The buying season for spring/summer 2022 has been good for most retailers and brands across the world and in India, suggests and Apparel Resource report. While comfort is still a dominant requirement, fashion is making a comeback with a return to bold going-out clothes in bright colors, sparkly sequins, dramatic trains and edging fringes. Silhouettes range from short shirts and low waist to baggy and oversized styles. Another key trend being followed is clothes inspired by the late ’90s and early 2000s. The first category to make its presence felt, post the heavy dose of athleisure wear, is denim. The same is true for buyers working in the international market and exporters working in the category are overbooked.

Being restricted to home for almost two years, a lot of social gatherings including weddings are now happening and orders for the same are also visible. There has been a significant uptake in occasion wear and bridal wear, besides work wear. For example, Orange Sourcing with US and European client base has seen good uptake in occasionwear and bridalwear, besides workwear. As per Rakesh Saigal, CEO, dressing gown imports by the US valued at $284.93 million in the first half of 2021 rose 7.30 per cent higher than what it was in first half of 2019.

The women’s wear segment in particular has seen a huge surge in demand. Bangladesh still takes away the lion’s share due to price competitiveness and good quality especially on bottoms. India’s strength lies in fashion for women’s wear. Though a lot of focus is now shifting to manmade fabrics, the demand for cotton products has continued to grow.