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The global apparel industry, often a reliable barometer of consumer confidence and trade health, is passing through a delicate recalibration. The June 2025 update of ‘Apparel trade scenario in key global markets and India’ from Wazir Advisors doesn’t just present numbers—it tells a story of shifting gears, stubborn resilience, and subtle pivots in the world’s wardrobes. While imports and exports increase, retail narratives in some major economies hint at deeper consumer moods, platform fatigue, and structural change.
West’s import appetite returns
April 2025 brought a visible hunger for fashion back to the fore in developed economies. In the US, apparel imports climbed to $6.2 billion, a 9 per cent year-on-year (YoY) increase. Retailers, perhaps bracing for a summer resurgence, or simply replenishing post-holiday inventories, seemed ready to restock.
But it was Europe that truly led the resurgence. The EU posted 26 per cent YoY growth, hitting $7.8 billion in apparel imports—a clear sign that the bloc’s fashion sector is powering back with force. The UK, not far behind, logged $1.8 billion, marking a 13 per cent rise that may reflect early signs of consumer thaw post a challenging winter.
Even Japan, traditionally conservative in retail behavior, registered $2.1 billion in apparel imports—a 17 per cent YoY increase. It seems like from Tokyo to Berlin, shop floors and online carts were restocking with new collections and consumer hope.
Asia’s export engines steady and strong
While the West bought more, Asia continued to produce—relentlessly, and in some cases, spectacularly.
China, still the world’s largest garment manufacturer, posted $13.1 billion in exports in May 2025—a modest 5 per cent YoY growth. While that may seem subdued, it reflects quiet dominance in a climate of shifting sourcing preferences and global supply chain recalibrations.
More dynamic was Vietnam, moving ahead with $3.1 billion in apparel exports—up 19 per cent YoY. Its lean manufacturing model, trade alliances, and rising productivity seem to be positioning it as a preferred alternative to China.
Bangladesh, known for its mass-market efficiency, held its ground with $3.9 billion in exports, a healthy 11 per cent growth. And India, steadily expanding its global apparel footprint, notched $1.5 billion, up 7 per cent YoY. Not dramatic, but steady—as if laying the foundation for bigger moves.
Bright spots in retail recovery
If trade numbers suggested movement and momentum, retail data offered a more grounded—and in some cases, sobering—view of the consumer endgame.
In the US, apparel store sales in May 2025 inched up just 1 per cent from the year before. While that’s still positive territory, it suggests hesitation or perhaps a shift in spending toward other categories. Even more telling: online clothing sales were down 6 per cent in Q1 2025 compared to Q1 2024. In fact, for last several quarters, several major retailers in the US including Walmart, Target, VF Corp, Gap among others have reported lower inventory levels compared to same period in the previous year Could this be digital fatigue or just consumers adjusting their wardrobes after years of online splurges?
The UK, grappling with economic uncertainty, didn’t fare well. May’s apparel store sales dropped 3 per cent YoY, landing at £3.6 billion—a reflection, perhaps, of high inflation and cautious wallets.
By contrast, India continued to show domestic strength. April 2025 saw a 5 per cent YoY growth in apparel retail—buoyed by rising urban disposable income, lifestyle shifts, and deeper retail penetration into smaller cities. The pulse of Indian consumers remains optimistic, and their closets are expanding.
Macroeconomic undercurrents, the US paradox
Zooming out, the broader US macroeconomic climate added complexity to the narrative. Inflation in May rose to 2.4 per cent, a factor that typically cools spending. But strangely, consumer confidence jumped to 98.0 from 86.0 in April—a sign that sentiment might be outrunning numbers.
This divergence paints a curious picture: consumers feeling better, even as price pressures linger. For apparel brands and retailers, it means strategizing around perception as much as reality.
A story still being sewn
Wazir Advisors' June 2025 report reveals a global industry at a point of delicate transition. The data is clear—trade is picking up, Asia remains the backbone, and consumer behavior is cautiously optimistic in some markets while cooling in others.
But the real story lies between the lines: of shifting sourcing allegiances, digital retail fatigue, and an increasingly segmented global consumer base. The apparel industry, like the garments it produces, is constantly being reshaped—by taste, by economics, and by time.
As the threads tighten and loosen across markets, one thing is certain: fashion remains both mirror and motor of global change.
A UK-based biotechnology company, Colorifix has secured an $18 million investment, with Inter IKEA leading the funding round. This significant capital injection is set to propel Colorifix's commercial expansion across the global market, particularly in Europe and Asia. A pioneer in developing the world's first biological textile dyeing process, Colorfix aims to boost its production capacity and strengthen commercial engagements with major brands and textile manufacturers worldwide.
