40+ Fashion Industry Statistics for 2026: Market Size, Trends and Sustainability

The global fashion industry continues to be one of the world’s largest and most influential economic sectors. In 2026, the global fashion market is valued at approximately $1.8 trillion, with the UK fashion ecommerce market alone worth an estimated £67.8 billion. From the explosive growth of fast fashion (now a $150+ billion industry) to the rapidly expanding secondhand market projected to reach $53.7 billion, the industry is undergoing profound transformation. Sustainability concerns, digital innovation, and shifting consumer preferences are reshaping every corner of fashion retail.

Below, we’ve compiled over 40 of the most important fashion industry statistics for 2026, covering global market size, UK-specific data, fast fashion, luxury, sustainability, ecommerce, and consumer trends.

Key Fashion Industry Statistics 2026 (Editor’s Choice)

• The global fashion market is valued at approximately $1.8 trillion in 2026, growing at low single-digit rates. (McKinsey State of Fashion, 2026)
• The UK fashion ecommerce market is estimated at $44–50 billion in 2025/2026. (Coherent Market Insights, 2025)
• Fast fashion is a $150.82 billion global industry, up 10.74% from 2024. (Fortune Business Insights, 2026)
• The secondhand clothing market is anticipated to reach $53.7 billion by 2026. (Future Market Insights, 2026)
• The luxury fashion market is estimated at $131.7 billion in 2026. (Global Growth Insights, 2026)
• Fashion ecommerce is projected to grow to $1.1 trillion globally by 2026. (Research and Markets, 2026)
• Asia-Pacific dominates with 38% of global fashion revenue. (FashionUnited, 2026)
• The sustainable fashion market is expected to reach $11.05 billion by 2026. (Global Growth Insights, 2026)

Global Fashion Market Statistics

1. The global fashion market is valued at approximately $1.8 trillion in 2026

The global fashion industry continues to grow at low single-digit rates, reaching an estimated $1.8 trillion in 2026. Growth has moderated from the post-pandemic rebound, with McKinsey’s State of Fashion report noting that the industry faces a period where “the rules change” amid geopolitical and economic headwinds.

Source: McKinsey & Company, The State of Fashion 2026

2. Fashion ecommerce is projected to reach $1.1 trillion globally by 2026

Online fashion retail continues its upward trajectory, with the global fashion ecommerce market expected to hit $1.1 trillion in 2026. This represents a significant portion of total fashion retail, as consumers increasingly prefer the convenience and variety of online shopping.

Source: Research and Markets, 2026

3. Women’s apparel is the largest segment at approximately $960 billion

Women’s clothing remains the dominant fashion category globally, accounting for more than half of the total apparel market. The segment encompasses everything from everyday basics to luxury designer wear and is growing steadily across all major markets.

Source: FashionUnited / Statista, 2026

4. Men’s wear is valued at approximately $548 billion globally

The men’s fashion market has experienced a notable evolution, driven by increasing male interest in fashion and grooming. Casualisation of the workplace and the rise of “athleisure” styles have been key growth drivers.

Source: FashionUnited / Customcy, 2026

5. The global footwear market is worth approximately $510 billion

Footwear remains a massive global market, driven by both performance sportswear and fashion-forward designs. Trainers and sneakers continue to dominate, blurring the line between athletic and casual footwear.

Source: FashionUnited / Statista, 2026

6. Asia-Pacific accounts for 38% of global fashion revenue

The Asia-Pacific region leads global fashion consumption, generating more than a third of all revenue. China remains the largest single market within the region, while India and Southeast Asia are the fastest-growing fashion markets.

Source: FashionUnited, 2026

7. The fashion industry is expected to post low single-digit growth in 2026

After several years of post-pandemic recovery, the global fashion industry is settling into a more modest growth pattern. McKinsey projects low single-digit growth for 2026, with performance varying significantly by segment and region.

Source: McKinsey, The State of Fashion 2026

UK Fashion Industry Statistics

8. The UK fashion market is projected to reach more than £78 billion by 2026

The United Kingdom’s total fashion market — encompassing clothing, footwear, and accessories across all channels — is forecast to surpass £78 billion ($96+ billion) in 2026, recovering from the cost-of-living pressures that constrained spending in 2023–2024.

