The European market potential for dresses and skirts
The European dresses and skirts market follows general apparel industry trends and developments related to sustainability, circularity and corporate social responsibility, driven mainly by policy initiatives under the EU Green Deal.
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Figure 1: Around 7.5% of all European apparel imports from developing countries are dresses and skirts
Source: Viktor Forgacs via Unsplash
1. Product description: dresses and skirts
Dresses and skirts are garments worn primarily by women and girls across a wide variety of contexts – from casual wear, workwear and schoolwear to formal and evening wear. The category consists of knitted (or crocheted) dresses, skirts and divided skirts, non-knitted (or crocheted) dresses, and skirts and divided skirts of different fabrics (wool or fine animal hair, cotton, synthetics, artificial fibres and other textile materials).
Table 1: dresses and skirts HS codes*
| HS code | Garment type | Fabric construction | Fibre type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61045100 | Skirts and divided skirts | Knitted or crocheted | Wool or fine animal hair |
| 61045200 | Skirts and divided skirts | Knitted or crocheted | Cotton |
| 61045300 | Skirts and divided skirts | Knitted or crocheted | Synthetic fibres |
| 61045900 | Skirts and divided skirts | Knitted or crocheted | Other textile materials |
| 62045100 | Skirts and divided skirts | Not knitted or crocheted | Wool or fine animal hair |
| 62045200 | Skirts and divided skirts | Not knitted or crocheted | Cotton |
| 62045300 | Skirts and divided skirts | Not knitted or crocheted | Synthetic fibres |
| 62045910 | Skirts and divided skirts | Not knitted or crocheted | Artificial fibres |
| 62045900 | Skirts and divided skirts | Not knitted or crocheted | Other textile materials |
| 61044100 | Dresses | Knitted or crocheted | Wool or fine animal hair |
| 61044200 | Dresses | Knitted or crocheted | Cotton |
| 61044300 | Dresses | Knitted or crocheted | Synthetic fibres |
| 61044400 | Dresses | Knitted or crocheted | Artificial fibres |
| 61044900 | Dresses | Knitted or crocheted | Other textile materials |
| 62044100 | Dresses | Not knitted or crocheted | Wool or fine animal hair |
| 62044200 | Dresses | Not knitted or crocheted | Cotton |
| 62044300 | Dresses | Not knitted or crocheted | Synthetic fibres |
| 62044400 | Dresses | Not knitted or crocheted | Artificial fibres |
Source: Eurostat, 2025
* Note that HS code 62044900 ‘Non-knitted/crocheted dresses of other textile materials' is excluded from the dataset due to incomplete data.
2. What makes Europe an interesting market for dresses and skirts?
In 2023, the value of dresses and skirts imports to Europe was €13.7 billion, up from €10.1 billion in 2018. This was roughly 1.19 billion units of dresses and skirts in 2023 (up from 1.15 billion in 2018). In 2018-2023, the value of the European Union’s dresses and skirts imports grew annually by 6.2% on average.
Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, the drivers of growth are expected to change. According to the McKinsey State of Fashion 2025 report, apparel growth in Europe will be driven by volume rather than price. As a result, differentiation (new designs and niches) will be an important factor in capturing market share.
Table 2: European Union dresses and skirts imports in 2018-2023, value in billion €
| 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10.1 | 12 | 10.2 | 10.9 | 13.9 | 13.7 |
Source: Eurostat, 2025
The European Union (EU) is also a large re-exporter of dresses and skirts, at an export value of €11.4 billion in 2023 (up from € 8.4 billion in 2018). In 2018-2023, EU dresses and skirts exports grew at an average yearly rate of 6.3%. The biggest EU exporters in 2023 were Germany (€2.3 billion), Italy (€2.0 billion), Spain (€1.4 billion), Poland (€1.2 billion), France (€1.1 billion) and the Netherlands (€1.0 billion).