A core part of Colorifix's strategy involves utilizing this new funding to further develop its proprietary bio-processes and microorganisms for creating colors. With ongoing support from the H&M Group, Colorifix employs engineered microorganisms to deposit colors directly onto fabric. This innovative method drastically reduces the need for harsh chemicals, resulting in substantial savings in water and energy—a critical advancement for an industry known for its environmental footprint.
Emphasizing on the importance of this investment, Orr Yarkoni, CEO, Colorifix, calls it a ‘critical milestone.’ The funding shifts Colorifix's narrative from simply proving its technology to delivering it at an industrial scale, he states. The combined investment from Inter IKEA and continued backing from H&M will be instrumental in introducing their biology-based dyeing solution across global supply chains, Yarkoni further highlights This technology is specifically designed to eliminate the reliance on petrochemicals in dyeing production, offering a truly sustainable alternative, he adds.
Since its last funding round in 2022, Colorifix has made considerable progress in establishing its dyeing technology across various countries. The company currently operates in Europe and Latin America, with licenses already granted to customers onboarding from India and Sri Lanka. Beyond the fashion industry, which remains its primary focus, Colorifix has also secured partnership agreements with key players in the cosmetic and homeware sectors, further diversifying its reach and impact.
India has extended the export obligation period for imports of viscose staple fiber (VSF) exempted from the Quality Control Order (QCO). The new period is now 18 months, a move that comes after persistent demands from the country's textile industry. This decision is expected to significantly ease the burden on exporters who import QCO-exempted VSF and are required to re-export it as finished goods. The Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) has publicly welcomed the government's announcement.
According to industry sources, the government has permitted Export Oriented Units (EOUs), Special Economic Zone (SEZ) units, and Advance Authorization holders to import VSF without needing to adhere to the QCO, provided they meet specific pre-import conditions. Under the standard Advance Authorization scheme, exporters are typically granted an 18-month window to re-export raw materials imported duty-free. While this 18-month timeline was initially applied to QCO-exempted VSF imports, it was later shortened to just 180 days.
Exporters had consistently appealed to the government to reinstate the original 18-month period, citing operational challenges. Responding to these appeals, the government has now agreed to restore the extended timeline, providing much-needed flexibility to the textile sector.
Türkiye's premier exhibition for apparel and ready-to-wear technologies, Garment Tech Istanbul welcomed an unprecedented number of visitors from 82 countries. The event features 249 companies and their representatives, establishing itself as a crucial meeting point for the global garment industry. Over four days, the exhibition in Istanbul will serve as a platform to showcase innovations, forge international collaborations, and illuminate the future of apparel production.
The opening ceremony for the Garment Tech Istanbul Garment, Embroidery Machines, Spare Parts, and Sub-Industry Exhibition was held at the Istanbul Fair Center. Organized by Teknik Fuarcılık AŞ in collaboration with the Apparel Automation Machinery Manufacturers Association (KOMID), the event attracted numerous sectoral associations, union and chamber presidents, along with top executives from both local and international companies and members of the press.
Spanning five halls this year, Garment Tech Istanbul brings together Türkiye’s leading garment machinery manufacturers and globally renowned brands. The exhibition presents a comprehensive array of products and solutions covering every stage of garment production. Its wide product range includes everything from advanced sewing machines and automated cutting systems to ironing and packaging solutions, and cutting-edge digital printing systems.
This year's event is particularly significant for its display of many innovative technologies making their debut. These highlights promise to inject fresh energy into the sector, featuring advancements such as AI-optimized production systems, cloud-based remote access and inventory control solutions, and fully automated fabric cutting and sewing systems. These innovations underscore the industry’s shift towards more efficient, intelligent, and interconnected manufacturing processes.
Beyond being a product showcase, Garment Tech Istanbul is designed to be a dynamic platform for establishing new business partnerships. Over the four-day event, international investors, manufacturers, suppliers, and brand representatives will have dedicated opportunities for one-on-one meetings. These interactions are expected to facilitate the formation of long-term business relationships and generate significant machine sales and partnerships, thereby contributing to the growth of both Türkiye’s economy and global trade volumes. The exhibition truly embodies its role as a nexus for the future of garment technology.
South Korea's retail industry experienced a robust 7.0 per cent Y-o-Y in May 2025, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE). This overall expansion was primarily fueled by a significant rise in online sales, which increased by 13.0 per cent, while offline sales saw a modest gain of 0.9 per cent.
