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Japan's consumers favour cotton over manmade garments

20 Oct '25
3 min read
Japan's consumers favour cotton over manmade garments
Pic: Shutterstock.com

Insights

  • Japan's apparel imports in Jan–Aug rose *.*1 per cent to $***** billion, driven by a shift towards cotton garments, which gained market share from *1.*9 to *3.*2 per cent in three years. Manmade garments fell to *6.*0 per cent as consumers favoured comfort and sustainability. Imports were dominated by trousers, jerseys, and T-shirts, while unisex styles led the market with a *7.*2 per cent share.

During ****, imports of manmade garments accounted for **.** per cent, which has now fallen to **.** per cent. Meanwhile, imports of cotton garments have risen from **.** per cent to **.** per cent during the same period, according to *fashion.com/market-intelligence/texpro-textile-and-apparel/" target="_blank">sourcing intelligence tool TexPro. This shift reflects growing consumer preference for natural and breathable fabrics, as well as renewed interest in comfort and sustainability.

Imports of wool and animal hair garments declined to *.** per cent from *.** per cent in the last three years. However, silk garments increased slightly to *.** per cent from *.** per cent, while imports of garments made from other types of fibres rose to **.** per cent in January–August **** from **.** per cent in ****. This diversification suggests experimentation with blended and performance-based materials amid lifestyle changes.

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