Source: Eurostat, 2025
Together, Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland, France and the Netherlands represent 81% of the EU’s dresses and skirts exports. Poland and the Netherlands saw the strongest export growth within this group, with an average yearly increase of 13.1% and 10.6%, respectively, between 2018 and 2023. Germany, Italy and France all experienced growth similar to the overall segment growth (6.8%, 6.6% and 6.5%, respectively). Spain’s exports only grew by about one-third of that in the same period.
Source: Eurostat, 2025
Currently, 44.4% of European dresses and skirts imports come from outside the EU, and 55.6% come from EU countries. In 2023, suppliers from developing countries accounted for 40% of all dresses and skirts imports into the European Union in terms of value (down from 42.5% in 2018). Suppliers from the rest of the world accounted for 4.4% of the import value (down from 6.8% in 2018).
The value of European Union dresses and skirts imports from developing countries was €5.5 billion in 2023, having grown at an average yearly rate of 5% since 2018, while dresses and skirts imports from within the EU increased at a rate of 8.2%.
Source: Eurostat, 2025
European dresses and skirts imports from outside the EU are dominated by China, Türkiye, India and Bangladesh. Together, these four countries account for 31.3% of all dresses and skirts imported into the EU. China is the largest dresses and skirts exporter to the EU, with 14.5% of EU import value in 2023. It is followed by Türkiye with 7.1%, India with 5.3% and Bangladesh with 4.5%. Other extra-EU dresses and skirts exporters have market shares of less than 3% of the overall dresses and skirts import value.
For the top 10 exporters, market shares remained mostly stable between 2018 and 2023, with movements of less than 0.3% (up or down). China and Morocco were exceptions: their market shares fell by 1.1% and 0.9%, respectively. India gained 0.7% market share. In terms of average annual growth, exports from Myanmar, India and Bangladesh grew by 15.3, 9% and 7.1%, respectively. This exceeded the overall segment growth rate of 6.2%. Exports from Türkiye and China grew by 5.9% and 4.7%, respectively.
The intra-EU dresses and skirts trade is dominated by Germany (with a 13% share), Poland (8.7%), Spain (8.2%) and Italy (6.7%). These four markets supply 36.6% of total intra-EU dresses and skirts imports, followed by the Netherlands (4.7%) and France (3.1%). Germany lost 1.8% market share, and Poland increased its market share by 3.6% between 2018 and 2023.
Other countries that also increased their market share include Spain (1.5%), the Netherlands (0.9%) and Czechia (0.7%). In terms of average annual growth, exports from all the top 10 intra-EU exporting countries grew by a higher rate than the overall segment growth rate, with the exception of Germany, Belgium and France. Czechia and Poland grew by as much as 24.3% and 18.1%, respectively.
Table 3: Top 10 extra-EU dresses and skirts exporters to the European Union, 2023
| Country | Value (billion €) | 5-year growth |
|---|---|---|
| China | 1.90 | 4.70% |
| Türkiye | 0.97 | 5.90% |
| India | 0.73 | 9.00% |
| Bangladesh | 0.60 | 7.10% |
| Morocco | 0.38 | 0.70% |
| Cambodia | 0.18 | 1.70% |
| Myanmar | 0.12 | 15.30% |
| Tunisia | 0.10 | 1.10% |
| Vietnam | 0.09 | 2.60% |
| Indonesia | 0.06 | -1.20% |
Source: Eurostat, 2025
Germany, Poland and Spain are the biggest exporters of dresses and skirts within the EU. Czechia has seen the highest 5-year growth in intra-EU exports.
Table 4: Top 10 intra-EU dresses and skirts exporters to the European Union, 2023
| Country | Value (billion €) | 5-year growth |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | 1.70 | 3.60% |
| Poland | 1.19 | 18.10% |
| Spain | 1.13 | 10.70% |
| Italy | 0.92 | 8.50% |
| Netherlands | 0.64 | 10.80% |
| France | 0.42 | 5.10% |
| Denmark | 0.3 | 10.10% |
| Belgium | 0.19 | 2.10% |
| Czechia | 0.17 | 24.30% |
| Austria | 0.15 | 13.30% |
Source: Eurostat, 2025
Tips:
- Stay updated on trends in the European apparel market by reading online industry outlets like Just-Style, Business of Fashion and Sourcing Journal.
