Why Are Synthetic Fibers Being Increasingly Used to Produce Clothing?

As per industry experts, the global apparel market valued $1.7 trillion in 2017, and it will likely reach $2.6 trillion by 2025. Earlier one of the three basic necessities for humans, along with food and dwelling, clothes have taken on a whole new significance with the passage of time. People in developing and developed countries both consider their clothes as an expression of their personality. This is why new pieces of clothing and textiles are being invented and ridiculous amounts are being spent on their promotion.

Therefore, P&S Intelligence expects the synthetic fibers market value to increase from ~$60.0 billion in 2020 at a significant rate between 2021 and 2030. This is because to produce new and stylish items of clothing, natural fibers, such as jute and cotton, are being replaced with polyester, acrylic, nylon, and polyolefins. For instance, polyesters, of which polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a type, are widely utilized in eveningwear, shirts, pants, jackets, suits, socks, and undergarments. 

The reason is its many advantages, such as durability, chemical, abrasion, and wrinkle resistance, strength, and low weight. Additionally, polyester fibers can be easily dyed and washed, and clothes made out of them retain their shape. Nylon has similar properties, apart from the smooth feel, which makes it a popular choice in sportswear, yoga pants, stockings, and tights. Similarly, due to the warmth it provides, acrylic is utilized for winter clothing.

Additionally, APAC is witnessing a rapid increase in its urban population, with China and India expected to lead the global urbanization rate increase till 2050. This will drive the demand for automobiles, clothing, and household upholstery and furnishings, which will raise the consumption of polyester, acrylic and polyolefin fibers, and nylon. Plus, with the strengthening influence of the Western culture, people here are becoming fashion-savvy, which is propelling the demand for stylish clothes and home furnishings.

Thus, the demand for synthetic fibers will rise with their widening application area.