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The recent cyberattack that brought down Marks & Spencer's (M&S) online operations for nearly seven weeks has highlighted a critical, often overlooked dimension of modern commerce: e-commerce's growing role as a weaponized competitive tool. While M&S grappled with a 20 per cent slump in clothing sales during the outage, rivals like Next, Zara, and H&M swiftly capitalized on the disruption, demonstrating how digital resilience and a robust online presence can be leveraged for significant market gains.
The incident at M&S, which saw its website – responsible for a third of its clothing and homeware sales – offline from April 25th to June 10th, highlights the vulnerability of businesses heavily reliant on their digital storefronts. This wasn't merely an inconvenience; it was a direct transfer of market share to competitors, underscoring e-commerce's strategic importance beyond mere sales channels.
The Ripple Effect: Competitors cash in
Analysts at Jefferies and Kantar have shed light on the immediate beneficiaries of M&S' digital paralysis.
Table: Impact on clothing sales growth (two 12-week periods)
|
Retailer |
Sales growth (3 months to mid-April) |
Sales growth (3 months to May 25-during outage) |
|
M&S |
11.50% |
1% |
|
Next |
1.60% |
4.80% |
|
Zara |
16.10% |
27.80% |
|
H&M |
8.90% |
18.10% |
|
Primark (Click & Collect only) |
- |
2.7% (slight slowdown) |
Data compiled from Kantar and Jefferies analysis.
The table reveals, Next's brand sales growth soared from 1.6 per cent to 4.8 per cent, a direct "benefiting from the digital disruption seen by major peer (M&S)," according to James Grzinic, a retail analyst at Jefferies. Even more striking are the figures for Zara and H&M. While their overall UK market share is smaller, making precise figures harder to verify, Kantar's research indicates a "pickup in trade," with Zara's sales growth jumping from 16.1 per cent to 27.8 per cent, and H&M's from 8.9 per cent to 18.1 per cent.
Conversely, Primark, which primarily operates on a click-and-collect model and lacks a full e-commerce offering, saw little benefit, with its growth slowing slightly to 2.7 per cent. This further confirms the argument that a strong online direct-to-consumer channel is now a critical competitive asset.
E-commerce as a competitive tool
The M&S case is a stark reminder that in today's interconnected world, e-commerce is no longer just about convenience or expanded reach. It has evolved into a formidable competitive weapon with far-reaching implications for global markets. In fact, e-commerce can be weaponized in numerous ways.
Market share seizure: As seen with M&S, an online outage for one major player can directly translate into significant market share gains for agile competitors with robust e-commerce infrastructures. This "digital arbitrage" creates a highly volatile landscape where operational resilience is paramount.
Data-driven market intelligence: E-commerce platforms are goldmines of consumer data. Companies that effectively collect analyze, and act upon this data can gain unparalleled insights into consumer preferences, purchasing patterns, and emerging trends. This intelligence can be weaponized to develop targeted marketing campaigns, optimize product offerings, and even preempt competitor moves.
Rapid global expansion and niche domination: E-commerce inherently breaks down geographical barriers. Businesses, even small ones, can achieve global reach with relatively low overheads. This enables rapid expansion into new markets and the domination of niche segments that would be uneconomical to serve through traditional brick-and-mortar stores.
Supply chain control and efficiency: Integrated e-commerce platforms allow tighter control and greater efficiency across the entire supply chain, from sourcing to delivery. Companies can link directly with suppliers, implement Just-In-Time (JIT) inventory, and automate order fulfillment, leading to cost advantages and faster market response.
Pricing power and competitive edge: Reduced operational costs associated with e-commerce (e.g., less physical retail space, fewer staff for routine transactions) can enable businesses to offer more competitive pricing, putting pressure on traditional retailers.
Brand building and customer loyalty: A seamless and personalized online experience fosters customer loyalty. Features like 24/7 availability, personalized recommendations (AI-driven), and efficient customer support through digital channels create a strong bond, making it harder for customers to switch to rivals.
