June 2, 2025
The Global Fashion Market in 2025: What Brands Need to Know
The Global Fashion Market in 2025: What Brands Need to Know
At an estimated $1.84 trillion, it’s a massive industry. But for brands, the real question isn’t how big fashion is. It’s where it’s heading, and how to stay ahead. Here’s what we’re seeing in 2025 — and what it means for your logistics and growth strategy.
E-Commerce and Digital Dominate
Fashion e-commerce continues to surge, with online sales projected to surpass $900 billion this year. Direct-to-consumer remains king, but marketplaces, social commerce, and hybrid retail models are picking up serious momentum.
What it means: Brands need fulfilment infrastructure that adapts across multiple sales channels — not just Shopify.
Sustainability Is Non-Negotiable
The industry still accounts for 8–10% of global carbon emissions. Consumers are responding with their wallets. Circular models — resale, rental, upcycling — are moving from niche to norm.
What it means: Returns, reconditioning, and low-impact fulfilment are no longer “nice-to-haves.” They’re baseline expectations.
Tech Is Driving Margins
AI is transforming forecasting, demand planning, and inventory control. Smart brands are using data not just to sell better — but to operate leaner.
What it means: Logistics should plug into your tech stack and give you real-time clarity — not static spreadsheets.
Growth Is Global — But So Are the Risks
Emerging markets (Asia, Africa, LATAM) are driving demand. But global supply chains remain volatile — impacted by geopolitical tensions, cost increases, and consumer shifts.
What it means: Agility is critical. Brands need partners that can flex fast — across borders, peak periods, and product launches.
The Opportunity?
Growth is there — for brands that move with the market. That means sustainable operations, tech-enabled fulfilment, and logistics partners who understand the nuance of fashion.
At 33 Fulfilment, we work with fast-moving brands who need a logistics engine that keeps pace with ambition.
At an estimated $1.84 trillion, it’s a massive industry. But for brands, the real question isn’t how big fashion is. It’s where it’s heading, and how to stay ahead. Here’s what we’re seeing in 2025 — and what it means for your logistics and growth strategy.
E-Commerce and Digital Dominate
Fashion e-commerce continues to surge, with online sales projected to surpass $900 billion this year. Direct-to-consumer remains king, but marketplaces, social commerce, and hybrid retail models are picking up serious momentum.
What it means: Brands need fulfilment infrastructure that adapts across multiple sales channels — not just Shopify.
Sustainability Is Non-Negotiable
The industry still accounts for 8–10% of global carbon emissions. Consumers are responding with their wallets. Circular models — resale, rental, upcycling — are moving from niche to norm.
What it means: Returns, reconditioning, and low-impact fulfilment are no longer “nice-to-haves.” They’re baseline expectations.
Tech Is Driving Margins
AI is transforming forecasting, demand planning, and inventory control. Smart brands are using data not just to sell better — but to operate leaner.
What it means: Logistics should plug into your tech stack and give you real-time clarity — not static spreadsheets.
Growth Is Global — But So Are the Risks
Emerging markets (Asia, Africa, LATAM) are driving demand. But global supply chains remain volatile — impacted by geopolitical tensions, cost increases, and consumer shifts.
What it means: Agility is critical. Brands need partners that can flex fast — across borders, peak periods, and product launches.
The Opportunity?
Growth is there — for brands that move with the market. That means sustainable operations, tech-enabled fulfilment, and logistics partners who understand the nuance of fashion.
At 33 Fulfilment, we work with fast-moving brands who need a logistics engine that keeps pace with ambition.
Have additional questions?
Related posts
Explore more insights.
Frequently asked questions about 3PL
Frequently asked questions about 3PL
Frequently asked questions
about 3PL
What is a Fashion 3PL, and how can it help my brand?
A Fashion 3PL, also called Fashion third party logistics, is a specialist fulfilment partner that stores your inventory, picks/packs orders and ships them to your customers on your behalf. For fashion brands, a good partner will also handle size or colour variations, fragile packaging, high return rates and peak season volumes, so you can scale without building your own warehouse team.
What does 3PL ecommerce fulfilment include for clothing and fashion?
3PL ecommerce fulfilment typically includes goods in and stock checks, warehousing, pick/pack, shipping and returns processing, plus ongoing inventory reporting so you can reorder confidently. For Clothing third party logistics, it can also include extra services like polybagging, kitting, relabelling and branded packaging to protect presentation and reduce returns.
