish a national presence in the apparel industry.

The rise Of D2C brands: The emergence of Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) brands in the apparel industry has been a significant trend over the past decade. D2C brands sell their products directly to consumers without relying on intermediaries like wholesalers, retailers, or distributors.

With the rise of digitalisation and e-commerce D2C brands have found a fertile ground to flourish and transform the Indian apparel industry. D2C brands offer competitive pricing, superior customer experience, and personalized products and services tailored to the customer’s needs.

Making a mark on the global stage: Indian apparel brands going overseas is a notable trend that reflects the global recognition of Indian fashion and the expansion of Indian garment businesses beyond national borders. In the last few years, several Indian apparel brands have successfully ventured into international markets, gaining popularity and establishing a global presence and this trend only looks to be on the rise.

Indian fashion, with its rich heritage, unique designs, and craftsmanship, has gained global recognition. There is now an increased demand by international consumers for Indian clothing and aesthetics.

The social media effect: Social media has had a significant impact on fashion sensibilities, especially in tier 2 and 3 cities in India, influencing the clothing preferences of both women and men. People in tier 2 and 3 cities can now easily access a wide range of fashion content from influencers, bloggers, and celebrities via Instagram, and Facebook. This exposure has led to an increased desire to experiment with different styles.

Influencers on social media showcase various western wear styles and demonstrate how to incorporate them into everyday or special occasion looks. The latest trend influencers are keeping up with is more westernised attire for women. This resonates with audiences from diverse backgrounds, encouraging them to follow in the footsteps of these influencers.

Also, via endorsements multiple male celebrities are bringing forth the trend of wearing traditional ethnic wear for occasions and weddings. This trend is further gaining traction with consumers both in big cities and in tier 2 and 3 cities.

Textile manufacturers entering the garment market: Textile manufacturers expanding to garment manufacturing is a strategic move that is enabling companies to diversify their operations and capture more value in the supply chain. By venturing into garment manufacturing, textile companies can transform their raw materials into finished products, enabling them to cater directly to the fashion industry and end consumers.

Future of the Industry

The future of the apparel industry will be shaped by several other factors, such as:

The growth of emerging markets: Emerging markets, such as India, are expected to drive growth in the global apparel industry in the coming years. Due to its large and growing middle class, it leads to an increase in demand for apparel.

The rise of new technologies: New technologies, such as 3D printing and artificial intelligence, are expected to have a major impact on the apparel industry. These technologies could revolutionize the way apparel is designed, manufactured, and distributed.

The future of the apparel industry is full of possibilities – but not without its challenges. On one hand, Brands which cannot keep pace with the changes and evolution taking place in the Socio-Economic environment will face trauma, crisis, and closure. On the other hand, Brands that can adapt to the changing landscape and meet the needs of consumers will be well-positioned to succeed.

(DISCLAIMER: The views expressed are solely of the author and ETRetail.com does not necessarily subscribe to it. ETRetail.com shall not be responsible for any damage caused to any person/organization directly or indirectly.)

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As per CMAI’s research undertaken in 2019 across nearly 85,000 households spread over the entire country, the domestic consumption of apparel excluding women’s innerwear and winter clothing was to the tune of INR 5.30 lakh crores. Add to that the estimated consumption of women’s innerwear and winter wear of INR 1.50 lakh crores, and the size of the Indian apparel market would be INR 6.80 lakh crores.

Rahul Mehta

  • Published On Nov 3, 2023 at 01:37 PM IST

The apparel industry encompasses the design, production, and distribution of clothing, textiles and accessories. India is one of the largest producers of textiles in the world, its fashion and apparel industry is a vast and diverse industry that includes everything from high-end luxury brands to mass-market retailers.

As per CMAI’s research undertaken in 2019 across nearly 85,000 households spread over the entire country, the domestic consumption of apparel excluding women’s innerwear and winter clothing was to the tune of INR 5.30 lakh crores. Add to that the estimated consumption of women’s innerwear and winter wear of INR 1.50 lakh crores, and the size of the Indian apparel market would be INR 6.80 lakh crores.

