Singapore has become one of the leading fashion hubs in the Asia Pacific region, with a highly developed competitive landscape. Singapore’s apparel industry generates revenue of US$671 million (S$915.34 million) in 2018. Revenue in the apparel segment is expected to show an annual growth rate (CAGR 2018-2022) of 11.4%, the market volume of apparel industry would result in US$1,032 million (S$1407.80 million) by 2022. The user penetration is expected to hit 37.1% by 2022, which is currently 31.2% in 2018. The global fashion industry has always been one of the most lucrative industries in the world.

It is one of the smallest countries with an insignificant population of 5.8 million but a fast developing into a primary business hub for fashion apparels. The peoples in Singapore are the most fashion conscious and up-to-date with the current styles. The Singaporean brands are expected to fulfil the demand of the local citizens as well as with foreign residents and tourists. The citizens of Singapore become more brand conscious with the passing time due to which more brands and private labels are now ruling the segment of the apparel industry.

Plus-Size Clothing:

Dresses for curvy women are easily available but what about plus-size dresses for plus-size women. The fashion industry is the fastest emerging industry with all new designs and creativity in apparels with each passing day. Clothes for curvy women are never-ending and the brands and stores offering to range from activewear to evening wear and also they come up with the latest offers. For many women wearing different dresses and skirts seems like a routine, also for plus-size women it remains as a fantasy to carry such clothes for so many years. Demand for such plus-size clothing increasing remarkably high as the women are now more aware of their looks and feel liberated and free to express their fashion and make-up.

From past a decade, the fashion industry has seen many changes, where the options for curvier and plus-sized women are very limited or we can say not easily available in the market are now easily available without paying any additional charge. Earlier, they have to pay more for further options but now the plus-sized women dresses are expanding more and more with latest trend release and easy availability.

Underwear: The New Fashion Statement for Singapore:

In 2017, women’s underwear is considered one of the most dynamic categories, as the wearing underwear is a fashion statement for some women in Singapore. The trend is becoming so effective in the country as a result of this various lingerie brand making a great impact on the consumers of Singapore. Victoria’s Secret, the American brand also opened a flagship store in Mandarin Gallery, which only sells a limited selection of perfumes, body products and panties. Also, Agent Provocateur, the UK brand also launched a store in The Shoppes mall.

In the apparel industry, the market value of underwear had seen a jump of 17%, risen from $245.5 million in 2011 to $287.2 million in 2017, despite the drop in the industry. Two new startup brands entered the market such as Naked and Unbound, whereas Victoria’s Secret, Agent Provocateur the US and UK based well-known brand and the Hong Kong-based multi-label lingerie e-commerce site Avec Amour expanded their reach to Singapore. Under Avec Amour, the range covers more than 20 international designer lingerie brands, such as Stella McCartney Lingerie and Heidi Klum Intimates, etc. Bras, briefs, bathrobes, negligees, nightwear, lingerie and corsetry are the most demanded products under the underwear and nightwear market.

Online Presence of the Apparel Industry:

In 2017, a strong current value growth has seen in internet retailing. Consumers are more interested and looking forward to more options at their convenience also with the wider range of options on offer. In this fast-moving era, consumer prefers online shopping where they can easily switch to a cheaper store in just one click. Through online, the retailers are able to provide product distinction and further experiential value to capture and retain the attention of consumers.

In the development of Singapore’s apparel sector government plays a crucial role. The Singaporean government organized many fashion shows and also funded many fashion initiatives to promote the fashion apparel sector in the country. Apparel makers are very much focussed on creating international brand awareness; also they have launched a brand called Apparel Singapore that aspires to create domestic and international recognition of their merchandise.

Technological advancements and a highly competitive retail business environment are the key factors that are impacting the consumer behaviour in the apparel industry. Sourcing products from a Singapore apparel industry company mean entering the global network of production facilities such as, from Asia to Latin America, covering Cambodia, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, China and El Salvador and also decreasing the sourcing risks and increasing cost efficiency through tariff preferences.

Possibilities and Obstacles in the Apparel Industry:

Singapore is working pro-actively for creating itself as a global hub for the businesses. Singapore’s government is supporting its apparel industry and fashion designers in building a strong foundation at the global level. International designs have seen a shift to the emerging market of the East from the mature West market. Singapore’s vast regional talent pools and boundless market potential shows gateway for both the international design houses for Asia to international design houses and to international markets for new Asian designers. There is a huge opportunity for savvy entrepreneurs with innovative products and a global outlook in Singapore with rich taste in fashion. There are lots of new brands sprouting up in Singapore, many online and this is what shows the fertility ground of the country.

Understanding of the niche domestic market in Singapore and required market research in detail and seeks to address the demand as well. Sufyaa the Singaporean modest apparel brand’s turnover reached $710,000 (SG$1 million) within three years after its launch. Now it is expanding its reach to other countries. Lully Selb was picked by Malaysia-based event organizer Sheikha Hub to appear at Doha’s HEYA Arabian Fashion Exhibition within five months after its launch and also received significant interest from Middle Eastern buyers.

The apparel retail industry of Singapore’s total revenue of US$2,762 million in 2018 and the market is expected to grow annually by 1.9% (CAGR 2018-2021).  The womenswear segment is the most lucrative and the largest segment of the market with the total market volume of US$894 million in 2018. Bold colours, exotic prints, and creative patterns are the attraction centre of the Singaporean consumers. Festive months are the time when the consumer’s fashion consciousness is at the peak during this time, the store racks are full of the creativity of fashion designers.