Guess Inc., the U.S. fashion brand headquartered in Los Angeles, announced that its net revenues for the second quarter reached $664.5 million, marking a 3% rise. This growth was primarily driven by surging revenues in the Asia and Europe sectors, although it was partially offset by a decline in the Americas region.

The company disclosed that its European revenues surged by 9% in U.S. dollars during this quarter. Notably, retail comparable sales, which include both in-store and online sales, experienced an impressive 11% boost in this region. 

Meanwhile, Asia witnessed a substantial 19% increase in revenues in U.S. dollars, accompanied by a 2% rise in retail comparable sales.

However, the Americas region faced challenges, with retail revenues declining by 8% in U.S. dollars and retail comparable sales decreasing by 6%. Furthermore, Americas' wholesale revenues dropped by 13%. On a positive note, licensing revenues demonstrated a notable 13% increase over the three-month period.

The company's financial report for the second quarter, which concluded on July 29, showed net earnings of $39 million. This represented a significant 63% surge compared to the same period in the previous year, where net earnings were $24 million.

The Americas retail business displayed an improved performance in comparison to the previous quarter, attributed to enhanced customer conversion rates in stores. As a result, the company achieved an operating profit of $65 million, corresponding to an operating margin of 9.7% for the period, which outperformed expectations.

However, despite the upswing in second-quarter sales, Guess did not achieve an overall increase in total revenues and profits for the first half of the year.

In the six months culminating on July 29, the company's net earnings totaled $27.2 million, signifying a 15% reduction from the $31.9 million earned during the same period the previous year. 

Additionally, revenues experienced a slight decline, from $1.24 billion to $1.23 billion.

The women’s active wear promotional segment seems to be doing more harm than good with most women experiencing negative body image as they compare their own body shapes with fit and toned models in tight-fitting clothing on these websites. Most images are far from realistic as these photo-shopped body-focused marketing is used to attract attention and promote their products, ignoring the fact that women experience lower self-esteem and body shaming.

Among many recent studies on women's body shaming and negative image, two studies by Australia-based Edith Cowan University (ECU), led by psychology researcher Ross Hollett, have shown the use of svelte and sexually attractive figures is greatly affecting women’s self-esteem. The athleisure apparel segment that has grown in leaps and bounds after pandemic years and expected to be worth more than $548 billion globally by 2024, is a lucrative one and retailers are only concerned about making profits while they can.

Innovative eye-tracking experiment by new ECU study 

The eye-opening 'Gaze behavior’ study by Hollet, published in the International Journal of Consumer Studies used an innovative eye-tracking experiment to gauge website clothing shopping for active and athleisure wear and its psychological outcomes on women. The laboratory sessions of online women shoppers showed that most spend around 90–100 minutes per week browsing for clothes online and with well-being being top of mind, activewear is one of the most popular clothing categories.

Along with body image and self-esteem being monitored using a combination of self-report and reaction time that measures the high-tech eye-tracking technology is used to gauge their eye gaze behavior towards a new set of well-toned female models. Both these ECU studies showcased real women with normal average figures felt a sense of body-shaming and lower self-esteem in comparison to these unrealistic models when browsing an activewear website. However other websites such as casual clothing, homewares or accessories were far more relatable without creating a negative body image.

Need for rethink on ad campaigns

Some activewear brands such as Gymshark’s shoot in London recently are facing backlash and frustration from women, as almost all of the seven models pictured in colourful outfits, were an unrealistic standard and a far cry from what an average women’s body type is. These ads do not take the larger women into their product portfolio and are not a true representation of what gym clothes would look like on an average woman, who spends her hard-earned money on buying these clothes. The marketing and promotional strategies need to be changed in order to cash in on the women's active wear market globally, which was estimated to be $119,078 million in 2017, and is now expected to reach $216,868 million by 2025, registering a CAGR of 7.7 per cent.

