The year 2025 has not been short of challenges, thanks to Trump and his sweeping tariffs, surging costs, climate crises impacting major sourcing nations and a dramatic change in consumer spending habits with the birth of the value-hungry shopper.
But with challenge after challenge, we’re seeing an apparel sector that is becoming more savvy and bracing for the worst, much earlier on. AI and technology are influencing the sector in a huge way as players realise the efficiencies that can be gained. Sustainability had fewer mentions across the course of the year, probably because fashion brands, retailers and manufacturers were so occupied with navigating trade policy changes and beating off competition from ultra-fast, ultra-cheap e-tailers.
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Forward planning, and yes, that includes using tools like AI to give you greater insight into the consumer and environment, is standing the fashion industry in good stead. This will continue to be the case through 2026 and beyond. Whether the pressures they face currently will ease over the next year is anyone’s guess.
The Just Style team will be taking a short break from daily news from 24 December and will be back on 5 January 2025. In the meantime, we hope our predictions and insights for 2026, listed below, as well as our look back on the biggest stories of 2025, will keep you entertained over the holidays.
As always, we welcome your thoughts and ideas on what you’d like to see from us in the new year. You can send all your news, article suggestions and updates to newsdesk@just-style.com.
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While trade policy and consumer softness are expected to create further challenges in 2026, AI and value are both areas fashion players should explore to unlock opportunities.
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By GlobalDataWhat are the biggest challenges the fashion supply chain will face in 2026?
Tariffs and trade policy will continue to impact the apparel supply chain for the duration of 2026 with consumers chasing value as a response to rising costs. But it could force fashion players to think outside the box, believe experts.
Cost efficiency has limited influence over apparel sourcing in 2026
Industry experts believe apparel sourcing in 2026 will move decisively from transactional sourcing to strategic partnerships, driven by rising compliance demands, the need for real-time data and growing expectations around supply chain transparency.
What’s next for apparel sourcing in 2026?
Apparel industry experts warn that tariffs and rising geopolitical pressure will force fashion brands to overhaul their sourcing plans in 2026, shifting from single-country production to diversified, multi-region strategies.
Top 20 features on Just Style in 2025
Our top 2025 features examined how the fashion industry is adapting to climate events, trade disruptions, and evolving sustainability and technology expectations to safeguard both people and profit.
Top 20 interviews on Just Style in 2025
Just Style’s interviews in 2025 captured an industry navigating permanent uncertainty while rethinking how it builds, sources and sells fashion.
Top 20 news stories on Just Style in 2025
Tariffs, trade policy and the growing popularity of ultra-fast fashion brands dominated headlines on Just Style in 2025.
