Research Methodology – Apparel Market
At Straits Research, we adopt a rigorous 360° research approach that integrates both primary and secondary research methodologies. This ensures accuracy, reliability, and actionable insights for stakeholders. Our methodology for the Apparel Market comprises the following key stages:
Market Indicator & Macro-Factor Analysis
Our baseline thesis for the Apparel Market is developed by integrating key market indicators and macroeconomic variables. These include:
Factors considered while calculating market size and share
- Population Demographics - It considers the age group, gender, household income and geographical locations
- Consumer Behaviour â The demand, preference, and spending habits of customers
- Economic Conditions â The worldwide, national, and local economic trends
- Trends in Fashion Industry - Depending on high demand trends for different types of apparel
- Market Competitors - Analysis of the companies currently operating in the apparel market
- Pricing Strategies - Retail prices and discounts offered in the market
- Supply Chain and Distribution - The channels of distribution and the ease of product availability
- Regulations and policies - Laws and guidelines established by each country for trade
Key Market Indicators
- Gross Domestic Product (GDP) - Both global and national
- Consumer Spending patterns in apparel market
- Trend analysis of previous sales data of apparel
- Disposable Personal Income - The availability of money that consumers could spend on apparel
- E-commerce sales and online traffic in apparel market
- Retail Industry Growth
- Apparel industry Export and Import values
- Purchasing Managerâs Index (PMI) for the manufacturing sector
Growth Trends
- Fast Fashion trend: Quick production and turnover of new styles
- E-commerce Trends: Increase in online shopping
- Sustainable and Ethical Fashion: Demand for sustainable and socially responsible apparel
- Use of AI and VR: Personalized shopping experiences
- Active Wear Trend: High demand for sportswear and fitness apparel
- Customization: Personalized clothing trend
- Resale and Rental Apparel: Increase in the popularity of second-hand, vintage, and rental clothing
- Tech-wear Trend: Smart clothing with integrated technology
Secondary Research
Our secondary research forms the foundation of market understanding and scope definition. We collect and analyze information from multiple reliable sources to map the overall ecosystem of the Apparel Market. Key inputs include:
Company-Level Information
- Annual reports, investor presentations, SEC filings
- Company press releases and product launch announcements
- Public executive interviews and earnings calls
- Strategy briefings and M&A updates
Industry and Government Sources
- Country-level industry associations and trade bodies
- Government dossiers, policy frameworks, and official releases
- Whitepapers, working papers, and public R&D initiatives
- Relevant Associations for the Apparel Market
Market Intelligence Sources
- Broker reports and financial analyst coverage
- Paid databases (Hoovers, Factiva, Refinitiv, Reuters, Statista, etc.)
- Import/export trade data and tariff databases
- Sector-specific journals, magazines, and news portals
Macro & Consumer Insights
- Global macroeconomic indicators and their cascading effect on the industry
- Demand–supply outlook and value chain analysis
- Consumer behaviour, adoption rates, and commercialization trends
Primary Research
To validate and enrich our secondary findings, we conduct extensive primary research with industry stakeholders across the value chain. This ensures we capture both qualitative insights and quantitative validation. Our primary research includes:
Expert Insights & KOL Engagements
- Key Opinion Leader (KOL) Engagements
- Structured interviews with executives, product managers, and domain experts
- Paid and barter-based interviews across manufacturers, distributors, and end-users
Focused Discussions & Panels
- Discussions with stakeholders to validate demand-supply gaps
- Group discussions on emerging technologies, regulatory shifts, and adoption barriers
Data Validation & Business POV
- Cross-verification of market sizing and forecasts with industry insiders
- Capturing business perspectives on growth opportunities and restraints
Data Triangulation & Forecasting
The final step of our research involves data triangulation ensuring accuracy through cross-verification of:
- Demand-side analysis (consumption patterns, adoption trends, customer spending)
- Supply-side analysis (production, capacity, distribution, and market availability)
- Macroeconomic & microeconomic impact factors
Forecasting is carried out using proprietary models that combine:
- Time-series analysis
- Regression and correlation studies
- Baseline modeling
- Expert validation at each stage
Outcome
The outcome is a comprehensive and validated market model that captures:
- Market sizing (historical, current, forecast)
- Growth drivers and restraints
- Opportunity mapping and investment hotspots
- Competitive positioning and strategic insights