With comfort and fitness taking precedence over Covid years, the athleisure and active wear segments have become extremely high-tech with water resistance features, bi-stretchable function, and anti-bacterial fabrics. It is now usually the apparel segment of choice in dress-down work days, streetwear, and other outings, with casual wear coming a close second.

Although North America dominates the market, the Asia-Pacific is showing growth too at a CAGR of 9.6 per cent, in terms of value. The polyester segment with its durability and flexibility factors is dominating the global women's activewear market. Women dominate the global apparel markets and it is time that active wear brands understand what they want instead of promoting unrealistic model figures, if they want to keep the profits coming in. 

The global plus size women's clothing market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.3% from 2023 to 2031. This growth is being driven by a number of factors, including the increasing number of overweight and obese women, the growing demand for fashionable plus size clothing, and the increasing availability of plus size clothing online.

The market is segmented by product type, age group, distribution channel, and region. The innerwear segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period, as there is a growing demand for comfortable and stylish innerwear for plus size women. 

The 25-45 years age group is the largest market segment, and is expected to maintain its dominance during the forecast period. Online channels are expected to be the fastest-growing distribution channel, as they offer a wider range of plus size clothing and convenient shopping options.

The Asia Pacific region is the largest market for plus size women's clothing, and is expected to maintain its dominance during the forecast period. This is due to the growing middle class in the region and the increasing awareness of fashion among plus size women. Europe and North America are also expected to experience significant growth in the market.

Some of the major players in the plus size women's clothing market include Ralph Lauren Corporation, Hennes & Mauritz AB, Hanes Brand Inc., Philips Van Heusen Corporation, Asos Curve, Carmakoma, Mango Brand, Forever 21, Adrianna Papell, Eloquii, Torrid, Evans, Old Navy Plus, Monif C., American Rag, Ashley Stewart, City Chic, Fashion to Figure, Lucky Brand Plus, Lane Bryant, Pure Energy, and many others.

The global pet apparel market is expected to reach US$8.738 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 5.5% from 2023 to 2033. The market is driven by the increasing adoption of pets, particularly among millennials and Gen Z, and the growing demand for fashionable and comfortable pet clothing.

The report by Future Market Insights (FMI) also found that the shirts and tops category is expected to hold a significant share of the market, followed by jackets and sweaters. The dog segment is also expected to dominate the market, with the increasing demand for dog supplies and necessities such as toys, clothes, and other items.

In terms of sales channels, online retailing is expected to dominate the market, with the growing popularity of e-commerce platforms. Pet specialty stores are also expected to have a significant market share.

The report also highlights some of the key trends in the pet apparel market, such as the increasing demand for sustainable pet clothing and the growing popularity of pet-based community festivals.

A white paper by the Worker Rights Consortium (WRC) examines how 16 global brands handled their human rights obligations after the devastating earthquake in Türkiye. 

The paper found that most of the brands extended deadlines on clothing orders in production at the time of the quake, but half of the brands did not keep to original payment schedules. This meant that suppliers forced to deliver late were also paid late, exacerbating their financial situation.

Only six of the 16 brands cited any form of assistance to suppliers, such as low-interest loans or grants. And this self-reporting may overstate the brands' generosity: less than 2% of suppliers responding to a survey by Turkish researchers reported that their customers "supported workers and producers after the quake."

As a result of the brands' inaction, nearly half of the suppliers in the survey said they could not pay workers in full in the weeks after the quake. A third said they were forced to put workers on unpaid leave. And not all brands extended deadlines: 35% of suppliers said they were forced to stick to original delivery schedules.

The white paper identifies Marks & Spencer and C&A as the only two brands surveyed that reported acting responsibly both with respect to order delays and aid to suppliers. Among the worst performers are Boohoo, H&M, and s.Oliver.