Source: RawShot AI / Statista, 2026

9. UK fashion ecommerce is worth an estimated $44–50 billion

The UK fashion ecommerce market was valued at $44.01 billion in 2025 and is growing at 15.7% CAGR towards $122.14 billion by 2032. Fashion accounts for approximately 29.2% of the UK’s total ecommerce market.

Source: Coherent Market Insights, 2025

10. 48% of UK clothing and footwear sales occur through digital channels

Nearly half of all fashion purchases in the UK now take place online, giving fashion the highest ecommerce penetration rate of any major retail category. This figure has stabilised following the pandemic-era surge.

Source: eMarketer / ECDB, 2026

11. UK textiles, clothing and footwear ecommerce sales grew 4.6% in 2025 to reach £21.01 billion

After a contraction in 2024 driven by cautious consumer spending and elevated inflation, UK fashion ecommerce returned to growth in 2025, with online sales reaching £21.01 billion — a healthy 4.6% year-over-year increase.

Source: eMarketer, The State of UK Fashion Ecommerce 2025

12. Mobile commerce accounts for over 60% of online fashion traffic in the UK

More than six in ten fashion shoppers in the UK browse and buy via mobile devices, making mobile-first design essential for fashion retailers. App-based shopping experiences from ASOS, Zara, and Primark are driving this trend.

Source: Coherent Market Insights / ECDB, 2026

13. The UK fashion and textile industry employs over 890,000 people

Fashion remains a significant employer in the United Kingdom, with jobs spanning design, manufacturing, retail, logistics, and digital roles. The industry contributes approximately £26 billion in GVA to the UK economy annually.

Source: UKFT (UK Fashion and Textile Association), 2026

Fast Fashion Statistics

14. The fast fashion market is worth $150.82 billion in 2026

Fast fashion has grown by 10.74% from 2024, reaching $150.82 billion in global market value. Despite mounting sustainability criticism, the segment continues to expand rapidly, driven by brands like Shein, Zara, H&M, and Primark that deliver trend-driven clothing at accessible price points.

Source: Fortune Business Insights, 2026

15. The fast fashion market is estimated to reach $291.1 billion by 2032

Looking ahead, the fast fashion sector shows no signs of slowing, with projections suggesting it will nearly double to $291.1 billion by 2032. Emerging markets and digital-first fast fashion brands are driving much of this growth.

Source: Fortune Business Insights, 2026

16. Clothing is now worn only 7–10 times before being discarded

The disposable nature of fast fashion is reflected in declining garment utilisation rates. The average piece of clothing is worn just 7–10 times before being thrown away — a decline of more than 35% in just 15 years, highlighting the accelerating pace of fashion consumption.

Source: Earth.Org / Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2026

17. The fast fashion industry emits 1.2 billion tonnes of CO2 annually

Fast fashion’s carbon footprint exceeds that of international flights and maritime shipping combined, producing approximately 1.2 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent each year. This has led to increasing regulatory scrutiny across the EU and UK.

Source: Earth.Org / UNEP, 2026

18. 93 billion cubic metres of water are consumed by the fashion industry annually

The fashion industry’s water consumption is staggering, equivalent to 37 million Olympic-sized swimming pools. Cotton production is the primary driver, with a single cotton t-shirt requiring approximately 2,700 litres of water to produce.

Source: Earth.Org / Uniform Market, 2026

Luxury Fashion Statistics

19. The global luxury fashion market is estimated at $131.7 billion in 2026

Luxury fashion maintains its premium positioning, with the global market valued at approximately $131.7 billion in 2026. The segment is projected to grow at a 6.83% CAGR, reaching $238.6 billion by 2035.

Source: Global Growth Insights, 2026

20. Asia-Pacific holds 38.2% of global luxury fashion demand

The Asia-Pacific region — led by China, Japan, and South Korea — accounts for the largest share of luxury fashion consumption, with the region’s luxury apparel market projected at approximately $117 billion. Chinese consumers remain the single most important demographic for luxury brands.