Do you support 3PL apparel fulfilment for fast-growing apparel brands?
Yes, 3PL apparel fulfilment is designed for brands that need speed, accuracy and flexibility as order volume increases. The right setup supports rapid SKU growth, multiple sales channels and reliable dispatch performance without you having to manage staffing, storage or carrier contracts on a day to day basis.
How do I choose between apparel fulfilment companies for my fashion brand?
When comparing apparel fulfilment companies, look for a. proven fashion handling (garments, accessories, returns), b. transparent pricing, c. clear SLAs for dispatch and accuracy and d. the ability to scale during launches and peak periods. If you’re evaluating fashion third party logistics, ask what cut-off times are, how they handle returns/refunds workflow and even how they prevent picking errors such as size or colour mix-ups.
What is a Fashion 3PL, and how can it help my brand?
A Fashion 3PL, also called Fashion third party logistics, is a specialist fulfilment partner that stores your inventory, picks/packs orders and ships them to your customers on your behalf. For fashion brands, a good partner will also handle size or colour variations, fragile packaging, high return rates and peak season volumes, so you can scale without building your own warehouse team.
What does 3PL ecommerce fulfilment include for clothing and fashion?
3PL ecommerce fulfilment typically includes goods in and stock checks, warehousing, pick/pack, shipping and returns processing, plus ongoing inventory reporting so you can reorder confidently. For Clothing third party logistics, it can also include extra services like polybagging, kitting, relabelling and branded packaging to protect presentation and reduce returns.
Do you support 3PL apparel fulfilment for fast-growing apparel brands?
Yes, 3PL apparel fulfilment is designed for brands that need speed, accuracy and flexibility as order volume increases. The right setup supports rapid SKU growth, multiple sales channels and reliable dispatch performance without you having to manage staffing, storage or carrier contracts on a day to day basis.
How do I choose between apparel fulfilment companies for my fashion brand?
When comparing apparel fulfilment companies, look for a. proven fashion handling (garments, accessories, returns), b. transparent pricing, c. clear SLAs for dispatch and accuracy and d. the ability to scale during launches and peak periods. If you’re evaluating fashion third party logistics, ask what cut-off times are, how they handle returns/refunds workflow and even how they prevent picking errors such as size or colour mix-ups.
What is a Fashion 3PL, and how can it help my brand?
A Fashion 3PL, also called Fashion third party logistics, is a specialist fulfilment partner that stores your inventory, picks/packs orders and ships them to your customers on your behalf. For fashion brands, a good partner will also handle size or colour variations, fragile packaging, high return rates and peak season volumes, so you can scale without building your own warehouse team.
What does 3PL ecommerce fulfilment include for clothing and fashion?
3PL ecommerce fulfilment typically includes goods in and stock checks, warehousing, pick/pack, shipping and returns processing, plus ongoing inventory reporting so you can reorder confidently. For Clothing third party logistics, it can also include extra services like polybagging, kitting, relabelling and branded packaging to protect presentation and reduce returns.
Do you support 3PL apparel fulfilment for fast-growing apparel brands?
Yes, 3PL apparel fulfilment is designed for brands that need speed, accuracy and flexibility as order volume increases. The right setup supports rapid SKU growth, multiple sales channels and reliable dispatch performance without you having to manage staffing, storage or carrier contracts on a day to day basis.
How do I choose between apparel fulfilment companies for my fashion brand?
When comparing apparel fulfilment companies, look for a. proven fashion handling (garments, accessories, returns), b. transparent pricing, c. clear SLAs for dispatch and accuracy and d. the ability to scale during launches and peak periods. If you’re evaluating fashion third party logistics, ask what cut-off times are, how they handle returns/refunds workflow and even how they prevent picking errors such as size or colour mix-ups.
Partner with 33 F for 3PL ecommerce fulfilment
Looking for reliable, efficient and scalable fashion third party logistics solutions? Let us handle your operation with precision and care.
📦 Simple & Fair
⏳ Value That Stacks
🚛 Brand-led Operation
Partner with 33 F for 3PL ecommerce fulfilment
Looking for reliable, efficient and scalable fashion third party logistics solutions? Let us handle your operation with precision and care.
📦 Simple & Fair
⏳ Value That Stacks
🚛 Brand-led Operation
Partner with 33 F for 3PL ecommerce fulfilment
Looking for reliable, efficient and scalable fashion third party logistics solutions? Let us handle your operation with precision and care.
