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With their sustainability sentiment score dropping from 51 last year to 49 this year, US consumers trail behind their global counterparts in environmental consciousness. As per the latest Global Vo
ces survey by direct-to-consumer firm ESW, the list is dominated by India, the United Arab Emirates, and China with scores of 75, 74, and 70 respectively, while countries like Japan, Germany, the UK, Switzerland, and Canada scored lower.
Martim Avillez Oliveira, Chief Revenue Officer, ESW, notes, consumers’ attitudes towards sustainability are heavily influenced by their geographic location. Despite longstanding efforts to promote environmentally responsible choices, factors like inflation continue to impact consumer behavior in the US.
The survey also highlights generational differences, with younger demographics showing higher sustainability concerns. Globally, Gen Z led with a score of 61, followed by Millennials at 60, Gen X at 53, and Baby Boomers at 49. In the US, Millennials scored highest at 59, though their score decreased from the previous year.
ESW identifies a significant portion of ‘environmentally attuned shoppers,’ with one-third scoring above 80 in the survey. Additionally, more than half of respondents worldwide indicated an increased awareness of greenwashing, with 27 per cent considering a brand's environmental transparency when making purchases.
The report emphasises the importance of brand authenticity, with 63 per cent of global respondents valuing truthfulness and transparency regarding a company's environmental credentials. Conducted online, the survey gathered responses from over 18,600 adults across 18 countries, ensuring representation of key demographics in each nation.
Renowned Australian brand specialising in men's swimwear, underwear, and clothing, AussieBum plans to establish its own manufacturing unit in India to target both domestic and international markets, says Sean Ashby, Founder and CEO.
With aspirations to claim a 3-5 per cent share of India's innerwear market by 2026, AussieBum has already commenced online sales and aims to leverage localised production for this endeavor. According to Ashby, this approach not only fosters employment opportunities but also integrates Indian talent and resources seamlessly into the brand's design and innovation processes.
Since its inception in 1999, AussieBum has evolved from a modest swimwear venture into a recognised global brand. Acknowledging India's emergence as a fashion hub where global and local styles converge, Ashby emphasises the brand's commitment to cater to the preferences of modern Indian men, who prioritise fashion, functionality, and sustainability in their apparel choices.
Against the backdrop of increasing consumer preference for sustainable fashion, AussieBum commenced its Indian operations in October 2023. The brand currently operates manufacturing facilities in China, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Vietnam, reflecting its global presence and commitment to quality production.
Currently valued at approximately Rs 48,123 crore, the men’s innerwear market is poised to grow at a projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 11.5 per cent by 2025, reaching a market value of Rs 26,952 crore. AussieBum's entry into the market signifies a strategic move to tap into this burgeoning sector and offer consumers a blend of style, functionality, and sustainability.
In a recent development, the European Union has expanded its list of digital giants subjected to stricter safety regulations to include Chinese online retailer Shein. Alongside established giants like Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube, the fast fashion e-commerce platform now faces heightened regulations under the Digital Services Act (DSA), a pivotal legislative initiative aimed at regulating online platforms.
Starting from the end of August, Shein will be required to adhere to stringent guidelines outlined in the DSA. These measures primarily focus on safeguarding consumers against the purchase of hazardous or illicit goods, with a specific emphasis on shielding minors from potential harm. The European Commission, which oversees these regulations, has underscored the imperative of protecting consumers in the digital sphere.
With approximately 108 million monthly active users within the EU alone, Shein finds itself at the center of broader debates surrounding online commerce practices. Beyond the EU's borders, Shein has encountered substantial criticism, ranging from allegations of exploitative labor practices to exacerbating hyperconsumerism and environmental degradation.
The EU's regulatory efforts extend beyond Shein, encompassing other Chinese digital players like TikTok. This video-sharing platform, owned by ByteDance, has been under intense scrutiny, particularly regarding its impact on minors. In response to concerns raised by the European Commission, TikTok has taken steps such as suspending its reward program on its Lite app.
Brussels' proactive stance on regulating digital platforms extends to trade relations with China. Despite potential tensions, the EU has initiated investigations into various sectors, including the medical device market and green technology subsidies. These actions signal the EU's commitment to ensuring fair competition and safeguarding European interests in the global marketplace.
Chinese zipper manufacturer SBS Zipper Bangladesh Co plans to establish a garment accessories manufacturing facility in Bangladesh Export Processing Zone Authority Economic Zone (BEPZA EZ).