E-commerce competitive advantage
There are several examples how various e-commerce players have mangaged to maintain and edge. Amazon for example, continues to maintain its dominance in the e-commerce space through an unyielding focus on innovation, backed by a robust logistics infrastructure and advanced data analytics. This foundation enables Amazon to offer an expansive product range, competitive pricing, and rapid delivery, consistently disrupting traditional retail models across the globe.
Similarly, Shein has redefined fast fashion with its "real-time fashion" approach. Leveraging an exceptionally agile supply chain and sophisticated data analysis, the Chinese e-commerce giant swiftly identifies emerging trends and translates them into new products in record time. This speed and responsiveness resonate strongly with a young, digital-first consumer base, allowing Shein to outpace legacy fashion brands.
The rise of direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands like Casper and Warby Parker further illustrates the transformative impact of e-commerce. These brands bypass conventional retail intermediaries, taking full control of the customer journey and building deep brand loyalty through personalized engagement. The DTC model not only boosts profitability but also facilitates rapid feedback loops and faster product innovation, giving these businesses a decisive edge in today’s competitive landscape.
The M&S incident also throws into sharp relief the severe economic consequences of e-commerce downtime due to cyberattacks. While M&S maintained its position as the UK's biggest clothing retailer by value due to strong in-store performance, the lost online sales gave a direct financial blow. A recent report highlighted that the financial impact of such incidents can amount to around £1.3 million in losses per day for targeted companies, encompassing lost sales, incident response, IT restoration, and legal costs.
Table: Estimated Average Cost of Data Breaches (Retail & Consumer Sectors)
|
Sector |
Average cost per breach (2024) |
Year-on-year increase |
|
Retail |
$3.91 million |
18% |
|
Consumer |
$3.48 million |
- |
Beyond the immediate financial losses, cyberattacks on e-commerce platforms can lead to significant reputational damage, loss of customer trust, and potential legal liabilities from data protection breaches. Over 81 per cent of consumers, for instance, would stop doing business with a company online after a data breach.
Thus the M&S cyberattack serves as a potent case study in the weaponization of e-commerce in global competition. In an increasingly digital-first world, a robust, secure, and always-on online presence is no longer a luxury but a fundamental requirement for competitive survival and growth. Businesses that invest in strengthening their e-commerce capabilities, fortifying their cybersecurity defences, and developing agile digital response strategies will be the ones that thrive, while those that falter online risk ceding invaluable market share and competitive advantage to their more digitally resilient rivals. The M&S experience is a cautionary tale and a strategic imperative for businesses worldwide.
Beginning July 1, 2025, the Gujarat chapter of the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) has launched a series of initiatives to boost garment production in Surat, a city already known as a hub for man-made fabrics.
These programs are a collaborative effort involving the Gujarat Yoga Board, the Institute of Design and Technology, and the Federation of Surat Trade and Textile Associations Forum. Over 500 students participated in the event held on July 1, which aimed to promote clothing and textile businesses. The event showcased Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Five Fs’ framework: Farm, Fibre, Factory, Fashion, and Foreign.
CMAI plans to organize a national conference on July 5, focusing on key industry topics such as artificial intelligence in fashion, sustainable fashion, the future of the fashion industry, and textile innovation. The conference is expected to be attended by representatives from leading clothing businesses and government officials from Gujarat, SIDBI, and Chhattisgarh,
Ajoy Bhattacharya, Regional Chairman, CMAI, states, while Surat has established itself in man-made fabrics (MMF), it is now actively working to become a significant garment manufacturing center as well.
Inaugurated by Pabitra Margherita, Union Minister of State for Textiles and External Affairs, Government of India on July 1, 2025, the 73rd Edition of India International Garment Fair (IIGF) in New Delhi attracted buyers from across 80 countries. The fair was inaugurated in presence of Sudhir Sekhri, Chairman, AEPC, prominent industry leaders and a large number of international buyers and exhibitors.
