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Dear friends,
There are two categories that have endured the test of time and still reign as the most popular apparel options, for men and women, around the globe — shirts and trousers. However, with the evolving times the preferences of consumers too have undergone massive changes. Indian consumers today are embracing the idea of fashion as a means of self-expression, and not merely as a functional purchase. The new generation is now at greater liberty from the traditionalist’s sartorial template. Over the years both these fashion categories have been subjected to metamorphosis of mammoth proportions, yet the appeal remains the same. In this issue of IMAGES BoF, we look at the ever expanding market of these categories, the innovations that it has been subjected to so as to keep abreast with changing times, and the preferences and latest trends in the Indian market today.
Shirts continue to be the largest men’s apparel category in India, and are now also one of the fastest growing categories in women’s wear. So, this month apart from elaborately discussing the shirts market in India, we have also made the best of our eff orts to cover the pressing subjects that pose a challenge to both these apparel segments. As the lead research reveals, shirts accounts for 12 percent of the total domestic apparel market and were estimated at Rs 39,659 crores in 2017. As one of the fastest growing markets, it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6 percent to become Rs 69,361 crores by 2027.
On the other hand, trousers are still holding ground against the denim invasion these past few years, and are expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5 percent over the decade and are estimated to reach Rs 78,480 crore by 2027.
The feature on the growing trend of bespoke fashion stands as a testimonial to the ever evolving preferences of the Indian consumer, who hesitated to accept readymade garments till the late 80s. We have top designers accentuating on the imperative need of innovation in men’s shirts and trousers as well as throwing light on the latest cuts and trends of the season. In addition, the issue also features detailed accounts on the evolving preferences and innovations of both shirting and trouser fabrics that are fast changing the face of the industry.
This edition indeed makes a powerful attempt at analyzing the trends and consumption behaviour of the Indian shirts and trousers market to aid upcoming as well as existing brands establish strong brand equity, and, as part of the Trade Fair Special Series of IMAGES BoF, we are confi dent of its positive catalysis of the business of fashion in India.
