Clothing Fibers Market

Market Overview

The global clothing fibers market size was valued at USD 206.8 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach USD 289.28 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 3.8% 2022 to 2030.

Clothing fibres are long, fine strands or threads that can be knitted or woven into fabric. Not only do they produce the fabric, but they also affect the aesthetics, durability, comfort, appearance, retention, care, environmental impact, and cost of the final garment. Molecules are interwoven to form a linear, string-like structure that constitutes a fibre. It is possible to obtain fibres from a variety of natural sources, semisynthetic processes that employ naturally occurring polymers, and synthetic processes that employ polymer-based materials.

The market is anticipated to grow throughout the forecast period due to the rising demand for functional textiles used to create high-performance sportswear and outdoor apparel. The expected market growth is likely supported by accelerating the growth of the fashion and garment industries across key economies, including Mexico, Brazil, Russia, China, India, and several Middle Eastern nations. Additionally, the industry is projected to expand due to the growing fashion statement made by women who use clothing Fibers in building applications.

Market Dynamics

Market Drivers

• The Growth Of Disposable Income Of The Consumers Is A Major Driver

The expansion of the global apparel industry can be attributed to the increase in demand for clothing fibre. Increasing discretionary income among consumers in developing economies is an additional important factor driving the expansion of the apparel industry. The high purchasing power parity of consumers, particularly in the United States and Canada, is a significant factor driving the demand for luxury apparel and thereby fueling the market growth. An increasing number of consumers are investigating options and materials that are more cost-effective, more comfortable, and more durable. In addition, favourable demographics, rising per-capita income, rising spending capacity, easy accessibility and visibility through online channels, growing customer preference for branded and premium products, expanding fashion trends, and an emerging retail landscape in fashion brands are driving the market's rapid expansion.

• The Influence Of Socia Media And Sports Wear Is Driving The Market

The rising influence of social media platforms and reviews, videos, presentations, and marketing campaigns, among others, is a significant growth driver for the Clothing Fibers market in North America. Celebrity endorsements and fashion magazines, particularly those aimed at a younger consumer base, have also contributed to the development of fashion trends and particular materials and styles in the region's countries.

The global growth of the clothing and apparel market has been positively impacted by the increased adoption of synthetic fibre clothing due to its comfort and ease of care. Moreover, the lightweight qualities of these garments have expanded their use in the production of sportswear and activewear, which is likely to further stimulate market expansion.

Demand for fibres and fabrics derived from a variety of sources, such as natural fibres, cotton fibres, and synthetics, has increased in response to the expansion of global fashion trends. Widespread application of sportswear and activewear, coupled with rising demand for multi-speciality garments, is anticipated to stimulate market expansion.

• Growing Advertising industry

A few decades ago, the textile and retail industries did not advertise their products to the general public, which seems odd today for a sector that is wholly focused on the client. Before exhibitors and merchants created their promotions and marketing without consulting experts, it took some time. The unplanned marketing and advertising campaigns would still be in use today because of the fierce rivalry in the apparel Fiber market.

Market Restraints

• Lockdowns Acted As A Major Setback For The Market

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the clothing fibre market experienced a decline. A significant impact on sales was caused by the abrupt cessation of consumer footfalls in physical brick-and-mortar stores, malls, clothing chains, etc., the lack of experienced personnel at physical stores caused by customer fear related to the risk of entering retail outlets and potential infection risks from COVID-19, and the lack of experienced personnel at online stores. In addition, the implementation of lockdown restrictions and social separation, disruptions in the supply chain, and the lack of workforce and transportation were additional factors to consider. As the situation gradually improved, however, demand and supply gaps have been closed, and operations and services are anticipated to resume in order to adjust to the new normal.

• Significant reduction of Free Trade

Several industrialized and developing economies limit free trade to strengthen their local economies. In addition to renegotiating NAFTA (the North American Free Trade Agreement) and raising duties on Chinese-produced goods, the US administration is adopting a more protectionist position. These modifications may trigger a more significant trade conflict, reversing the current trend toward increased global free trade. A rise in trade barriers, for instance, may increase import prices by 10% and reduce exports by 15% between 2016 and 2020, which would impact the expansion of the apparel sector, which depends on the quick and inexpensive movement of goods between nations. Hence, it hampers the growth of the market.

