Apparel Industry

Resale Revolution: Shaping Retail

Online resale platform ThredUp has released its latest Resale Report, forecasting the global second-hand apparel market to reach $367 billion by 2029, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10%. Developed in partnership with GlobalData, the report highlights that the second-hand apparel sector outpaced the broader retail clothing market by a factor of five […]

Cascale Updates Higg BRM for Enhanced Sustainability Assessment 

Cascale, previously the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, has released the most recent creation of the Higg Brand and Retail Module (BRM), reaffirming its commitment to improving sustainability assessment tools for the fashion industry. The Higg BRM, which is part of the larger Higg Index package, is intended to assist brands and retailers in evaluating their ESG […]

Nordstrom Sees Profits Surge

Nordstrom Inc., the American luxury department store, reported total revenues of $15.02 billion for the fiscal year 2024 (FY24), ending 1 February 2025, reflecting an increase from $14.69 billion in the previous year. Net sales rose to $14.56 billion, while net earnings surged to $294 million. The selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses of the […]

SWE-S Launches Treadfine Productions, Promoting Sustainable Hosiery

SWE-S has launched Treadfine Productions, a new business committed to making high-quality, sustainably made hosiery, as a part of its efforts to steer the fashion sector toward a more sustainable future. The fashion industry is dealing with the environmental impact of rapid fashion, particularly the proliferation of “throwaway” hosiery made of synthetic fibers. Recognizing this […]

ECOHUES™: A Sustainable Dyeing Solution 

The fashion industry, long criticized for its environmental impact, is witnessing a wave of innovation aimed at creating a more sustainable future. Among these advancements, ECOHUES™ waterless dyeing technology stands out as a game-changer, promising to drastically reduce water consumption and chemical waste. ECOHUES™ deviates from traditional dyeing processes by utilizing a recyclable, non-aqueous solvent […]

University of Warwick Unveils Reversible Adhesive Technology for Sustainable Fashion

Researchers at the University of Warwick, in cooperation with clothing automation pioneer CreateMe Technologies, have created a groundbreaking thermoreversible adhesive technique that has the potential to alter the fashion industry. The outcome of three years of rigorous study and supported by 19 patents, it promises to greatly increase the scalability of textile recycling, lowering waste […]

Quiksilver Women’s Comeback: US & Canada

Authentic Brands Group has announced a new partnership with Velocity Global Brands to relaunch Quiksilver’s women’s collection in the United States and Canada. Under the agreement, Velocity will oversee design, manufacturing, and distribution, with the collection debuting in spring 2025. Inspired by nature, adventure, and a free-spirited lifestyle, the line will feature high-quality, versatile, and […]

Manchester Fashion Institute Launches Robotics Lab for Sustainable Fashion Production

The UK’s first fashion production lab has invented its first collaborative robotic technology – ‘cobots’ – which can be trained to manufacture sustainable high value, low volume clothing. The cobot arms have the ability to stitch, draw, knit, and even 3D scan a mannequin or human body before prototyping a clothing design.  The £3.8 million […]

Gore-Tex Launches Online Repair Service in the UK to Boost Sustainability

In a major move toward sustainability, Gore-Tex, a well-known brand in high-performance outdoor clothing, is testing a new online repair service in the UK. By extending the lifespan of Gore-Tex items, this program hopes to cut down on textile waste and promote a move away from throwaway fashion. Gore-Tex is giving clients immediate access to […]

CFDA Announces Preliminary NYFW Schedule for Fall/Winter 2025 

The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) has officially announced the preliminary program for New York Fashion Week (NYFW) Fall/Winter 2025. The highly anticipated event will take place from Thursday, February 6, to Tuesday, February 11, 2025, and will include over 52 runway shows and designer presentations, as well as extra collections presented digitally […]

Fashion Resale Reshapes Retail

A GlobalData report states that the traditional clothing sector expanded by 0.1% in 2024, while the global resale garment market surged by 17.6% to reach US$204.7 billion. With a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.4% anticipated through 2028, the market is expected to grow by an additional 13.3% in 2025. According to Alice Price, […]

Deloitte Global and Global Fashion Agenda partner to promote fashion sustainability

Global Fashion Agenda (GFA) and Deloitte Global have established a strategic Knowledge Collaboration to help set the global agenda on sustainability in fashion. The organizations expect that the partnership will accelerate efforts to improve the industry and create an environment that is conducive to change. The fashion and textile industries face numerous sustainability challenges. GFA […]