- Check samples, strike-offs and lab dips carefully, and highlight any issues to the buyer before sending them for approval. The buyer will start to trust your capabilities, and this will give you the opportunity to increase your service level and build a stronger partnership.
- For most European countries, dresses and skirts are a seasonal product. Sales numbers are high during the spring and summer season, in contrast to autumn and winter. Adjust your marketing and production planning accordingly.
- Each European country has different requirements concerning styles, fashionability, sustainability and price level. Research your target market and potential buyers thoroughly before approaching them.
3. Which European countries offer the most opportunities for dresses and skirts?
Western European markets are much larger and better developed than Central and Eastern European markets in terms of supply chain organisation and quality control. The top dresses and skirts import markets in the EU are Germany, Spain, France, the Netherlands, Poland and Italy. These top 6 countries together account for 74.5% of dresses and skirts imports in the EU, and grew at an average annual rate of 6.7% between 2018 and 2023.
Table 5: Top 10 European Union importers of dresses and skirts, 2023
| Country | Value (billion €) | 5-year growth | Dev. country share 2023 % | Dev. country imports 5-year growth | Dev. country imports change in share 2018-2023 | Dev. country imports average price 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | €3.1 | 8.7% | 42.1% | 8.8% | 0.2% | €9.06 |
| Spain | €1.7 | 5.3% | 66.6% | 2.4% | -10.1% | €7.59 |
| France | €1.6 | 2.6% | 42.9% | 3.3% | 1.5% | €7.95 |
| The Netherlands | €1.2 | 3.1% | 53.6% | 1.5% | -4.6% | €9.97 |
| Poland | €1.24 | 13.1% | 24.7% | 15.6% | 2.6% | €5.42 |
| Italy | €1.1 | 7.8% | 33.7% | 3.9% | -6.8% | €11.01 |
| Austria | €0.46 | 0.2% | 6.4% | -3.2% | -1.2% | €7.15 |
| Denmark | €0.45 | 7.4% | 59.2% | 5.9% | -4.2% | €7.91 |
| Belgium | €0.40 | -2.3% | 33.6% | -3.8% | -2.7% | €8.43 |
| Sweden | €0.36 | 6.9% | 38.3% | 4.3% | -5.1% | €8.13 |
| EU total | €13.7 | 6.2% | 40.0% | 5.0% | -2.5% | €8.24 |
Source: Eurostat, 2025
Of the top 10 importers, Spain, Denmark and the Netherlands stand out in terms of developing-country sourcing of dresses and skirts, with 66.6%, 59.2% and 53.6% shares of imports from developing countries, respectively. However, this share fell significantly in 2018-2023 (‑10.1%, ‑4.2% and ‑4.6%, respectively), indicating an increase in intra-EU trade.
Between 2018 and 2023, Poland grew its imports from developing countries by an average of almost 15.6% – a rate 2.5% higher than that of the country’s overall dresses and skirts import growth. This indicates that Poland is increasing its sourcing from developing countries. Only Poland and Germany grew developing-country imports by more than the average EU import growth rate. The average price of European imports of dresses and skirts from developing countries increased by € 2.08, from €6.17 to €8.24.
Germany: Europe’s largest importer of dresses and skirts
Germany is now the largest import market for dresses and skirts in Europe, with an import value of €3.1 billion in 2023 (up from €2.0 billion in 2018). This is around 248 million units of clothing. Currently, 42.1% of Germany’s dresses and skirts imports comes from developing countries, 53.9% from other EU countries and 4% from non-EU countries.
Between 2018 and 2023, the value of Germany’s dresses and skirts imports grew at an average annual rate of 8.7%, while the value of imports from developing countries experienced an average growth of 8.8%. This means that the share of imports from developing countries is stable.
Strict on sustainability
Germany has strict and increasing sustainability requirements, driven by national legislation and policies. Some German legislation on harmful chemicals goes beyond EU REACH legislation. It also has its own social and environmental standard, the Grüner Knopf, which is displayed on garments at the point of sale. Although investment in chemical management and certification is required, this will provide opportunities for higher-quality and sustainable products in the coming years.
