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Apparel 23-07-27

Growth of India's Kids' Wear: $24.5B by 2028

The India kids' apparel market has surged to US$ 21.1 Billion in 2022, with projections showing an expected expansion to US$ 24.5 Billion by 2028, reflecting a robust Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 2.6% during 2023-2028, according to IMARC Group.

Growing disposable incomes

Kids' wear, catering to children under 14, prioritizes comfort and safety, offering a diverse range of clothing suitable for casual, formal, and festive occasions, featuring various materials, styles, and colors.

Social media influence

The market's remarkable growth is fueled by rising disposable incomes, the pervasive influence of social media and smartphones, and aggressive marketing strategies. Leading manufacturers invest in branded and premium apparel, often featuring popular cartoon characters to attract young customers.

Sustainable fashion

Additionally, the trend towards sustainable clothing has gained traction, responding to the growing focus on environmental responsibility.

E-commerce witnesses demand tailwind

As the e-commerce platforms expand, offering convenience and variety, the India kids' wear market is set to witness further growth, effectively meeting the preferences and demands of the young and discerning consumer base across the country.

Apparel 23-07-27

Growth of India's Kids' Wear: $24.5B by 2028

Indian ethnic wear transcends borders as its popularity grows globally

26 July 2023, Mumbai

India’s clothing influence transcends borders, especially ethnic wear. The grandeur of Bollywood, regular Indian events abroad, and international stars strutting around Indian venues have all contributed to the rise of India’s ethnic wear beyond its shores.

Jennifer Aniston’s ivory lehenga-choli in an Indian wedding scene in Murder Mystery 2, designed by designer Manish Malhotra, created quite a buzz in global fashion circuits.

Arrives

A great example of Indian ethnic wear has arrived is the Indian fashion icon Sabyasachi’s exclusive outlet in New York City’s West Village. It’s his first store in New York and is authentic, maximalist, and India-proud.

There’s no other way to describe this opulent, elegant, luxurious and Indian store. From the odd-hippy-styled short kurtas in flamboyant designs to elegant, wearable, and authentic Indian ethnic wear, the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia are markets where the trend has caught on.

Flashpoints of Indian ethnic wear’s global ambitions

Each Indian ethnic wear brings its own history, charm, characteristics, and beauty. That’s why many homegrown brands are making efforts to popularise such artisanal work across the world. Fabindia introduced FabNu, a new style women’s wear line in August 2021.

Through the launch, the company aimed to serve young customers of not only Indian descent but also those who knew of and loved the seamless style of Indian ethnic wear. This line included four collections: Indie Dreams, Flashback, Conversation Starter, Folkadelic.

Out of box

The brand targeted most of its sales from online platforms and through its stores in Dubai, Bahrain, Doha, Rome, and Guangzhou.

Kalki Fashion is another niche success story.

Brain-child of second-generation entrepreneur Nishit Gupta, this label sells products globally, to even to remote countries such as Norway, and has a dominant customer base in the US.

Growth story; In an interview with a fashion podcaster, Nitish said global demand for Indian ethnic wear has grown significantly in the last five years and that his brand was one of the first to introduce video shopping through live online trunk shows which had garnered an appreciative non-Indian customer base.

From pure silk Banarasi to Jaipuri gota, Lucknowi chikankari, and more, Kalki has over 500 artisans on board to create these traditional handcrafted pieces.

The Indian Ethnic Co is a Mumbai-based brand founded by the mother-daughter duo Hetal and Lekhinee Desai in 2016. In just seven years, the clothing brand sells to around 50 countries globally.

Uptick

The Indian Ethnic Co has witnessed a jump in global sales and as Lekhinee says they have a strong customer base in the US, the UAE, Singapore, and Japan. The brand is focused on making Indian fashion responsible, sustainable, and truly handcrafted.

The company deals in handcrafted fabrics like Ajrakh, Bandhani, Bagh, Batru, Balotra, Dabu, Sanganeri, and more. Besides salwars-kurtis, they offer saris, dupattas, western and Indian tunics, silver jewellery, and more. It works with around 500 artisans from across the length and breadth of India.