MOTIE's monthly retail sales data is compiled from surveys of 23 major retailers. This includes 13 brick-and-mortar retailers—comprising three department store chains, three hypermarket chains, three convenience store chains, and four super supermarket (SSM) operators—along with 10 prominent online retailers.
Offline retail channels showed varied performance. Hypermarkets and department stores recorded growth for the first time since the Seollal holiday season in January. This positive shift was attributed to increased sales of high-priced items and higher revenue per customer visit. Meanwhile, convenience stores saw a slight dip of 0.2 per cent, but SSM operators continued their upward trend for the third consecutive month, growing by 1.0 per cent due to a steady increase in visitors.
By category, offline sales expanded in essential areas like luxury goods which increased by up 8.1 per cent. However, several categories such as fashion experienced continued slowdowns
Online sales maintained strong momentum. The services category increased by an impressive 37.3 per cent, driven by demand for food deliveries, e-coupons, travel packages, and cultural goods.. However, similar to offline trends, online fashion/clothing declined by 4.6 per cent This data highlights a clear consumer preference for convenience and high-value purchases in the online space, while certain discretionary categories face headwinds across both channels.
The company that formerly operated Forever 21's US stores, F21 OpCo, has received court approval for a plan to partially repay its vendors and other creditors who were facing significant losses in the retailer's bankruptcy proceedings. This approved plan includes a crucial settlement with lenders and the former Forever 21 parent company, Sparc Group, designed to increase the recovery for unsecured creditors.
Operator of fashion brands including Aeropostale and previously Forever 21, Sparc Group, agreed to completely waive a substantial $323 million claim. This waiver is pivotal because that claim would have severely diluted any funds available to unsecured creditors, potentially leaving them with mere pennies on the dollar. Under the newly approved agreement, unsecured creditors will now receive 70 per cent of any net proceeds F21 OpCo obtains during its liquidation.
F21 OpCo filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in March of this year. This filing occurred just two months after Sparc Group announced its merger with JCPenney, forming a new combined entity.
A committee representing the unsecured creditors in the bankruptcy case stated that it had thoroughly investigated the Sparc transaction. In a court filing from June 11, the committee explained its decision to opt for the settlement approved this week. Their investigation concluded that they did not uncover any potential legal claims that would ‘materially improve recoveries for general unsecured creditors’ beyond what the settlement offered.
Earlier reports from Bloomberg News indicated, some vendors to F21 OpCo claimed that F21 OpCo had requested discounts on orders and accepted shipments shortly before filing for bankruptcy, allegedly without disclosing its impending reorganization plans. This current settlement aims to bring some resolution to these various claims and concerns within the bankruptcy framework.
In the global textile manufacturing market, where countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam leverage preferential trade agreements (FTAs) to dominate export markets, India's Tiruppur stands as a remarkable anomaly. Dubbed the ‘Knitwear Capital of India’ this unassuming city in Tamil Nadu has, against all odds, transformed itself into a global manufacturing powerhouse, demonstrating an astonishing trajectory of growth and resilience.
From a modest $1.21 million in 1985 (Rs 15 crore), Tiruppur's textile exports are confirmed to have risen to over $4.71 billion (Rs 40,000 crore) in fiscal year 2024-25, almost 2,667-fold increase and a consistent 22 per cent CAGR over four decades. This phenomenal success story is not just about numbers; it's about an unparalleled ecosystem, a dedicated workforce, and a strategic vision that has allowed Tiruppur to carve out a significant niche on the world stage.
A self-contained ecosystem of efficiency
One of Tiruppur's most formidable strengths lies in its integrated industrial ecosystem. Boasting an estimated 28,000 manufacturing units, the city covers every stage of the textile value chain within its own geographical confines. From knitting and dyeing to printing, embroidery, and final garmenting, the entire process is meticulously managed within Tiruppur. This vertical integration drastically reduces lead times, cuts logistical costs, and allows for unparalleled quality control and flexibility – factors that are highly prized by global brands.
"The ability to control every aspect of production under one roof gives us a significant edge," explains A Sakthivel, President, Tiruppur Exporters' Association (TEA), a collective representing 1,400 exporters. "We can respond quickly to changing fashion trends and deliver orders with remarkable efficiency, even for complex designs and large volumes."
