According to the latest report by Imarc Group, titled ‘Online Clothing Rental Market: Global Industry Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecast 2022-2027, the global online clothing rental market, that reached a value of $1.9 billion in 2021, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.75 per cent through 2022-2027 to $3.3 billion by 2027.

The report, COVID 19 pandemic has adversely affected the online clothing retail market since public gatherings, including weddings and family get-togethers had to be canceled or postponed due to the mandatory lockdown restrictions imposed by the governments of various countries Moreover, due to the fear of transmission of the virus, a majority of the people hesitated in wearing rental clothes due to hygienic concerns, thus impeding the market growth.

Apart from this, the increasing popularity of internet shopping portals due to their enhanced convenience is creating a positive outlook for the market. Moreover, several online clothing rental portals are offering customization options and discounts to attract customers, thus catalyzing the market growth. Besides this, the rising prominence of fashion vlogs, considerable growth in the film and television industry, and the growing preference for rental services due to their easy availability and accessibility to an enormous assortment at a lower cost are propelling the demand for online clothing rental services.

Additionally, the high usage of these resources among fashion-conscious individuals who lack the finances to purchase clothes of their choice is strengthening the global market. Other factors, including the inflating disposable income and easy return or refund options provided by these portals, are also providing an impetus to the market.

UK’s leading trade fashion buying event, Pure London has revealed a sneak peak of its inspirational Spring Summer 23 trends which will be brought to life on the thrice daily shows on The Catwalk in partnership with Drapers, during the next event at Olympia London from July 17-19, 2022.

The catwalk shows at Pure London are renowned for their bold styling and inspirational looks, featuring designs created by the brands and designers showcasing their new collections at the event, and always delivered to a packed audience.

Buyers at the July show will be treated to six key SS23 trends including eye-popping colour, rainbow prints, digital atelier effects, acrylic jewellery, and bucket loads of nostalgia from the global Kidult trend; vibrant sunflower yellows, crochet effects, and retro florals from the Sundial trend; and hyper pinks and Galactic cobalt blue from Empowered Electricity. Natural Nouveau features natural knits, cut out details, cropped jackets, cardigans and body jewellery in soft whites, while New Utilitarian delivers a punk revival with laced corsets, chains, sheers, black and metallics, and Tide Green presents soft waves, loose pants, transparency, crochet, cut-outs in bright, butterfly, and night tide greens.

Placing it firmly on the fashion map, a dedicated scene features designers from Romania including Nissa, Papucei, VeneraArapu, Inga Velery, Cristina Bacio, Lynx, Boyari Design, Kan-Brand, Atelier RalucaMihalceanu, Anna Caro, and Antonia Nae. Visitors will also be treated to key new season looks from Jayley.

International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) has released its 44th annual International Textile Machinery Shipment Statistics (ITMSS) report. The findings show, global exports of spinning, texturing, weaving, knitting, and finishing machines increased sharply in 2021 compared to 2020.

Export of new short-staple spindles, open-end rotors and long-stale spindles surged 110 per cent, 65 per cent and 44 per cent respectively. Shipments of draw-texturing spindles grew 177 per cent while exports of shuttle-less looms increased 32 per cent. Export of large circular machines increased 30 per cent while flat knitting machines grew 109 per cent. Total exports of finishing machines surged 52 per cent on average. Compiled in collaboration with 200 textile machinery manufacturers, the 2021 survey is an apt representation of the world’s textile machinery production.

Short-staple spindles dominate spinning machinery exports

In spinning machinery, export of short-staple spindles dominated with shipments increasing by 4 million units to 7.61 million units in 2021. Of this, 90 per cent were exported to Asia and Oceanic countries, with exports increased by 115 per cent to these regions.

Second highest exported spinning machines were open-end rotors whose shipments increased 273,000 to 695,000 in 2021. Turkey and Pakistan led this segment with imports increasing by 56 and 47 per cent, respectively. On the other hand, imports by Uzbekistan declined 14 per cent to 12,600 units in 2021. Exports of long-staple (wool) spindles increased 44 per cent from about 22,000 units in 2020 to nearly 31,600 units. Around 68 per cent were imported by Iran, Italy and Turkey in 2021.

Single-heater draw-texturing spindles shipments rise

Export of single heater draw-texturing spindles increased 365 per cent from 16,000 units in 2020 to 75,000 in 2021. Chinese Taipei and Turkey were the biggest importers of these machines with 90 per cent an import share which. Global shipment of double heater draw-texturing spindles increased 167 per cent to 870,000 units. Most of exports were directed to Asia, with China accounting for 95 per cent of global shipments.

Shuttle-less looms top global weaving machine shipments

Worldwide shipments of weaving machines were dominated by shuttle-less looms, with exports increasing 32 per cent to 148,000 units. Exports of air-jet, rapier and projectile and water-jet weaving machines surged 56 per cent to nearly 45,776 units, 24 per cent to 26,897 and 23 per cent to 75,797 units, respectively. Asia and Oceania cumulatively imported 94 per cent, 84 per cent, 98 per cent of global air-jet, rapier/projectile, and water-jet looms. China emerged the major importer.