Convergence

Many other Indian ethnic wear labels are now flourishing across borders, encouraged by the purchasing power of the Indian diaspora as well as non-Indians who are appreciative of what India has to offer sartorially.

While a few of the well-known brands have established their physical presence in some countries, most Indian ethnic wear brands have benefited from e-commerce, making their products accessible without the burden of expensive outlets which in their starting stages would be a financial nightmare.

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Apparel 23-07-26

Benetton's Diverse Newborn Collection Unveiled in India

19 July 2023, Mumbai

Celebrating the Bond: Introducing Benetton's Newborn Collection

Discover Benetton's enchanting newborn collection, a heartfelt homage to the profound connection between parents and their precious little ones. Created with utmost care, these exquisite garments are tailored to meet the unique needs of babies aged 0-18 months.

Embracing Tenderness

Benetton's Newborn Apparel Collection promises to be a cherished addition to the world of love and warmth that surrounds these delicate beings. Meticulously crafted, each piece in the collection is infused with love and attention to detail, offering an assortment of essential garments, from short-sleeve t-shirts and bodysuits to track pants and shorts.

A World of Choices

The color palette harmoniously blends soft pastels with bursts of vibrant hues and luminous whites, creating a visually captivating symphony that soothes and delights the senses. Carefully designed embroideries, fabric appliques, and prints adorn each piece, prioritizing the utmost comfort of the baby.

Caring for Baby

Safety is paramount, as all fabrics are crafted from 100% cotton and undergo rigorous testing and processing to ensure the baby's well-being.

The peached finish provides an extra level of softness, and the fabrics maintain a neutral pH value, safeguarding delicate skin. Nickel-free snap buttons are utilized to prevent rusting and maintain the highest safety standards.

Captivating Charm

Adding a touch of enchantment, the collection showcases an adorable bunny icon specially created for Benetton's newborn capsule.

This captivating artwork captures the attention and sparks the imagination of the little ones, elevating their experience of dressing in style.

Responsible Production

Emphasizing sustainability, all pieces in the collection are ethically produced in eco-friendly factories, adhering to the highest quality standards and regulations for newborn manufacturing units.

The Brand's Commitment

Benetton's unwavering commitment to excellence ensures that parents can savor every precious moment with their newborns, knowing they are adorned in the finest, safest, and most lovingly designed garments available.

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Apparel 23-07-19

New players faceoff in Indian innerwear category

05 July 2023, Mumbai

The women’s lingerie category is finally baring all and coming into its own by establishing a strong presence on social media, through physical stores, and connecting with urban women like never before.

A whole new bandwagon of lingerie brands is now competing with established names in a new evolved fashion landscape. The $6 billion innerwear market in India is a huge one with around 60-70 per cent of the market still largely unorganized and the balance 30-40 per cent being organized.

On the roll

With both online and offline brands growing at around 15-20 per cent per annum, big brands such as Jockey, Zivame, Van Heusen, Rupa, Enamor, Clovia, Marks & Spencer, Nykaa, and Amante among others are fighting for space. Meanwhile, competition is growing between two new kids on the block Reliance Retail and Nykaa, who are now becoming the country’s best-known retailers, and they are beginning to play out in multiple categories.

Reliance Retail increases store presence

With a strong online presence, Reliance Retail now has six innerwear brands in its portfolio, these include private label Hush retailed through Reliance Trends, acquired digital brands Clovia, Zivame, and Amante, and working partnerships with international brands Marks & Spencer and Hunkemoller.

Along with premium brands, Reliance Retail is concentrating on strengthening its physical presence with more stores to ward off completion from Nykaa.

Innerwear takes prominence

Reliance Retail is launching more stores dedicated to innerwear with a new retail format called ‘Blush Lace’. These will target the mass market, including Tier II and III cities.

Along with a dedicated mid-segment priced lingerie portfolio, Blush Lace will have women’s accessories; beauty and skin care products loungewear, shapewear, and sleep essentials with a USP of a one-stop shop for women’s innerwear.

