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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.
Consumer awareness has also increased with plus size individuals seeking clothing that reflects their personal style while providing comfort. This vocal demand for well-fitting, stylish plus size clothing is driving market growth. However, the industry faces challenges such as inconsistent sizing and limited retail availability. Many physical stores offer a limited range of larger sizes, making it difficult for plus size consumers to find diverse products, which affects their shopping experience. Additionally, brand inconsistencies in sizing make finding the right fit challenging, leading to frustration and dissatisfaction with online shopping.
Despite these constraints, the plus size clothing market presents significant opportunities for expansion and innovation. eCommerce platforms allow manufacturers to reach a wider audience, offering various sizes and designs for a comfortable and inclusive shopping experience.
Customisation options also enable plus size individuals to create clothing tailored to their unique body types and preferences, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.
In 2023, the United States held a 40 per cent share of the plus size clothing market, followed by the United Kingdom at 14 per cent, China at 20 per cent, Japan at 10 per cent, and South Korea at 5 pre cent. The casual wear category leads the market with a CAGR of 4.8 per cent, while the mid-priced segment is expected to dominate during the forecast period.
The competitive landscape includes established fashion brands, dedicated plus size brands, online retailers, boutique and independent brands, and influencer collaborations. Established brands leverage their reputation and resources to offer trendy options, while dedicated brands focus exclusively on plus size consumers, providing personalised shopping experiences. Online retailers offer convenience and inclusivity, while boutique brands prioritise quality and individuality. Influencer collaborations promote body positivity and reach wider audiences, driving growth in the plus size clothing market.
To be held from September 19-21, 2024 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre, CinteTechtextil China will align closely with Messe Frankfurt’s ‘TexpertiseEconogy’ initiative, which emphasises sustainability across its more than 50 global textile trade shows. The fair will feature new energy elements, such as battery and hydrogen technologies, showcased in the Innovation Showcase Area, alongside various interactive fringe events centered on sustainability.
CinteTechtextil China spans 12 application areas, covering a comprehensive range of modern technical textiles and nonwovens. These categories include everything from upstream technology and raw materials to finished fabrics, chemicals, and other solutions, making the fair a valuable business platform for the entire industry.
As a hub for innovation and exchange, the fair will bring together upstream and downstream players from China and beyond, facilitating collaboration across the value chain. Alongside numerous domestic suppliers, the upcoming edition will feature a strong lineup of international exhibitors. Organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK), the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT, and the China Nonwovens & Industrial Textiles Association (CNITA), the event is set to drive forward the industry’s focus on innovation and sustainability.
The landscape of technical textiles and nonwovens is constantly evolving, creating new opportunities for the industry in Asia and beyond. Recent studies predict robust growth in these global markets, driven by technological advancements and increasing demand in sectors such as automotive, construction, and healthcare. The positive outlook is boosted by China’s and other Asian countries’ intensified efforts to adopt green practices. Notably, the demand for lightweight carbon fiber in China is booming, spurred by sustainability-aligned applications like wind turbine blades and reduced emissions in automobiles. Global R&D efforts are also underway to improve the cost-efficiency and eco-friendliness of carbon fiber.
As Asia’s leading trade fair for technical textiles and nonwovens, CinteTechtextil China attracts both domestic and international buyers due to its strategic location near APAC hotspots and its extensive range of product applications.
Step into the vibrant world of fashion at Scoop 2024, Europe's leading fashion trade event, from July 14-16 at Olympia West, Kensington. Founder Karen Radley spotlights top Cruise wear designers in this season’s showcase of effortless elegance and versatile sophistication.
Karen Radley highlights that cruise wear epitomizes leisure and luxury, expressing excitement about presenting such an exquisite selection this season.
Buyers will explore collections like Poupette St Barth’s boho chic resort wear, combining bright prints and light fabrics. Miss June offers refined Bohemian styles with unique, handcrafted pieces from Indian artisans. Pranella’s luxury resort wear captures the spirit of the modern traveler with vibrant, bohemian designs inspired by the Balearics and the Far East.