Electronic flat knitting machines exports grows 109%

Global exports of large circular knitting machines grew 29 per cent to 39,129 units. China emerged the largest importer followed by Turkey and India. In 2021, electronic flat knitting machines exports increased 109 per cent to around 95,000.

Relax dryers and tumblers lead finishing machinery exports

Exports of relax dryers and tumblers dominated fabrics continuous segment with shipments increasing 183 per cent. Exports of all other types of finishing machines surged in the range 33 to 88 per cent. Only exports of dyeing machines declined 16 per cent for CPB and -85 per cent for hotflue.

A global non-profit alliance of major fashion brands, Sustainable Apparel Coalition has decided to stop using the Higgs Materials Sustainability Index that enabled H&M shoppers to check the environmental impact of 655 of its garments. SAC’s decision comes after the Norwegian Consumer Authority (NAC) warned the H&M against using this tool to support its environmental claims. The authority warned H&M, it would face economic sanctions if it continues using the tool. The Norwegian consumer watch dog made this decision based on allegations of outdoor brand Norrona, which claimed the data on Higg Index was misleading to consumers and its claims were unverified. Besides, H&M and Norrona, the Higgs Sustainability Index has been also embedded by Nike, Primark, Walmart, Boohoo, Amazon and Tommy Hilfiger on their websites.

Only selective impact assessed

Philippa Grogan, Eco Age alleges, the Higg MSI only looks at a selective part of a brand’s impact on environment. It does not provide information on whether a garment will release microplastic, or is biodegradable. It also does not allow consumers to make informed decisions. The tool has also been accused of using outdated or unrepresentative data. Brands upload data only from a small cotton farm, allege critics. They do not use data from a massive farm.

Refuting all allegations

Earlier this month, the New York Times confirmed critics’ claims SAC was using data from the synthetics industry, thus substantiating brands’ claims that synthetic fibres are more sustainable than natural ones.

However, Amina Razvi, CEO, SAC, refutes all allegations levied against the index. She says, all lifecycle assessment data on the tool is assessed before being confirmed and validated by users. The coalition plans to meet the NCA and clear all doubts regarding the tool and devise new ways for companies to make verifiable claims, Razvi notes. SAC also plans to conduct an independent third-party review of the data and methodology.

After spending almost two years in their sweatpants, customers across the world are yearning to get back into denims. As a report by the Edited shows, demand for straight cut jeans made up 21 per cent and 23 per cent of the total apparel demand in the US and the UK respectively. Skinny jeans dominated menswear demand in Fall 2021 in the US. In terms of colors black jeans dominated demand with 22 per cent rise. The sell-out rate for black denim was also higher at 24 per cent than blue denims

Lighter colors, straight fits for women’s denims

Lighter colors were more in demand in women’s denim in the UK with neutral emerging the most sold color in denim. Of the total Fall-2021 collection, 42 per cent jeans sold were neutral colors while black jeans sold comprised 31 per cent and blue jeans 28 per cent.

In terms of fittings, for women, straight fit denims dominated demand during Fall 2021 in both UK and the US. Straight fit denim formed 21 per cent of total demand in the US while it was 23 per cent of apparel choices in the UK. Wide-leg and boot cut styles totaling 8 and 11 per cent of the total denim demand. Total sellout of these styles was 21 per cent of total apparel sellouts in both.

Demand for slim fit for men increases

In menswear, demand for slim denim increased 46 per cent in the UK and 45 per cent in the US. These styles also emerged the most sold out in both regions. Retailers also sold more baggy styles than wide leg and boot cut denims. As seen from visitors at the Coachella festivals, denim from US brand Noughty were most sought after. They are also opting for cargo pockets, distressed, low-rise cuts and micro mini-skirts. Denim fitting continues to be relaxed with consumers opting for loose-fit silhouettes.

US demands more black denims

In the US, demand for black men’s denims increased 22 per cent while their sellout increased 21 per cent. Demand for brown denim increased in both regions from Bershka’s straight fit cropped styles to baggy fits at River Island, their sell out rate increased 35 per cent and 68 per cent in the US and the UK respectively.

Denim collection across both countries featured a wide range of shades like the 90s-inspired bleached washes at Vaquera to rich indigo at Carolina Herrera and Fendi. Denim patchworks by Etro and Acne Studio were also popular as they mixed light and dark washes. Indigo and blue emerged the most preferred washes. These collections had brand logos and slogans stamped on them, most notably at Vetements.

Eyeing business bonanza in the global apparel market, Bangladesh exporters have sought faster delivery of imported raw materials by coordinating between customs and port authorities. Exporters have also demanded a ‘self-clearance license’ by the revenue board to expedite trade transactions to catch up with market demand.