British Fashion Council and Copenhagen Fashion Week Unite to Advance Sustainability in Fashion

British Fashion Council (BFC) and Copenhagen Fashion Week (CPHFW) announced a new collaboration, joining forces to align their efforts to accelerate the industry’s sustainability actions across the Nordic and British fashion markets. Copenhagen’s basic standards include having a clear ESG plan and a diversity and inclusion policy for recruiting, utilizing preferred materials, and eliminating single-use […]

Consumer Trends Power Retail

Retailers in the clothing and footwear sectors anticipate strong demand in the coming months. According to an analysis, the second half of FY25 is expected to be robust, driven by the festive season, an increase in wedding dates, and improving consumer sentiment. The report highlighted that overall apparel consumption remained stable in Q2 FY25. However, […]

Devastating Fire at Ghana’s Kantamanto Market: A Blow to Global Circular Fashion and Local Livelihoods

A devastating fire swept through Ghana’s Kantamanto Market in the early hours of January 2, displacing thousands of clothing recycling and upcycling businesses and leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Known as the largest secondhand clothing market in West Africa—and one of the largest globally—Kantamanto has long been a hub for creative reuse […]

Carter’s CEO Steps Down

Carter’s, a leading North American retailer, has announced the retirement of Michael D. Casey as Chairman and CEO after more than 15 years in the role and over three decades with the company. Richard F. Westenberger, currently Senior Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Operating Officer, has been appointed interim CEO while continuing […]

Central Saint Martins partners with Miss Sixty to foster circular denim. 

Fashion giant Trendy Group, which includes Italian brand Miss Sixty, have partnered with the Central Saint Martins (CSM), University of the Arts London (UAL) “to pave the future for circular denim.” The partnership revolves around the new Future Denim Lab, a five-year program dedicated to promoting circular denim and sustainable fashion. It will work with […]

David Beckham’s DRJB Holdings Pays Out $124 Million in Dividends Amid Strong Performance

David Beckham’s company, DRJB Holdings, paid out $124 million in dividends, reflecting the company’s robust financial performance. The key factor was Authentic Brands Group’s majority acquisition of DRJB Holdings in 2022, where Beckham retained a significant 45% stake, allowing him to benefit from the company’s ongoing success. The Financial Times stated that the dividend payments were spread out over […]

European Fashion Alliance Publishes “The Status of European Fashion Report 2024”

The European Fashion Alliance has released its latest report, The Status of European Fashion Report 2024 [1], providing a comprehensive exploration of the current landscape of the European fashion industry. The report emphasized the urgent need for sustainability, innovation, and collaboration across the sector, highlighting the critical role of creativity in driving positive environmental and […]

ICAC Releases Report on Soil Health in Cotton Farming Methods

The International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) has released a comprehensive report [1] focusing on soil health in cotton farming methods. The report highlights the critical role of healthy soils in enhancing cotton productivity and sustainability, especially in the face of climate change. The report emphasized the importance of regenerative agricultural practices, such as cover cropping […]

Smartex Launches 2024 Modern Textile Factory Report

Smartex has released the second edition of its Modern Textile Factory (MTF) Report, The Textile Data Highway [1]. The report delves into how a seamless data highway is transforming textile supply chains by leveraging high-quality, communicable, and actionable data to optimize operations, enhance product quality, and drive sustainability.  The report highlights the importance of resource […]

Teijin to Invest in “Circularise B.V.”, to develop traceability management systems

Teijin Limited has announced an investment in Circularise B.V., a company based in The Hague, Netherlands, that develops product traceability management systems using blockchain technology. This strategic move will see Teijin implementing Circularise’s software to enhance visibility into its global supply chain. Circularise’s proprietary “Smart Questioning” solution utilizes Zero-Knowledge Proof (ZKP) technology, providing both anonymity […]

Textile Exchange Releases Latest Report highlighting “take-make-waste” model

Textile Exchange, a leader in driving sustainable practices in the fashion, apparel, and textile industry, has released its latest report titled Reimagining Growth Landscape Analysis. The comprehensive report examines the prevailing linear “take-make-waste” business model of the industry and calls for a fundamental shift away from unchecked resource consumption.  The report highlights that the industry’s […]