📦 Simple & Fair
⏳ Value That Stacks
🚛 Brand-led Operation
Logistics statistics and facts
UK parcel volumes are increasing
Measured parcels across the UK increased by 8.3% to 3.9 billion items in 2023–24 (1).
Choose 33F and avoid delivery problems
Delivery problems are common, so fulfilment quality matters. 67% of people reported having a delivery issue in the past six months, with common issues including delivery delays (27%) and parcels left in inappropriate locations (23%) (2).
Returns are a major hidden cost
Returns are a major hidden cost in fashion fulfilment, that’s why specialist 3PL matters. Online returns for apparel are typically 30–50%, which brings fulfilment cost and complexity (3).
Retail uses the highest share of warehouse space
In Q3 2025, retail occupiers took the highest share of UK Big Box warehouse space at 42% (4).
UK parcel volumes are increasing
Measured parcels across the UK increased by 8.3% to 3.9 billion items in 2023–24 (1).
Choose 33F and avoid delivery problems
Delivery problems are common, so fulfilment quality matters. 67% of people reported having a delivery issue in the past six months, with common issues including delivery delays (27%) and parcels left in inappropriate locations (23%) (2).
Returns are a major hidden cost
Returns are a major hidden cost in fashion fulfilment, that’s why specialist 3PL matters. Online returns for apparel are typically 30–50%, which brings fulfilment cost and complexity (3).
Retail uses the highest share of warehouse space
In Q3 2025, retail occupiers took the highest share of UK Big Box warehouse space at 42% (4).
Logistics statistics and facts
Logistics statistics and facts
What is a Fashion 3PL, and how can it help my brand?
A Fashion 3PL, also called Fashion third party logistics, is a specialist fulfilment partner that stores your inventory, picks/packs orders and ships them to your customers on your behalf. For fashion brands, a good partner will also handle size or colour variations, fragile packaging, high return rates and peak season volumes, so you can scale without building your own warehouse team.
What does 3PL ecommerce fulfilment include for clothing and fashion?
3PL ecommerce fulfilment typically includes goods in and stock checks, warehousing, pick/pack, shipping and returns processing, plus ongoing inventory reporting so you can reorder confidently. For Clothing third party logistics, it can also include extra services like polybagging, kitting, relabelling and branded packaging to protect presentation and reduce returns.
Do you support 3PL apparel fulfilment for fast-growing apparel brands?
Yes, 3PL apparel fulfilment is designed for brands that need speed, accuracy and flexibility as order volume increases. The right setup supports rapid SKU growth, multiple sales channels and reliable dispatch performance without you having to manage staffing, storage or carrier contracts on a day to day basis.
How do I choose between apparel fulfilment companies for my fashion brand?
When comparing apparel fulfilment companies, look for a. proven fashion handling (garments, accessories, returns), b. transparent pricing, c. clear SLAs for dispatch and accuracy and d. the ability to scale during launches and peak periods. If you’re evaluating fashion third party logistics, ask what cut-off times are, how they handle returns/refunds workflow and even how they prevent picking errors such as size or colour mix-ups.
UK parcel volumes are increasing
Measured parcels across the UK increased by 8.3% to 3.9 billion items in 2023–24. https://www.ofcom.org.uk/siteassets/resources/documents/postal-services/monitoring-reports/2023-2024/post-monitoring-report-2023-24.pdf?v=384016
Choose 33F and avoid delivery problems
Delivery problems are common, so fulfilment quality matters. 67% of people reported having a delivery issue in the past six months, with common issues including delivery delays (27%) and parcels left in inappropriate locations (23%). https://www.ofcom.org.uk/post/deliveries-and-charges/best-and-worst-parcel-firms-for-customer-service-satisfaction-revealed-2024
Returns are a major hidden cost
Returns are a major hidden cost in fashion fulfilment, that’s why specialist 3PL matters. Online returns for apparel are typically 30–50%, which brings fulfilment cost and complexity. https://www.jll.com/en-uk/guides/is-ecommerce-now-net-positive-for-physical-retail
Retail uses the highest share of warehouse space
In Q3 2025, retail occupiers took the highest share of UK Big Box warehouse space at 42%. https://www.avisonyoung.co.uk/news-item/-/article/2025/10/31/third-consecutive-quarter-of-take-up-growth-for-big-box-market-but-supply-challenges-linger