Apparel, Clothing and Footwear

Health and exercise became even more important during the pandemic, with many local consumers believing it to be key for good mental health. Norwegians, who were already very outdoorsy, increased the frequency with which they undertook activities…

Although the short-term impact on sportswear was negative due to lockdowns and restrictions, COVID-19 has boosted consumers' interest in health and fitness. The pandemic has increased consumers' interest in long-term health, with a rising number of…

Sportswear continued to recover in 2023, but the rate of growth slowed over the previous year, with retail constant value sales remaining below their pre-pandemic (2019) level. This slowdown was largely due to the difficult economic situation, with…

Despite facing a high degree of maturity, in 2023, sportswear will continue to display faster growth than the overall apparel and footwear industry. Sportswear performed relatively well during COVID-19, with consumers taking an even larger interest…

As in other apparel categories, sportswear in Turkey is seeing significant activity in terms of collaborations between companies and brands. Collaborations have many advantages for brands, in terms of communication and marketing, as well as in terms…

The high inflation that swept through Europe during 2022 and 2023 led to significant price increases across all categories of womenswear. Initially, the steep price increases that flowed from high inflation put downward pressure on demand for…

After two years of strong growth which have seen womenswear recovering from the declines seen during the pandemic, in 2023, the category’s growth is expected to slow down. The limited growth in womenswear has been driven by the challenging economic…

As the largest category within apparel, the trend visible in the overall apparel category is, naturally, also visible in womenswear in 2023, namely a decline in volume terms and muted current value sales as a result of a growth boom during the…

The impact of COVID-19, followed by the war in Ukraine, has led to high inflation rates in Portugal. While apparel and footwear did not experience a major increase in average unit prices, inflation rates have impacted overall purchasing power,…

Womenswear registered a weaker performance in 2023, with the rate of both volume and constant value growth slowing compared to the previous year. This was due to the high cost of living, which impacted disposable incomes. While the rate of inflation…

In 2023, the performance of womenswear will exhibit the same dynamics as the overall apparel industry, recording a decline in retail volume sales, while current retail value is set to remain positive, primarily driven by inflation and rising unit…

Turkey has seen a very strong recovery from the slump in inbound tourist numbers caused by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and related bans and restrictions on consumer and border movements. In 2021 and 2022, the numbers of inbound trips…

This briefing explores the forces driving apparel demand and supply in Sub-Saharan Africa, which has historically been a protected market, with tariffs, quotas and bans. It discusses how market routes, supply chains and competition have evolved. A…

Apparel accessories in Taiwan is set to record a high double-digit decline in total volume sales for a second consecutive year in 2023. This is entirely due to the dramatic contraction of the other apparel accessories category, where demand for cloth…

Apparel and footwear in Taiwan is poised to register a negative result in volume terms for a second consecutive year in 2023, while current value growth looks set to be down slightly on 2022. This is mainly due to increased caution around…

Overall volume and current value growth rates for childrenswear in 2023 are set to be more modest than those recorded by womenswear and menswear, primarily because birth rates in Taiwan are in long-term decline. This demographic trend has resulted in…

Comfort has continued to gain importance as a factor in footwear purchasing decisions in Taiwan in 2023. This is partly explained by rising health-consciousness, a well-established trend that has been strengthened by the pandemic. Similarly, having…

In keeping with the pattern witnessed over the latter part of the review period, sheer hosiery in Taiwan is set to contract in volume terms in 2023. Falling demand is partly explained by changing fashion preferences, with many younger women inclined…

Jeans has shown another healthy performance in volume terms in 2023, with overall growth set to equal that recorded in 2022. Solid demand is partly explained by the fact that these garments are perennially in fashion and have a broad appeal among…

While menswear in Taiwan is poised to record an improved performance in total volume sales terms in 2023, growth has been tempered by changes in consumer behaviour. Demand is now stabilising in the wake of the rapid rebound facilitated by the lifting…

Despite substantial price hikes amidst rising inflation in Taiwan, growth in sportswear current value sales in 2023 is set to be slower than in 2022. This is mainly because falling purchasing power and heightened economic uncertainty have led most…

Total volume sales growth for womenswear in Taiwan in 2023 is expected to be down slightly on the previous year. This is partly explained by the normalisation of consumption patterns following the impressive rebound that accompanied the easing of the…

In the evolving world of fashion, current trends indicate a notable shift away from apparel accessories, underscoring a preference for a more casual and minimalistic aesthetic. Modern dress styles increasingly favour elements such as jewellery,…

In 2023, categories within apparel and footwear in Mexico are set to experience diverse trajectories in terms of current value growth. While the overall trend is expected to be positive, apparel accessories is anticipated to continue to see a…

Films targeted towards children, or those featuring iconic childhood characters, significantly influence childrenswear trends. Licensing has always been essential to boost sales in this category, especially with the regular release of children’s…

