FW
With the rising popularity of the sport, golf, many UK-based fashion brands are venturing into the golf apparel market
Prominent amongst these is the brand Lee, a denim pioneer for the last 130 years. Known for its iconic blue jeans, Lee recently launched its Lee Golf series.
This new range features short-sleeve polo shirts, flat-front chino shorts, and 5-pocket pants designed for golfers and enthusiasts. Available at Walmart and the Lee website, the collection is priced affordably between $20 and $48. The collection combines great performance features for on the course with timeless styles for off the course, says Jimmy Shafer, Senior Vice President, Lee.
Being involved in the sport golf since 2019, DraftKings is a well-known name in sports betting and gaming technology. The company has now launched its own glof apparel range titled, the DraftKings Fairway Collection. Featuring polo shirts, quarter zips and hoodies, the collection is priced in the range of $60-$70l. Available on the DK Shop website, this collection marks the beginning of DraftKings' foray into golf fashion, with plans to release co-branded apparel with Malbon and other golf industry brands later this year.
UK heritage menswear brand, Ben Sherman has also expanded into sports apparel with its Ben Sherman Golf SS24 collection. Blending classic style with high-performance features, the collection includes sport-fit polos, quarter-zip fleeces, and 4-way stretch tech pants and shorts, priced between $80 and $90. Ben Sherman partnered with PGA Tour golfer Denny McCarthy as an ambassador for the collection. Tim Reid, Executive Vice President - Fashion and Lifestyle, Marquee Brands, the parent company of Ben Sherman avers, the brand’s expansion into golf apparel reflects a broader trend of merging fashion with sports, catering to both professional and casual players.
The global apparel market is presents a complex picture with declining imports in major regions like the US and EU, contrasting with a rise in Indian apparel exports reveals Wazir Advisors’ June 2024 ‘Apparel trade scenario in key global markets and India’ report.
Falling imports, rising exports, a balancing act
Wazir Advisors’ monthly report reveals apparel imports across key markets except the UK witnessed a year-on-year decline in April 2024. This aligns with the decline in retailer inventory data, indicating efforts to clear out existing stock. However, this trend contradicts the rise in US consumer confidence, which could signal pent-up demand waiting to be unleashed. Several factors could have led to this scenario.
The retailer inventory data suggests high inventory levels in previous quarters. For example, the Q1 inventory value of Walmart is $55.4 billion and the year-to-date (YTD) change is -3 per cent. Similarly Target’s inventory value in Q1 is $11.7 billion and YTD is -7 per cent. Kohl’s inventory value for the same quarter is $3.1 billion with -13 per cent change. In Gap’s case the value is $2.0 billion with -15 per cent change and VF Corp’s inventory value is $1.8 billion with -23 per cent change. The significant decline in inventory value at major US retailers during Q1 2024 reflects their cautious approach to managing stock levels.
Another factor leading to a drop in imports in key markets is retailers exercising caution amidst global economic uncertainties. Conversely, India's apparel exports in May 2024 showed a significant 17 per cent YoY growth. This positive trend might be driven by increased global demand for Indian apparel, potentially due to competitive pricing or specific product categories. Diversification of export markets by Indian apparel manufacturers.
However, India’s apparel exports growth is overshadowed by a decline in exports to Bangladesh, a major competitor. The flat export to China, a dominant market, further complicates the picture.
Discrepancy in consumer confidence and retail sales
US consumer confidence rose by 5 per cent in April 2024, indicating a potential rise in consumer spending. However, US apparel store sales in May 2024 were estimated to be 1 per cent lower compared to the previous year. This inconsistency suggests consumers might be prioritizing other purchases over apparel. Another reason could be a shift towards online shopping.
While US home furnishing stores experienced a surprising 4 per cent increase in May 2024, apparel stores witnessed a slight decline. Similarly, UK apparel store sales are down. This inconsistency highlights a shift in consumer spending behavior, possibly towards home goods over apparel. However, the strong growth in UK online clothing sales suggests a potential migration towards e-commerce channels.
