Sustainable Fashion Trends to Watch in 2024 and Beyond: Ideas for Apparel Retailers

Slow fashion and minimalism are movements that advocate for a shift away from fast fashion and encourage consumers to embrace a more mindful and sustainable approach to clothing. In 2024, these trends will continue to gain popularity as consumers prioritize quality over quantity. Slow fashion emphasizes investing in timeless and durable pieces that are designed to last, reducing the need for frequent purchases and minimizing waste. By curating collections that align with slow fashion principles and promoting minimalistic aesthetics, retailers can cater to conscious consumers seeking sustainable fashion choices.

As a minimalist trend, athleisure wear will continue to be in style due to the growing number of remote workers and an uptick in wellness-related activities. Along with the pandemic that prompted a lifestyle shift, more consumers prioritize comfort and well-being.

Consumers’ ongoing adaptation to evolving lifestyle patterns is reflected in research compiled by GlobalData, which reveals that the sportswear market is anticipated to witness steady growth until 2026.

The fashion industry is witnessing exciting developments in sustainable materials. In 2024, innovative and eco-friendly fabrics will play a significant role in sustainable fashion. These materials include recycled polyester, organic cotton, and plant-based alternatives like pineapple leather and mushroom-based textiles. By incorporating these innovative materials into their collections, apparel retailers can offer environmentally friendly options to consumers. These materials often have lower environmental footprints, require fewer resources, and reduce the reliance on traditional, resource-intensive textiles.

Aiming to support sustainability, the EU has enforced a new strategy for sustainable and circular textiles in March 2022. The strategy focuses on the need for the textile industry’s business models to incorporate circularity principles that would diminish waste and pollution and improve working conditions within the industry’s supply chains.

The integration of fit & sizing solutions like YourFit and Mobile Tailor offers several benefits for apparel brands and retailers. Firstly, it improves customer satisfaction by ensuring a better fit and reducing size-related issues. When customers receive clothing that fit them well, they are more likely to be satisfied with their purchases and less likely to return them. This not only spares retailers from the expenses associated with returns but also mitigates the environmental footprint stemming from redundant transportation and packaging.

Secondly, fit & sizing solutions contribute to sustainability efforts by reducing textile waste. When customers receive accurate size recommendations, they are more likely to order the right size from the start, minimizing the need for returns and exchanges. This reduces the amount of clothing that goes to waste or ends up in landfills. By optimizing the fit process, fit & sizing solutions support the circular economy and promote a more sustainable fashion industry.

Moreover, fit & sizing solutions provide retailers with valuable data and insights. By analyzing customer body measurements and fit preferences, retailers can gain a deeper understanding of their target audience and tailor their collections and inventory accordingly. This data-driven approach improves inventory management, reduces overstocking, and minimizes the need for markdowns and clearance sales, which can lead to waste and financial losses.