Better Cotton Joins Make the Label Count Coalition

The world’s largest cotton sustainability program, Better Cotton, has joined the Make the Label Count coalition [1] to advocate for more accurate and science-based sustainability metrics in the fashion and textile industries. The coalition, which includes over 50 natural fiber organizations and environmental groups, is calling for an urgent revision of the European Commission’s Product […]

Six Most Common Sustainability Reporting Mistakes Fashion Brands Should Avoid

As the year draws to a close, it’s time to take account of all that has been accomplished in the previous months. Fashion firms have begun publishing out their annual reports in December. One prominent theme in non-financial reports is sustainability. Year after year, an increasing number of firms are opting to publicly disclose their […]

Fashion Meets Beauty Tech

Perfect Corp. has acquired Wannaby, a leading platform for virtual try-ons and immersive digital experiences, signalling its expansion into luxury sectors such as footwear, handbags, and apparel. Wannaby, renowned for its cutting-edge digitalisation solutions, has redefined virtual shopping for over 30 top-tier luxury fashion brands. By integrating Wannaby’s innovative technology, Perfect Corp. aims to elevate […]

Vietnam Set to Overtake India as Second-Largest Textile Exporter

On December 25, Vinatex reviewed its 2024 performance and presented its 2025 strategies at a conference held in Hanoi. According to Vinatex General Director Cao Huu Hieu, Vietnam is expected to surpass India as the world’s second-largest exporter of clothing and textiles, with planned shipments of US$44 billion this year. The company placed a strong […]

Leather Working Group Publishes Comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment Report

The Leather Working Group (LWG) has released a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) report [1], conducted by Spin 360, analyzing the environmental impact of producing one square meter of finished leather. The report evaluates 50 leather products across six categories, including footwear, furniture, leather goods, and automotive upholstery, covering the entire production process from raw […]

Puma Partners with Woodspin to Promote Sustainable Fashion with Wood-Based Fibers

Sportswear giant Puma has signed a multi-year, non-binding Letter of Intent (LOI) with Woodspin [1], to secure volumes of wood-based Spinnova fiber for future collections. Woodspin is a joint venture between Spinnova and Suzano. This collaboration aims to showcase the potential of sustainably sourced and renewable raw materials to transform the fashion industry.  The partnership […]

Stephan Sturm to Become Chairman of Hugo Boss Supervisory Board

Hugo Boss has announced that Stephan Sturm, 61, will become chairman of the company’s supervisory board, following the next annual shareholders meeting on May 15, 2025. Stephan Sturm has a degree in business administration and began his career at McKinsey & Company before moving on to several executive roles in investment banking. Following that, he […]

ZDHC Foundation Releases Guidelines for Sustainable Chemical Management in Recycled Polyester Production

The Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) Foundation, a global chemical management group, has released the Recycled Polyester Guidelines V1.0 and Industry Standard Implementation Approach V1.0 [1] to address sustainable chemical management in recycled polyester production. These guidelines provide comprehensive requirements for input, process, and output management, covering both bottle-to-textile and textile-to-textile recycling processes.  The […]

EPA Releases Recommendations to Help Buyers Find Sustainable Products

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published final updates to its Recommendations of Specifications[1], Standards, and Ecolabels for Federal Purchasing. These updates aim to assist federal government purchasers and other buyers in selecting more sustainable products, climate-friendly, and contain safer chemical ingredients. This marks the recommendations’ first comprehensive evaluation and expansion in nearly a […]

Rising Fashion and Sustainability Trends in Asia Amid China’s Economic Slowdown

China’s economy is worth $18 trillion, making it one of the largest economies globally. It also has the second-largest apparel market in the world, showing the significance of consumer-spending in the fashion market. From 2013 to 2019, China’s GDP grew at a high rate of about 7% per year. In 2025, the GDP is expected to grow […]

UNCCD Releases “Fashion and Land” Report at COP16

The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) launched a new publication, “Fashion and Land”  [1], at COP16 in Saudi Arabia. The report explores the significant impact of the fashion industry on land use, soil health, and degradation through its fiber choices and production practices.  The UNCCD’s report underscores the profound impact of the fashion industry on […]

Hugo Boss Announces Independent Company Eightyards for the Recycling and Reuse of Surplus Materials