Dominating India's knitwear exports
Tiruppur's influence extends far beyond its export figures. In FY25, the city is projected to account for an astounding 90 per cent of India's total cotton knitwear exports and contribute a significant 55 per cent to the nation's overall knitwear exports. This dominance is not limited to international markets; Tiruppur also supplies apparel worth a staggering $3.18 billion (Rs 27,000 crore) for domestic consumption, cementing its role as a cornerstone of India's textile industry.
Empowered workforce
The economic ripple effect of Tiruppur's growth is profound. The industry directly employs 6 lakh people and indirectly supports another 2 lakh workers. What's particularly noteworthy is that 65 per cent of this direct workforce comprises semi-literate women workers from rural areas. Tiruppur has become a beacon of economic empowerment for these women, providing them with stable employment, skill development, and improved livelihoods. The industry's focus on inclusive growth has contributed significantly to social upliftment in the region.
Competing without the crutch of FTAs
Tiruppur's success story becomes even more compelling when considering the competitive landscape. Unlike major textile exporting nations such as Bangladesh and Vietnam, which benefit from extensive Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with key markets like the European Union and the United States, India often faces tariffs on its textile exports. Despite this disadvantage, Tiruppur has consistently demonstrated robust growth.
"We are growing at a rate of 15-18 per cent annually, and in FY25, Tiruppur's exports will cross $4.71 billion," states Sakthivel with confidence. This growth is a testament to the industry's ability to offer compelling value propositions beyond just price.
Global brands take notice
The quality, reliability, and efficiency offered by Tiruppur manufacturers have not gone unnoticed by global giants. Leading apparel brands such as Walmart, Primark, Tesco, Marks & Spencer, Warner Bros, and Tommy Hilfiger are actively placing fresh and substantial orders with Tiruppur units. The city exports approximately 35 per cent of its production to the European Union, another 35 per cent to the US, and around 10 per cent to the Middle East and Canada, underscoring its broad international appeal.
Table: Knitwear export performance, Tiruppur vs. regional competitors (select years)
|
Year (fiscal/calendar) |
Tiruppur exports ($ bn) |
Bangladesh knitwear exports ($ bn) |
Vietnam knitwear exports ($ bn) |
|
2010-11 (FY) |
~2.6 |
~7.0 (2010 C.Y.) |
~5.5 (2010 C.Y.) |
|
2015-16 (FY) |
~3.4 |
~13.0 (2015 C.Y.) |
~8.0 (2015 C.Y.) |
|
2020-21 (FY) |
~3.58 |
~23.2 (FY2021-22) |
~11.0 (2023 C.Y.) |
|
2024-25 (FY) |
>4.71 |
(Data pending for FY25) |
(Data pending for 2024/25) |
Resilience and innovation
There are numerous success stories within Tiruppur. For instance, many units have invested heavily in sustainable manufacturing practices, including zero-liquid discharge (ZLD) dyeing units and renewable energy sources, addressing growing environmental concerns of international buyers. This proactive approach to sustainability, often without direct government mandates, further enhances their appeal to ethically conscious brands.
Moreover, several companies have embraced technological advancements, integrating automation in various stages of production and adopting enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems to streamline operations and enhance efficiency. This continuous drive for innovation ensures that Tiruppur remains at the cutting edge of manufacturing capabilities.
What lies ahead…
While Tiruppur's journey has been extraordinary, challenges remain. The lack of FTAs continues to be a hurdle, putting Indian exporters at a tariff disadvantage. Additionally, rising labor costs and the need for continuous skill upgradation are ongoing concerns. However, the industry's historical ability to adapt and innovate suggests that Tiruppur is well-positioned to navigate these challenges.
The ‘Knitwear Capital of India’ is not just a regional success story; it's a powerful demonstration of how a focused industrial cluster, driven by entrepreneurship, innovation, and a dedicated workforce, can compete and thrive on the global stage, even without the preferential treatment enjoyed by its rivals. Tiruppur's journey serves as an inspiring blueprint for other aspiring manufacturing hubs, proving that homegrown excellence can indeed conquer global markets.
British menswear label Drake’s has teamed up with sports-casual brand New Balance for a unique collaboration, reimagining New Balance’s recently launched Made in UK Allerdale shoe.
The reworked Allerdale features brown leather and pigskin, a FuelCell-equipped cup sole, and an Ortholite insole. It is designed like a Japanese nylon ripstop tongue with an an embroidered flying NB logo, and distinctive D-ring lacing. The shoe is available with three pairs of paracord-inspired laces, designed to channel the UK's legacy of country pursuits and craftsmanship.