The demands were placed by Farque Hassan, President, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) during its meeting with Abu Hena Md Rahmatul Muneem, Chairman, National Board of Revenue. Shahidullah Azim, Vice-President, BGMEA, Asif Ashraf, Director, and Shams Mahmud, Chairman, BGMEA Standing Committee on Foreign Mission Cell were also present at the meeting.

The leaders emphasized on the importance of simplifying business procedures for the export-oriented apparel industry to help retain its competitiveness on the global market. They also requested the NBR to banish customs and bond-related obstacles from the business proceedings to accelerate growth of the RMG industry.

At the recent Growers Forum organized by the International Wool Textiles Organization (IWTO), Jo Hall, CEO, WoolProducers Australia identified animal welfare, biosecurity, competition for land use and labor shortages as key issues faced by the industry).

An international forum for wool growing countries the IWTO Grower’s Forum provides a platform for the global wool producers to exchange ideas and discuss current issues.

Ed Storey, President, WoolProducers says, the forum can be made more active by discussing current issues and having both international and external consultations. It can discuss issues related to emissions trading schemes, Responsible Wool Standard demand, COVID impacts and trade agreements. Grower member countries represented at the forum’s June meeting included: Australia, the Falkland Islands, New Zealand, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States and Uruguay. The forum meets face-to-face on an annual basis; however, the IWTO working groups meet more frequently. The next growers forum is scheduled for the IWTO Conference next year, but work will continue out of session

Recognized by the industry as the global authority for standards in the wool textile industry since 1930, the IWTO has members from 22 countries encompassing the wool industry, and represents the interests of the world’s wool textile trade at the international level.

Indonesia’s Ministry of Industry (Kemenperin) is providing machine price discounts to make textile and textile product (TPT) industry more productive and competitive. This move is also a part of the implementation of the Making Indonesia 4.0 roadmap, which makes the textile sector one of the priorities.

The incentive encourages companies to use more modern, energy efficient and eco-friendly machines. Till date, 10 companies have benefited from this move through the Agreement on the Provision of Discounted Reimbursements (P4H), says Ellis Masitoh, Director-Textile, Leather and Footwear Industry, Ministry of Industry.

In 2022, the Ministry of Industry aims to provide incentives for engine price discounts worth IDR 5 billion. Until June 27, 2022, the Ministry of Industry approved discounts for 10 companies that have stimulated investment in new machines from the industry amounting to IDR 53.9 billion.

The total discounted price given is Rp. 3.07 billion, so there is still a budget of Rp. 1.93 billion which is planned to be realized in July 2022.

In the first half of 2022, demand for spandex declined while supply soared. This led to Spandex price declining to a half of the 2021 levels. As per a CCF Group report, stocks of spandex 40D worsened due to rise in spot raw material prices from Q2, which reached historic highs in end-Q2.

Inventory surged to 45 days by end-June, even near two months in some factories. The expanding of capacities by companies led to overall inventory of spandex hitting a historic high. Orders for downstream fabric mills declined in late-June leading to a further decline in prices of polyester fiber, nylon fiber, spandex, cotton and cotton yarn. Some fabric mills increased cutting or suspending production.

The operating rate of spandex plants declined to 82 per cent by end-Jun. Plants with 70kt/year of capacity or above ran at around 87 per cent of capacity, those with 30-40kt/year of capacity ran at around 75 per cent of capacity and that of small factories with capacity at 200kt/year or below ran at around 40 per cent of capacity. Spandex factories in Middle and West China ran at above 90 per cent of capacity and that of units in East China ran at around 70 per cent of capacity with pressure from losses.

In July, spandex production is likely to be cut further due to soft demand and more losses. More spandex plants in East China are expected to reduce or suspend production in July. This will cause the operating rate of spandex plants to fall by around 10 percentage points to below 75 per cent during the month.

Affected by low exports and a sharp increase in raw materials and transportation costs, the operating profitability of India’s home textile makers has moderated by 150-200 basis points to 13 per cent during this financial year 2022-23, says financial research and rating agency CRISIL. The agency, however, expects, credit outlook for the sector to remain stable. It will be supported by balance sheets strengthened by healthy cash generation and debt reduction over the past two fiscals will lend support, the agency says in its report.

It further adds, demand for home textiles will be impacted in the near term by inflationary pressures as big retailers cut down on inventory and consumers curb discretionary spending. Rising prices of raw cotton are adding to the challenges faced by the industry. Supply-chain disruptions leading to volatility in ocean freight costs are also impacting profitability, the report adds.

Demand will gradually be restored in the second half of this fiscal as freight and raw cotton costs moderate, and ease pressure on profitability, says Mohit Makhija, Senior Director, CRISIL. Revenues of the Indian home textile industry are expected to grow 11-12 per cent this financial year, primarily due to higher price realizations. Domestic demand for home textile is expected to grow at a healthy 13 per cent, driven by sharp demand recovery in the domestic hospitality industry and continued focus on health and hygiene, the report says.

Finally, the report predicts, growth in export demand will moderate to 10 per cent this year as against 25 per cent last financial year due to slow recovery in international travel and hospitality segments globally.