Asia’s most largest and most dynamic garment fair, the 73rd edition of the India International Garment Fair (IIGF) is not just a showcase of fabrics and fashion; but a celebration of the creativity, craftsmanship, and confidence of Indians. Spread across 21,000 sq m, this year the fair has attracted buyers from North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia, Oceania, Africa, and Eurasia.
The 73rd edition of IIGF focuses on latest apparel trends tailored to meet the requirements of the European Union, the US, and other Western markets. This year’s event will highlight India’s prowess in design, pattern and technological advancements. Featuring 361 exporters showcasing their innovations across 9,375 sq m, the exhibition will attract participation from 12 states including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, West Bengal and Haryana.
The fair is being jointly organized by: Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) and International Garment Fair Association (IGFA), and is supported by Garment Exporters & Manufacturers Association (GEMA), Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI), Garment Exporters Association of Rajasthan (GEAR).
The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) has applauded the Senate's recent passage of a sweeping budget reconciliation package. This bill includes a critical provision that would permanently end de minimis treatment for commercial shipments from all countries by July 2027.
Kim Glas, President and CEO, NCTO, commended Senate leaders for incorporating this measure, which mirrors a similar provision passed by the House in May. The Senate's move sends the bill to the House for final approval, with the goal of reaching President Trump's desk before the July 4 holiday.
Glas specifically thanked Senators Lindsey Graham and Sheldon Whitehouse for their leadership in developing this legislative solution. The ‘de minimis’ loophole currently allows millions of low-value packages, often $800 or less, to enter the U.S. duty-free and with minimal scrutiny. This has created an uneven playing field for American manufacturers and workers, contributing to the closure of 28 domestic textile plants in the past 23 months.
Beyond economic harm, NCTO highlights, ‘de minimis’ acts as a conduit for potentially unsafe, toxic, and unethically produced goods, including those made with forced labor. It also facilitates the entry of illicit narcotics like fentanyl into the U.S. market. The organization strongly urges congressional leaders to ensure this vital provision remains in the final reconciliation bill.
NCTO also expressed its gratitude towards the Trump administration for its previous executive actions that ended ‘de minimis’ access for Chinese goods, which constitute roughly two-thirds of all such shipments. They are now urging the administration to use its executive authority to immediately close this loophole for commercial shipments from all countries until the legislation takes full effect.
The US textile supply chain currently employs 471,046 individuals, with the value of shipments reaching $63.9 billion in 2024. In 2024, US’ exports of fiber, textiles, and apparel stood at $28.0 billion, demonstrating the industry's significant contribution to the American economy. Ending ‘de minimis’ is been seen as a crucial step towards rebalancing the trade landscape and protecting domestic industries and consumers.
Los Angeles-based brand Guess is set to host a week-long traveling exhibition titled, ‘The Next 40 Years of Denim,’ in Tokyo, Japan from July 4-12, 2025. To be held in the Harajuku district, the exhibition coincides with the grand opening of Guess' new Tokyo flagship store in Shibuya-ku, located just a short distance from the exhibition venue.
The exhibition will kick off with a ‘labyrinthine retrospective’ that delves into Guess' rich denim legacy and heritage. It will guide guests through various stages of denim innovation, including an immersive stone installation that highlights Guess Airwash technology. Developed in collaboration with Jeanologia, this sustainable technology eliminates the need for pumice stones and significantly reduces water and energy consumption in the denim finishing process.
A functional Denim Lab will offer a behind-the-scenes look at how denim is created, displaying original materials, patterns, and washes. The exhibition culminates in a customization area where attendees will receive a complimentary denim tote bag. They can then personalize these bags using on-site laser engraving machines. Furthermore, local artists like Ryota Daimon and A Love Movement will offer a variety of denim customization options such as airbrush art, patches, and chain stitching.
Managed by the non-profit organization Global Standard, the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) has received significant recognition from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
GOTS Version 7.0 was assessed through the OECD Alignment Assessment process and found to demonstrate close alignment with the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains in the Garment and Footwear Sector.
