The fashion industry is one of the most rapidly changing and developing areas of the Polish economy. According to the data presented in the report of KPMG entitled “Fashion Market in Poland”, the Polish clothing market is considered one of the most attractive and largest in Central and Eastern Europe. Its value is estimated at about PLN 30 billion. Only in 2017, over 22,000 entities operated in Poland, of which 2/3 produced only clothing. They employed more than 187.6 thousand people − of which 99.4% were employed in the private sector. Data from 2018 show that Poland exported clothing and footwear for nearly PLN 32 million, mainly to Germany and the countries of Central and Eastern Europe (82.5% of exports). Each year expenditure on investments and development of machine parks is growing, allowing for increased development of the production potential, also in terms of external contracts.

MADE IN POLAND

It is worth noting that more and more Polish manufacturers of clothing and footwear manufacture their products in the country using locally available materials. A very important element for the Polish fashion sector is the slogan “Made in Poland”, and it is not without reason that it can often be found on clothing care labels. This sign is more and more recognisable and desirable in the global fashion market. More and more Polish companies are opening local workshops and operate in the spirit of true craftsmanship − hand stitching, natural fabrics suitable even for sensitive skin and high quality.

Polish fashion inspires western neighbours

Polish fashion businesses set an example for the European and global brands. An example can be Magda Butrym who since 2014 has been successfully developing her brand overseas and designing premium clothes, as well as MISBHV, a Polish streetwear brand by Natalia Maczek, appreciated by celebrities and influencers worldwide. A Polish retailer LPP, which includes the Reserved, Mohito, Cropp and House brands, has also become a global corporation. Their clothes are now available even in Egypt, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. They are followed by other major brands like Patrizia Aryton and Semper, this year celebrating their 30th anniversary. Their philosophies combine the desire to create a classic and elegant silhouette of a woman who is aware of her strengths and style, highlighting them through clothing. The brands guided by similar values include Marsellini, Cotton Club, Sun Of Gaba, Rabionek Feria, Boca or Kaskada. In their designs they make use of uniqueness, individuality, the best materials, classic cuts and professional tailoring. Polish brands are often the trendsetters in this part of Europe, and the western neighbours watch them with interest and draw inspiration from them.

More and more Polish manufacturers of men's fashion

Not only women's collections provide a positive surprise. The manufacturers of men's clothes also include leading brands that for years have been operating on the fashion market, and the ever increasing interest in their products makes that each new collection is highly anticipated. The most outstanding among the manufacturers of men's fashion include brands such as Lavard, Bytom, Sabak, Janimen, Lancerto or Recman. It is worth noting that not only women like changes in dressing. Collections by Polish manufacturers of menswear surprise with innovation, interesting patterns, original prints and often bold colours.

Trends in XXL version

Responding to the needs of the fashion market in Poland and in the world, more and more Polish clothing manufacturers create collections in the plus size version. Large is beautiful at last! Polish brands such as Grandio, Tova, La Venne, Fan Leather  or Atleto prove that anyone can look good in their clothes, no matter the size.

Not only clothing, but also footwear and accessories

Shoes, jewellery, stylish handbags and hats − these accessories are necessary to make your style complete. This is emphasised by Polish producers who once again focus on handicraft and true craftsmanship. Hand-sewn headwear, hand-made jewellery made from natural ores and minerals, and leather shoes made by real craftsmen. Being a complement to each look, such accessories are an essential element of the fashion industry in Poland and allow to create the entire styling. The leading footwear manufacturers include Made jand Faber. These top-class models of men's leather shoes are a guarantee of the best quality materials and perfect sewing. The Polish brand Hammer operating on the Polish market for 30 years has recently presented its latest collection inspired by the greatest fashion houses and street trends. Bold design, rich colours and high-quality materials are the features that distinguish the brand. Polish women have grown to love the Neścior i Ryłko brand for elegant, comfortable and often remarkable pumps, high heels and boots. The Glanzbut brand, whose history dates back to the 1960s, is also one of the leaders the Polish footwear sector, and its craftsmanship is appreciated by thousands of people in the world. The Wojas brand, whose products can be purchased in countries such as Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Romania and Belarus, is also developing very dynamically.

BE ECO − WEAR ECO

The Polish fashion sector can boast compatibility with European standards in terms of high-quality and safe materials, as well as a growing sentiment for the issue of caring for a sustainable environment, which distinguishes Poland among other countries of the European Union. Already every fourth Pole declares that ecology is of great importance to him/her and is willing to pay up to 20% more for products manufactured in the “zero waste” spirit compared to non-organic clothing. This trend originates from the Western countries and has become firmly established in our country. Many brands use organic, vegan and natural materials of vegetable origin in the production of their clothing and shoes. The Polish brands such as Fairma Ethical Design that produces in Poland shoes using the material called pinatex − made from pineapple leaves, and Bohema Clothing which launched in the Polish market shoes made from cactus, are a global phenomenon. There are also clothing brands that use natural materials such as Cottonganic, Underworld, NAGO, Odzieżowe Pole or wooden ties and bow ties by the Bindka brand.

Forecasts for the future

Trendwatchers on the fashion market in Poland and in the world say that in the distant future fashion will cease to be used to create one's image, and will become a kind of a functional additive. The purpose of clothing will be to protect the human body against rain, wind, smog or sunlight.

While remaining in the spirit of the development of fashion trends and the Polish fashion industry, it must be stressed that this movement is of vital importance in our country. The Polish fashion industry is still growing strongly, with each collection surprising fashion lovers, and although the industry is changing very rapidly, Polish producers are coming up with the times, do not stop and prepare stunning collections, and in their businesses they also successfully benefit from modern technology.