Beyond Tradition: The Transformative Trends in Saudi Arabia Apparel Market

Saudi Arabia has made a remarkable trace in the apparel market and fashion brands in the past few years. In our blog we will go into several points in details: 

1. Saudi Arabia apparel market.
2. Loosening restrictions on women's dress code.
3. New promising contemporary fashion brands in Saudi Arabia.
4. Saudi hosting its first ever fashion-week.
5. Saudi 100 brands initiative. 

Saudi Arabia Apparel Market Size 

• With a population exceeding 35 million citizens and a GDP surpassing a trillion USD, Saudi Arabia is a major player in the MENA region's apparel market. Projections indicate robust growth for the country in the coming years.
• The apparel market's value in KSA was estimated at USD 16 billion in 2022, poised to reach USD 19.3 billion by 2027, marking an average Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3.6% between 2022 and 2027. 
• Women's fashion accounted for the largest share of the total apparel market value in 2022, comprising approximately 47% of the overall value. This was followed by men's apparel at 29% and the kids' segment at 24%. 
• By 2027, it's anticipated that the value of the women's segment will reach USD 8.9 billion, while the men's segment will hit USD 6.1 billion, and the kids' segment will reach USD 4.3 billion (source: Statista)  
• The apparel market in KSA is anticipated to grow at an average CAGR of 3.6%. The men's segment is expected to grow by 5.2%, followed by the women's segment at 3.1%, and the kids' segment at 2.5% between 2022 and 2027.

The transition in contemporary attire among Saudi women signifies a notable societal shift.

In Saudi Arabia, the dress code has witnessed significant change, progression, and shift that adapts to the global taste. Saudi Crowne Prince Mohammed bin Salman, stated in March 2018 in a CBS television interview: "The laws are very clear and stipulated in the laws of sharia (Islamic law): that women wear decent, respectful clothing, like men, This, however, does not particularly specify a black abaya or a black head cover. The decision is entirely left for women to decide what type of decent and respectful attire they choose to wear.” His speech empowered women to dress in a way that appealed to their personalities and gave them the right to expression. Women switched their black Abayas to colourful and bright ones. The dress code became more diverse including casual attire and everyday street look while still maintaining the modesty aspect.  

Caroline Rush, H. H. Princess Noura Bint Faisal Al Saud, Layla Issa Abuzaid and Jacob Abrian

Getty Images

Get to know the new promising contemporary fashion brands in Saudi Arabia 

With the shift of the fashion scheme in the past few decades, it gave the designers the space to manifest their vision. By creating exclusive contemporary fashion brands. Young Arab designers are prideful of their culture, which makes them create innovative looks with a touch of global appeal. Contemporary fashion brands are built on diversity and creativity. Some of the promising fashion brands in Saudi Arabia include:

• Nora Al Shaikh: Based in Jeddah, Nora has been in the fashion light for almost 10 years. She was inspired by her traveling abroad experiences. Her designs are a fusion of the Eastern and Western. Her everyday wear and casual look designs are capturing and alluring. 
• TOBY and TOBY Femme by Hatem Alakeel: The essence of traditional elegance for men and women, the award-winning Saudi designer Hatem Alakeel is most known for his innovative aesthetic and delicately designed traditional pieces.
• Shahad Al Suhail (Abadia): Designer Shahad Al Suhail founded the ethical luxury brand Abadia. One of her objectives is to create timeless design. Those are meant to be treasured and handed down. Abadia visualizes fashion for the contemporary woman. She blends masculine designs with feminine grace. Resulting in, creating everyday looks. 

• Arwa Al Banawi: She's gained recognition for her contemporary designs that often blend traditional Saudi elements with modern aesthetics, making a mark in the global fashion scene.

Get to know Saudi Arabian creative designers: https://www.harpersbazaararabi...

Saudi Arabia hosted its first-ever fashion week

Saudi Arabia hosted its first-ever fashion week in Riyadh. It started from October 20th till October 23rd. The fashion week included 30 local brands that were displayed on the runway. The event showcased to the world the talent and uprising of innovative and promising Saudi Arabia fashion designers. Fashion connects the world and fuses cultures and diversity. The fashion week presented global fashion and gathered the fashion community together.

The Fashion Week launch had immense effects on the fashion industry in Saudi Arabia. It resulted in:

1. The growth demand for the fashion industry in the country.
2. The sales of fashion retailers are expected to rise by 28 percent to 32 billion dollars by 2025, according to a report by Fashion Futures.
3. Introducing Saudi Arabian designer designs to the world.

“Saudi 100 brands” Initiative 

"Saudi 100 brands" is a government initiative aiming at promoting and supporting 100 Saudi brands across various sectors, encouraging their growth and international recognition. These brands are selected based on their quality, innovation, and potential for global competitiveness.

Brands will receive specialized mentoring, training and consulting in the categories of bridal, couture, ready to wear, jewellery, bags, beauty, footwear and fragrance, targeting at developing businesses in the following aspects: branding, sales & marketing, PR & communication strategy, product development, budgeting.

The initiative is part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, a strategic plan to diversify the economy and reduce its dependency on oil. The goal is to cultivate a thriving business environment that fosters entrepreneurship, innovation, and the development of homegrown brands.

This initiative was launched with White Milano. White is an international showcase that displays global fashion scenes. It is exclusive to all-around ready-to-wear collections. It is one of the most immense events that takes place alongside Milan Fashion Week. The event displays the designs and crafts of talented Saudi Arabian designers. The designs were exclusive to ready-to-wear, modest, concept, premiere, demi-couture, bridal, bags, and jewelry categories.

TijaraHub promotes global fashion trade: Explore the new opportunities.

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Check the women fashion section at TijaraHub:  https://tijarahub.com/fashion-...

Also have a look at our Kids’ fashion section: https://tijarahub.com/fashion-...