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Flourishing South Korean menswear aims to strengthen international standing

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Flourishing South Korean menswear aims to strengthen international standing


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December 17, 2025

In 2025, South Korean fashion takes another step up on the global stage. In a sector where technological innovations are redefining production processes, South Korea stands out for its ability to turn these developments into drivers of growth and global appeal, according to a Spherical Insights study published in November.

South Korean menswear makes its mark internationally, seen here at Pitti Uomo – Pitti Uomo

According to the South Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE), almost $27 million is set to be invested in 2025 to strengthen the national textile value chain.

This policy forms part of a broader strategy that provides more than $19 billion in support for firms operating in industrial textiles, the creation of an Industrial Textile Alliance, and a certification centre for technical products. The aim is to lift digital transformation across the sector from 35% to 60% and increase South Korea’s share of the global markets for industrial and sustainable textiles from 2-3% to 10% by 2030.

A dynamic domestic market

These ambitions are underpinned by an already robust industry. In 2024, South Korea imported $12.37 billion worth of clothing, including $5.08 billion in menswear. Exports totalled almost $2 billion, of which $1.7 billion comprised synthetic textiles and crocheted fabrics. This momentum reinforces a domestic market characterised by diverse demand, rapid trend adoption and strong cultural influence.

South Korea invests in its textile industry
South Korea invests in its textile industry – Shutterstock

At the heart of this evolution lies the global rise of Korean menswear. Korean brands stand out for their attention to detail, mastery of cut and tailoring, and a strong appetite for exploring experimental materials, bold silhouettes and assertive colours. This stylistic approach, oscillating between minim­alism and exuberance, meets a growing demand for pieces capable of expressing individual identity, according to the study.

Exports to be developed

The trends for 2025 confirm this direction: oversized cuts, unique patterns, bright colours, sustainable materials, a fusion of traditional and contemporary styles, as well as layering, athleisure and gender-fluid fashion, are at the forefront. From oversized kimono-polos to two-tone pink shirts, the Korean aesthetic offers a balance of comfort, experimentation and sophistication.

Ader Error is one of the young South Korean brands flourishing internationally (here, its collaboration with Zara)
Ader Error is one of the young South Korean brands flourishing internationally (here, its collaboration with Zara) – Zara

This creative ecosystem is supported by a myriad of ‘flagship’ brands. Names already recognised worldwide such as Gentle Monster, Andersson Bell, Kusikohc, Hyein Seo and We11done fuel the country’s international aura through their distinct worlds, blending art, streetwear, craftsmanship and conceptual design. In 2025, other labels are taking centre stage: Ader Error and its deconstructivist streetwear, Wooyoungmi and its modern tailoring, ThisIsNeverThat and its distinctly Korean take on streetwear, as well as 87MM, Recto, Amomento, PushButton and Minjukim, whose gender-fluid offerings are gaining visibility.

By combining massive public investment, a capacity for innovation, cultural richness and creative power, South Korea is putting its fashion industry on an upward trajectory in 2025. It can be seen not only as an exporter of aesthetics, but also as a key player in technical and sustainable textiles, with the ambition of playing a central role in contemporary global fashion.

This article is an automatic translation.

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Netherlands’ goods exports to US fall 4.7% in Jan-Oct 2025

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Netherlands’ goods exports to US fall 4.7% in Jan-Oct 2025



Goods exports from the Netherlands to the United States declined in the first ten months of 2025, with total export value falling 4.7 per cent year-on-year (YoY) to €27.5 billion (~$33 billion), according to the Statistics Netherlands (CBS). Exports had stood at €28.9 billion in the same period of 2024. The downturn began in July 2025, after steady growth in the first half of the year.

The data showed that the decline was driven mainly by weaker domestic exports, with goods produced in the Netherlands down 8 per cent YoY. In contrast, re-exports to the US rose 3.9 per cent during the period. Exports to the US have fallen every month on a YoY basis since July, CBS said in a press release.

Trade flows were influenced by uncertainty around US import tariffs. In the first half of 2025, trade between the two countries continued to grow, possibly as companies advanced shipments ahead of announced tariff measures.

Goods exports from the Netherlands to the United States fell 4.7 per cent YoY to €27.5 billion (~$33 billion) in the first ten months of 2025, driven by an 8 per cent drop in domestic exports, according to CBS.
Re-exports rose 3.9 per cent, while tariff uncertainty weighed on trade.
Imports from the US increased 1.9 per cent to €48.1 billion (~$57.7 billion).

Meanwhile, imports from the United States rose 1.9 per cent YoY to €48.1 billion (~$57.7 billion) in the first ten months of 2025.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)



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Philippines revises Q3 2025 GDP growth down to 3.9%

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Philippines revises Q3 2025 GDP growth down to 3.9%



The Philippines’ economic growth for the third quarter (Q3) of 2025 has been revised slightly lower, with gross domestic product (GDP) expanding 3.9 per cent year on year (YoY), down from the preliminary estimate of 4 per cent.

