Fashion brands across the United Kingdom are increasing prices of their Autumn/Winter collections by around 20 per cent, signaling the persistence of inflationary pressures in the country. As per a Business Matters report, prices of Diesel D-Luster jeans are expected to rise by 20 per cent from £110 to £130. Similarly, the price of a pair of Tommy Hilfiger’s “iconic” trainers is expected to rise from £85 to £100 for its autumn-winter collection.

Brands including Ralph Lauren and Coach also plan to raise footwear prices by 10-12 per cent. The retail price of a pair of Lacoste Powercourt trainers is expected to rise to £90 from £75. The prices are increasing due to unprecedented costs pressures on brands. Brands’ costs are rising due to an eightfold increase in shipping costs, a near doubling of cotton prices and increases to the minimum wage in China.

Imports have become expensive too as European clothing suppliers now have to pay duties to export clothes sourced from Asia to the UK. Last month the rising price of clothing and footwear led to inflation hitting a 30-year high of 5.5 per cent in January. The Bank of England expects inflation to peak at more than seven per cent in April, when household energy bills are due to shoot up by 54 per cent.