For sustainable fashion, Uri Living emphasizes zero waste production with timeless, unique designs. Seema blends India’s rich textile heritage with modern trends, offering chic, travel-ready collections. Sophia Alexia presents stunning silk prints in kaftans, dresses, and accessories, while Aspiga showcases ethical fashion with natural fabrics and striking prints.
Scarlett Poppies offers a distinctive touch, merging Scandinavian shapes with Indian fabrics and traditional embroidery for timeless collections.
Scoop 2024 promises a celebration of style and excitement, uniting visionary creators and tastemakers in an unmissable event. Buyers will be immersed in a curated world of the finest Cruise and resort wear from around the globe.
The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) is offering a unique opportunity for textile professionals, researchers, and enthusiasts to delve into critical sustainability issues and the art of natural dyeing through their popular Digital Labs program.
On July 12th, professors Chuanlan Liu and Sibei Xia from Louisiana State University will lead a discussion on the growing role of sustainability in the textile and apparel industry. The session will explore how the industry can both create and address environmental challenges, examining innovative solutions like eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient technologies, and ethical production practices.
On August 28th, textile designer KavyashreeMruthyunjayaSwamy will guide participants through the art and science of screen printing with natural dyes. This session will explore the resurgence of natural dyes, their artistic potential, and the techniques used to create beautiful and sustainable textiles.
AATCC Digital Labs are known for their accessible, expert-led format. These online sessions offer valuable insights for anyone interested in the future of textiles and fashion.
Pure London x JATC, the UK's leading fashion trade event, is teaming up with Graduate Fashion Foundation to showcase the works of talented fashion graduates. This collaboration aims to support future fashion leaders by providing them with a platform to launch their careers.
The event will take place at Olympia London from July 14th to 16th, 2024. Graduate Fashion Week alumni will participate in the highly anticipated Pure London x JATC catwalk show and have a dedicated space to exhibit their designs in the Grand Hall.
Megan Doyle, Associate Director of the Graduate Fashion Foundation, emphasized the event's importance as a launchpad for emerging designers to showcase their creativity and skills.
Gloria Sandrucci, Event Director of Pure London x JATC, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the event's commitment to nurturing young talent. She highlighted the excitement of seeing former Graduate Fashion Week (GFW) winners present their collections alongside established brands, reflecting the festival's dedication to supporting the next generation of fashion innovators.
The Pure London x JATC Catwalk, curated by Trendhub by BDA London, will showcase key trends for the upcoming season. Established brands will present core designs alongside the GFW winners, offering a comprehensive look and attracting industry professionals, buyers, and media.
Some of the designers chosen to participate in the Pure London x JATC Catwalk include Amelia Perkins, Bridget Calthrop, Maya Rhodes, and Thea Hunter. Additionally, a dedicated section will feature works from Emily Lanham, Hannah Bailey, Jasmyn Lopuszansky, and Shaojing Zhu.
This partnership between Pure London x JATC and Graduate Fashion Week provides a valuable opportunity for rising stars in the fashion industry to gain exposure and launch their careers.
European textile, clothing, leather, and footwear (TCLF) industries received a boost with the TCLF SkillBridge Stakeholder Event. This initiative, co-funded by the European Commission, aims to bridge the skills gap by fostering regional partnerships between industries, education providers, and public authorities.
The project focuses on 25 European regions with a high concentration of TCLF businesses. By working regionally, SkillBridge can develop targeted reskilling and upskilling plans to meet each region's specific needs. The project will not only support the creation of these partnerships but also facilitate knowledge sharing and empower SMEs to adapt their workforce to industry changes.
SkillBridge complements two existing Erasmus+ initiatives, Aequalis4TCLF and Metaskills4TCLF, providing a comprehensive set of tools to address industry-wide skill challenges.
