Fashion industry weakens - Socks defy the trend - German clothing sales dip in 2025, but workwear and hosiery defy the slump
Germany's clothing industry faced another difficult year in 2025. Revenues fell by 1.4% to €6.5 billion as weak demand and economic pressures weighed on sales. Yet some segments, like workwear and hosiery, managed to grow despite the broader downturn.
The overall decline in apparel sales reached 2.1% in 2025, driven by cautious consumer spending and higher prices. Outerwear, a key category, shrank for the second year in a row, dropping by 2.2%. Exports also weakened, slipping 0.5% as demand softened across most product lines.
Not all areas struggled, however. Workwear and professional clothing saw a 3.3% rise in sales, reflecting steady demand from businesses. Hosiery also performed well, with a 4% increase as buyers favoured functional, high-quality items. Meanwhile, the U.S. market stood out with a nearly 4% sales boost, even as tariffs posed challenges for exporters. Supply chain shifts also reshaped the industry. German brands imported more clothing from North Africa—countries like Egypt, Tunisia, and Morocco—as well as from Portugal. This move towards *nearshoring* is expected to grow in 2026, with production increasingly relocating closer to home.
The fashion sector remains under pressure from global instability and sluggish demand. While certain categories like workwear and hosiery showed resilience, the broader market contracted. The shift toward nearby manufacturing hubs signals a lasting change in how and where German apparel is produced.
