Denim, the fabric of rebellion and self-expression, is undergoing a new revolution -- customization. From personalized fits to unique washes and embellishments, customers are increasingly demanding jeans that reflect their individuality. This trend is rippling across the globe, driven by diverse factors like rising affluence, technological advancements, and a growing desire for sustainable and ethical fashion.

Global growth, regional nuances
The custom denim market is expected to reach $6.7 billion by 2027, at a CAGR of 11.2 per cent. While North America currently holds the largest market share, Asia Pacific is predicted to witness the fastest growth, fueled by a young, tech-savvy population and rising disposable incomes.
Market analysis suggests a significant rise in customized denim sales. A report by Mordor Intelligence projects the global customized jeans market will reach $1.7 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 18.5 per cent. As Sarah Ahmed, CEO of Unspun says, “Customization is not just a trend it's a fundamental shift in consumer behavior. People want clothes that are made for them, not just for everyone."
Europe is expected to hold the largest market share, followed by North America and Asia Pacific. This is due to rising disposable incomes, increasing demand for self-expression, and growing awareness of sustainable and ethical fashion practices in these regions.
Denim Global Market: Share and Growth

(Source: Mordor Intelligence)

Tailoring to individuality
Customization isn't just about vanity. It empowers individuals to express as unique denim becomes a form of self-discovery and personal branding. It also combats fast fashion by investing in a well-made, customized piece, consumers move away from disposable trends. And promotes sustainability as repairing and customizing existing denim extends its lifespan thereby, reducing waste. As Ahmad says, "Customization is about giving people the power to create something that truly represents them. It's about moving away from mass-produced fashion and towards a more mindful, sustainable approach."
As customization catches on brands a taking the lead offering customized products. For example, Levi's Future Finish, is their online platform that uses laser technology to create custom washes and distressing on classic Levi's styles. “The denim industry has historically been mass-produced, but customization allows us to cater to individual needs and preferences,’’ explains Michael Khermiz, Chief Product Officer at Levi Strauss & Co. Similarly, Nudie Jeans Co offers extensive customization options through their "Bespoke Atelier," allowing customers to design every detail of their jeans. Unspun, the direct-to-consumer brand utilizes 3D body scanning technology to create perfectly fitted, made-to-order denim.
Customization goes beyond traditional tailoring. Today, brands offer a spectrum of options. From laser-scanning technology for perfect fits to adjustable waistbands, the focus is on comfort and inclusivity. In washes and distressing customers can choose unique washes, rips, and distressing to create their signature look. Embroidery, patches, and other details allow for self-expression and personalization. Then eco-friendly denim and ethical production methods cater to the growing conscious consumer.
Customization is here stay
Indeed, the denim customization trend is here to stay. As technology advances and consumer preferences evolve, one can expect increased use of AR/VR for virtual try-on experiences; more collaborative customization options, involving designers and influencers; focus on sustainable materials and ethical production practices.

01 February 2024, Mumbai

Major textile industry players in the region have given the thumbs-up to the Union Budget, hailing it as a catalyst for robust and sustainable economic development.

K M Subramanian, President of the Tirupur Exporters Association (TEA), lauded the budget's "Saptarishi" priorities, highlighting their potential to drive growth. He particularly singled out investments in infrastructure, expecting them to alleviate the industry's burden of high logistics costs. Subramanian also commended the budget's commitment to green growth, recognizing its essential role in environmental sustainability.

He welcomed the significant increase in the Amended Technology Upgradation Fund (ATUF) allocation for 2023-24 (Rs 900 crore compared to Rs 600 crore last year), expressing hope that it will expedite the clearance of pending claims. However, he noted the lack of an explicit announcement regarding the scheme's future and urged the government to provide clarity soon.

Key Takeaways:

Textile industry leaders view the budget as a positive step towards fostering economic growth.
Emphasis on infrastructure development and sustainability are seen as beneficial.
Increased ATUF allocation is appreciated, but continued support for the scheme is sought.

16 January 2024, Mumbai

ETRetail reported that Mufti, a 25-year-old men’s wear brand, had a successful IPO debut with a 12 percent premium on its closing stock price.

The IPO was oversubscribed by 51.85 times.

Kamal Khushlani, Mufti’s Managing Director, reaffirmed the brand’s commitment to delivering value, fostering innovation, and earning the confidence of its shareholders.