Source: Industry Research, 2026

21. The luxury resale market is growing faster than primary luxury sales

The luxury resale segment is expanding rapidly as consumers seek premium goods at accessible price points. Authentication technology and platforms like Vestiaire Collective and The RealReal have built consumer confidence in secondhand luxury purchasing.

Source: BCG / Business of Fashion, 2026

Secondhand & Resale Fashion Statistics

22. The secondhand clothing market is expected to reach $53.7 billion by 2026

The global secondhand apparel market continues its rapid expansion, reaching an estimated $53.7 billion in 2026. The overall secondhand market (including all categories) is estimated at $210–220 billion and expected to reach $320–360 billion by 2030.

Source: Future Market Insights / BCG, 2026

23. The secondhand market is growing 3x faster than the firsthand market

With a 10% annual growth rate, the secondhand fashion market is expanding three times faster than the traditional firsthand market. This growth is expected to accelerate further between 2025 and 2027, driven by sustainability awareness and economic considerations.

Source: BCG / Business of Fashion, 2026

24. Almost 60% of global consumers say they are likely to shop resale in 2026

Consumer acceptance of secondhand fashion has reached a tipping point, with nearly six in ten consumers worldwide indicating they are likely to purchase resale fashion this year. In China, this figure exceeds 70%, propelled by appetite for premium and luxury goods at accessible prices.

Source: BCG / Business of Fashion, 2026

25. US online resale is forecast to grow 16% annually, reaching $34 billion by 2027

The American online resale market is one of the fastest-growing segments in fashion retail, with projected annual growth of 16%. Platforms like Poshmark, ThredUp, and Depop are driving mainstream adoption, particularly among Gen Z and Millennial consumers.

Source: BCG / Business of Fashion, 2026

Sustainability & Environmental Statistics

26. The sustainable fashion market is expected to reach $11.05 billion by 2026

The global sustainable fashion market continues to grow, with projections placing it at $11.05 billion in 2026, up from $10.09 billion in 2025. The market is forecast to reach $39.7 billion by 2031, reflecting an accelerating consumer and industry shift towards sustainability.

Source: Global Growth Insights / OpenPR, 2026

27. The market share of sustainable clothing is forecast to exceed 6% by 2026

While still a relatively small proportion of total fashion sales, sustainable fashion’s market share is steadily increasing. The 6% threshold represents a significant milestone, as it demonstrates mainstream consumer demand rather than niche interest.

Source: Statista / Gitnux, 2026

28. Consumer demand for sustainable fast fashion grew 71% in 2023

There is a growing paradox in fashion consumption: consumer demand for sustainable options within fast fashion grew by 71% in 2023, yet many of the same consumers continue to shop at fast fashion retailers. This has driven the resale market to $177 billion globally.

Source: The Round Up / ThredUp, 2026

29. 94% of Gen Z support sustainable clothing, but 17% shop fast fashion weekly

The gap between sustainability values and purchasing behaviour is stark among Gen Z consumers. While 94% say they support sustainable clothing, 17% admit to shopping at a fast fashion retailer every single week — highlighting the persistent challenge of the “intention-action gap.”

Source: The Round Up / Gitnux, 2026

30. Fashion dyeing processes pollute 20% of global industrial wastewater

The textile dyeing and finishing process is one of the most polluting aspects of fashion manufacturing, responsible for approximately 20% of all industrial wastewater worldwide. Untreated chemicals released into waterways cause significant environmental harm, particularly in manufacturing hubs in Asia.

Source: Earth.Org / Geneva Environment Network, 2026

Fashion Consumer Trends & Digital

31. E-commerce accounts for approximately 60% of total apparel sales in the UK

The UK leads Europe in online fashion adoption, with ecommerce now representing approximately 60% of all apparel transactions. This includes both pure-play online retailers and the digital channels of traditional high-street brands.

Source: Coherent Market Insights / Doofinder, 2026

32. The global fashion ecommerce market is growing at 4.5% CAGR from 2023–2028

Online fashion retail continues its steady expansion, with consistent mid-single-digit growth globally. Mobile shopping, social commerce, and improved logistics networks are the primary drivers of ecommerce growth in fashion.

