Apparel industry is poised for further innovation and disruption in 2025: Akhil Jain

2024 has been a year of remarkable transformation for the apparel industry, with innovation, technology, and sustainability taking center stage. As brands continue to evolve, they are shaping a future where the consumer experience is enhanced, and the industry is more responsive to societal changes.

In conversation with Adgully, Akhil Jain, Executive Director, Jain Amar House of Fashion, takes a closer look at the key trends that marked the year, along with a forward-looking glimpse into the trends poised to dominate in 2025. With a portfolio of brands like Madame, Camla Barcelona, and Msecret, Jain Amar House of Fashion today reaches out to more than 300,000 men and women every week across 150 Exclusive Brand Outlets (EBOs), 500 Large Format Stores (LFS), and other leading retail outlets along with its own online store

Looking Ahead: Trends for 2025

As we move into 2025, the apparel industry is poised for further innovation and disruption. According to Akhil Jain, following are a glimpse of what’s to come:

The Metaverse Beckons

Virtual fashion is becoming a major trend, with digital garments and metaverse experiences offering exciting new opportunities for brands to engage with customers in innovative ways.

AI and Machine Learning

AI-powered tools are set to revolutionize supply chain management, trend forecasting, and customer personalization. Brands that adopt a digital-first approach and utilize these technologies will thrive, especially with the increasing demand for tech-savvy solutions from Gen Z.

Circular Fashion Gains Momentum

The sustainability movement will continue to gather steam, with an emphasis on recycling, upcycling, and repairing clothing. Brands will need to adapt to the growing demand for circular fashion, which aims to reduce waste and encourage sustainable consumption.

Inclusive and Diverse Fashion

The industry is moving toward more inclusive fashion, catering to a wider range of body types, genders, and ethnicities. Consumers are seeking brands that reflect the diversity of the world around them.

Local and Sustainable Sourcing

The demand for locally sourced, sustainably produced apparel is on the rise. However, price sensitivity will remain a challenge, and brands will need to balance sustainability with affordability to meet consumer expectations.

Minimalism

A trend towards minimalist fashion is expected to take hold, with clean lines, neutral hues, and versatile clothing pieces becoming increasingly popular. Consumers are seeking a combination of style, function, and simplicity in their wardrobes.

Gen Z and Gen Y as the Dominators

Gen Z’s purchasing power will continue to rise, shaping fashion trends. Alongside this, Gen Y (Millennials) will also become a dominant force in the market. As social media remains a powerful tool for engagement, brands will need to continually update their products and services to stay relevant and connected to these influential demographics.

A Competitive Landscape

Despite these promising trends, Jain noted that the apparel industry faces challenges. “Economic slowdowns, fluctuating consumer price sensitivity, and shifting global trade dynamics (such as changes in China’s growth) could disrupt the market,” he added. For instance, India’s growing appeal as a fashion market could intensify competition among domestic brands, requiring brands to innovate and stay competitive in the global landscape.

According to Jain, the future of the apparel industry in 2025 will be shaped by brands that adapt to new technologies, embrace sustainability, and stay attuned to the evolving preferences of their consumer base. By staying ahead of the curve and innovating in response to emerging trends, brands can continue to thrive in this dynamic sector.

Jain also looks back at the key developments that shaped the apparel industry in 2024.

Key Trends of 2024

Sustainability Takes Center Stage
Consumers' growing demand for eco-friendly practices has led brands to adopt sustainable materials and focus on reducing their environmental footprint. Transparency in supply chains became critical, with brands increasingly communicating their efforts in sustainability to build trust with their customers.

Digital Dominance Continues
The post-pandemic shift toward online shopping has solidified e-commerce's position as a dominant force in the apparel industry. Brands embraced technology to offer personalized experiences, from AI-driven recommendations to virtual try-on features, enhancing convenience and customer satisfaction.

Experiential Retail takes Hold
The physical store experience evolved, turning into an immersive space that invites customers to engage with the brand in new ways. Brands are integrating innovative store designs, interactive installations, and in-store events to create deeper connections with shoppers.

Gen Z: Leading the Charge
As the dominant consumer demographic, Gen Z has had a profound impact on shaping trends. They are driving demand for individuality, authenticity, and social responsibility. In response, brands have adjusted their strategies to resonate with Gen Z’s values and preferences, especially through social media engagement.

Social Media remains the King
With platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube still ruling the roost, social media remains a powerful marketing tool. Influencer marketing, live shopping events, and user-generated content have become essential for reaching younger, trend-savvy audiences, particularly Gen Z.

Omnichannel: The New Reality
Brands have realized that a seamless shopping experience is essential for customer satisfaction. The integration of online and offline channels has become a must-have, as brands strive to offer customers a consistent, unified shopping experience across platforms.

How Madame Has Adapted to the Evolving Landscape in 2024

As a brand that’s continuously adapting to change, Madame has embraced these industry shifts with enthusiasm and innovation:

Sustainability: Madame has made strides in creating eco-aware collections that contribute to a more sustainable future, aligning with the growing consumer demand for responsible fashion.

Digital Transformation: To enhance the online shopping experience, Madame is working on launching a dedicated website, madameonline.com, in addition to its existing platform, glamly.com.

Experiential Retail: In March, Madame unveiled a fresh store design concept that prioritizes creating immersive, next-level shopping experiences. Existing stores were revamped to reflect a modern, dynamic vibe that resonates with contemporary shoppers.

Gen Z Focus: Through product offerings, brand messaging, and active social media engagement, Madame has successfully captured the attention of Gen Z consumers, making it a cornerstone of their strategy.