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01 February 2024, Mumbai

The 2024-25 Union Budget paints a promising picture for Artificial Intelligence (AI) in India, building on the foundation laid in the previous year. With the ambitious goal of solidifying India's position as an AI leader, the budget prioritizes ethical considerations, talent development, and nurturing AI startups through several key initiatives:

Building Trustworthy AI:

• Ethical Guidelines and Regulations: Inspired by the DPDP Act, the government may introduce regulations establishing ethical standards for developers, potentially including "model cards" that detail model usage and performance. An expert-led regulatory body might also be formed to address ethical concerns.
• Addressing Bias: The budget could allocate funds for research exploring data fairness and mitigating bias in AI algorithms.

Positioning India as a Global AI Powerhouse:

• Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Encouraging PPPs could help optimize infrastructure and data management, potentially leveraging existing initiatives like India Stack.
• Centralized Data Repositories: Secure, controlled access to centralized data repositories would foster trust and collaboration within the AI ecosystem.

Investing in the Future:

• AI Centers of Excellence (CoEs): Significant investments in CoEs established in universities could nurture industry-academia collaboration and drive research in critical areas like healthcare, agriculture, and sustainable infrastructure.
• Skilling and Upskilling Programs: The budget could allocate funds for training programs focused on AI skills, preparing the workforce for the AI-driven future.

Challenges and Opportunities:

While the budget shows promise, concerns remain regarding:

• Data Privacy and Security: Balancing innovation with robust data privacy regulations will be crucial.
• Talent Gap: Upskilling initiatives need to be comprehensive and effective to bridge the growing talent gap in the AI sector.
• Funding for Early-Stage Startups: Ensuring adequate funding for promising AI startups remains critical.

Conclusion:

Despite these challenges, the Tech Budget 2024 represents a significant step forward in shaping India's AI future. By focusing on ethical considerations, talent development, and infrastructure advancement, the budget lays the groundwork for India to become a major player in the global AI landscape. Continued collaboration between government, industry, and academia will be crucial to realize this vision and ensure responsible and inclusive AI growth in India.

04 January 2024, Mumbai

Forget the old gym uniform. Today's activewear is a chic blend of function and fashion, and Indian consumers are sprinting toward this stylish trend. As fitness becomes a way of life for more and more people, the demand for fashionable and comfortable clothing has skyrocketed. 

Comfort and quality reign supreme, according to industry surveys, fueling a boom in the Indian sports and athleisure market.

The numbers speak for themselves. In 2021, this market reached a whopping 1.86 billion U.S. dollars, and it's projected to nearly triple by 2025, hitting a staggering 4.73 billion U.S. dollars. 

Footwear leads the charge, generating 1.06 billion U.S. dollars in 2021 and projected to increase by 21% in just four years. 

These impressive figures paint a vivid picture: India's love affair with athleisure is just getting started.

But what's driving this trend? Several factors come into play:

• The rise of fitness enthusiasts: Indians are embracing healthy lifestyles, with gym memberships, yoga classes, and outdoor activities becoming increasingly popular. This active population needs clothes that keep them feeling good, both physically and aesthetically.
• Blurring the lines between gym and street: Athleisure isn't just for workouts anymore. These versatile pieces are making their way into everyday wardrobes, offering a relaxed yet stylish look for errands, coffee dates, or even work-from-home days.
• Trendsetting comfort: Gone are the days of stiff, uncomfortable sportswear. Today's athleisure prioritizes functionality without sacrificing style. Breathable fabrics, innovative designs, and flattering cuts make exercising and relaxing equally enjoyable.
• The influence of global brands and social media: From international sportswear giants to homegrown startups, brands are catering to India's growing demand for stylish and high-quality athleisure. Social media, meanwhile, fuels the trend by showcasing how to rock these pieces both on and off the gym floor.

This isn't just a fashion phenomenon; it's a cultural shift. India's athleisure boom reflects a growing focus on health, comfort, and individuality. 

And with the market projected to soar in the coming years, one thing's clear: the future of Indian fashion is sporty, stylish, and sweaty.

5 Key Insights :

1. Gym to Glam: Athleisure blends fashion & comfort, winning active Indians' hearts.
2. Market Boom: $1.86B to $4.73B by 2025, athleisure rockets skyward.
3. Footwear Leads: $1.06B and growing, shoes pave the sporty path.
4. Comfort Reigns: Functional fashion, breathable fabrics, and flattering fits rule the day.
5. Social Influence: Brands & influencers fuel the trend, athleisure rocks beyond the gym.

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