Pakistan has become a vibrant hub for textile and fabric trends in the ever-evolving world of fashion and design. Pakistan is positioned to greatly impact the world’s textile market this year due to its long heritage of craftsmanship and thriving fashion industry. The nation’s textile industry is changing dramatically, redefining how people view and interact with textiles, from traditional handwoven fabrics to cutting-edge sustainable materials. As we explore how the blending of history and contemporary is influencing the future of fashion and design in the region, we will delve into the interesting trends and innovations that are shaping the textile and fabrics sector in Pakistan in 2024.

ETHICAL AND SUSTAINABLE

The emergence of ecological and ethical fashion is another trend that we may anticipate in Pakistani fashion in the coming years. We can anticipate seeing more designers adopt ethical and ecological techniques as people around the world become more aware of the effects that fashion has on the environment. More designers are likely to use eco-friendly materials like organic cotton and recycled fabrics, as well as ethical production methods like fair trade and no animal testing.

12th December 2022: Pakistan’s two main textile manufacturers adopted traceability with FibreTrace. FibreTrace’s two partners, Diamond Denim by Sapphire (a vertically integrated mill) and Artistic Apparels (a garment manufacturer), will use climate-positive Good Earth Cotton in their conscious collection, audited and traced at each supply chain step.

October 2021: Yunus Textile Mills Limited, a global leader in home textiles, signed a partnering agreement with Ocean Safe AG, Switzerland. The collaboration focuses on making home textiles like sheets, comforters, quilts, duvets, curtains, and more that are circular, free of toxins, and biodegradable.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSIVITY

A bigger focus on inclusivity and diversity can also be anticipated in Pakistani design in the future. Although the fashion industry has always been criticized for its lack of diversity, recent years have seen a shift toward greater inclusivity. More designers should start producing collections that suit a variety of body sizes, skin tones, and ethnic backgrounds. The integration of technology in fashion design is one trend that has already begun to emerge in Pakistani fashion. We can anticipate seeing more designers use cutting-edge technologies like virtual reality and 3D printing as the world of digital fashion continues to grow. Designers will be able to produce more complicated and elaborate designs as a result, while simultaneously cutting waste and improving production efficiency.

REVIVAL OF TRADITIONAL TECHNIQUES

Pakistan’s textile sector is embracing the future while still retaining its rich history. Traditional methods are resurfacing, including hand weaving, block printing, and hand needlework. These time-honored techniques are being revived by artisans all around the nation, who are adding a contemporary twist to produce classic works that showcase Pakistan’s cultural variety.

RISING EXPORTS OF BED LINEN AND FLOOR COVERINGS

Pakistan’s export of bed linen made up of single or multiple yarns has been rising since a dip in the industry in 2016, and the bed linen exports have been increasing constantly since 2016. Since the beginning of 2016, bed linen exports have been rising constantly. The top five importing destinations for the market include the United States, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Germany, and France. Moreover, the bed linen market is dominant in Karachi, Faisalabad, Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, and Multan.

The floor covering market is rapidly growing in Pakistan, owing to the rise in infrastructure developments, the changing lifestyles of customers, and the increased demand for insulation by consumers. Flooring demand will rise in tandem with the development of the construction industry and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

APPAREL EXPORT GROWTH

As the global demand for clothing and lifestyle products is expected to grow at a staggering 8 % CAGR from 2022-2026, Pakistan can become a key apparel exporter. Globally, the country ranks amongst the top ten apparel exporters and the fourth largest producer and third largest consumer of cotton.

Local apparel brands like Khaadi, Saphhire, Junaid Jamshed, Bin Saeed, Charizma, and more have grown immensely, reaching market reach overseas. Some of them have established apparel shops abroad while others choose to deliver internationally. Moreover, popular brands like Adidas, Zara, H&M, Next, Mango, Forever21 and more, have outsourced their clothes’ production to Pakistan.

Pakistan currently has the highest rate of urbanization in South Asia, with more than 35% of the population residing in its metropolitan cities. Rapid urbanization, better economic prosperity, and growth in e-commerce penetration are anticipated to improve the living standards and household incomes, thereby escalating the average spending on the consumption of apparels and lifestyle in the country.

Supply Chain Constraints- Limiting Trend

The supply chain and management weaknesses can disrupt the anticipated growth of exports and domestic consumption of apparel and lifestyle products. Lead times of apparel retail in Pakistan are often higher, which can become a prominent issue as the country aims to grow its textile exports to a great degree by 2025 with investments and initiatives. Delays due to complicated tariff policies could further delay the delivery time. Furthermore, Pakistan’s location of apparel production on inland instead of Export Processing Zones, combined with poor road and rail network facilities, with the lack of electrical supply, may also create delays in transporting shipments on time resulting in consumer dissatisfaction and an eventual loss in business. In combination with the traditional approach of a fragmented supply chain, businesses have experienced higher complexities and inefficiencies in their supply chain, resulting in delays in delivery of their products and additional unanticipated costs. Therefore, the end-to-end cargo journey should be viewed as a singular unit. Businesses should focus on improving their supply chain’s agility, transparency and resilience to ensure their growth and success.

GLOBAL RECOGNITION

Pakistan’s textile sector is finally earning respect on a global scale. Pakistani textiles are making their way onto international catwalks and into the wardrobes of fashion fans worldwide thanks to their dedication to quality and sustainability. In the upcoming years, innovation and creativity are anticipated to be further stimulated by this global exposure.

Consequently, 2024 is a promising year for Pakistan’s textile and apparel industry. Sustainability, tradition, technology, and diversity are coming together to create a landscape that is alive and dynamic. Pakistan is presenting itself as a global leader in textile and fabric trends, offering not just beautiful clothing but also a tale of legacy, innovation, and ethical fashion as customers grow more careful of their choices.

As we continue to investigate the trends and innovations influencing the business, stay tuned for further updates on Pakistan’s dynamic textile industry.