Michael Hill, Creative Director, Drake, terms the collaboration as ‘natural fit.’ It aims to embrace the vintage feel of the Allerdale with the addition of brown leather, green suede, and a jolt of orange paracord with the laces. These are colors and materials that the brand often incorporates into Drake’s collections, he adds.
Drake and New Balance have also developed a limited edition apparel collection to coincide with the launch. This collection highlights the British outdoors and includes several Drake’s staples.
Key pieces feature an unstructured Games blazer and matching fatigue trousers in waxed herringbone cotton, a packable shirt, a cagoule, and a utility vest in ripstop nylon. The collection also offers hiking shorts, button-down shirts, graphic T-shirts, knitted ties, and a tote bag crafted from fabrics used throughout the collection.
To promote the collaboration, the brand has launched a campaign film starring actor and comedian Charlie Cooper, who road-tests the Allerdale shoe and the limited-edition apparel in the picturesque Lake District.
A global leader in digital imaging and printing technologies, Epson has launched Monna Lisa ML-18000, the latest addition to its flagship series of digital textile printers.
Engineered for high-volume production, the ML-18000 delivers unparalleled performance with exceptional print speed, enhanced color depth, and sustainable features, making it a powerful solution for the evolving textile and fashion printing industries.
At its core, the ML-18000 features 18 Epson PrecisionCore® Micro TFP printheads, enabling production speeds up to 252 sqm/h in 2-pass mode (600 x 600 dpi) while maintaining outstanding print quality. Its double black ink configuration significantly improves black density, delivering deep, rich tones at high speeds, ideal for fashion, home décor, and soft signage.
Compared to its predecessor, the Monna Lisa ML-16000, the ML-18000 uses a higher proportion of black ink for improved optical density and greater cost-efficiency, especially for dark and monochromatic designs.
In line with Epson’s commitment to sustainability, the ML-18000 incorporates an Integrated Water Recycling Unit. This system conserves valuable water by filtering and recycling water used in belt cleaning processes, ensuring maximum recycling efficiency and compliance with local wastewater regulations. This compact, efficient system reduces water consumption and minimizes environmental impact, making it an ideal solution for eco-conscious production.
The ML-18000 integrates Epson’s advanced Precision Dot Technologies, including microweave and lookup table technologies to reduce banding and graininess, and multi-layer halftone technology for smoother gradations. Features like symmetrical color alignment, accurate belt position control, and Epson Edge Print PRO X (genuine Epson RIP software supporting Adobe PDF Print Engine) guarantee high-speed, high-quality output with exceptional detail.
Built for non-stop operation, the ML-18000 features a dual 10-liter ink system, high-efficiency cleaning mechanisms, and automated maintenance tools like auto nozzle verification and ink mist extraction. It utilizes Epson Genesta Reactive Inks, which are ECO PASSPORT certified and GOTS-approved, ensuring brilliant color reproduction with minimal environmental impact.
The printer is also supported by Epson Cloud Solution PorMonna Lisa ML-18000 ist, allowing remote monitoring for maximized productivity and faster service resolution.
The ML-18000 is ideal for high-quality prints on various fabrics, including silk, cotton, polyester, and blends, making it suitable for haute couture, fast fashion, home textiles, and sportswear.
With double black ink technology, an integrated water recycling system, and a robust Epson ecosystem, the Monna Lisa ML-18000 empowers textile printing businesses to stay competitive while advancing responsible production practices, states Satyajeet Satpathy, Director – Sales & Marketing, Epson India.
Renowned designer Antonio Marras has forayed into innerwear segment with the launch of his first genderless lingerie capsule collection. Launched at a special event during the Milan Fashion Week, the collection is inspired by 1950s lingerie and its embodiment of body and self-awareness.
Titled, ‘Nuda Veritas,’ the collection was launched premiered inside the brand’s Via Montenapoleone boutique, which was transformed into a theatrical space celebrating underwear and imagination. Under the guidance, of Mauro Balletti, Creative Director, the immersive environment blended live performances with digital installations, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
At the core of the collection is a universal-cut ribbed tank top that naturally follows the body's contours. A heart-shaped patch on the chest serves as an emotional and distinctive symbol, framing the Antonio Marras logo in metal hardware. Designed to be worn either under or over other garments, this versatile tank top anchors the collection with an urban and casual appeal.
The collection also features two brief styles - one for men and one for women - that reinterpret iconic vintage proportions with modern, essential cuts for comfort. A visible elastic band bearing the logo adds a bold identity statement through a subtle design detail. The color palette - brown, black, white, écru, and the brand’s signature burgundy - deepens the narrative with refined, intimate tones, each evoking a personal memory.
