Latest stats from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics reveal, prices of men’s apparels rose 5 per cent in October 2023 as against the previous year. Comparatively prices of women’s apparels, rose just 1.6 per cent during the month.  Prices of all items in men’s wear category surged 3.2 per cent in October, which was less than half the 7.8 per cent increase seen a year earlier.

Over the past decade, prices of men’s apparel have increased by around 2 per cent. Most of this rise is led by a 14.2 per cent increase in prices of underwear, nightwear, swimwear and accessories and an 8.9 per cent boost in the prices of pants and shorts. 

A host of factors have worked together to push up prices these included the cost of raw materials and production. In contrast, prices of women’s wear have declined by 6.2 per cent since October 2013. In fact, prices of women’s dresses have registered a massive decline 17.3 per cent. 

Tiruppur Exporters Association says they have observed heightened demand for budget-friendly garments this year. Basic T-shirts, priced at $2 per piece, are experiencing a surge in popularity, overshadowing demand for fashion garments priced between $8 and $20 per item. Even during Christmas and New Year season, apparel trade in the country has failed to witness the usual joy, mainly due to a slowdown in demand from the US and European markets.

As Raja Shanmugam, Managing Director of Warsaw International, both US and European markets are grappling with high inflation resulting from increased post-pandemic demand and supply chain disruptions amid the Russia-Ukraine war. KM Subramanian, President of the Tiruppur Exporters Association, notes demand during the Christmas and New Year seasons has declined almost 40 per cent. The smaller units within the industry have been particularly adversely affected by this downturn.

Spanish eco-technology pioneer, Jeanologia, is showcasing its cutting-edge advancements at ITMA Asia 2023, held at the Shanghai National Convention and Exhibition Center from November 19 to 23. Positioned at stand H6A11, the company is unveiling disruptive technologies set to revolutionize the Chinese textile industry, emphasizing efficiency and sustainability.

At the forefront of these innovations is the ability to produce vintage-style garments without water consumption, waste minimization, and zero discharges. Leveraging digitalization and hyper-automation, Jeanologia aims to propel the Chinese textile industry into a new era of eco-efficiency.

Jean-Pierre Inchauspe, Business Director at Jeanologia Asia, notes the company's 18-year commitment to supporting the Chinese textile industry in its journey toward digitalization and sustainability while concurrently reducing costs. The introduction of the Jeanologia Hub in Hong Kong in 2020 has furthered collaboration, enhancing the industry's competitiveness.

Inchauspe announces a pivotal shift with the incorporation of air-led technologies, marking a new phase for the Chinese textile industry. Embracing a circular approach, the innovations promise an eco-efficient, digital, and automated production process.

Among the featured technologies is the atmospheric washing process using G2 ozone technology, achieving garment aging with minimal water usage and eliminating chemical or pumice stone use. The Flash system, a novel laser technology, stands out for its dynamic energy control, enabling faster garment marking with unparalleled efficiency.

Jeanologia's Colorbox technology for garment dyeing is also highlighted for its eco-friendly approach, significantly reducing water, chemicals, energy, and salt usage compared to traditional methods.

With over 15 years of collaboration with the Chinese textile industry, Jeanologia solidifies its position as a technological partner, boasting over 100 clients, 300 installed pieces of equipment, and contributing to 10% of jeans production in China. The company's local teams continue to support the industry, driving sustainability and efficiency benchmarks.

RUDOLF HUB1922 takes a groundbreaking leap in response to the surging demand for truly sustainable technologies, particularly within the textile and apparel industry. Unveiling its revolutionary textile chemistry at Denim by Premiere Vision Milan, the company introduces a visionary range that signifies a genuine evolution. This innovative chemistry represents a significant stride in addressing the critical need for sustainable solutions, utilizing raw materials sourced from organic and plastic waste, as well as renewable feedstock.

Head of RUDOLF HUB1922, Alberto De Conti, underscores the radical nature of this evolutionary textile chemistry, asserting that the approach confronts waste generation by transforming discarded materials into valuable resources. The utilization of waste and renewable feedstock for textile chemical production marks a paradigm shift, reducing the industry's reliance on non-renewable resources and endorsing a circular economy model.

De Conti emphasizes the importance of effective communication and education for the successful integration of chemicals derived from organic and plastic waste, along with renewable feedstocks. He highlights the necessity for collaborative efforts among scientists, fashion designers, and manufacturers, stating that such partnerships are paramount for propelling a collective shift towards sustainable practices. According to De Conti, this collaborative approach makes eco-friendly fashion the standard, minimizing the industry's environmental impact and fostering a more sustainable future.