Men's and Boys' Wear Manufacturing in Australia - Industry Market Research Report

Clothing the gap: Domestic manufacturers suiting-up to meet changing consumer preferences and challenging global conditions

The Men's and Boys' Wear Manufacturing industry has grappled with harsh trading conditions owing to fierce import competition. Factors like low overseas wage costs, and tariff removals for importers under free trade agreements, have magnified import competition and led to imported apparel's dominance in the domestic market. Fluctuating consumer sentiment has hindered demand from department stores and clothing retailers, leading to a downturn in revenue. However, the industry is fighting back by transitioning towards producing high-margin, specialised garments, slowing revenue declines. Rising household disposable income has boosted consumers' purchasing power, prompting them to spend on premium men's and boys' wear to the benefit of manufacturers' profit margins. Nonetheless, revenue contracted at an estimated annualised 4.0% over the past five years, to total $254.6 million in 2023-24. This includes an anticipated 2.8% drop in 2023-24, with a strengthening Australian dollar boosting import competition and undermining exports.

The industry includes companies that manufacture men’s and boys’ apparel from purchased materials. Industry players purchase fabrics and materials from textile producers; these fabrics are then cut and sewn to produce men’s and boys’ clothing items, which retail and wholesale firms purchase for resale to consumers. Clothing items like headwear, footwear and leather garments are not included in the industry.

This report covers the scope, size, disposition and growth of the industry including the key sensitivities and success factors. Also included are five year industry forecasts, growth rates and an analysis of the industry key players and their market shares.