To be set up with an investment of $19.97 million, the new facility promises substantial economic benefits, with plans to produce 271 million pieces annually, including a range of products such as metal zippers, nylon and plastic zippers, as well as various zipper parts and buttons. This venture is set to generate employment opportunities for over 2,063 Bangladeshis, BEPZA said in a press release.
The signing ceremony was attended by notable figures including Major General Abul Kalam Mohammad Ziaur Rahman, Executive Chairman, BEPZA and Weifang Shen, CEO, SBS Zipper Bangladesh. Ali Reza Mazid, BEPZA Member for Investment Promotion, also played a pivotal role in the proceedings.
Expressing his gratitude, Major General Rahman thanked SBS Zipper Bangladesh for their decision to invest in the BEPZA EZ and assured full support from BEPZA to facilitate smooth operations and export activities.
Mohammad Faruque Alam, Member (Engineering); Md Ashraful Kabir, Member (Finance); A N M Foyzul Haque, Executive Director (Admin), Md Tanvir Hossain, Executive Director, (Investment Promotion), Md Khorshid Alam, Executive Director (Enterprise Services); ASM Anwar Parvez, Executive Director (Public Relations) were present during the signing ceremony.
In alignment with its pledge to achieve net zero by 2050, Hyosung has embarked on a groundbreaking venture to set up vertically integrated, bio-based fiber manufacturing plant in Vietnam. Marking a significant step towards reducing carbon footprints, this plant enhances the company’s supply chain efficiency by consolidating production processes.
To be set up in partnership with Geno, a US-based sustainable materials leader, the plant will revolutionise the production of bio-BDO by utilising sugars from sugarcane via fermentation. This not only signifies a paradigm shift towards sustainability but also underscores Hyosung's commitment to driving industry-wide change.
The benefits of Hyosung's regen™ Bio Spandex extend beyond environmental stewardship. With reduced transportation needs, faster time-to-market, and enhanced supply chain resilience, the product sets a new standard for sustainable textiles. Anticipating up to an 80 per cent reduction in carbon emissions by 2026, Hyosung's Vietnam plant is poised to redefine industry benchmarks.
Moreover, regen™ Bio Spandex boasts transparency and traceability, validated by ISCC+ international certification and SGS certification. This assurance empowers brands and retailers to make informed decisions in line with their sustainability goals.
Hyosung's investment of $1 billion in its Vietnam manufacturing operation demonstrates a firm commitment to build a greener future. Commencing production in Q2 of 2026, the plant will initially yield 50,000 tons of certified bio-based spandex annually, with plans for expansion to meet growing demand.
Beyond fashion, Hyosung envisions leveraging its bio BDO capacity for various applications, including engineering plastics, biodegradable packaging, and footwear components. This forward-thinking approach underscores Hyosung's dedication to driving sustainability across industries.
Levi’s Vintage Clothing team has embarked on a remarkable project to recreate the oldest pair of women’s jeans found in the Levi’s Archives, all while paying homage to the woman who once wore them.
Crafted from shrink-to-fit selvedge denim meticulously reproduced by Kaihara Denim Mills in Japan, the limited-edition Lot 401 jeans echo the spirit of the original pair from the 1930s.
Marking a significant milestone in the brand’s history, Levi’s introduced the Lot 401 jean as the world’s first blue jeans tailored specifically for women. These jeans paved the way for the iconic Lot 701, also known as Lady Levi’s.
Tracey Panek, Historian, Levi Strauss & Co's, suggests that the Lot 401 jeans might have served as a trial run, a precursor to the widely embraced Lot 701 design. Levi’s drew upon the original Lot 401 as a blueprint for this faithful reproduction.
In 2017, Levi’s acquired the ‘Viola,’ making it the oldest pair of women’s blue jeans in the brand’s archive. Viola Longacre, the owner, was a student at Fresno State’s Sierra Summer School in the 1930s, studying to become a teacher. Her denim jeans, featuring her name inscribed on the inside pocket, proved to be sturdy and reliable attire for her outdoor classes in the Sierra National Forest.
Each set of jeans in this collection includes a photograph of Viola and a letter recounting the story behind the jeans, all elegantly packaged in a tote adorned with the Levi’s Vintage Clothing logo and Lot 401 patch.
These exclusive jeans are now available for $495 on Levi’s website, app, and in select Levi’s stores.
Urban Outfitters is revamping its vintage and secondhand offerings into a fresh program dubbed Vintage + Remade.