The WRC white paper analyzed responses to a recent questionnaire to brands from the Business and Human Rights Resource Center, additional information provided by brands to the WRC, and the results of a new survey of 202 garment and textile producers in the earthquake-hit zone. The supplier survey was conducted by the Middle Eastern Technical University's Dr.DeryaGöçer and Dr.ŞerifOnurBahçecik.

Göçer and Bahçecik write: "The brands working with producers of this region have failed to demonstrate their declared responsibility and solidarity in the aftermath of a major earthquake."

Scott Nova, Executive Director of the WRC, said: "While many leading apparel brands extended delivery deadlines, they could have and should have done much more. With a few notable exceptions, the world's apparel brands looked at the calamity in their Turkish supply chains and basically decided to abandon workers to their fate."

The disposable protective apparel market is estimated by Future Market Insightsto grow at a CAGR of 4.1% during the forecast period, 2023-2033. The market is likely to be valued at US$2,325.7 million in 2023 and is anticipated to reach US$3,475.9 million by 2033.

The growth of the disposable protective apparel market is driven by the increasing demand for safety and protection from hazardous chemicals, microorganisms, and other contaminants in various industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, construction, and oil & gas.

The market is also expected to benefit from the rising awareness about the importance of personal protective equipment (PPE) among workers and employers. Additionally, the increasing government regulations on the use of PPE in various industries is also expected to boost the growth of the market.

The key players in the disposable protective apparel market include Lakeland Industries, Inc., 3M, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, DuPont, and Honeywell International Inc. These players are focusing on product innovation and expansion in new markets to gain a competitive edge in the market.

The disposable protective apparel market is expected to grow at a steady pace during the forecast period. The increasing demand for safety and protection from hazardous chemicals, microorganisms, and other contaminants in various industries is the major driver of the market growth.

Changes in global trade between nations have been the most drastic in post-Covid years and the World Trade Organization (WTO) is working hard to ensure that smooth trade flows return at the earliest, especially in the apparel segment. A recent study by The World Trade Statistical Review 2023 and data from the United Nations (UNComtrade) have showcased some interesting trends in international trade, especially in textiles and clothing space that were affected by rising geopolitical tensions and changed trade policies with China.

Four key trends emerge in changed global trade relations

As per Sheng Lu, Associate Professor, Department of Fashion & Apparel Studies, University of Delaware four strong patterns have emerged which are quite different from the past couple of years. Firstly, after the unprecedented frantic buying trend with a stupendous 20 per cent growth in 2021 - right after the global lockdown clothing exports recorded a decrease in 2022. This could be attributed to the economic slowdown and high inflation in leading apparel import markets of the US and Western Europe. Also, reducing demand for raw materials needed to manufacture the personal protective equipment (PPE), led to global textile exports falling 4.2 per cent in 2022, touching $339 billion. This was far lower than other sectors.

The second pattern as per Sheng Lu is, although China remained the world’s largest apparel exporter in 2022, it continued to lose market share, with other low-cost Asian apparel exporters taking over. Countries like Bangladesh surpassed Vietnam and emerged the world’s second-largest apparel exporter. China’s global market share in clothing exports came down to 31.7 per cent in 2022, which was its lowest point ever in its recent history, having lost market share in the US, the EU, Canada, and Japan. Heightened apprehensions about forced labor and the deteriorating US-China relations became important factors in China being nudged out of smooth and ethical global apparel trading markets.

The third pattern that emerged is, the EU countries and the US remained at the helm steering the apparel markets, while accounting for 25.1 per cent of the world’s textile exports in 2022, up from 24.5 per cent in 2021 and 23.2 per cent in 2020. Textile exports in the US increased 5 per cent last year, which was the highest among the world’s top 10 countries. However, the middle-income developing countries are steadily increasing their share with China, Vietnam, Turkey, and India’s market shares in world’s textile exports together making up 56.8 per cent of global clothing exports last year.

With increased focus on near-shoring, particularly in the Western countries, the regional textile and apparel trade models have become far more integrated in 2022, in the fourth emerging pattern. Almost 20.8 per cent of these countries’ textile imports came from within their region last year, which increased from 20.1 per cent in previous year.