The year 2023 has marked a period of robust value growth for Mexican companies, yet the national footwear industry faces critical economic challenges that threaten its progress. A key concern is labour shortages, as the younger workforce is exploring…

After the post-pandemic years, a shift back towards more formal attire in the workplace has been emerging in 2023, despite the persistence of hybrid work models. While many employees continue to work remotely for part of the week, the days spent in…

Jeans is set to experience near statis in volume sales in Mexico in 2023, following a pronounced rebound during 2021 and 2022, when post-pandemic trends favoured more casual styles, particularly for workplace attire. In anticipation of a full return…

The landscape of men’s fashion has undergone notable changes in response to evolving workplace dynamics. Initially, the pandemic fostered a shift towards hybrid work models, allowing men to embrace less formal attire. The smart-casual style, blending…

In 2022, buoyed by post-pandemic recovery optimism, sportswear giants such as adidas and Nike significantly ramped up their import volumes. However, by 2023, the import volumes for these two brands were seeing a sharp decline, especially when…

In 2023, the release of the Barbie film in the middle of the year had an astounding impact on womenswear, giving rise to the “Barbiecore” trend, whereby enthusiasts sought to emulate the iconic dolls’ outfits and colour palettes. This trend endured…

Volume demand for apparel accessories is expected to see a notable decline in 2023, demonstrating a shift in behaviour from German shoppers. Although the pandemic is over, changes in consumer behaviour have remained. The need for apparel accessories…

In Germany, inflation and interest rates have remained high in 2023, and real GDP has remained relatively flat, negatively affecting consumer spending and demand for non-essential goods such as fashion items. Despite the expectation of an increase…

Childrenswear in Germany is expected to continue to see current value growth in 2023, given the high inflation rate and resultant price increases. Nevertheless, volume sales are set to decline, reflecting the cost-of-living crisis and low consumer…

After seeing close to double-digit current value growth in 2022, footwear has been facing challenges in Germany in 2023, and growth is set to slow. Several insolvencies have been filed in 2023 – an increase compared with the year before –…

In 2023, hosiery in Germany has continued experiencing a shift in consumer behaviour, which started along with the reopening of businesses. Given the return to events outside of the home, such as socialising, travel, and office work, sheer hosiery is…

Levi Strauss Germany is set to maintain its leading position in both men’s and women's premium jeans in Germany in 2023, and stores have seen a consistently positive business performance. Levi’s enjoys long-time brand recognition amongst consumers,…

After seeing slow volume growth and exceptional current value growth in 2022, menswear is set to turn to volume decline in 2023, and much slower, although still significant, current value growth, largely driven by high inflation. In value terms,…

Sportswear in Germany had a shy start to 2023, after the last quarter of 2022, when consumer confidence was at a record low. Despite initial pessimism about the economy in 2023, given the spike in energy prices, winter was less rigorous than…

After a challenging end to 2022, when the holiday sales season’s underwhelming results left retailers apprehensive for the year ahead, 2023 started on a more positive note in womenswear. German consumers took a conservative approach to…

Global inflation continues impacting the apparel and footwear industries. Rising production costs, driven by increased prices of raw materials and transportation, have led to higher retail prices. This inflationary pressure is straining purchasing…

After decades of low inflation, consumers are grappling with rising living costs, prompting shifts in priorities and preferences. This report delves into four major consumer goods industries – apparel, beauty and personal care, drinks, and food – to…

In a time of uncertainty, brands must ensure that the value proposition provided by their loyalty schemes is firmly aligned with customer needs, priorities and expectations, continuously refined and adapted to withstand disruption and changing market…

In 2023, apparel accessories in Brazil saw commendable performances across various categories, especially belts and hats/caps. These accessories, representing a diverse range of styles and trends, contributed significantly to the overall fashion…

In 2023, apparel and footwear in Brazil navigated a complex landscape, shaped by the aftermath of the global COVID-19 pandemic. As the first official year post-pandemic, the nation saw a resurgence in socialisation and a desire for a return to…

As Brazil navigated the economic landscape in 2023, the nation was at a turning point of recovery and resilience. While inflation presented new prospects of stabilisation, optimism for the future was limited by the effects of the pandemic and global…

In 2023, Brazil experienced a challenging economic landscape, shaped by the lingering impacts of the global economic crisis and the ominous shadow of high inflation. A continued surge in footwear prices due to the economic downturn, fuelled by…

In 2023, the hosiery category in Brazil proved resilient, as this is a fundamental and enduring investment, and a staple in the everyday wardrobe of the Brazilian population. This significance became even more apparent in the wake of the pandemic, as…

In the dynamic landscape of the Brazilian apparel and footwear industry in 2023, jeans was one category that stood out for its remarkable resilience against the uncertainties and challenges that have marked the economic trajectory of the country.…

In 2023, Brazil found itself at a crossroads of economic recovery and lingering challenges. After grappling with the aftermath of the pandemic, economic perspectives have brightened, and inflation has somewhat stabilised. However, the path to…