This new initiative will involve the division of the online store divided into two distinct sections: Vintage and Remade. The Vintage section will feature authentic vintage finds, meticulously curated into exclusive collections by Urban Outfitters' expert merchandising team and external collaborators. Meanwhile, Remade will introduce a novel category spotlighting items that have been refurbished, restored, or creatively updated by Urban Outfitters' product specialists. Additionally, this section will include new products crafted from deadstock fabric, as stated by Cyntia Leo, the head of brand at Urban Outfitters.
Under the revamped structure, Urban Outfitters will collaborate with various fashion brands such as Puppy Breath, Lucky Loves Label, Landon Moreis, Moxie Wrrld, Tessa Fay, and Oddli to curate limited collections. These collections will feature a blend of new items from the brands alongside complementary vintage pieces. The promotion of these collections will be boosted by paid social advertising campaigns across platforms like Instagram and TikTok, ensuring maximum visibility on Urban Outfitters' redesigned website.
Cyntia Leo explains, Urban Outfitters' renewed focus on vintage stems from concerns about the saturation of traditional thrift stores with low-quality fast fashion items, making it increasingly challenging to unearth genuine vintage treasures. The brand aims to restore the thrill of discovering timeless, high-quality pieces with enduring appeal for customers. Leo emphasises, vintage enthusiasts value the authenticity, uniqueness, and longevity of their purchases, seeking personalised and custom pieces that tell a story.
This strategic shift towards vintage is indicative of Urban Outfitters recognising a significant market opportunity. Notably, their Nuuly rental service, another avenue for vintage clothing, has seen remarkable growth, with a 69 per cent increase in year-over-year revenue and a 56 per cent expansion in its subscriber base last quarter.
The broader resale market is also experiencing robust growth, particularly in the online sphere. Recent data from eMarketer forecasts online resale to surpass $80 billion in volume this year, indicating a steady upward trajectory of nearly 4 per cent.
Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris, a cornerstone event for the European textile and clothing markets, is set to open its doors from July 1 to 3 at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. This premier trade show amalgamates the prowess of Apparel Sourcing, Texworld, Avantex, and Leatherworld, providing a comprehensive overview of the global fashion production landscape right in the heart of Paris.
A global convergence of fashion titans
For three days, the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles will transform into a melting pot of fashion ingenuity, with over a thousand exhibitors hailing from major sourcing countries worldwide. This year's exhibition will serve as a breeding ground for inspirations, offering a glimpse into the trends that will shape collections for 2025-2026. Notably, the spotlight will shine on suppliers championing innovation and sustainability in fashion, reflecting an industry-wide shift towards responsible practices.
Yarn takes center stage
Venturing further upstream in the fashion supply chain, an innovative addition awaits attendees: a dedicated pavilion showcasing yarn producers. Collaborating with Yarn Expo from Shanghai, this pavilion will showcase avant-garde companies from China, India, Pakistan, and Taiwan, marking the first of its kind at Parisian trade shows.
Leather innovations and collaborations
Leather enthusiasts will find themselves immersed in a realm of trends and partnerships at Leatherworld. Highlighting the return of the South African pavilion boasting top-tier products, Leatherworld will also debut a Leather Trends area curated by Italian publisher Edizioni AF. This space will delve into the intricacies of design processes and material choices, spotlighting Italian prowess in accessories and footwear manufacturing.
Avantex: Pioneering sustainable solutions
In the Avantex innovations area, a wave of exclusivity awaits. Through strategic partnerships with institutions like the IFA Paris fashion design school and the TCBL association, Texworld will showcase cutting-edge solutions in sustainable fashion and textiles. Expert round tables will provide a platform for discourse, driving the industry towards a greener future.
Continued commitment to sustainability
Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris remains steadfast in its commitment to sustainability, with Texpertise Econogy leading the charge. This sustainable economy approach, pioneered by the Messe Frankfurt group, will guide visitors in making conscientious sourcing choices and provide a platform for eco-pioneers to shine.
Unfazed by the Olympics
Despite the looming Paris Olympic Games slated to kick off on July 26th, Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris stands resolute. The trade shows will commence over three weeks prior, ensuring minimal disruption for visitors and exhibitors alike. While the summer influx of tourists is anticipated, early booking of accommodations and flights is advised to secure the best deals. On-site concierge services will be available to elevate the Parisian experience for attendees.