The covid years of 2020 and 2021 saw a degrowth of nearly 25-30%. During these years online buying saw significant growth.

However, 2022 saw a revival with consumers going back to the physical stores and markets, and the year 2022-23 is estimated to have grown by between 15-20%.

Key industry trends for the upcoming season

The apparel industry is a dynamic and ever-evolving sector, influenced by factors like consumer behaviour, economic trends, social changes, and technological advancements. These trends reflect the evolving needs and preferences of consumers, as well as the industry’s response to environmental and social challenges.

Sustainability and ethical fashion: There will be a growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly fashion. Consumers are increasingly concerned about the environmental and social impact of the apparel industry. This will lead them to seek sustainable and ethically produced clothing made from eco-friendly materials, such as organic cotton, recycled fabrics, and other innovative alternatives. There will be a notable push from Consumers to Brands to adopt a transparent supply chain, reduce waste, and implement fair labour practices to meet the demand.

Embracing sustainability in processes is crucial for individuals and businesses to reduce their environmental impact and foster a more sustainable future. Sustainable processes aim to minimize negative environmental, social, and economic impacts while promoting long-term well-being and resilience.

Regional brands expanding nationally: Expanding from a regional clothing brand to a national one in the apparel industry can be a significant step for a company’s growth and success. Regional brands are now seeing the value in going national with careful planning, a deep understanding of the target market, and a commitment to delivering quality products and experiences. With the right strategies and a focus on meeting customer needs, regional clothing brands can successfully establish a national presence in the apparel industry.

The rise Of D2C brands: The emergence of Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) brands in the apparel industry has been a significant trend over the past decade. D2C brands sell their products directly to consumers without relying on intermediaries like wholesalers, retailers, or distributors.

With the rise of digitalisation and e-commerce D2C brands have found a fertile ground to flourish and transform the Indian apparel industry. D2C brands offer competitive pricing, superior customer experience, and personalized products and services tailored to the customer’s needs.

Making a mark on the global stage: Indian apparel brands going overseas is a notable trend that reflects the global recognition of Indian fashion and the expansion of Indian garment businesses beyond national borders. In the last few years, several Indian apparel brands have successfully ventured into international markets, gaining popularity and establishing a global presence and this trend only looks to be on the rise.

Indian fashion, with its rich heritage, unique designs, and craftsmanship, has gained global recognition. There is now an increased demand by international consumers for Indian clothing and aesthetics.

The social media effect: Social media has had a significant impact on fashion sensibilities, especially in tier 2 and 3 cities in India, influencing the clothing preferences of both women and men. People in tier 2 and 3 cities can now easily access a wide range of fashion content from influencers, bloggers, and celebrities via Instagram, and Facebook. This exposure has led to an increased desire to experiment with different styles.

Influencers on social media showcase various western wear styles and demonstrate how to incorporate them into everyday or special occasion looks. The latest trend influencers are keeping up with is more westernised attire for women. This resonates with audiences from diverse backgrounds, encouraging them to follow in the footsteps of these influencers.

Also, via endorsements multiple male celebrities are bringing forth the trend of wearing traditional ethnic wear for occasions and weddings. This trend is further gaining traction with consumers both in big cities and in tier 2 and 3 cities.

Textile manufacturers entering the garment market: Textile manufacturers expanding to garment manufacturing is a strategic move that is enabling companies to diversify their operations and capture more value in the supply chain. By venturing into garment manufacturing, textile companies can transform their raw materials into finished products, enabling them to cater directly to the fashion industry and end consumers.

Future of the Industry

The future of the apparel industry will be shaped by several other factors, such as:

The growth of emerging markets: Emerging markets, such as India, are expected to drive growth in the global apparel industry in the coming years. Due to its large and growing middle class, it leads to an increase in demand for apparel.

The rise of new technologies: New technologies, such as 3D printing and artificial intelligence, are expected to have a major impact on the apparel industry. These technologies could revolutionize the way apparel is designed, manufactured, and distributed.