China’s diminishing strength  

Not just the western countries, The World Trade Statistical Review 2023 has proven that even Asian countries are now diversifying their textile imports away from China to mitigate supply chain risks and all this is leading to a changed expansion for the better, states Sheng Lu. The after-effects of the pandemic has been felt by the fashion industry much more than the others as the unpredictable customer demand in various countries has affected business and the international textile and apparel industry globally. 

The WTO and other global organizations are now putting renewed commitment to multilateralism, better transparency and global opportunities for collaboration and reform as other smaller countries join the bandwagon to compete with the biggest but not necessarily the best in in the trade segment.

A new research report by Advance Market Analytics titled "Insights into the Western Wear Market up to 2028" provides a comprehensive overview of the global western wear market. The report covers the market size, growth drivers, restraints, and opportunities, as well as profiles of key players.

The report estimates that the global western wear market will reach USD 82.8 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 4.6% from 2021 to 2027. The growth of the market is being driven by the increasing popularity of western wear clothing, driven by the rise of e-retailing. 

The report notes that online platforms have emerged as preferred channels for purchasing western wear due to their appealing offers and extensive apparel selections. Additionally, swift delivery services and flexible return policies offered by online retailers are bolstering sales through this channel.

The report also identifies several opportunities in the market, including the growing popularity of casual wear among consumers, the expansion of the corporate sector in developing economies, and the significant potential in untapped markets driven by social media trends.

US authorities have recalled over 100,000 pairs of baby jeans produced in Kenya due to safety concerns. The jeans, which were sold at The Children's Place stores in the US, have metal snaps that could detach and pose a choking hazard to young children.

The recalled jeans were sold in sizes 0 to 24 months and were priced at around $25. They were manufactured in garment companies located in the Export Processing Zones (EPZ) in Nairobi and Machakos counties, and were exported to the US under the provisions of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

Retail outlets have been directed to contact purchasers of the affected items and facilitate the return process. No injuries have been reported to date.

This is not the first time that children's apparel has been recalled due to safety concerns. In June, the CPSC recalled flammable kids' pajamas, and in February, Amazon's robes were also identified as posing burn injury risks to children.

Parents should always inspect children's clothing carefully before putting it on their children, and should immediately remove any clothing that has loose or missing parts.

The rapid increase in cotton prices this year has led to a widening of the price gap between cotton and PSF (Polyester Staple Fiber) and VSF (Viscose Staple Fiber). This trend was particularly noticeable in April and July, when the price differences experienced significant expansion. 

However, cotton prices have been undergoing adjustments in August, causing the price gap with other fibers to stabilize somewhat. Despite this stabilization, the price difference remains above the average value, serving as a catalyst for shifts in the fiber market.

The chart in the image shows the relatively consistent price difference between VSF and PSF, which has recently shown a minor narrowing. Similarly, the price difference between cotton and other fibers remains relatively stable. Although there has been a slight recent narrowing in this price difference, it still remains higher than the average level.

The second image shows a clear shift away from cotton to other fibers during the latter half of 2021 and the first half of 2022. This trend persisted for about a year. From late May 2023, the price difference between cotton and other fibers has been gradually widening, surpassing the five-year average and persisting for three months. In terms of the short-term trajectory of cotton, PSF, and VSF, this price difference is likely to continue for a certain duration. Whether it will further increase depends closely on cotton prices.

From the standpoint of downstream profits, various types of yarn such as cotton yarn, polyester yarn, rayon yarn, and major blended yarns are all experiencing unfavorable profitability. 

Among these, cotton yarn is facing the most significant losses, followed by polyester/cotton yarn. Yarns with a substantial cotton component are all encountering adverse profitability, discouraging manufacturers from shifting their production. However, the inclination towards substitution is observed when considering downstream pressures and the need for cost reduction.