Hugo Boss, a German fashion firm, has officially established Eightyards, an independent company dedicated to recycling and reusing surplus materials from the firm’s additional resources. Eightyards will formally start operations in January 2025 and has been designed to be strategically aligned with Hugo Boss’s comprehensive commitment to environmentally and resource-friendly production processes. Eightyards will be […]

Systemiq Unveils Strategies to Enhance Circularity in PET Packaging and Polyester Textiles by 2040

Systemiq Ltd. has released an in-depth study outlining a roadmap to transition the US PET packaging [1] and polyester textile industries from linear, single-use systems to circular frameworks by 2040. This transformation aims to halve waste and create 46,000 new jobs in the US. The report, titled Transforming PET Packaging and Textiles in the United […]

This is Free Fashion: Dutch Brand Redefining the Concept of ‘Fast Fashion’

‘This is free fashion’ is a new Dutch fashion brand that provides free clothes through pop-up shops set up in various cities of Dutch. This is Free Fashion is supported by funding from several towns and operates with the help of volunteers, but it also generates revenue through a crowdfunding platform called Steunactie. The firm’s goal […]

ACT Launches Framework to Track Fashion Industry’s Climate Commitments

The Accelerating Climate Transition (ACT) initiative has unveiled a new framework designed to assist fashion and luxury brands, manufacturers, and retailers in tracking their climate commitments. Endorsed by major players [1] like LVMH and Chanel, this tool aims to evaluate whether companies are on course to meet their low-carbon objectives, addressing the significant greenhouse gas […]

FWF and EOG Unite to Enhance Workers’ Rights in Outdoor Apparel Supply Chain

The Fair Wear Foundation, a multi-stakeholder initiative focused on garment workers’ rights, has announced a significant partnership with the European Outdoor Group (EOG) [1], the association representing the European outdoor industry. This collaboration aims to drive long-term improvements in workers’ rights and enhance human rights due diligence across the outdoor apparel supply chain. The partnership […]

EU Adopts Regulation Prohibiting Products Made Using Forced Labour

In a landmark decision, the Council of the European Union has adopted a regulation [1] prohibiting the sale, import, and export of products made using forced labor, including textile products. This regulation, approved on November 19, 2024, aims to eradicate forced labour within the EU market and promote global human rights. This is the last […]

Upstream Circularity Playbook Unveiled

The H&M Foundation, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit, and Global Fashion Agenda (GFA) have launched the Upstream Circularity Playbook—a comprehensive guide to promote textile recycling in manufacturing nations.This resource, available in six languages, provides practical insights and case studies to support circular practices in the apparel industry. It encourages businesses and governments to adopt models […]

Scottish Textile Researchers Develop World-First Visual Grading System to Combat Microplastic Pollution

Textile researchers from Scotland’s Heriot-Watt University, led by Dr. Lisa Macintyre, have developed a visual fibre fragmentation scale [1]—the world’s first textile grading system of its kind aimed at fighting microplastic pollution in the fashion industry. The new grading system is the result of four years of research. The five-point scale assesses the volume of […]

Researchers at Cornell invented a unique waterproof coating from discarded textiles

Researchers at Cornell University have unveiled a groundbreaking technique to create waterproof coatings from discarded textiles. Led by Juan Hinestroza, the Rebecca Q Morgan ’60 Professor of Fiber Science and Apparel Design in the College of Human Ecology, the team developed a low-temperature method for synthesizing superhydrophobic (waterproof) coatings using environmentally friendly solvents like water […]

Adidas Bounces Back

Adidas, founded by Adolf Dassler, stands as Europe’s largest sportswear manufacturer and the world’s second-largest after Nike. Originally co-founded with his elder brother Rudolf, their split saw Rudolf establish Puma, sparking a historic rivalry that propelled both brands to global prominence, shaping the sportswear industry into a multi-billion-dollar industry. In recent years, Adidas has encountered […]

Sae-A Adopts FSC Standards

Sae-A Trading, the global clothing manufacturer, has joined the Fashion Forever Green Pact, a global FSC initiative that unites fashion leaders in fostering sustainable forest management. As a voluntary participant, Sae-A Trading aligns with this industry-wide effort to protect forests and promote responsible materials sourcing.The Fashion Forever Green Pact promotes apparel companies using forest-based materials […]

Shanghai: A Global Hub for International Brands 

Amidst a backdrop of economic optimism, top international fashion brands are making a resounding statement by debuting new collections in Shanghai. This trend of launching in Shanghai aligns with China’s “debut economy” initiative, aimed at promoting the introduction of international brands. The reason why international brands choose Shanghai as the launch pad for their newest […]