The future of the apparel industry is full of possibilities – but not without its challenges. On one hand, Brands which cannot keep pace with the changes and evolution taking place in the Socio-Economic environment will face trauma, crisis, and closure. On the other hand, Brands that can adapt to the changing landscape and meet the needs of consumers will be well-positioned to succeed.

(DISCLAIMER: The views expressed are solely of the author and ETRetail.com does not necessarily subscribe to it. ETRetail.com shall not be responsible for any damage caused to any person/organization directly or indirectly.)

  • Published On Nov 3, 2023 at 01:37 PM IST

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The apparel industry encompasses the design, production, and distribution of clothing, textiles and accessories. India is one of the largest producers of textiles in the world, its fashion and apparel industry is a vast and diverse industry that includes everything from high-end luxury brands to mass-market retailers.

As per CMAI’s research undertaken in 2019 across nearly 85,000 households spread over the entire country, the domestic consumption of apparel excluding women’s innerwear and winter clothing was to the tune of INR 5.30 lakh crores. Add to that the estimated consumption of women’s innerwear and winter wear of INR 1.50 lakh crores, and the size of the Indian apparel market would be INR 6.80 lakh crores.

The covid years of 2020 and 2021 saw a degrowth of nearly 25-30%. During these years online buying saw significant growth.

However, 2022 saw a revival with consumers going back to the physical stores and markets, and the year 2022-23 is estimated to have grown by between 15-20%.

Key industry trends for the upcoming season

The apparel industry is a dynamic and ever-evolving sector, influenced by factors like consumer behaviour, economic trends, social changes, and technological advancements. These trends reflect the evolving needs and preferences of consumers, as well as the industry’s response to environmental and social challenges.

Sustainability and ethical fashion: There will be a growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly fashion. Consumers are increasingly concerned about the environmental and social impact of the apparel industry. This will lead them to seek sustainable and ethically produced clothing made from eco-friendly materials, such as organic cotton, recycled fabrics, and other innovative alternatives. There will be a notable push from Consumers to Brands to adopt a transparent supply chain, reduce waste, and implement fair labour practices to meet the demand.

Embracing sustainability in processes is crucial for individuals and businesses to reduce their environmental impact and foster a more sustainable future. Sustainable processes aim to minimize negative environmental, social, and economic impacts while promoting long-term well-being and resilience.

Regional brands expanding nationally: Expanding from a regional clothing brand to a national one in the apparel industry can be a significant step for a company’s growth and success. Regional brands are now seeing the value in going national with careful planning, a deep understanding of the target market, and a commitment to delivering quality products and experiences. With the right strategies and a focus on meeting customer needs, regional clothing brands can successfully establish a national presence in the apparel industry.

The rise Of D2C brands: The emergence of Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) brands in the apparel industry has been a significant trend over the past decade. D2C brands sell their products directly to consumers without relying on intermediaries like wholesalers, retailers, or distributors.

With the rise of digitalisation and e-commerce D2C brands have found a fertile ground to flourish and transform the Indian apparel industry. D2C brands offer competitive pricing, superior customer experience, and personalized products and services tailored to the customer’s needs.

Making a mark on the global stage: Indian apparel brands going overseas is a notable trend that reflects the global recognition of Indian fashion and the expansion of Indian garment businesses beyond national borders. In the last few years, several Indian apparel brands have successfully ventured into international markets, gaining popularity and establishing a global presence and this trend only looks to be on the rise.

Indian fashion, with its rich heritage, unique designs, and craftsmanship, has gained global recognition. There is now an increased demand by international consumers for Indian clothing and aesthetics.

The social media effect: Social media has had a significant impact on fashion sensibilities, especially in tier 2 and 3 cities in India, influencing the clothing preferences of both women and men. People in tier 2 and 3 cities can now easily access a wide range of fashion content from influencers, bloggers, and celebrities via Instagram, and Facebook. This exposure has led to an increased desire to experiment with different styles.