Nykd from Nykaa going places

This focused effort is on the heels of its strongest competitor Nykaa which is making slow and steady inroads into the pan-India innerwear market with the Nykd brand available both online and offline. Nykd already has six stores in metros namely: Bengaluru, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Mysore.

Affordability; Also, it is becoming extremely popular with its lingerie portfolio of good designs at affordable price points and easy-to-navigate tutorials to understand what undergarments will suit a particular woman the best.

Nykaa revealed to the media during its recent investor day that its annual sales of Nykd have already touched Rs 85 crore within three years of its launch and there are major plans in the pipeline to scale up operations as business booms.

Established brands compete with new portfolios

Older, popular, and established players such as Rupa, with its 50-year-old legacy, are now repositioning themselves with the Rupa Frontline innerwear range with has an all-new and versatile product portfolio delivering consistent quality and durability at par with the latest global trends.

Rupa’s innerwear is made from 100 percent super-combed cotton which enables the wearer to feel comfortable and fresh and on-trend.

Creating buzz

Celebrity endorsements from Bollywood star Ranveer Singh as their brand ambassador, roadblock display, multilingual ads, and the e-masthead innovation of the website of leading newspapers featuring the “Vest of India” showcasing Rupa Frontline as the preferred choice of every Indian have helped the company stay ahead of the new entrants.

The Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail (ABFRL) as another veteran which entered the athleisure and innerwear segment in 2016 with the Van Heusen brand has continued to develop its innerwear and athleisure network with a strong presence in 159 exclusive physical stores and around 31,000 outlets by Q2 of FY 2022-23.

The bottom line is as Indian women become more comfortable about experimenting with their innerwear and trying out newer styles, competition in the segment will become more intense.

New players will go all out to woo the quintessential urban women with their styles, as established players will have to try harder to stay ahead in the race.

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Apparel 23-07-05

Indian apparel market surges magnificently: CMAI

26 July 2023, Mumbai

Market Insights

The Indian apparel market has witnessed remarkable growth, expanding between 15-20% in FY2023, reaching an estimated size of Rs. 7.80 lakh crore, according to the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI).

Positive prospects despite challenges

The organized sector is projected to capture a substantial 25-30% share, with renowned brands like Shoppers Stop, Reliance Trends, Lifestyle, V-Mart, and others actively extending their presence in Tier-2 and Tier-3 markets.

Despite a slowdown earlier in the year, with moderate growth of 5-6% in garment retail sales, there is optimism surrounding the forthcoming festive season, as demand for apparel is expected to surge.

NGF

Recently, the CMAI hosted the 77th edition of the National Garment Fair (NGF 2023) in Mumbai, witnessing an impressive gathering of over 35,000 visitors, including national and regional retailers, distributors, and wholesalers, presenting a diverse range of fashion at the event.

About CMAI

With a rich history dating back six decades, the CMAI stands as the representative association of the Indian apparel industry, comprising over 4000 members and serving more than 20,000 retailers. It is the sole Indian association representing the entire apparel industry on esteemed international platforms like the International Apparel Federation (IAF).

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Apparel 23-07-26

Indian apparel imports from B’desh over Rs 8000cr

15 July 2023, Mumbai

India’s imports of apparel from Bangladesh, also means exports of apparel from Bangladesh crossed a significant milestone in the fiscal year FY2022-23 surpassing $1 billion.

Datapoint

The data reveals a remarkable 42 percent year-on-year increase, reaching $1,012 million during the July-June period, as per BGMEA.

SAFTA

The duty-free benefit provided by the South Asian Free Trade Area played a significant role in this growth.

Make in India; The growth in imports from Bangladesh signals a major concern for India’s apparel manufacturing industry and for the initiative of ‘Make in India’.

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Apparel 23-07-15

Taneira: Doubling Stores, 6X Revenue Growth

The brand targets big; Taneira, the women's ethnic wear brand under the Tata Group, has set an ambitious goal of doubling its store count in India to 100 within the next three years.

