The United Kingdom’s apparel industry is showing significant signs of recovery in 2025, marking a critical turning point after the sector was squeezed for two consecutive years. According to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), while apparel imports in October 2025 saw a slight year-on-year dip of 1.87 percent to £1.832 billion (approximately $2.45 billion), the broader trend in the third quarter of the year suggests that consumer appetite in the British market is rebounding strongly.
The most striking surge was recorded during the third quarter (Q3) of 2025, when the UK imported clothing worth £4.932 billion. This figure represents a sharp 15.12 percent increase compared to the same period last year and is over 21 percent higher than the second quarter of 2025. This robust quarterly growth indicates that British fashion brands have resumed large-scale ordering following improved retail sell-through during the recent summer season.
This recovery represents a dramatic shift compared to the industry’s performance in 2023 and 2024. Throughout 2024, UK clothing imports plummeted by over 7 percent as consumer sentiment remained subdued under the weight of inflationary pressures. The situation was even more dire in 2023, when import values plunged by nearly 26 percent as retailers aggressively slashed excess inventory accumulated during the post-pandemic recovery. The rebound in 2025 suggests that UK households are once again prioritizing discretionary spending on fashion after a long period of cautious focus on essentials.
On the other hand, raw materials such as textile fabrics and fibers are also beginning to show positive momentum despite ongoing fluctuations. In October 2025, while imports of fabric and fiber were slightly lower than the previous year, they showed a notable month-on-month increase compared to September. This monthly rise reflects a pick-up in activity at local manufacturing sites and the strategic stockpiling of materials by manufacturers preparing for upcoming seasons.
The return of the UK’s apparel import strength provides a breath of fresh air for global garment exporters. After navigating a painful two-year phase of inventory corrections and high inflation, the British market is reopening its doors. Analysts believe that as long as inflationary pressures remain contained and purchasing power stays stable, the growth trend seen in late 2025 will provide a solid foundation for continued expansion throughout 2026.