Celebrating Asian heritage
Recognizing Asia's pivotal role in the textile industry, Messe Frankfurt France pledges support to the National Museum of Asian Arts - Guimet in Paris. Specifically, sponsorship for the Tang Empire exhibition underscores the rich cultural tapestry of Asia, inviting visitors to delve into its artistic and textile legacy.
Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris 2025 promises not just a glimpse into the future of fashion but a celebration of sustainability, innovation, and cultural diversity. As the industry continues to evolve, Paris stands as its pulsating epicenter, beckoning fashion aficionados from around the globe to partake in this grand spectacle.
Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, Inc.has inked significant agreements with the Lam Dong Agro-Forestry Research Experiment Center (LAREC), a leading authority on sericulture in central Vietnam. The collaboration focuses on enhancing the rearing and breeding of the company's specialized silkworms, marking a pivotal step towards amplifying silk production.
Central to these agreements is Kraig Labs' blueprint for operational expansion, underscoring a concerted effort between the company and LAREC to incorporate Kraig's silk technologies effectively.
The terms entail LAREC's provision of expertise and support in selectively breeding Kraig's BAM-1 parental strains, tailored to local climatic and rearing conditions. Additionally, LAREC will nurture one generation of BAM-1 strain at its facilities, supplying resulting eggs back to Kraig Labs for operational use.
This definitive agreement solidifies Kraig Labs' collaboration with governmental agencies, following a Memorandum of Understanding announced earlier this year. Founder and CEO Kim K Thompson expressed optimism, highlighting the importance of forging such alliances in Southeast Asia to integrate innovative technologies and deepen regional engagement.
Thompson, alongside sericulture expert Nirmal Kumar, remains in Southeast Asia overseeing operations, as the company nears completion of spring production trials, poised to embark on the next phase of its expansion strategy.
The global athleisure market is booming, projected to reach $3.2 billion by 2032 with a steady growth rate of 5.2 per cent, says a new report by Allied Market Research. This growth is due to several factors viz: from rising health consciousness to innovative marketing strategies. Let's delve deeper into this dynamic market segment.
Comfort takes center stage
Millennials, a generation known for their active lifestyles and health consciousness, are a major force behind the athleisure boom. They prioritize comfort and functionality in their clothing choices, making athleisure a perfect fit highlights Allied Market Research, 2024 study. This is evident in the dominance of the female segment in the market, with women being frequent buyers of athleisure apparel. However, the men’s segment is expected to see highest growth rate in the coming years, indicating a growing acceptance of athleisure styles among men. Moreover, athletes and celebrities endorsing athleisure brands further fuel consumer interest and market growth.
Athleisure for all occasions
The athleisure trend goes beyond just comfort. It offers a stylish and versatile option for everyday wear. Gone are the days when athletic wear was strictly for the gym. Today's athleisure apparel is designed to seamlessly transition from workouts to errands or even social outings. This versatility is reflected in the expected high growth of the hoodies segment, as consumers seek comfortable and stylish pieces for various occasions.
Digital revolution drives online sales
While traditional offline stores continue to hold a significant share of the athleisure market, online sales are rapidly growing. The ease of purchase and wider variety offered by online retailers is helping in this shift. Social media also plays a crucial role, with influencers and celebrities promoting athleisure brands, further driving online sales.
Market segmentation and trends
Sneakers currently hold the largest market share, but hoodies are projected for the fastest growth due to their versatility and variety. While women’s segment dominates the market, the men’s segment is expected to grow significantly, with athleisure staples like bomber jackets and crew-neck sweaters gaining traction. In terms of retail, while offline stores were the preferred shopping destination in 2022, online sales are anticipated to surge due to convenience and wider product selection.
North America currently holds the largest market share, but Asia-Pacific is expected to witness the fastest growth as consumers in the region embrace athleisure.
Indeed, the athleisure market is not without its challenges. The rise of counterfeit brands, particularly in price-sensitive regions, can hamper the growth of legitimate brands. However, leading athleisure companies are countering this by employing innovative marketing strategies, such as celebrity endorsements and social media campaigns. Additionally, advancements in material technology are leading to the creation of more comfortable, functional, and stylish athleisure apparel. Major players like Adidas, Nike, Lululemon, and Under Armour are constantly innovating and expanding their product lines to maintain a competitive edge.
As the focus on health and wellness continues to rise, and the lines between athletic wear and everyday fashion further blur, athleisure is likely to become an even more integral part of our wardrobes. The industry's ability to cater to the evolving needs of consumers, embrace technological advancements, and navigate challenges like counterfeit products will be key to its continued success.