Regional variations
The UK stands out with a rise in apparel imports at 14 per cent YoY despite a 3 per cent decline in apparel store sales. This could imply UK retailers are stocking up in anticipation of future demand. There is changing consumer preferences within the UK market. Interestingly,
While US online clothing and accessories sales witnessed a slight decline in Q1 2024, UK online clothing sales experienced a 7 per cent growth. This suggests the e-commerce apparel market might be stabilizing after a period of rapid growth.
The data points towards a global apparel market in transition. Declining imports and high inventory levels indicate a period of adjustment. However, rising Indian exports and a potential shift towards online shopping suggest opportunities for growth. It's crucial to monitor consumer spending patterns and regional variations to understand the evolving dynamics of this industry.
The Karl Mayer Group, a leading textile machinery and plant engineering company, has secured a significant legal victory in China against Fujian Xin Gang Textile Machinery Co. Ltd. This triumph marks a crucial step in the fight against product piracy. After a lengthy legal battle initiated in 2021, the Supreme People's Court of China ruled in favor of the Karl Mayer Group in May 2024.
The dispute centered on a patented system for heating the carrying-lever shaft of Tricot and Raschel machines, a critical innovation allowing the machines to adjust to varying ambient temperatures. This patent, granted in China in November 2011, underpins the superior performance of Karl Mayer’s technology.
Fujian Xin Gang Textile's attempt to cancel the patent was dismissed, and the court ordered the company to cease production, sales, and advertising of the infringing machines. A fine was also imposed.
Karl Mayer's victory underscores the importance of protecting intellectual property and sends a clear message to the market that copying innovations is futile. Zhen Kong, General Manager of Karl Mayer (China), emphasized the significance of the ruling, noting that it strengthens legal certainty in competition in China. This is particularly crucial for companies dedicated to innovation.
The decision ensures Karl Mayer's competitive edge in the vital Chinese market, reinforcing the company's global leadership in textile machinery.
Tonello has unveiled its new website, ‘Inspiring,’ offering a fresh perspective on fashion and denim. This digital platform embodies the company's creative vision, connecting brands, professionals, companies, and students. It emphasizes the synergy between art and technology, serving as a collaborative space for innovation and creativity.
The website, inspiring.tonello.com, is more than a portal; it's a journey into Tonello's world. Divided into five sections—Essence, Dossier, Journal, The Story, and Collections - each part uniquely showcases the brand's commitment to innovation and sustainability. "Essence" introduces the site's core concept, while "Journal" features interviews, updates on research, and new technological advancements. "Dossier" offers practical tips on denim care and sustainable dyeing methods.
"The Story" narrates Tonello's history and the evolution of denim through various decades, blending fashion, society, and pop culture. "Collections" highlights exclusive capsule collections created with top designers, showcasing cutting-edge research and experimentation.
Inspiring is not just a website; it’s a dynamic platform designed to inspire and engage. It prioritizes humanity and creativity, positioning Tonello as "The Inspiring Company." Visit Inspiring to explore this innovative and sustainable fashion journey.
From Jan-April’24, Bangladesh’s RMG exports to the European Union fell by 9.85 per cent to €6.01 billion from €6.67 billion in the same period of 2023, according to Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union.
While managing to mitigate the negative growth in its apparel exports to the EU, Bangladesh still underperformed compared to its competitors. The country attributed the lag in its performance to a severe energy crisis, high utility costs, increased production costs, long lead times, and cumbersome customs procedures, similar to the challenges faced in the US market.
Bangladesh’s apparel exports to the EU were further impacted an overall decline in apparel imports by the EU due to the global economic slowdown, as per Eurostat data. From Jan-Apr’24, Bangladesh’s knitwear exports to the EU fell to €3.38 billion from €3.88 billion in the same period of 2023. Similarly, woven garment exports dropped to €2.64 billion Y-o-Y from €2.79 billion.