Gross national income growth for the quarter was also revised to 5.4 per cent from 5.6 per cent, while net primary income from the rest of the world was adjusted to 16.2 per cent from 16.9 per cent.

The Philippine Statistics Authority has revised down the country’s third-quarter 2025 GDP growth to 3.9 per cent from an earlier estimate of 4 per cent.
Gross national income growth was also lowered to 5.4 per cent, while net primary income from abroad eased to 16.2 per cent.
The PSA said the adjustments reflect its standard, internationally aligned revision policy.

The Philippine Statistics Authority said the revisions were made in line with its approved revision policy, which follows international standards for national accounts updates.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (HU)



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US’ Levi Strauss reports solid FY25, driven by organic growth

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US’ Levi Strauss reports solid FY25, driven by organic growth



Levi Strauss & Co (LS&Co) has delivered a strong performance in fiscal 2025 (FY25) ended November 30, marked by accelerated revenue growth, improved profitability and robust cash generation. Reported net revenues rose 4 per cent year on year (YoY) to $6.3 billion, while organic revenues increased 7 per cent. Gross margin expanded by 110 basis points (bps) to 61.7 per cent, reflecting improved pricing, product mix and operational efficiencies.

Operating margin improved sharply to 10.8 per cent from 4.4 per cent in FY24, while adjusted EBIT margin increased to 11.4 per cent from 10.7 per cent, marking the third consecutive year of margin expansion. The net income from continuing operations more than doubled to $502 million from $210 million, with adjusted net income rising to $537 million.

Levi Strauss & Co has delivered a strong FY25, with net revenues rising 4 per cent to $6.3 billion and organic growth of 7 per cent, alongside sharp margin expansion and higher profitability.
Q4 saw 5 per cent organic growth, led by Europe, Asia and DTC, which accounted for nearly half of revenues.
The company expects mid-single digit growth and further margin gains in FY26.

Diluted EPS from continuing operations increased to $1.26 from $0.52 in the previous year, while adjusted diluted EPS rose to $1.34 from $1.24. The company generated $530 million in operating cash flow and $308 million in adjusted free cash flow. The company returned $363 million to shareholders during the fiscal, up 26 per cent YoY, LS&Co said in a press release.

In the fourth quarter (Q4) ended November 30, 2025, the company reported net revenues of $1.8 billion, up 1 per cent on a reported basis and 5 per cent organically compared with Q4 FY24. Growth was broad-based, supported by strong momentum in Europe, Asia and Beyond Yoga, alongside high-single digit comparable growth in direct-to-consumer (DTC).

Europe recorded reported revenue growth of 8 per cent and organic growth of 10 per cent, while Asia delivered growth of 2 per cent reported and 4 per cent organically. In the Americas, revenues declined 4 per cent reported but increased 2 per cent organically, with the US business flat on an organic basis. Beyond Yoga continued to outperform, posting reported growth of 37 per cent and organic growth of 45 per cent.

DTC revenues increased 8 per cent on a reported basis and 10 per cent organically, driven by strength across all regions. E-commerce revenues rose 19 per cent reported and 22 per cent organically, with DTC accounting for 49 per cent of total quarterly revenues. Wholesale revenues declined 5 per cent reported and were flat organically.

Operating margin in the quarter was stable at 11.9 per cent, while adjusted EBIT margin declined to 12.1 per cent from 13.9 per cent a year earlier due to tariff-related pressure on gross margins and higher adjusted SG&A expenses. Gross margin stood at 60.8 per cent versus 61.8 per cent in Q4 FY24. Net income from continuing operations was $160 million, with diluted EPS of $0.4 and adjusted diluted EPS of $0.41.

“Over the past few years, we’ve taken bold steps towards becoming a DTC-first, head-to-toe denim lifestyle brand,” said Michelle Gass, president and CEO of Levi Strauss & Co. “We are well on our way toward realising our strategic ambitions. We have narrowed our focus, improved operational execution and built greater agility across the organisation. As a result, we’ve elevated the Levi’s brand and delivered faster growth and higher profitability as reflected by our Q4 and full year 2025 results. While we still have important work ahead, the company is at an inflection point—emerging as a stronger, more resilient global business ready to define the next chapter of LS&Co.”

“We are sustaining our momentum, delivering 5 per cent organic growth in the fourth quarter on top of 8 per cent growth in the prior year. Our success in denim lifestyle has enabled us to expand our addressable market, positioning us for mid-single digit growth in 2026 and beyond,” said Harmit Singh, chief financial and growth officer of Levi Strauss & Co. “Our disciplined approach to converting growth into profitability has improved adjusted EBIT margin again in 2025 for the third year in a row, and we are on track to expand margins further as we strive toward 15 per cent. Our confidence in this trajectory is reflected in a new $200 million ASR program.”

Looking ahead, the company expects mid-single digit revenue growth in fiscal 2026 alongside further adjusted EBIT margin expansion, supported by continued DTC momentum, disciplined cost management and ongoing brand strength, added the release.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)



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