Womenswear reported steady retail current value growth in India in 2024, fuelled by the festive and wedding period towards the second half of the year. The initial half was subdued, particularly for discretionary fashion, with North India bracing severe summer heatwaves, and the elections curtailing shopping activity in physical stores across the country. Most consumers postponed discretionary purchases, slowing down the performance predominantly in the first half of the year.

Despite marginal retail volume growth in 2024, overall demand for womenswear in South Africa remained below pre-pandemic levels, with value sales growth notably slowing compared to the previous year. Due to the challenging economic and competitive retail situation, retailers have been offering aggressive price promotions. E-commerce is expanding in the country, with an increasing number of players providing customers with online-only offers, such as Superbalist offering regular 35% off purchases

In 2024, womenswear in Vietnam is set to record a slight recovery in both retail volume and current value terms, after experiencing declines in the previous year due to the gloomy economy. Although Vietnam is expected to see higher GDP by the end of 2024 compared with 2023, some people have still tended to limit their spending on unnecessary goods such as apparel and footwear to save money. Thus, they often wait for mega discounts of 50% or even 70%, or hunt for discounts on companies’ live-stre

As the largest category within apparel, womenswear in Sweden followed similar trends to the broader apparel sector in 2024, with a decline in retail volume sales, while retail value sales remained positive. However, the volume performance showed improvement compared to 2023, while value growth slowed, primarily due to subsiding inflation. Rising living costs, frequent discounting, and extended sales periods dampened consumer spending in 2024. Despite these challenges, womenswear outperformed man

Womenswear in Brazil faced a dynamic yet challenging landscape in recent years. In 2024, the category is expected to see retail current value growth, driven by improving economic conditions and decreasing unemployment rates. However, growth has been tempered by persistent issues such as unpredictable weather patterns, which continue to disrupt seasonal sales cycles. For instance, the lack of a consistent winter in recent years significantly impacted the sale of high profit winterwear items such

Despite the slowdown of inflation in 2024, womenswear in Germany continues to experience only modest growth as purchasing power and consumer confidence remain low. Consumer sentiment has fluctuated on a monthly basis across the largest category of apparel and footwear, with some shifts evident in terms of purchasing behaviour. Consumers in Germany have started to become more open to the second-hand market, seen as a cost-saving and sustainable way of shopping for clothes. In fact, second-hand sh

In 2024, retail value sales of womenswear in Austria continued to rise, increasing by 3%. However, this was largely driven by ongoing price hikes. Consumer demand somewhat retracted, as many shoppers were navigating the challenges of the cost-of-living crisis and prioritising essential items over fashion purchases. With inflation still a concern in 2024, many consumers opted for more practical spending choices, leading to more cautious purchasing behaviour in the fashion sector.

Price remained central to purchasing decisions in womenswear during 2024 as consumers in Israel faced tight budgets. Womenswear is seeing greater polarisation between premium and economy lines as brands struggle to offer the lowest price possible whilst still making a profit. Since a lot of products are imported in womenswear, keeping prices down was increasingly challenging. Womenswear retailers looked to open stores in Eilat to take advantage of the 17% tax free zone which makes clothing cheap

Womenswear saw strong current value growth in Ukraine in 2024. The category was noted for its recovery trends in 2024 after the drastic loss in sales in 2022 when the Russian invasion of Ukraine prompted millions of women to flee the country with their children. Nonetheless, in 2024, sales remained significantly below the levels seen immediately before the Russian invasion in both volume and value terms. Migration was ongoing in 2024 – there were people who considered moving abroad as the war co

Womenswear in Mexico is expected to experience a slowdown in its retail current value growth rate during 2024 compared with the previous year. This is due to slower volume growth across many womenswear categories, and even contractions in some, such as premium jeans and women’s underwear. One factor contributing to the slowdown is rising prices. According to the official source INEGI, the fashion sector, which includes clothing and footwear, concluded the ninth month of the year with a 2.44% pri

Sales of womenswear in Australia continue to fluctuate in 2024, with 4% retail value growth to take the category to AUD11.8 billion, with retail volumes subdued at 1% growth following a fall in demand the previous year. Over the review period, the category has been impacted first by the emergence of COVID-19 and resulting lockdowns, followed by the post-pandemic resurgence in consumer spending and emphasis on recovery, with womenswear benefiting from a renewed interest in updated wardrobes. In 2

After a rebound post-pandemic, demand for womenswear in Hong Kong has returned to decline, as retail in general faces significant challenges in 2024 due to broader economic uncertainty in the region. Both retail volume and value sales of womenswear are declining in 2024, with the luxury segment hit especially hard due to the overall reduction of international tourism spending as a result of an unfavourable exchange rate. With the Hong Kong dollar pegged to the strong US dollar, purchasing appare