Having evaluated 167 criteria, this ‘standards only’ assessment concluded that GOTS Version 7.0 addresses all six steps of the OECD Due Diligence Guidance. While the overall result was ‘partially aligned’ due to the OECD's rigorous methodology, 69 per cent of the criteria were fully aligned and 29 per cent partially aligned, positioning GOTS among the most advanced initiatives assessed to date.
Rahul Bhajekar, Managing Director, Global Standard, states, this OECD recognition confirms, GOTS is not just a certification, but a robust tool supporting companies in embedding meaningful due diligence throughout their operations. It is amongst the frontrunners in aligning with global expectations for responsible business conduct, he adds.
The OECD commended GOTS for its comprehensive approach, which includes addressing the full due diligence process from risk identification and prioritization to mitigation, monitoring, communication, and remediation. GOTS is also lauded for defining consistent expectations across labor rights, environmental issues, and supply chain integrity, and for promoting responsible conduct across both certified companies' own operations and their full supply chains.
Ruslan Alyamkin, Responsible for Standard Development and Implementation (Social Responsibility), Global Standard, highlights, this report reaffirms the organization’s steady commitment to supporting human rights and environmental protection in textile supply chains worldwide. GOTS is grounded in internationally recognized frameworks and serves as an example of best practice in the industry, he confirms.
The GOTS Due Diligence Framework was developed in alignment with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), providing companies with a structured, risk-based approach to uphold human rights, environmental integrity, and ethical governance across the textile value chain. This latest recognition builds upon GOTS's existing credibility, which is already acknowledged by institutions such as the International Trade Centre, the US Department of Agriculture, and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.
Claudia Kersten, Managing Director, Global Standard, says, this recognition by the OECD provides assurance to certified companies, consumers, and regulators alike. She emphasizes,
GOTS is a proven instrument supporting the business case for sustainability, empowering businesses to thrive while contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As the world's leading processing standard for organic textiles, GOTS sets strict environmental and social criteria from raw material harvesting to the finished product, ensuring integrity and providing comprehensive solutions for the industry and assurance to consumers globally.
Luxury Italian menswear brand Canali has roped in Greek tennis star Stefanos Tsitsipas as its new brand ambassador. As a part of this partnership, Tsitsipas will feature in Canali’s exclusive editorial content, official appearances, and custom campaigns that aim to showcase ‘a new expression of modern elegance.’
Off the court, Tsitsipas will wear Canali's latest collections designed to embody the shared values of being quietly confident, impeccably constructed, and timelessly relevant.
More than performance, Tsitsipas represents values that Canali believes in deeply: dedication, composure, and the constant pursuit of excellence, says Stefano Canali, President and CEO, Canali. He brings depth, integrity, and a strong sense of identity — qualities that align naturally with t vision."
The 26-year-old tennis professional, known for his powerful backhand, comes from a family deeply rooted in the sport. His mother, Julia, was a professional on the WTA Tour, and his father, Apostolos, a tennis coach, introduced him to the sport at age three. Tsitsipas achieved a career-high ranking of world No. 3 in men's singles by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) in August 2021, making him the highest-ranked Greek tennis player in history.
Bangladesh's garment industry is facing severe challenges due to global geopolitical instability and retaliatory tariffs imposed by the United States, said Mahmud Hasan Khan Babu, President, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) during a courtesy visit on June 30, 2025 to Chowdhury Ashiq Mahmud Bin Harun, Executive Chairman, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA).
To help the RMG sector navigate these hurdles and expand, Harun requested BIDA to allocate land for the numerous small and medium-sized garment factories currently dispersed across Chattogram.
The meeting also underscored the urgent need for investment in renewable energy and environmentally friendly production. Babu emphasized on the importance of developing a roadmap for this shift, advocating for technical and financial support to encourage factories to install solar panels for energy conversion.
Furthermore, he sought BIDA's assistance in waste recycling noting, the association needs to introduce appropriate policies, tax exemptions, and supervision for informal workers to encourage investment in this sector.
Discussions also touched upon Bangladesh Bank's loan classification policy. Babu requested an extension of the current three-month grace period to six months, explaining, entrepreneurs sometimes fail to pay installments on time due to financial crisis and are subjected to loan classification.