The stakeholder event featured experiences from the Emilia Romagna Region, Ateval, and Verband der DeutschenLederindustrie. An interactive session followed, focusing on strategies for successful partnership building under the Pact for Skills.
Industry leaders emphasized the importance of regional collaboration. Euratex Director General, Dirk Vantyghem, highlighted the project's focus on understanding regional needs and supporting SMEs.
Carmen Arias, Secretary General of CEC, stressed the role of education in workforce development and positioning TCLF industries competitively.
CotanceSecretary General, Gustavo Gonzalez-Quijano, spoke about offering mentorship to guide partnerships towards sustainable and competitive educational strategies.
This collaborative effort positions the EU's TCLF sector for a greener, more innovative, and resilient future.
Asahi Kasei’s Bemberg division is launching VelutineEvo, ainnovatve fibrillation technology designed to enhance fabric aesthetics and sustainability. This new technology not only provides a refined, "quiet-relaxed" look and a delicate touch but also boasts significant environmental benefits.
VelutineEvo delivers a 30 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and cuts water usage by 40 per cent compared to traditional methods. These improvements are highlighted in a recent Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) report by Centro TessileSericoSostenibile, which validates the environmental advantages of VelutineEvo.
The roll-out of VelutineEvo begins with Infinity, a respected textile manufacturer in Italy known for its commitment to quality and sustainability. Infinity’s rigorous standards in traceability and environmental impact align perfectly with VelutineEvo’s innovative approach. This launch marks a significant step for Bemberg as it continues to meet the evolving demands of the market with advanced, responsible textile solutions. VelutineEvo offers a smart choice for manufacturers seeking to combine aesthetic appeal with eco-friendly practices.
Asahi Kasei's Bemberg will showcase their new VelutineEvo technology, featuring sustainable benefits, at various textile fairs this summer and fall.
Moda, the focal point of Autumn Fair and a leading name in fashion, is set to showcase a substantial expansion in its Fashion Accessories segment. Scheduled for September 1-4 at NEC Birmingham, the event will feature hundreds of new collections, reflecting the booming global market for fashion accessories.
The rapid growth in the fashion accessories market is fueled by ever-changing consumer trends. According to Statista, demand is particularly high in the UK, France, and the US, with contemporary consumers seeking unique, on-trend pieces that elevate their style. WGSN highlights that today's buyers prioritize practicality and long-lasting value in their accessories, with the cost-of-living crisis further driving the trend of gifting these items.
Retailers from diverse sectors are incorporating fashion accessories to enhance their offerings, with brands shifting focus to versatile, durable designs suitable for various occasions. Sustainability is also a major factor, with companies increasingly using ethical materials like repurposed denim and recycled metals.
SorayaGadelrab, Event Director of Autumn Fair, notes the dynamic evolution of the global accessories market, emphasizing the need for brands to stay innovative to thrive. Moda's Fashion Accessories sector promises an array of iconic pieces and curated collections, offering the latest in handbags, hats, scarves, belts, luggage, and costume jewelry.
The show will feature creative brands and designers such as Soruka, Berber Leather, Black Yak, Earth Squared, and many more, presenting collections that cater to both classic and contemporary tastes. Highlights include playfully designed wool socks from Jess & Lou and Soctopus, chic hair accessories, quality leather belts, and stylish hats and scarves from SSP Hats and Pure Fashions. Additionally, the growing luggage sector will present trend-led suitcases and backpacks from brands like Miku and Wholesale Alba.
Autumn Fair 2024 is positioned to be a key event for retailers and buyers, aligning with the peak retail season and providing a seamless buying experience. With over 25 per cent new exhibitors and 30 per cent exclusive to the show, it promises to be the most exciting and well-stocked trade event of the third quarter. Traditional trade shows like Autumn Fair continue to offer vital platforms for new businesses, supporting their growth and visibility in the competitive market.