Aims to become a mega brand

The brand aims to achieve a 6X revenue growth and become a ₹1,000 crore brand by FY27. Focusing on handloom sarees, Taneira collaborates closely with weaver communities from over 100 clusters across India to offer a unique range of pure and authentic weaves.

With its contemporary designs and immersive shopping experience, Taneira aims to tap into the growing demand for traditional attire among younger consumers.

Carves a niche

By catering to diverse customer needs and showcasing India's craft clusters, Taneira seeks to carve a niche in the highly competitive ethnic wear market while empowering local artisans and preserving cultural heritage.

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Apparel 23-07-04

GTE opens at Noida

24 July 2023, Mumbai

The expo, GTE, now in its 34th edition, opened on July 21, held till July -24, 2023. C

Covering 16,000 square meters across three halls, GTE 2023 serves as South Asia's most comprehensive garment technology showcase, featuring cutting-edge innovations, materials, processes, and services.

With over 550 brands from 200 companies participating, the expo is fuelling the growth of the apparel industry in Delhi/NCR and neighboring states like Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.

The garment industry's significance in Delhi/NCR's industrial and economic development remains steadfast. With rapid growth and immense potential for further expansion, Noida, UP has emerged as one of the nation's fastest-growing garment hubs.

Highlight ‘Technological Advancements’

The Noida Apparel Exporter Cluster (NAEC) has even secured 200-acre land for a proposed Apparel Park, signifying the industry's optimistic future.

To leverage the favorable climate for technological investment, the renowned Garment Technology Expo (GTE) is held at Noida Expo Center.

About GTE

Organized by Garment Technology Expo Pvt. Ltd., with support from industry associations, GTE offers a crucial platform for manufacturers and technology providers to connect and explore the latest advancements.

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Apparel 23-07-24

NGF 2023: India's Fashion Extravaganza!

14 July 2023, Mumbai

Revel in the buzz of NGF 2023 as it sets the stage for an extraordinary four-day extravaganza, featuring an exquisite display of women's wear, men's wear, kids wear, and accessories.

About NGF

India's Clothing Manufacturers Association (CMAI) is hosting the 77th National Garment Fair 2023 (NGF 2023) in Mumbai from July 18 to 21. With over 1200 brands participating, the fair showcases diverse collections of women's wear, men's wear, accessories, and kids' wear.

It serves as a vital platform connecting industry stakeholders and is India's foremost trade fair. CMAI emphasizes observing consumer behavior and trends to stay competitive. The industry is hopeful for growth and a successful quarter.

The demand for comfortable clothing and Western fusion wear is increasing. CMAI plays a significant role in policy advocacy, sustainability, and international representation.

Vibrant showcase of ‘Fashion Trends’

With its finger on the pulse of the industry, this iconic trade event promises to be a barometer of the sentiments and expectations that will shape the upcoming festive season.

Anticipating ‘Record-breaking’ turnout

Drawing over 35,000 visitors, including esteemed national retailers and distributors, NGF is a melting pot of insights, innovation, and networking opportunities.

Business Opportunity

Against the backdrop of India's booming economy, industry leaders stress the need for sharp consumer observation to maintain a competitive edge. Join the Indian apparel community at NGF, where fashion converges with business excellence.

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Apparel 23-07-14

Wedding attire sales decline, trends shift

01 July 2023, Mumbai

The wedding clothing industry is witnessing a significant decline in sales as a result of both an economic downturn and evolving fashion preferences. A recent survey conducted by the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) revealed that sales of wedding clothes have drastically decreased.

The garment sector expected to expand

Among the 110 wedding clothing manufacturers surveyed, approximately 77 percent reported average to poor sales during the May-June 2022 wedding season.

The weak performance was attributed to various factors, with over 60 percent of respondents citing the general economic slowdown and 14 percent pointing to high prices.

Additionally, 13 percent believed that a decrease in auspicious days compared to the previous season contributed to the drop in sales. The current market slowdown, driven by overall inflationary conditions, is expected to persist throughout the first quarter of the financial year.

This slowdown is affecting both the value and upper segments of consumers, according to CMAI President Rajesh Masand.