Dresses make up 85.4% of the dresses and skirts segment (up from 83.1% in 2018), and averaged as much as 9.3% annual growth between 2018 and 2023. This is much higher than the skirts segment, which grew by 5.6% in the same period. Unit prices for dresses are higher than for skirts (€12.94/unit compared to €10.64/unit). Both segments saw a positive price development of over €2.50.
Table 6: 2023 imports of dresses and skirts to Germany by segment
| 2023 value (billion €) | 5-year growth | Average unit price | 5-year price change | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dresses | €2.6 | 9.3% | €12.94 | €3.08 |
| Skirts | €0.5 | 5.6% | €10.64 | €2.57 |
Source: Eurostat 2025
Well-known German brands and retailers producing and marketing dresses and skirts include Alife & Kickin, Orsay, Tom Tailor, Ulla Popken, S Oliver, Takko, Jil Sander, Escada, Peek & Cloppenburg, JOOP! and Rohde.
Figure 5: Many European brands focus on sustainable materials, especially organic cotton and recycled polyester (rPET)
Source: EqualStock via Unsplash
Spain: a budget market home to some of the largest international retailers in Europe
Spain is the second-largest import market for dresses and skirts in Europe, with an import value of €1.7 billion in 2023 (up from €1.3 billion in 2018). This is around 195 million units of clothing. Between 2018 and 2023, the value of Spain’s dresses and skirts imports grew at an average rate of 5.3% per year, while the import volume grew at 1.9% per year.
Currently, 66.6% of Spain’s dresses and skirts imports come from developing countries. This makes Spain the top importer from developing countries. However, developing countries lost 10.1% share between 2018 and 2023, indicating an increase in imports from EU countries.
Dresses make up 77% of dresses and skirts imports in Spain (stable since 2018), and the sub-segment grew by 5.1% per year on average between 2018 and 2023. This is only slightly lower than the skirts segment, which experienced a growth of 6%.
A few large retailers
Many of Spain’s imports are destined for a few large, international fast-fashion retailers. Import statistics may not reflect the country’s relatively low gross domestic product (GDP), low average wages and underperforming local market. Prices are extremely competitive.
The average unit price across the dresses and skirts segment is the lowest among the top 6 importing countries, at €9.14. The average unit price for developing-country imports, €7.59, is higher only than that of Poland. Unit prices for dresses are higher than for skirts (€9.57/unit compared to €7.95/unit). Both dresses and skirts experienced positive price developments between 2018 and 2023, of €1.22 and €1.46, respectively.
Table 7: 2023 imports of dresses and skirts to Spain by segment
| 2023 value (billion €) | 5-year growth | Average unit price | 5-year price change | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dresses | €1.3 | 5.1% | €9.57 | €1.33 |
| Skirts | €0.4 | 6.0% | €7.95 | €1.46 |
Source: Eurostat, 2025
Well-known Spanish brands and retailers producing and marketing dresses and skirts include Massimo Dutti, Mango, Zara, Loewe, Bershka, Stradivarius, Desigual and Pull&Bear.
France: volume market with increasing sustainability requirements
France is the third-largest import market for dresses and skirts in Europe, with an import value of €1.6 billion in 2023 (up from €1.4 billion in 2018). This is around 152 million units of clothing. Between 2018 and 2023, the value of France’s dresses and skirts imports grew at an average rate of 2.6% per year (less than half the rate of EU imports in this segment), while the import volume decreased at a rate of 0.2% per year.
In the same period, the value of imports from developing countries grew by an average of 3.3% per year. Dresses and skirts from developing countries constituted approximately 42.9% of French imports in this product segment. This was just above the EU average.
Dresses make up 78.6% of dresses and skirts imports in France (down from 81.2% in 2018), and grew on average by 1.9% per year between 2018 and 2023. This is lower than the skirts segment, with an increase of 5.2% per year. The average unit price for dresses is higher than for skirts (€10.27/unit compared to €10.59/unit). Both segments experienced positive price developments, but the average skirt price increased by more than double that of dresses (an increase of €2.63 compared to €1.09). The average developing-country price across the dresses and skirts segment is among the lowest of the top importers.