Womenswear is seeing positive sales in both value and volume in Hungary in 2024. Value is more strongly supported by high unit prices, and we are also seeing polarisation within womenswear, with higher-end products selling at higher prices, thus pushing up value sales. Womenswear also benefits from sales of designer goods by inbound tourists. However, on the other hand, ongoing price sensitivity means affordable brands remain popular as a constant. This situation is reflected in the (albeit frag

The decline in retail volume sales was strong in womenswear, as in many categories, due to stubbornly high inflation which has eroded purchasing power. More flexible lifestyles and dress codes are leading to more casual styles and outfits among Turkish women. Meanwhile, interest in health and wellness remains high because many consumers have become more aware of the importance of physical and mental wellbeing.

During 2022 and 2023, womenswear in Chile recorded modest growth as a result of inflationary pressures affecting the country. However, the category is regaining stronger momentum in 2024, especially as womenswear holds considerable value share within apparel and footwear in the local market.

Womenswear in Norway faced decline in volume terms over 2024, although there are signs of improvement compared to 2023. Overall, the category is stabilising following a decline during the pandemic in 2020 and two years of strong growth thereafter. Current value sales have slowed somewhat in 2024, due to subsiding inflation and frequent discounting. Much of the price increases in recent years have been absorbed by manufacturers and retailers, with consumers seeing extensive discounts as a result.

Over 2024, womenswear sales declined in volume and value terms due to the cumulative effects of inflation and rising interest rates on purchasing power. All segments except for super premium jeans recorded decline as consumers made cutbacks on womenswear expenditure. Consumer demand for fashion pieces decreased at all price points, except for luxury and high-end pieces bought by wealthy consumers who were less affected by economic changes. The number of luxury retail outlets continues to rise in

While premium brands remain popular in Romania, lower-end and fast-fashion brands are increasingly capturing retail value share in womenswear. H&M and Zara have both gained share gained traction in 2024 largely influenced by rising demand for both higher quality and affordable womenswear. There has also been rapid growth in the Asian e-commerce brands Shein and Temu, which attract consumers with exceptionally low prices and discounted goods. These brands have captured consumer interest due to th

Womenswear in Poland is seeing an evolution in consumer preferences, particularly among fashion-conscious buyers. A growing number of Polish women are knowledgeable about various aspect of fashion, focusing on factors like fabric quality, tailoring, sustainability, and provenance of products. This emerging group values craftsmanship and unique, niche products—whether it is an organic linen dress or a tailored blouse from a local designer. These well-informed consumers are willing to pay a premiu

Womenswear in Taiwan saw a significant slowdown in retail volume and current value growth over 2024, following two years of strong post-pandemic growth. The travel boom is slowing in Taiwan, with consumers keen to travel overseas and this diverted expenditure away from apparel and footwear. According to trade sources, sales of international boutique womenswear brands declined in line with lower domestic consumption, although this is mainly due to the high demand in 2023. Even so, top brands such

Womenswear retail volume sales picked in 2024 aided by manufacturers’ investment in new collections and the promotion of more varied and affordable products in the Netherlands. Consumers were still budget-conscious, and this was reflected in growing demand for affordable and discounted fast fashion, notably from mainstream chains such as H&M and Primark. The mid-price segment faced challenges and noted a contraction in demand while luxury womenswear continues to register growth. Women’s economy

Womenswear remains in a volume slump in France in 2024 and also falls into a negative value decline. This follows a brief post-pandemic boost when consumers were keen to go shopping and dress up for out-of-home occasions again, after the era of restrictions. However, the current uncertain economic environment means consumers are now less willing to invest in non-essential purchases. We also note a trading down effect, such as seen with purchases from budget-based online platers such as Shein, Te

Women’s empowerment in Saudi Arabia, aligned with the objectives of Vision 2030, is driving growth in the womenswear market. The government is making significant strides in enhancing women’s rights, improving support systems, and expanding professional opportunities across various sectors. Princess Reema, a prominent advocate for women's rights and empowerment in Saudi Arabia, is a key figure in driving this initiative. Princess Reema serves as the Chair of Kayanee, the women's lifestyle company

Womenswear in Morocco continues to display robust sales in 2024, with a more upbeat performance in volume terms. Demand for womenswear remained stable despite the challenging economic environment and pressure on consumer spending. Due to Morocco's hot climate, loose trousers, loose tops, and dresses are very popular. Dresses cater to both conservative and less conservative women. Locals remain price-conscious and are drawn towards cheaper apparel. Moreover, the economic advantage of purchasing a