NPD reports fashion trends sizzle this summer

What do skirts, polo shirts and celebrity fragrances all have in common? They top the list of hot fashion and beauty trends for the summer season. According to The NPD Group, a leading sales and marketing information company, many items from last summer will be trendy again this year, along with a few new surprises.

Consumers flock to color in summer

"Colour, colour and more colour," said Mr Marshal Cohen, chief industry analyst, The NPD Group. "This summer, clothing, footwear and accessories for all ages will shout bright colours and bold prints and patterns," said Mr Cohen. According to NPD, apparel categories such as men's polo shirts and women's skirts that were hot last summer will continue to show growth this summer. So far this year (January to March), women's skirt sales and men's polo shirts increased 17 per cent and 21 per cent respectively, compared to the same time in 2004. "This summer women will be wearing more feminine, frilly skirts, knit shirts, along with high-heeled dress shoes and strappy sandals. T-shirts that contain logos or clever statements will be a big trend for women, men and teens this summer," said Mr Cohen.

The NPD Group reports US retail apparel sales up after three years of decline Men's tailored clothing is top selling apparel category in 2004

Colorful shirts, pretty prints and men's suits helped the apparel industry shine in 2004. According to The NPD Group, a market research firm, apparel sales totaled US$ 173 billion in 2004, a four per cent increase from US$ 166 billion in 2003. "Apparel's comeback is good news for an industry that's been looking for ways to find growth. This year I expect to see consumers step up to the plate and buy apparel as needed. After all, you can only wear your khakis for so long before they wear out or don't fit anymore," said Mr Marshal Cohen, chief industry analyst, The NPD Group. "Consumers want clothes that are new and exciting, if the industry can deliver that then I think the growth will continue," said Mr Cohen.

Throughout the nineties, the apparel industry witnessed steady growth, peaking in 2000 at nearly US$ 176 billion. In 2001, apparel sales took a major dip in dollars and the downward trend continued for two years due to low consumer confidence, increasing unemployment rates and consumers' lack of passion for fashion. Across gender segments, men's and women's clothing sales both showed growth, while children's apparel sales were flat. In 2004, men's apparel sales produced over US$ 49 billion, up from nearly US$ 47 billion in 2003, over a five per cent increase in dollars. Women's apparel sales earned almost US$ 95 billion in 2004, up from US$ 90 billion the previous year, nearly a five per cent increase in dollar sales. Children's apparel sales were US$ 29 billion, showing the same sales from 2003.

Hot Apparel Categories in 2004

Looking at the top growing apparel categories, men's tailored clothing flew off the racks. The category, consisting of men's suits, suit separates and sportscoats and jackets, experienced double-digit growth of about 24 per cent. Total men's tailored clothing sales were over US$ 4 billion dollars in 2004, up from over US$ 3 billion in 2003.

For women, 2004 was all about knit tops and sweaters. Women's tops generated over US$ 31 billion dollars and grew nine per cent from the previous year.