Influencers on social media showcase various western wear styles and demonstrate how to incorporate them into everyday or special occasion looks. The latest trend influencers are keeping up with is more westernised attire for women. This resonates with audiences from diverse backgrounds, encouraging them to follow in the footsteps of these influencers.

Also, via endorsements multiple male celebrities are bringing forth the trend of wearing traditional ethnic wear for occasions and weddings. This trend is further gaining traction with consumers both in big cities and in tier 2 and 3 cities.

Textile manufacturers entering the garment market: Textile manufacturers expanding to garment manufacturing is a strategic move that is enabling companies to diversify their operations and capture more value in the supply chain. By venturing into garment manufacturing, textile companies can transform their raw materials into finished products, enabling them to cater directly to the fashion industry and end consumers.

Future of the Industry

The future of the apparel industry will be shaped by several other factors, such as:

The growth of emerging markets: Emerging markets, such as India, are expected to drive growth in the global apparel industry in the coming years. Due to its large and growing middle class, it leads to an increase in demand for apparel.

The rise of new technologies: New technologies, such as 3D printing and artificial intelligence, are expected to have a major impact on the apparel industry. These technologies could revolutionize the way apparel is designed, manufactured, and distributed.

The future of the apparel industry is full of possibilities – but not without its challenges. On one hand, Brands which cannot keep pace with the changes and evolution taking place in the Socio-Economic environment will face trauma, crisis, and closure. On the other hand, Brands that can adapt to the changing landscape and meet the needs of consumers will be well-positioned to succeed.

(DISCLAIMER: The views expressed are solely of the author and ETRetail.com does not necessarily subscribe to it. ETRetail.com shall not be responsible for any damage caused to any person/organization directly or indirectly.)

“,”next_sibling”:[{“msid”:104495566,”title”:”Sustaining momentum: Strategies for FMCG companies to maintain high volumes beyond Q2 FY23″,”entity_type”:”ARTICLE”,”link”:”/blog/sustaining-momentum-strategies-for-fmcg-companies-to-maintain-high-volumes-beyond-q2-fy23/104495566″,”category_name”:null,”category_name_seo”:”blog”}],”related_content”:[],”seoschemas”:false,”msid”:104937549,”entity_type”:”ARTICLE”,”title”:”Apparel industry outlook: Upcoming trends and market growth”,”synopsis”:”As per CMAIu2019s research undertaken in 2019 across nearly 85,000 households spread over the entire country, the domestic consumption of apparel excluding womenu2019s innerwear and winter clothing was to the tune of INR 5.30 lakh crores. Add to that the estimated consumption of womenu2019s innerwear and winter wear of INR 1.50 lakh crores, and the size of the Indian apparel market would be INR 6.80 lakh crores.”,”titleseo”:”blog/apparel-industry-outlook-upcoming-trends-and-market-growth”,”status”:”ACTIVE”,”authors”:[{“author_name”:”Rahul Mehta”,”author_link”:”/author/479263220/rahul-mehta”,”author_image”:”https://etimg.etb2bimg.com/authorthumb/479263220.cms?width=250&height=250&imgsize=704630″,”author_additional”:{“thumbsize”:true,”msid”:479263220,”author_name”:”Rahul Mehta”,”author_seo_name”:”rahul-mehta”,”designation”:”Chief Mentor”,”agency”:false}}],”Alttitle”:{“minfo”:””},”artag”:”ETRetail”,”artdate”:”2023-11-03 13:37:10″,”lastupd”:”2023-11-03 13:37:10″,”breadcrumbTags”:[“apparel”,”textiles”,”clothing manufacturers”,”sustainability”,”textile industry”,”regional brands”],”secinfo”:{“seolocation”:”blog/apparel-industry-outlook-upcoming-trends-and-market-growth”}}” data-news_link=”https://retail.economictimes.indiatimes.com/blog/apparel-industry-outlook-upcoming-trends-and-market-growth/104937549″>

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