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.