Skip to content
**Stay Safe in the Skies** — Finance — Retail — fashion-and-beauty

German fashion sales dip 2.1% in 2025 as practicality reshapes consumer choices

Socks and sportswear thrive as Germans prioritize function over fashion. Can nearshoring and niche trends revive a struggling industry?

,   and  Administrator
2 min read
The image shows a paper with a drawing of several women wearing fashionable dresses from the Spring...
The image shows a paper with a drawing of several women wearing fashionable dresses from the Spring and Summer fashions of 1932. The paper also has text written on it, likely describing the fashion trends of the time.

Fashion industry weakens - Socks defy the trend - German fashion sales dip 2.1% in 2025 as practicality reshapes consumer choices

The German fashion industry faced another difficult year in 2025, with overall sales dropping by 2.1%. Despite the decline, certain segments like hosiery and workwear showed growth as shoppers adjusted their priorities.

The sector continues to grapple with the effects of global crises and ongoing supply chain issues, leaving revenues below pre-pandemic levels.

While most fashion categories struggled, hosiery sales climbed by 4%. Consumers now select socks and stockings more carefully, focusing on functionality and matching them to specific occasions. This shift reflects a broader trend toward practicality in clothing choices.

Workwear and professional apparel also saw a modest increase of 3.3%. The demand for specialised sportswear and socks, however, surged by 15-20% since 2023. Home fitness and outdoor activities, boosted by the pandemic, drove this growth. German brands like Falke, Schöffel, and Vaude dominate this market, holding around 40% of sales.

Not all segments fared well. Outerwear sales fell for the second year in a row, dropping by 2.2%. Exports also declined by 0.5%, with suits and dresses seeing the sharpest decreases. This suggests a move away from formal and occasion-specific clothing.

Production trends are shifting too. The industry is increasingly turning to 'nearshoring,' moving manufacturing closer to home. North African countries and Portugal have become key hubs for German apparel imports, a trend expected to grow in 2026. Still, China, Bangladesh, and Turkey remain the top suppliers for the German market.

Globally, the U.S. fashion market managed a near 4% sales increase in 2025, despite ongoing tariff pressures.

The German fashion industry remains under pressure, with falling revenues and changing consumer habits. Practical items like sportswear and workwear are gaining ground, while traditional categories continue to shrink. As production shifts closer to Europe, the sector may see further adjustments in the coming year.

Read also:

Related

Latest