The knitted and woven garment industry is witnessing technological innovation: eco-friendly materials and intelligent production are becoming future trends

With the increasing demands of consumers for comfort, functionality and environmental protection, the knitted and woven garment industry is undergoing a new round of transformation. According to the latest data, the global knitted garment market size is expected to exceed 650 billion US dollars in 2024, while woven garments still occupy the mainstream position in high formal wear and outdoor equipment. Industry experts point out that the application of new materials, intelligent manufacturing and circular economy models will become the key to future competition.

Knitted garments: Comfort and technology blend together, and the sporty and casual style continues to lead the way

Knitted garments, with their excellent elasticity and strong breathability, have taken a dominant position in the field of sports and leisure. In recent years, brand owners have further promoted technological innovation:

Functional fabric upgrades: such as moisture-wicking and sweat-wicking, antibacterial and deodorizing recycled polyester fibers, as well as bio-based materials with coffee charcoal and seaweed fibers added.

Seamless knitting technology: The 3D one-piece molding process reduces cutting waste. Brands like Adidas and Nike have already applied it to the manufacturing of sports bras and shoe uppers.

Market growth point: The global trend of working from home has driven the demand for knitted home wear, with China and Southeast Asia becoming the main production and distribution centers.

2. Woven clothing: High-end customization and sustainable craftsmanship go hand in hand

Woven fabrics, with their stable structure, stiffness and wear resistance, continue to deeply cultivate the fields of business formal wear, outdoor protection and luxury goods.

Environmental transformation: Italian fabric manufacturer Canclini has launched traceable organic cotton woven shirts, reducing carbon emissions by 40% compared to traditional processes.

Intelligent production: AI-driven automatic cutting machine systems (such as Lectra) have increased the utilization rate of woven fabrics to 95%, reducing inventory waste.

Emerging markets: The demand for UV-resistant and anti-wrinkle woven workwear in the Middle East and Africa is growing at an annual rate of 12%.

3. Industry Challenges: Supply Chain Restructuring and Pressure for green certification

Despite the promising outlook, enterprises still face multiple tests:

Rising costs: Fluctuations in cotton prices and the increase in energy costs have forced brands to explore alternatives to recycled fibers.

Policy compliance: The EU's "New Regulation on Sustainable Development of Textiles" requires that starting from 2025, all clothing must provide a digital product passport (DPP) and disclose carbon footprint data.

Consumer awareness: Research shows that 60% of Generation Z are willing to pay a premium of 10% to 15% for "recyclable woven coats", but market education still needs to be strengthened.

4. Future Outlook: Circular Economy and Digital Collaboration

Industry leaders have proposed three major development directions:

Closed-loop production: For instance, H&M Group has invested in chemical recycling technology to break down old knitted garments into recycled polyester raw materials.

Digital twin technology: The development of virtual sample garments shortens the sample-making cycle of woven fabrics and reduces the loss of physical samples.

Cross-border cooperation: Textile factories and technology companies jointly develop intelligent temperature-controlled knitted fabrics, which are applied in the medical rehabilitation field.

[Conclusion

From fast fashion to high-performance clothing, the boundaries between knitting and weaving technologies are gradually blurring. Driven by both environmental protection regulations and the upgrading of consumption, products that combine "low-carbon attributes" and "technological experience" will become the winners. How to balance cost, efficiency and sustainability will be the core proposition for the entire industry.