Market Opportunities 

• More Investment And The Latest Technology Are Expected To Fuel The Growth Of The Market

Demand for clothing fibres is also being driven by growing investments by various apparel brands in smart clothing. A growing customer desire to express their individuality and make a fashion statement has also led to a surge in the popularity of smart clothing on the global market. For example, CuteCircuit produces clothing and accessories that can display messages, chats, and tweets. Moreover, researchers at Georgia Tech have created energy-harvesting yarns that can be knitted into washable fabrics. Energy-harvesting yarns operate by utilising the benefits of static electricity; they can be woven into jumpers, socks, and other clothing and accessories; and these fabrics can harvest sufficient energy from a wearer's body movement or motion to power a smartphone.

Regional Analysis

Asia-Pacific dominated the global market in 2020 and is anticipated to experience substantial growth over the forecast period. The rising demand for clothing and apparel products from the region's growing population, combined with the adoption of western fashion trends, is anticipated to increase the demand for clothing fibres over the forecast period.

China's garment and apparel industry is projected to experience significant growth over the forecast period as a result of rising population demand. The primary factors driving the demand for fashion apparel and clothing in the country are the rising per capita income of the country's middle-class population, lifestyle changes, and evolving preferences for luxury brands and comfortable clothing. 

Continuous innovations in fashion trends have a substantial impact on the North American apparel market. Additionally, celebrity endorsements, social media, and fashion magazines are factors that contribute to the expansion of the clothing and apparel industry in the region. In addition, an affluent population with high purchasing power in countries such as the United States and Canada is anticipated to drive the demand for high-end luxury clothing, which is expected to drive the demand for clothing fibres in the coming years.

Some of the world's largest apparel manufacturers are located in Europe, making it a crucial market for apparel. Germany, France, Spain, the United Kingdom, Italy, and the Netherlands are some of Europe's largest apparel markets. Even though Europe is a major apparel market, the majority of the apparel consumed is imported from Asia-Pacific and North American nations.

Segmental Analysis

The clothing fibres market can be segmented on the basis of products, end-users, regions and competitors. The clothing fibres market is anticipated to experience significant growth over the forecast period. Polyester, nylon, and rayon are the most common synthetic fibres used in clothing production. Polyester is the most commonly used synthetic fibre for clothing worldwide. These fibres are predominantly employed in the manufacture of shirts, pants, jackets, dresses, undergarments, and socks.

Cotton is one of the most commonly used natural fibres for clothing around the world due to its wide commercial availability. Cotton is a soft, fluffy staple fibre derived from the boll that encases the cotton seed. Cotton is highly breathable, resistant to static electricity, and able to withstand high temperatures; consequently, it has numerous applications in clothing and apparel.

Wool, silk, and leather are the most common animal-based fibres used in clothing applications. The fleece of various animals, such as sheep, camels, and goats, is used to produce wool fibre. Due to its comfort, softness, durability, and luxurious appearance, it is one of the most coveted and expensive fabrics. Animal hair is extracted and spun into yarn.

Hemp, linen, and banana fibre are three additional clothing fibres. To create hemp fabric, the stalks of the Cannabis sativa plant are harvested for their fibres. It is the material most commonly found in shirts, hoodies, dresses, socks, and other apparel. In comparison to cotton, clothing made from hemp fibres is absorbent, lightweight, and possesses a superior tensile strength.

Due to the high demand for fashion apparel and office clothing, the men's wear segment for clothing fibres accounted for the largest revenue share. Rising fashion awareness among millennial men, coupled with greater exposure to e-commerce, is likely to drive demand for men's apparel in the coming years, thereby influencing market expansion.

Formal wear, casual wear, activewear, and outerwear make up the bulk of the men's apparel industry. In addition, celebrity endorsements and the millennial population's embrace of the luxury lifestyle are anticipated to drive the demand for high-end luxury apparel, thereby boosting the demand for fibres.

In the coming years, the demand for women's apparel is anticipated to be driven by changing fashion trends, the high spending power of the female population, and the rising number of working women. In addition, the increasing influence of social media and celebrities compels apparel manufacturers to introduce new styles and designs.

Increasing parental awareness regarding the safety and comfort of their children is anticipated to drive the demand for children's apparel in the coming years, thereby positively influencing the market's expansion. Parents are concerned not only with the convenience and comfort of their children's clothing but also with the latest fashion trends on the market.

Recent Developments

• In October 2022, Toyobo's BREATHAIR®, a three-dimensional network structured fiber material, was selected for the most luxurious seats in the new Jumbo Ferry ship, "Aoi."
• In December 2022, Krahn Chemie GmbH and Eastman modified their European distribution agreement.
• In December 2022, Toray Developed Advanced Fiber that Effectively Adsorbs Pathogenic Proteins in Blood to Advance PMMA Fiber Nanostructure Control Technology.
• In January 2023, Team Rubicon and DuPont Personal Protection Announce an Expanded Partnership.