Stricter sustainability requirements
France is expanding its legislation on sustainability, in particular its chemicals legislation. It is now a legal requirement in France to inform customers about products that contain one or more substances on the REACH Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) list at the point of sale. This means that it will become harder to comply with French buyer requirements. At the same time, there will be increased demand for more sustainable products.
Table 8: 2023 imports of dresses and skirts to France by segment
| 2023 value (billion €) | 5-year growth | Average unit price | 5-year price change | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dresses | €1.3 | 1.9% | €11.27 | €1.09 |
| Skirts | €0.4 | 5.2% | €10.59 | €2.63 |
Source: Eurostat, 2025
Well-known French brands and retailers producing and marketing dresses and skirts are NAF NAF, Sézane, Zadig&Voltaire, La Redoute, The Kooples, Sandro, Maje, Rouje, Galeries Lafayette, Kiabi and Château Rouge.
The Netherlands: distribution hub and European centre for denim sustainability initiatives
The Netherlands is the fourth-largest import market for dresses and skirts in Europe, with an import value of €1.29 billion in 2023 (up from €1.1 billion in 2018). This is about 98 million units of clothing. Between 2018 and 2023, Dutch dresses and skirts imports grew by 3.1% in value and decreased by 8% in volume.
In the same time period, the value of imports from developing countries increased by an average of 1.5% per year. This was well below the EU average of 5%. Dresses and skirts from developing countries are currently 53.6% of Dutch overall dresses and skirts imports, and have lost 4.6% market share.
Dresses make up 81.9% of dresses and skirts imports in the Netherlands (down from 82.3% in 2018), and grew by an average annual rate of 3% between 2018 and 2023. This is slightly lower than the skirts segment, which saw an increase of 3.6%. Unit prices for dresses are higher than for skirts (€14.12/unit compared to €10.32/unit), and the average unit price across the segment is lower only than that of Italy.
The Netherlands’ unit prices for both dresses and skirts experienced the highest increase among the top importing countries in 2018-2023, and the average developing country unit price increased by as much as €4.50/unit.
Well-connected and keen on sustainability
The Netherlands profits from a favourable business climate that facilitates import and export. This, combined with its proximity to sea and availability of harbours, makes it an ideal location for product imports into Europe. For this reason, many foreign apparel brands have their headquarters in the Dutch capital, Amsterdam.
Table 9: 2023 imports of dresses and skirts to the Netherlands by segment
| 2023 value (billion €) | 5-year growth | Average unit price | 5-year price change | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dresses | €1.0 | 3.0% | €14.12 | €6.54 |
| Skirts | €0.2 | 3.6% | €10.32 | €3.23 |
Source: Eurostat, 2025
Well-known Dutch brands and retailers producing and marketing dresses and skirts include WE, C&A, My Jewellery, Anna van Toor, G-Star Raw and Fabienne Chapot.
Poland: fastest-growing economy in Europe
Poland is the fifth-largest import market for dresses and skirts in Europe, and has shown the most dynamic growth of any EU market in recent years. In 2023, the value of its dresses and skirts imports was €1.24 billion (up from €675 million in 2018). This is around 131 million units of clothing.
Between 2018 and 2023, the value of Poland’s dresses and skirts imports grew at an impressive average rate of 13.1% per year, while the import volume grew at a rate of 10.4% per year. The value of imports from developing countries significantly increased by an average of 15.6% per year. Dresses and skirts from developing countries now constitute 24.7% of Poland’s imports in this product segment.
Poland is not currently a suitable market for more value-added or sustainable products because of lower GDP and wages and a lower level of consumer awareness regarding sustainability issues. Average prices are higher than expected for this market (especially for dresses), but this is due to the use of more indirect distribution channels (such as wholesalers) and a high level of intra-EU imports. The average developing-country price is the lowest among the top importers, at just €5.42 per unit.