End of an Era: Luxury Retailer Harrolds Faces Liquidation After 39 Years  

Harrolds, a prominent Australian luxury fashion retail scene, has officially entered liquidation after 39 years of operation. The store, once known for its curated selection of high-end fashion, footwear, and accessories, ceased trading earlier this month, prompting the appointment of Andrew MacNeill from SMB Advisory as the liquidator.     Founded in 1985, Harrolds was celebrated for […]

Luxury Giant Stumbles

A 5% drop in quarterly sales may not derail LVMH’s annual revenue, but for a luxury bellwether like this, stagnation in its fashion and accessories division signals broader industry challenges. LVMH, known for its resilience during economic downturns and consistent outperformance, now faces headwinds beyond mere sales numbers.Historically, LVMH has defied industry trends, driving growth […]

Pioneering Sustainable Printing

Polyester has reigned supreme in the textile printing industry for decades, primarily due to its compatibility with digital sublimation—an efficient and cost-effective process. However, sublimation is limited to polyester, leaving a significant market gap for printing on other fabrics, such as cotton and blends.Direct-to-textile printing has emerged as a partial solution, but it demands expensive […]

Perfect Moment Expands Resale

Perfect Moment, a luxury outerwear and ski clothing manufacturer, has expanded its US resale programme to include the UK, Italy, Germany, and France. This initiative, dubbed Perfect Second Moment, aims to promote a circular economy by extending the lifespan of the brand’s products.Mark Buckley, CEO of Perfect Moment, stated, “With this global expansion, Perfect Second […]

Hybrid Shoe Innovation

LaLaLand Production & Design, California’s leading shoe manufacturer, renowned for collaborations with LVMH, Gap, and Amiri, has joined forces with Elastium, a Los Angeles-based 3D-printing startup credited with creating the world’s first fully 3D-printed foam shoes.Together, they aim to revolutionise the footwear industry with a new Hybrid production model that integrates cutting-edge 3D-printing technology with […]

BRICS+ Fashion Summit Unveils BRICS International Fashion Federation 

In a landmark development for the global fashion industry, representatives from over 50 nations convened in Moscow to announce the formation of the BRICS International Fashion Federation (BRICS IFF) at the conclusion of the BRICS+ Fashion Summit. This historic memorandum aims to unite fashion associations and industry leaders to enhance international collaboration, sustainability, and opportunities […]

Leather Meets Sustainability

The Real Leather. Stay Different. International Design Award recently concluded in London, celebrating innovative designs and a strong commitment to sustainable fashion. The event attracted designers from around the world, showcasing leather as a durable, eco-friendly material that combines creativity with environmental responsibility.A highlight of the evening was Ruth Girmay’s recognition as Africa’s Most Commendable […]

 Nackiye: Bringing Turkish Fashion to the Global Stage with Style and Heritage 

In a world where fashion often expresses cultural identity, Turkish design is slowly but surely making its mark on the international stage, thanks to the innovative sister duo Basak and Defne Kocabiyikoglu, founders of the emerging brand Nackiye. Rooted deeply in the vibrant city of Istanbul, Nackiye stands out with creations embody the richness of […]

Festive Apparel Surge

The organised retail apparel sector is set to grow 8-10% this fiscal year, driven by festive and wedding demand, normal monsoon conditions, easing inflation, and a growing preference for fast fashion, according to a report by Crisil Ratings.Fast fashion, offering trendy and affordable clothing, now accounts for 60% of total sales, up from 56% before […]

Bangladesh Fashion Revolution

Bangladesh has solidified its global leadership in sustainable apparel manufacturing with 229 eco-friendly factories recognised worldwide. Mohiuddin Rubel, head of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), announced that three additional Ready-Made Garment (RMG) facilities—located in Sitakunda, Chattogram; Sepal Garments Limited in Gazipur; and Ananta Huajing Limited in Narayanganj—have been designated as “Green Factories.”With […]

California Leads Textile Reform

California has enacted a landmark law requiring the recycling of used clothing, marking a significant step towards reducing textile waste in the US. The Responsible Textile Recovery Act (SB 707), signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, mandates that apparel firms establish an extended producer responsibility (EPR) program for the clothing they sell, aiming to transform the […]