Source: Doofinder / FashionUnited, 2026

33. Fashion accounts for 29.2% of the total UK ecommerce market

Fashion is the single largest product category in UK ecommerce, representing nearly a third of all online retail sales. This dominant position reflects both high purchase frequency and the wide variety of fashion products available online.

Source: ECDB, 2026

34. UK fashion ecommerce is growing at 15.7% CAGR towards $122.14 billion by 2032

The UK’s fashion ecommerce market is growing significantly faster than the global average, with a projected 15.7% compound annual growth rate. This acceleration is driven by increasing mobile adoption, social commerce, and the expansion of fast-fashion ecommerce platforms.

Source: Coherent Market Insights, 2025

35. Gen Z and Millennials drive 62% of global fashion spending growth

Younger consumers continue to be the primary engine of fashion market growth, accounting for approximately 62% of incremental spending. Their preferences for digital-first, sustainability-conscious, and trend-driven fashion are reshaping the entire industry.

Source: McKinsey, The State of Fashion 2026

36. Fashion rental and subscription services are growing at 11% CAGR

The fashion rental market — including services like Hurr, By Rotation, and Rent the Runway — continues to gain traction, growing at approximately 11% annually. Consumers are increasingly open to renting occasion wear, luxury items, and even everyday clothing.

Source: Gitnux / ProfileTree, 2026

37. Social commerce accounts for an increasing share of fashion sales

With TikTok Shop, Instagram Shopping, and Pinterest becoming established fashion sales channels, social commerce is taking a growing share of total fashion retail. Apparel represents 27.95% of all social commerce transactions globally.

Source: Mordor Intelligence, 2026

Fashion Industry Employment & Economics

38. The global fashion industry employs an estimated 300 million people

Fashion is one of the world’s largest employers, with approximately 300 million people working across the supply chain — from cotton farming and textile manufacturing to design, retail, and digital marketing. Many of these jobs are in developing countries.

Source: FashionUnited / Geneva Environment Network, 2026

39. The UK fashion industry contributes approximately £26 billion in GVA annually

Fashion makes a significant contribution to the UK economy, generating approximately £26 billion in gross value added. The industry spans design, manufacturing, wholesale, retail, and an expanding digital ecosystem of fashion technology companies.

Source: UKFT, 2026

40. Fashion technology investment continues to grow in 2026

Investment in fashion technology — including AI-powered styling tools, virtual try-on, supply chain automation, and sustainability tracking — continues to increase. The UK fashion technology market alone is projected to grow significantly towards 2030, driven by the need for digital transformation.

Source: Grand View Research, 2026

41. Returns remain a major challenge, costing UK fashion retailers billions annually

Online fashion return rates remain high (estimated at 25–40% for apparel), costing retailers billions in logistics, processing, and lost revenue. Innovations in virtual try-on, size recommendation AI, and fit technology are being deployed to reduce return rates.

Source: Doofinder / ProfileTree, 2026

Key Takeaways

• The global fashion market remains massive at $1.8 trillion, though growth has moderated to low single digits as the post-pandemic rebound stabilises.
• UK fashion ecommerce is thriving, worth $44–50 billion with 48% of sales occurring through digital channels and growing at 15.7% CAGR.
• Fast fashion shows no signs of slowing, reaching $150.82 billion despite growing sustainability concerns, with the segment projected to nearly double by 2032.
• Secondhand fashion is the industry’s fastest-growing segment, expanding 3x faster than the primary market, with 60% of global consumers likely to shop resale in 2026.
• Sustainability remains a paradox: consumers increasingly demand sustainable options, yet fast fashion continues to grow. The intention-action gap is most visible among Gen Z.
• The environmental cost is staggering: 1.2 billion tonnes of CO2, 93 billion cubic metres of water, and 20% of industrial wastewater annually.
• Digital transformation is accelerating, with social commerce, AI styling, virtual try-on, and fashion rental services reshaping how consumers discover, try, and buy fashion.

All statistics sourced from: McKinsey & Company (State of Fashion 2026), Fortune Business Insights, Coherent Market Insights, eMarketer, BCG, FashionUnited, UKFT, Future Market Insights, Global Growth Insights, Earth.Org, UNEP, ECDB, Statista, Gitnux, and Geneva Environment Network. Figures represent the latest available data as of early 2026.