Türkiye is the most significant developing-country exporter to Poland, with a 13.8% share, followed by China with a 6.4% share. As Poland’s economy continues to grow and domestic brands establish themselves, growth in Polish imports from developing countries is expected to continue. It is interesting to note that Poland increased its share of imports from developing countries by 2.6% in 2018-2023, while the EU’s overall share dropped by 2.5%. Developing-country exporters will have many opportunities to increase exports to Poland in the short- and medium term.
Dresses make up 83.4% of Polish dresses and skirts imports (up from 82.2% in 2018), and grew by an average rate of 13.4% annually between 2018 and 2023. This is higher than the skirts segment, which showed an increase of 11.5%. Unit prices for dresses are higher than for skirts (€10.18/unit compared to €7.20/unit). In that period, both dresses and skirts experienced positive price developments of €0.84 and €1.31, respectively.
Table 10: 2023 imports of dresses and skirts to Poland by segment
| 2023 value (billion €) | 5-year growth | Average unit price | 5-year price change | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dresses | €1.0 | 13.4% | €10.18 | €0.84 |
| Skirts | €0.2 | 11.5% | €7.20 | €1.31 |
Source: Eurostat, 2025
Poland’s largest clothing manufacturer is LPP, with an umbrella of brands that includes Reserved, House, Cropp, Mohito and Sinsay.
Italy: global leader in luxury and design
Italy is the sixth-largest import market for dresses and skirts in Europe, at an import value of €1.1 billion in 2023 (up from €760 million in 2018). This is around 77 million units of clothing. Between 2018 and 2023, Italy’s dresses and skirts imports grew by 7.8% in value and 4.7% in volume.
In the same period, the value of imports from developing countries increased by an average of 3.9% per year. Dresses and skirts from developing countries currently make up 33.7% of Italy’s overall dresses and skirts imports. This is below the EU average.
Dresses make up 80.9% of dresses and skirts imports in Italy (down from 82% in 2018), and the segment has been growing by an average of 7.5% annually. The skirts segment experienced an even higher growth of 9.1%. Average unit prices are the highest among the top importers, with the average unit price for dresses almost €4.50 higher than that of skirts (€14.80/unit compared to €10.37/unit). Between 2018 and 2023, both dresses and skirts experienced a positive price development of just under €2.00.
Table 11: 2023 imports of dresses and skirts to Italy by segment
| 2023 value (billion €) | 5-year growth | Average unit price | 5-year price change | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dresses | €0.9 | 7.5% | €14.80 | €1.96 |
| Skirts | €0.2 | 9.1% | €12.11 | €1.98 |
Source: Eurostat, 2025
Well-known Italian brands and retailers producing and marketing dresses and skirts include Miss Sixty, Calzedonia, Rinascimento, Solotre, Diesel, Missoni, Motivi, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Benetton and OVS.
Tips:
- Focus your efforts on the top import markets for dresses and skirts (Germany, Spain, France, the Netherlands, Poland and Italy), as these are also the biggest importers from developing countries.
- Visit the websites of the main brands/retailers for each country to understand the requirements, styles and design for different dresses and skirt types. Analysing online platforms like Zalando, ASOS and ABOUT YOU can be a valuable resource for market research, as they have detailed product descriptions, size guides, reviews and ratings.
- Research your target market(s) to identify which potential buyers are a good fit for your business. Create a prospects database with useful information about them, including location, size, product types, target consumer, gender/age, price level, manufacturing locations, materials used and whether or not they have a sustainability focus.
4. Which trends offer opportunities or pose threats in the European dresses and skirts market?
The European dresses and skirts market follows general apparel trends related to sustainability, technological innovation and increased emphasis on corporate and social responsibility.
European brands and retailers are increasing their use of more sustainable fibres
As much as 45.7% of all dresses and skirts imported into Europe are made of synthetic fibres, in particular polyester. Cotton is the second most widely used fibre type, with a 27.5% share in 2023. The artificial fibre category holds a 22% share of the market and represents the third most widely used fibre type. This category includes viscose rayon as well as less common fibres, like bamboo and bio-based fibres made from milk, corn, soya and seaweed.
