Inside Fashion Confidence Index
52/100 ↑
Direction: Stabilizing, prior month 50 → 47.
Cycle Tier
Defensive →
Improving, but still very cautious
Materials Costs
Stable, but High →
Direction: Leveling, at elevated price points
Logistics Costs
Rising ↑
Ocean rates up low double digits. MoM; Air: China-N. EU +6.3%, China-N. Am -15.3%
Supplier Pressure
Level →
Cost pressure continues. Order volumes up in key markets.
AI-driven control towers are turning fragmented supply chain data into real-time decisions.
Trade partners delay action, betting that early concessions won’t secure better terms
Gulf region is expect to remain a hotspot in the near term, pressuring air cargo.
Polyester is still structurally expensive and supply‑risked, but spot and near‑term prices are starting to
Faster, more precise planning is forcing brands and suppliers to rethink how they operate.
New, wide‑ranging Section 301 investigations into “excess capacity” and other unfair trade practices threaten sourcing
Materials Prices
please login to view the table
Sourcing Spectrum
Strong factory order and growing competition from the tech sector are pushing wages higher and tightening labor supply.
A country report with a table including key comparative data
MATERIALS INNOVATION
Only 15% of apparel companies currently have full visibility into the raw materials in their
Linen combines the sustainability aspect of being a natural fiber with a unique texture and
Not yet an INSIDE FASHION member? Join now and be part of our community of industry leaders.
A snapshot of key metrics impacting the apparel industry
Winning retailers are abandoning expansion for expansion’s sake, focusing instead on tightly defined assortments built
Earnings reports are showing a clear line between brands that stayed close to their core
Performance, durability, and comfort are turning basics into a higher-value, repeat-purchase category.
A snapshot of key market movements across materials prices, supply chains, retail performance and consumer
Brand Analysis
In a global fashion market crowded with fast fashion and high-end labels, Sandro has carved a unique position.
More Resources
International trade fairs and conferences for the coming 8 months.
Download the PDF file To download the file, please login Login
Leadership Series
© 2026-27 Inside Fashion Ltd.