During July-Mar 23-24, Bangladesh reported a 16 percentage points decline in value addition in the readymade garment (RMG) sector to 55.4 per cent. This decline raises concerns among exporters regarding Bangladesh's eligibility for the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) Plus facility in the European Union (EU) market following its graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status.
According to recent data from the central bank, Bangladesh's apparel exports totaled $27.30 billion in the last three quarters of FY24, significantly lower than the previously reported $37.20 billion. This revision includes a substantial decrease of $6.49 billion in knitwear exports and $3.41 billion in woven exports.
The discrepancy between the central bank's data and the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) stands at $10.81 billion for July to April of FY2024. Additionally, RMG-related import payments have been revised upwards to $12.17 billion, highlighting one of the lowest recorded value additions in recent years, significantly lower than the previously reported 71.5 per cent.
In response, industry leaders have urged the government to reconsider its export targets, arguing that the FY24 fell short due to inaccuracies in export figures. Concerns have been raised about meeting the double-stage value addition requirements for the GSP Plus facility in the EU market, given the declining value addition in Bangladesh's apparel sector.
Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) points out, a close competitor, Vietnam may now be far ahead following the revision of export data. This disparity underscores challenges such as gas and electricity shortages affecting local fabric and yarn supplies, potentially leading to increased reliance on imported raw materials and impacting local value addition efforts.
Dr. Ahsan H Mansur, Policy Research Institute, emphasises on the need for comprehensive government support, including improved port facilities, simplified customs procedures, and uninterrupted energy supplies, to help achieve ambitious export targets by 2027. He stressed diversifying the export basket to boost export volumes and competitiveness.
Exporters remain concerned about Bangladesh's standing in the global apparel market, particularly with Vietnam's competitive gains and the challenges posed by local infrastructure and value addition constraints. Efforts to address these issues will be crucial in maintaining Bangladesh's position as a leading apparel exporter and securing future market advantages.
Trützschler has successfully installed its TC 30i Card and IDF 3 Integrated Draw Frameat the Italian company Marchi&Fildi.Guido Marchetto, Production Supervisor emphasises on the efficiency, improved yarn quality, and streamlined production processes of the IDF3.
Trützschler's IDF technology incorporates a unique drafting zone geometry that ensures reliable fiber guidance and controls floating fibers, resulting in lower drafts compared to conventional draw frame passages and minimizing the risk of false drafts and count variations. Decades of experience have demonstrated that IDF technology excels with higher short fiber content, delivering superior results compared to traditional two draw frame processes. When paired with the TC 30Ri variant optimized for recycled fibers, the IDF 3 achieves maximum quality in sustainable yarn production.
A specialist in manufacturing pure and blended yarns from natural and synthetic fibers for global applications in fashion, furnishings, and technical uses, Marchi&Fildi is renowned for its commitment to sustainability. The company conducted initial trials using various fiber blends, including 70 per cent soft waste cotton and 30 per cent polyester for rotor direct spinning, achieving yarn counts ranging from Ne 8 to Ne 12 and Ne 30. Subsequent tests involved blends of 50 per cent PET and 50 per cent recycled cotton from hard textile waste, which posed considerable challenges due to the shorter fiber length and required advanced yarn production expertise.
Combining the TC 30Ri and IDF 3 surpassed Marchi&Fildi's expectations, enabling optimal process parameter adjustments. The TC 30Ri's higher material delivery speed coupled with the IDF 3's ability to maintain sliver evenness during can changes resulted in excellent yarn parameters exceeding industry standards. Overall, Marchi&Fildi reported a 75% productivity increase over previous models and a 14% reduction in energy consumption at higher production rates by eliminating the drawing stage.
Emphasising onTrützschler's longstanding partnership and the machines' adaptability to their specific needs, Marchettohighlighted reliable service support from the company. The IDF technology significantly streamlined spinning preparation processes while enhancing quality levels for materials with high short fiber content. Together, the TC 30i and IDF 3 enable customers to fully leverage the benefits of direct spinning, saving resources, energy, and production space, he added.