Clothing imports by the EU from various countries declined by 6.28 per cent to €26.41 billion in January-April 2024 from €28.19 billion in the same period of 2023. The EU imported apparel worth €6.54 billion from China in January-April 2024, a slight decline of 1.81 per cent from €6.66 billion in 2023. Imports from Turkey decreased by 11.84 per cent to €3.03 billion from €3.44 billion. India’s exports to the EU fell by 10.74 per cent to €1.53 billion from €1.71 billion. Vietnam’s exports to the EU dropped by 6.25 per cent to €1.17 billion from €1.25 billion.
Additionally, Bangladesh experienced a significant decline of over 14 per cent in apparel exports to the US, the country’s largest export destination, earning $2.30 billion in the January-April period of 2024, according to the US Department of Commerce’s Office of Textiles and Apparel.
Fashion and textile tradeshow, ‘Sourced Sri Lanka’ concluded successfully with a network reception held by the High Commission of Sri Lanka on June 17 at the Royal Horticultural Hall in the UK.
Marking its debut in the UK after 22 years, the tradeshow highlighted the best of Sri Lankan fashion and textiles with 80 exhibition stalls. This unique event offered UK buyers and fashion enthusiasts a direct engagement opportunity with Sri Lankan manufacturers and designers.
The tradeshow was organised collaboratively by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), Sri Lanka Apparel Sourcing Association (SLASA), and Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), in partnership with the High Commission of Sri Lanka.
The event featured panel discussions with industry leaders, fashion shows, and the launch of ‘Your Vital Island.’
Rohita Bollogama, High Commissioner, Sri Lanka, remarks, the tradeshow launched Sri Lanka’s National Export Brand to present the country’s exports in the international markets through an integrated approach.
The new brand identity, ‘Your Vital Island,’ signifies the unique qualities of Sri Lankan products and the country's commitment to being a reliable sourcing destination, consistently delivering products that embody authenticity, sustainability, and competence, he adds.
Highlighting the significance of the event, Bollogama notes,the ‘Sourced Sri Lanka’ Road Show emphasised Sri Lanka’s dedication to excellence, sustainability, and innovation in the global fashion industry.
Facing regulatory pressures to meet the new sustainability and circularity standards set by the 2030 EU Green Deal, fashion brands and retailers are turning to the Future Fabrics Expo for solutions. The expo is being held at Magazine London from June 25-26.
The largest dedicated showcase for sourcing certified, sustainable, and responsibly produced textiles and materials, the Future Fabrics Expo is being attended by new fiber supplier, Hyosung who is exhibiting its range of eco-friendly textile solutions across recycled and bio-based categories, including its portfolio of certified sustainable regen elastane, nylon, and polyester fibres.
The expo will help Hyosung meet new customers, exchange new ideas and interact with industry experts, says Claire O’Neill, Director-Brand Marketing-Textiles, Hyosung. Focusing on renewable fibers from alternative feedstocks, the brands and retailers at the show are showing immense interest in Hyosung’s regen BIO elastane.
Hyosung was the first company to commercialise USDA and SGS certified bio-based elastane fibers made partly with renewable resources in 2022. Fibers from the brand were adopted by Pangaia in its activewear collections. For its collection, Pangaia combined bio-based elastane with its Hyosung regen BIO elastane, and Icebreaker, which blends the bio-based elastane with its signature merino wool.
As part of its corporate ESG commitment to achieve net zero by 2050 and support the wider textile industry in meeting evolving sustainability goals, Hyosung has partnered with sustainable materials leader Geno to begin construction of a plant in Vietnam. Starting in Q2, 2026, the plant will produce Bio BDO derived from sugarcane.
Hyosung’s partnership with Geno will establish the world’s first fully integrated manufacturing site for bio-based elastane, from renewable raw materials to fiber. This project aims to produce Bio BDO with an annual capacity of 50,000 tons by the second half of 2026, with plans to expand capacity to 200,000 tons/year to meet the expected industry demand for bio-based elastane.
To be held at the Port de Versailles, Paris from July 01-03, the Texworld and Apparel Sourcing fairs will bring together around 1,154 companies.