Citing the bond audit process as time-consuming and cumbersome for export trade, Babu urged Harun to outsource audits for 20 institutions to ensure transparency and efficiency. He also called for the establishment of a separate ministry dedicated to the textiles and apparel sector.
For decades, nylon has been synonymous with exceptional strength, durability, and resilience. From mountaineering gear to industrial applications, its tough nature has made it an indispensable synthetic fiber. However, its traditional smooth, often slick handfeel and perceived lack of breathability have kept it distinct from the comfort and aesthetic appeal of natural fibers. An evolution is underway, as textile innovators are developing high-performance nylon fabrics and yarns that not only retain nylon's legendary strength but also beautifully replicate the refined appearance and luxurious texture of natural fibers, while offering advanced comfort and functionality.
Look beyond durability
The push for "natural-feel" nylon is due to evolving consumer demands and industry imperatives.
• Versatile performance: Consumers increasingly seek garments that seamlessly transition from high-performance activities to everyday wear, requiring fabrics that are both functional and comfortable.
• Aesthetic appeal: There's a growing desire for the sophisticated look and soft touch of natural fibers, even in technical apparel.
• Sustainability imperative: As environmental consciousness rises, the industry is pressured to reduce its reliance on virgin fossil fuels and mitigate issues like microplastic pollution, leading to innovations in recycled and bio-based nylon.
• Blending strengths: The aim is to combine nylon's inherent advantages (strength, elasticity, quick-drying) with the desirable qualities of natural fibers (softness, breathability, drape).
Engineering a softer touch
Achieving a natural aesthetic and beet comfort in nylon involves sophisticated advancements in polymer science, yarn engineering, and fabric finishing.
Advanced fiber cross-sections and denier: Traditional nylon fibers are often round and uniform. Innovations now involve creating fibers with modified cross-sections (e.g., flat, trilobal) and ultra-fine deniers (microfibers). These irregular shapes and finer filaments contribute to a softer, more textured handfeel, improved drape, and enhanced light diffusion, mimicking the subtle variations found in natural fibers.
Texturizing and spinning techniques: New texturizing processes introduce crimp and bulk into nylon yarns, giving them a softer, more voluminous feel akin to spun natural yarns. Advanced spinning methods allow for greater control over yarn structure, leading to more natural-looking and feeling fabrics.
Blending with natural or regenerated fibers: A common strategy is to create core-spun yarns where a strong nylon core is wrapped with softer natural fibers like cotton or wool. Alternatively, nylon is blended with regenerated cellulosic fibers (like Modal or Lyocell) to impart softness, breathability, and moisture management while retaining nylon's durability.
Surface modification and finishing: Specialized chemical and mechanical finishing treatments are applied to nylon fabrics to alter their surface properties. These can include brushing, sanding, or enzymatic treatments to break down surface fibers, resulting in a softer, peach-skin-like feel. Hydrophilic finishes can also be applied to improve moisture wicking.
Bio-based nylon development: A major area of innovation is the development of nylon polymers derived from renewable plant-based resources (e.g., corn, castor beans, sugarcane) rather than petrochemicals. This addresses the fossil fuel dependency and offers a more sustainable pathway.
Recycled nylon technologies: Pioneering companies are developing sophisticated processes to recycle post-consumer and post-industrial nylon waste (like fishing nets, carpets, and fabric scraps) back into high-quality nylon yarns. This circular approach significantly reduces the environmental footprint.
Hurdles in production
There are several issues while transforming nylon's traditional characteristics, while maintaining its core strength. One primary barrier to achieving a more natural aesthetic in nylon has been its inherent slickness and handfeel—that smooth, often overtly synthetic feel. However, this is being overcome through the use of microfiber technology, advanced texturizing processes, and strategic blending with natural or regenerated fibers, all of which create softer, more tactile surfaces. Additionally, specialized finishes further enhance the fabric's "hand." Another significant challenge lies in nylon's conventional breathability and moisture management; it's typically less breathable than natural fibers and can feel clammy against the skin. Innovations in fiber cross-sections now create micro-channels that improve moisture wicking, and blending nylon with absorbent fibers like cotton, Modal, or Lyocell, along with applying hydrophilic finishes, significantly enhances both breathability and quick-drying properties.
