San Jose,  September 1, 2008 — Modern consumers are increasingly becoming brand conscious and are opting for apparel with brand images or logos. With fashion emerging into a means of self-expression, there exists strong demand for unique apparel designs, which make a bold fashion statement. Demand is especially high for multi-functional garments which help meet both fashion and performance needs. The modern customer is identified as a person who elects to experiment with diverse looks and ideas. Men in the age group of 25-35, with higher disposable income spend on expensive shirts and suits. Important factors considered while purchasing garments include price, brand, shape, color and fabric. With casual clothing gaining in acceptance even in the corporate world, sales of jeans, shorts, sweatshirts, dungarees, bomber jackets, jodhpurs, long shorts, cardigans, flamenco skirts, baggy jeans and smocks are on the upswing.

The ‘Friday dressing’ concept is driving sales in the casual wear market, particularly in the United States. This trend is contributing to the expanding sales of shirts and T-shirts in the men’s apparel segment, often at the cost of business wear. In the men’s apparel market, demand for comfort wear and casual wear is rising across the world. Moving away from the traditional jeans market, tailored apparel for men has found its way into the market, in the form of improved suits, shirts and ties. This trend is particularly prevalent among young male entrepreneurs, with higher levels of disposable incomes. Men’s and boy’s apparel segment is influenced by changing consumer attitudes and evolving lifestyles, as seen in the rising demand for specific wear for business, casual and weekend activities. Development of innovative sportswear, incorporating novel designs and fabrics, is also finding favor among male purchasers.

Rapid changes in the fashion world have a significant impact on the women’s apparel market. A major growth area for the segment is emerging from ‘mature’ (women over 35 years) category, with manufacturers offering products for specific requirements of this lucrative segment. Additionally, the special sized garment segment is also expected to drive sales in the overall market, especially in the United States where weight gain and obesity are rampant. As the American woman becomes bigger, the women’s plus-size market is forecasted to boot an upward turn. Manufacturers are also focusing on providing corporate casual apparel, owing to the expanding proportion of women in executive level positions across the world. While jeans find universal appeal irrespective of gender and age, demand for designer apparel is mostly confined to affluent consumer segments, and is susceptible to constant changes in consumer preferences and fashion trends.

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