With nearly 530 exhibitors, Apparel Sourcing will closely match the approximately 570 exhibitors of Texworld, the textile and materials fair. Additionally, around 30 exhibitors will feature in the Denim zone, and 20 leather specialists will come together in the Leatherworld zone, which will also host a Leather Trend forum co-produced with Edizioni AF.
A highlight of this year’s event is the introduction of Yarn Expo, a space dedicated to yarns and fibers, echoing the biannual fair organized by Messe Frankfurt alongside Intertextile Shanghai. Yarn Expo will feature productions from China and India, as well as Pakistan and Taiwan.
This year, Apparel Sourcing will host 30 Chinese manufacturers, showcasing their own brands or producing white-label goods for European distributors. These exhibitors will be identified by a Chinese Brands Gallery logo. The accessories sector will also expand to include a range of jewelry and bags.
Dedicated to innovation, the Avantex zone will introduce a Designer Hub for meetings between designers and buyers, and a ReSources zone focused on sustainable innovation. The Near Sourcing Hub will offer proximity production solutions, featuring around 20 companies from Portugal, Turkey, and Serbia.
This edition will also host a series of thematic conferences to discuss the challenges and opportunities of digital product passport textiles items. It will also organise conferences on other topics including developing European regulations, the rise of African fashion, and the revaluation of textile products.
Archroma, a leading player in sustainable specialty chemicals, has garnered significant recognition at the Just Style 2024 Excellence Awards. The company secured dual Innovation Excellence accolades for its pioneering Super Systems+ solutions and Avicuero leather tanning process, alongside a Social Excellence award for community engagement near its Baroda, India plant.
The Innovation awards highlight Archroma's commitment to advancing sustainability within the textile industry. Super Systems+ offers a comprehensive suite of solutions addressing critical challenges like water consumption and chemical management. It not only enhances process efficiency and product durability but also anticipates future regulatory requirements, underscoring Archroma's proactive approach to sustainability.
Avicuero, developed in partnership with Leather, represents a breakthrough in chrome-free leather tanning, reducing processing times, salt usage, and pollution effluent discharge while cutting carbon dioxide emissions by up to 23 per cent. This innovation underscores Archroma's drive towards eco-friendly manufacturing practices without compromising quality.
Beyond technological innovations, Archroma's Social Excellence award recognizes its holistic community initiatives near Baroda. From educational scholarships and agricultural empowerment to sustainable energy projects like the Household Biogas Plant, Archroma exemplifies corporate responsibility and positive socio-economic impact.
The Just Style Excellence Awards celebrate Archroma's transformative contributions to the textile industry, reinforcing its role as a global leader in sustainable innovation and community engagement.
Inditex, the powerhouse behind Zara and other renowned brands like Berksha and Massimo Dutti, has aligned with Canopy's Pack4Good initiative, signaling a transformative shift towards sustainable practices in fashion packaging. This collaboration extends Inditex’s decade-long commitment under CanopyStyle to exclude Ancient and Endangered Forests from its textiles, now encompassing stringent measures to safeguard these forests from paper packaging production.
The fashion sector heavily relies on paper packaging for various purposes such as shipping boxes, e-commerce envelopes, and paper bags, making sustainability efforts crucial in combating climate change and biodiversity loss. Inditex’s pledge underscores its proactive stance in adopting recycled pulp, FSC-certified materials, and cutting-edge Next Generation Solutions to reduce its ecological footprint.
Nicole Rycroft, Executive Director of Canopy, praised Inditex’s leadership, emphasizing the company’s role in encouraging suppliers to prioritize forest conservation and explore alternative materials. Javier Losada, Inditex’s Chief Sustainability Officer, highlighted ongoing initiatives like the Green to Pack program, which has substantially slashed paper usage and operational costs.
As part of Pack4Good, Inditex aims to further diminish packaging volumes through reusable boxes and increase the adoption of recycled paper content. Their commitment extends to developing Next Gen materials, potentially integrating agricultural by-products like cereal straws and hemp into paper production.
With Inditex’s inclusion, Pack4Good now encompasses 449 brands with a collective revenue exceeding 287.4 billion USD annually, amplifying efforts towards a more sustainable future in global fashion.