Furthermore, nylon's tendency to generate static electricity, especially in dry environments, has been a persistent issue. This is being mitigated through the application of anti-static finishes and by blending nylon with other fiber types. Beyond performance, significant sustainability concerns surround virgin nylon production, as its energy-intensive, reliant on fossil fuels, and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and microplastic shedding. Yet, the rapid development of recycled nylon—such as Econyl, made from pre- and post-consumer waste—is proving to be a game-changer, drastically reducing the need for virgin resources and lowering its carbon footprint. The emergence of bio-based nylon offers a promising renewable alternative, and advancements in dyeing and finishing processes are further aiming to reduce water and chemical usage.
Finally, recycling blended fabrics poses a complex challenge due to the difficulty in separating nylon from other fibers. Nevertheless, companies like Aquafil are making strides, having launched a demonstration plant capable of chemically separating elastic fibers from nylon in blended fabrics, marking a significant step towards achieving full circularity for challenging textile waste streams like sportswear.
Commercial market success
The commercial market is already seeing significant success in bringing high-performance nylon with a natural look and feel to the mainstream, thanks to several innovative brands and technologies. Aquafil's Econyl Regenerated Nylon stands out as a leading example of commercially successful recycled nylon. Crafted from waste materials such as discarded fishing nets, fabric scraps, and industrial plastics, Econyl delivers the same quality and performance as virgin nylon but with a remarkably reduced environmental footprint.
Its efficacy is evident in its adoption by high-end fashion brands like Prada, Gucci, and Burberry, as well as numerous sportswear and swimwear brands, showcasing that recycled nylon can indeed meet rigorous demands for both aesthetics and performance. For instance, swimwear made with Econyl maintains its shape, color, and durability while offering a soft feel against the skin. Notably, Econyl production slashes the global warming impact of nylon by up to 80 per cent compared to material derived from virgin oil. Further expanding its reach, Aquafil launched a demonstration plant in March 2025 dedicated to separating elastic fibers from nylon, aiming to broaden the types of waste that can be recycled into Econyl.
Invista, a major nylon producer, is also making waves with its sustainable and natural-feel options, notably with Cordura re/cor and Cordura Naturalle. The Cordura re/cor collection features fabrics made from 100 per cent recycled nylon 6 (RN6) and recycled nylon 6,6 (RN66) sourced from post-industrial waste. These fabrics retain the legendary durability of Cordura while offering a more responsible choice, and their underlying yarn technologies contribute to finer, more adaptable fabrics beyond just rugged applications. Directly addressing the handfeel aspect, Cordura Naturalle is specifically engineered to provide the lightweight versatility and durability of nylon with a soft, natural touch, effectively mimicking cotton or wool.
Meanwhile, Italian yarn manufacturer Fulgar is pushing the boundaries of polyamide innovation with Nanofiber by Fulgar and Q-Geo. Nanofiber by Fulgar is an ultra-light polyamide 6.6 composed of exceptionally fine filaments (as thin as 7 microns), allowing for incredibly soft and silky fabrics that boast high opacity and lightness while maintaining abrasion resistance—directly targeting the luxurious handfeel of natural silk. Finally, Q-Geo is a bio-based polyamide yarn derived from renewable sources, offering 50 per cent better moisture management than conventional polyamide and exceptional abrasion resistance, thus combining sustainability with enhanced comfort.