Youth Influenced by ‘Western Culture’

Compared to the previous year, a significant majority (83 percent) of respondents reported no growth in wedding clothing sales this season. Approximately 40 percent indicated a decline of 10 to 25 percent in sales compared to the previous year.

The survey also highlighted changing consumer preferences, with economically priced products outperforming their more expensive counterparts. Lighter embroidery and pastel colors were in high demand.

The influence of Western culture and the accessibility of social media content are gradually shifting the fashion choices of the youth, particularly in the women's wear segment, where traditional clothing is being replaced by Western styles.

Men return to traditional clothing

On the other hand, a resurgence of traditional attire among men during festivals and weddings is being observed.

Rising costs and Price-Led Growth challenge sales volume

The garment sector has been expanding at an annual pace of 8-10 percent, driven by the return of consumers to physical stores, rising costs of raw materials and production have posed challenges.

Despite an estimated overall industry expansion of 15-20 percent between 2022 and 2023, volume growth is projected to be 3-5 percent lower than the previous year, primarily driven by price-led growth

Fashion Landscape

The increasing demand for economically priced products, with lighter embroidery and pastel colors being favored.

The influence of Western culture and the accessibility of social media content have gradually shifted the fashion choices of the youth, particularly in the women's wear segment, where traditional clothing is being replaced by Western styles.

Interestingly, there has been a resurgence of traditional attire among men during festivals and weddings. This observation suggests a growing preference for cultural heritage and traditions in certain segments of the market.

While the garment sector is expected to expand at an annual pace of 8-10 percent, rising costs of raw materials and production pose challenges.

Resurgence

However, the wedding industry as a whole is experiencing a significant rebound after two years of pandemic-induced restrictions. The ethnic wear market is thriving, driven by the approximately 9.5 to 10 million weddings that take place in India each year.

As the concept of multi-day and multi-event wedding celebrations gains popularity, there is an increasing demand for occasion-specific clothes. The ready-to-wear boutique stores are replacing traditional tailor shops, offering a wide range of Indo-western wear and an expanded product portfolio for men, women, and children.

In this market, Vedant Fashions Limited (VFL) has emerged as a leader, with its Manyavar brand being a bestseller. With celebrity brand endorsements and a strong retail presence, VFL has achieved remarkable success in the wedding and festive wear segment. The company's business strategy focuses on pan-India.

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Apparel 23-07-01

Alia Bhatt supports eco-friendly baby care brand

22 July 2023, Mumbai

Joins as ‘Investor & Brand Ambassador’

Superbottoms, the renowned Indian sustainable baby and mom care brand, proudly welcomes actor Alia Bhatt to its team as an investor and brand ambassador.

This exciting partnership seeks to transform the industry, capitalizing on the actor's popularity to solidify the brand's presence in India.

Sustainability journey

In her statement, Alia Bhatt emphasized her commitment to a healthier planet for future generations, aligning her vision with Superbottoms' focus on empowering conscious choices.

The brand's innovative and eco-friendly products, prioritizing safety and quality, have made it the preferred choice for parents seeking guilt-free options.

Shared values

Brand, expressed delight in having Alia Bhatt as their ambassador, given her shared values and personal trust in the brand for her baby.

With a diverse range of products, including baby care, intimate wear, and clothing, Superbottoms continues to cater to parents through its dedicated e-commerce store and kiosks.

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Apparel 23-07-22

Festival Season Spurs Enquiries

13 July 2023, Mumbai

The garment industry in Indore is optimistic about a prosperous festive season ahead, thanks to inquiries and advance orders from players outside the city.

Indicating potential business growth

Anticipating a surge in festival-related business, the industry is targeting a growth of over 10 percent, starting from Rakshabandhan, particularly driven by inquiries primarily from southern states.

Industry players have begun purchasing clothes, although a significant increase in purchases is expected from mid-August onwards.

Festive rush

Rajpal Agrawal, a readymade garment manufacturer from Indore, expressed, "With the approaching season, we have initiated preparations, including responding to inquiries, analyzing trends, and procuring fabrics.