Polyester, cotton and viscose rayon all have a big negative impact on the environment. As European brands and retailers strive to meet EU Green Deal objectives, there are opportunities in using better alternatives.
Table 12: More sustainable alternatives to the most widely used fibres in the dresses and skirts segment
| Fibre | Fibre category | Share of global fibre production (2023) | Negative impact | Alternative(s) | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polyester | Synthetic | 57.20% | Produced from non-renewable fossil fuels, high carbon emissions | Recycled polyester | No use of virgin fossil fuels |
| Cotton | Cotton | 20% | Depletes soil, reduces biodiversity, high water consumption, high pesticide use, high fertiliser use (leads to CO2 emissions) | Recycled cotton | No cultivation of virgin cotton (with associated environmental impact) |
| Organic cotton | Restricted pesticide use, no use of petroleum-based fertilisers | ||||
| Hemp | Fast-growing/high-yielding, pest-resistant (less pesticide use), requires little irrigation (less water use), regenerative fibre (replenishes soil quality), absorbs more CO2 from the atmosphere than it produces | ||||
| Linen | Fast-growing/high-yielding, high rate of carbon absorption, can grow in poor soil not used for food production | ||||
| Viscose | Artificial | 5% | High use of hazardous chemicals, logging of endangered forests | Lyocell | Sustainably sourced wood pulp, eucalyptus trees (source) do not require a lot of water, pesticides or fertilisers to grow, closed-loop system (minimises water use and chemical waste), non-toxic solvents |
Source: Textile Exchange
EU brands and retailers prefer manufacturers that have sustainable material-sourcing networks. Certification (of suppliers and materials) is particularly important for recycled and organic materials. In 2023, recycled polyester represented 12.5% of all polyester produced globally, and organic cotton represented 2.3% of total cotton production. While recycled cotton only represented 1% of total cotton production, this is expected to increase significantly as recycling capabilities improve.
The Textile Exchange 2024 Report states that the number of Global Recycled Standard (GRS) and Recycled Content Standard (RCS) certifications increased by 69% and 61%, respectively, between 2021 and 2024. The number of Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certifications grew by 41% between 2020 and 2023 (latest data).
Figure 6: Dresses and skirts made from synthetic fibres dominate the market in Europe
EU buyers value innovation, creating opportunities for service-focused manufacturers
The European Union is well-known for its ‘fast fashion’, which requires constant ‘newness’ and increasingly short development lead times.
Within the dresses and skirts segment, one important way that buyers differentiate their product is through custom print designs (either using printed fabric or applying garment printing) and embellishments like embroidery. In these areas, manufacturers can help buyers develop unique patterns and colours. Some buyers want manufacturers to source or provide new designs. Others have their own graphic designers, but still need help translating their ideas into reality.
Investing in the right skills and equipment to handle the development and approval process, as well as in specialist machinery and software tools for design, development and production, offers competitive advantages.
Best practice: Posh Garments
Posh Garments from Bangladesh produces women’s dresses and skirts for many European brands, including C&A, New Yorker and Guess. The factory clearly displays its certifications, such as BSCI, SEDEX and SLCP, emphasising social and environmental compliance. Their website details environmental initiatives (waste recycling, water and energy efficiency) alongside transparent social audit summaries. Posh Garments presents a strong brand image by using high‑quality production photos and video material, detailed service descriptions and a professional layout.
Tips:
- Keep the sustainability trend in sight. Many brands and retailers are switching to sustainable materials to be able to promote an eco-friendly approach.
- Check Modint’s Fibre Matrix for an overview of more sustainable (preferred) fibres suitable for dresses and skirts, including organic cotton, BCI cotton, recycled cotton, recycled polyester, linen, hemp and lyocell.
- Visit the Textile Exchange website for a more in-depth understanding of alternative (preferred) materials and certification types. The website includes a Material Change Index that assesses around 80 international apparel and footwear brands and retailers (including many EU companies) on their use of preferred materials.
FT Journalistiek carried out this study in partnership with Giovanni Beatrice on behalf of CBI.
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