Table: Comparative properties of textile fibers (nylon focus)
|
Property |
Conventional Nylon (e.g., Nylon 6, Nylon 6,6) |
Advanced High-Performance Nylon (e.g., Econyl, Nanofiber by Fulgar, Cordura Naturalle) |
Natural Fibers (e.g., Cotton, Wool, Silk) |
|
Handfeel |
Smooth, often slick, synthetic |
Soft, silky, cotton-like, luxurious, less "plastic-y" |
Soft, breathable, varied (e.g., crisp cotton, soft wool, smooth silk) |
|
Drape |
Moderate, can be stiff or somewhat fluid depending on weave |
Improved, more fluid, elegant, natural-like |
Excellent, conforms to body, graceful |
|
Breathability |
Low, can trap heat |
Significantly improved, enhanced moisture wicking, better airflow |
High (cotton, linen), moderate (wool), excellent (silk) |
|
Moisture Absorption |
Very low (hydrophobic), wicks moisture but doesn't absorb |
Enhanced wicking, quicker drying due to specialized structures and finishes |
High (cotton, wool), moderate (silk), absorbs moisture into fiber structure |
|
Wet Strength |
Excellent, retains strength when wet |
Excellent, comparable to conventional nylon |
Moderate (cotton), Low (silk) |
|
Wrinkle Resistance |
Excellent |
Excellent |
Variable (cotton wrinkles easily, wool resists wrinkles, silk drapes) |
|
Durability / Abrasion Resistance |
Excellent, very strong, high abrasion resistance |
Excellent, comparable to or enhanced over conventional nylon |
Variable (cotton durable, silk delicate, wool resilient) |
|
Appearance |
Uniform, often lustrous or semi-dull |
Varied textures, matte finish, visually similar to natural fibers, high opacity |
Natural variations, unique luster |
|
Pilling Resistance |
Good (can pill with wear, especially lower quality) |
Improved, depends on fiber structure and finishing |
Variable (wool can pill, cotton less so) |
|
Environmental Impact (Production) |
High (petroleum-based, energy-intensive, microplastic shedding) |
Significantly Reduced (recycled content, bio-based options, lower carbon footprint, still microplastics) |
Variable (water/land use, pesticides for cotton; sheep impact for wool) |
|
Cost |
Moderate to affordable |
Moderate to High (due to advanced technologies and sustainable sourcing) |
Variable (cotton affordable, silk/cashmere expensive) |
|
UV Resistance |
Good |
Excellent, often with added UV protection |
Variable (silk poor, cotton fair) |
|
Care Instructions |
Easy care, machine washable, quick-drying |
Easy care, machine washable, quick-drying (often similar to conventional nylon) |
Variable (cotton easy, wool/silk delicate, often requiring special care) |
What the future holds
Nylon is expected to see continuous innovation, driven by the dual goals of performance and sustainability. Further advancements in bio-based polymers, chemical recycling of complex textile blends, and sophisticated fiber engineering will lead to nylon fabrics that are not only incredibly strong and functional but also indistinguishable from natural fibers in comfort and aesthetics. As the textile industry moves towards a more circular and responsible model, advanced nylon will remain a cornerstone, offering versatile solutions for a wide range of applications from high-fashion to extreme outdoor gear.
Gucci has appointed South Korean singer Lee Know as the brand’s new global ambassador. This move strengthens the brand’s relationship with the K-pop sensation and Stray Kids member.
Know has frequently sported Gucci attire at official engagements and in various editorial features. His attendance at the Florentine brand’s Cruise 2025 fashion show in London last year further cemented his ties with the Kering-owned company. In his new capacity, he will play a more central role in Gucci's upcoming events and initiatives.
Since his debut with Stray Kids in 2018, Know has emerged as a versatile and multifaceted artist, making his mark not only as a performer but also as a talented songwriter and composer. Formed by JYP Entertainment through a 2017 reality show, Stray Kids has rapidly ascended to become one of the biggest acts in the music industry. The group comprises seven other members: IN, Bang Chan, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, and Seungmin. Following their debut EP release in January 2018, the band's trajectory has been consistently upward.
The group's musical success has been paralleled by increasing attention from the fashion world. Recently, IN was named an ambassador for both Bottega Veneta and Damiani. Similarly, Fendi has tapped Bang Chan, Versace has partnered with Hyunjin, and Louis Vuitton has brought on Felix for similar brand ambassador roles, highlighting the strong influence of Stray Kids members in high fashion.