Positive outlook

We have high hopes for a successful season this time, given the increased interest from buyers." Indore serves as a major hub for clothing and readymade supplies across the country. Kailash Mungad, Secretary of the Maharaja Tukojirao Cloth Market Merchants Association, stated, "While the past months have been challenging for our sector, we are now optimistic about improved sales.

Drive optimism; Full-fledged purchases are expected to commence in August, but we are already receiving inquiries from players outside the city." According to the association, the estimated annual clothing sales in Indore reach approximately Rs 800-1,000 crore.

Distribution drives sales to ‘Multiple States’

The garment and clothing industry in Indore caters to the fabric and readymade demands of various states, including Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh.

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Apparel 23-07-13

Functional work-wear evolves into a funky fashion statement

29 June 2023, Mumbai

Smart and durable workwear styles are making a comeback on fashion ramps to meet the post-pandemic rise in demand for style blended with practicality, comfort and inclusiveness.

Utilitarian clothing comprising workwear, army wear, sportswear, and streetwear is now available in a far broader spectrum and a part of the daily fashion wardrobe ever since dressing-down days became the norm.

Indeed, ever since 80’s workwear clothes have been trending due to the influence of punk, skinhead and football hooligan subcultures.

Post-Covid days of comfort dressing has pushed up workwear sales like never before, with US markets spearheading this fashion culture. It’s now a popular trend across Europe and other countries in many casual settings.

Old is gold with a style twist

The basic work wear segment of overalls, cargo pants, jeans and jackets are easily adaptable to suit all body shapes and sizes. Celebrity endorsements and popular stars such as Rihana, Kalia Gerber and Sydney Sweeney and former US President Barack Obama have made work-wear popular in everyday life. Moreover, GenZ and millennial global population are taking to Instagram and Tiktok to promote this fashion segment.

The phenomenon is such that many stars have adopted workwear. For example, Timberland’s famous steel-toe work boots made with heavy-duty tempered steel coated with corrosion-resistant epoxy to meet the needs of industry professionals are now being worn by everyone from plumbers to software engineers.

The century-old Dickies brand of Classic Bib Overalls made with multiple pockets to keep many things has been a timeless workwear staple. It’s now being worn in many causal settings by men as a fashion statement.

The famous Carhartt brand of hats and beanies a winter staple for hardworking men working outdoors for their quality, warmth, and personal style, are now worn by people of all ages including high school girls who love them in rainbow colors.

As centenarians, both Dickies and Carhattt companies have made an amazing return to the fashion scene with a whole new look in post-pandemic years.

A Grand View Research report reveals valued global work-wear market at $16,773.3 million in 2021 that is expected to expand at a CAGR of 5.6 per cent from 2022 to 2030.

Wearing properly fitted work-wear is now considered a reflection of one’s professionalism at the workplace, particularly in manufacturing and corporate sectors, and this need is expected to remain a prominent factor in augmenting product demand.

The increasing occurrence of workplace accidents and fatalities on a global level has not only propelled the need for appropriate work apparel and footwear but also given it a new modern fashion twist that makes it appropriate for casual settings and ramp walks.

Sportswear brands propels sale of work-wear

The global market is driven by product innovations backed by high-tech machinery and many prominent apparel players have been perfecting an innovative work-wear portfolio worldwide as a fashion statement.

The global sportswear segment is an intrinsic part of this segment as most of their garments are durable, flexible, and comfortable.

The global sportswear market is expected to touch $2.5 billion by 2032 at a CAGR of 10.6 per cent. Product versatility is at the core of this growth.

Many mega players such as Nike, Marmot, Puma, Adidas, Patagonia, Under Armour, Burton, ASICS, Columbia, The North Face among others a part of change drivers of the work-wear fashion statement.

Coveralls, uniforms and overalls in denim or canvas with loads of useful pockets and other intricate functional details are now walking the European fashion ramps alongside women’s evening gowns and men’s tuxedos.

The rising popularity of wearable high-tech innovative outfits as a fashion statement tailored to fit perfectly and not a one-size-fits-all useful kind of garment will make many brands go laughing to the bank in the near future if handled right.

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Apparel 23-06-29