Aviva Directory » Shopping & eCommerce » Clothing

The online resources in this part of our web guide focus on online shopping venues for clothing products and fashions.

The wearing of clothing is uniquely human and dates back to prehistoric times. While the precise timeline is unknown, it has been suggested that humans began wearing clothes around 170,000 years ago.

Initially, animal skins and vegetation served as protective coverings against the cold, heat, and rain. The first clothing was made from animal skins, fur, grass, leaves, bone, and shells. As civilization evolved, textiles emerged, including cotton, silk, and wool.

Clothing has practical functions like protection, warmth, and modesty, although it has also served to reflect social status and cultural identity. Clothing choices generally reflect societal norms, climate, and individual preferences.

Textile production has evolved considerably over the years. Silk weaving appeared in India around 400 AD, while cotton spinning dates back to 3000 BC in the same region. Different cultures developed unique fabrics at different times. For example, the Middle East saw the emergence of fabrics during the Late Stone Age, while other cultures primarily wore animal skins, leaves, and grass into the 19th century.

Western fashion spans a wide range, from formal suits to casual jeans and T-shirts. Non-iron clothing has become popular, using wrinkle-resistant fabrics. Eastern countries, like India, China, and Japan, have rich textile traditions, including saris, kimonos, and cheongsams, which have influenced contemporary fashion globally.

Ethnic clothing varies widely, from African dashikis to Middle Eastern abayas. These garments often carry deep cultural and historical meaning. However, they are sometimes simply practical, given the climate and available materials.

There are several different types of clothing, such as beachwear, casual wear, designer clothing, formal wear, leathers, outdoor clothing, sportswear, and uniforms. Different clothing styles are available for men, women, children, and various ethnicities.

Sports attire, for example, prioritizes comfort, breathability, and flexibility. Brands like Nike and Adidas dominate this market.

Clothing has evolved from basic coverings to a complex fusion of culture, style, and functionality. Our clothing choices meet practical needs but also reflect our identity and the world we inhabit.

Today, clothing manufacturing begins with designers creating sketches and patterns. These designs are then transformed into physical garments through cutting, sewing, and assembling.

While there is a niche market for handmade clothing, most manufacturers operate factories where skilled workers produce clothing in bulk. They source materials, such as fabrics, buttons, and zippers, from suppliers. Many clothing brands outsource production to countries with lower labor costs, resulting in complex global supply chains.

While some manufacturers maintain their own retail operations, particularly online, they generally sell their products to wholesalers, who sell clothing in large quantities to retailers. Manufacturers or specialized wholesalers supply clothing to stores, boutiques, and online platforms. Wholesalers offer discounted prices to retailers, who then mark up the prices for consumers. The margins vary based on brand reputation, demand, and exclusivity.

Retailers operate brick-and-mortar stores where customers can browse and purchase clothing, ranging from small boutiques to large department stores. In recent years, online clothing retailers have surged, with many brands selling directly to consumers through websites and mobile applications.

Other vital aspects of the clothing industry are marketing, advertising, and brand identity. Marketers analyze data to determine consumer preferences, trends, and demographics. They use this information to tailor clothing offerings. Clothing brands promote their products through advertising campaigns, social media, influencer collaborations, and fashion shows. Successful marketing campaigns establish a brand's identity, emphasizing quality, affordability, or trendiness. Brands integrate marketing efforts across various channels, such as online, print, and events, to create a cohesive brand experience.

The clothing industry involves a dynamic interplay between manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, and marketers. However, some manufacturers take on dual roles, maximizing profits by eliminating wholesalers and doing their own retailing.

Categories

Beachwear

Casual

Children

Designer

Ethnic

Formal

Leathers

Maternity

Men's

Novelty

Outdoor

Plus Sizes

Shoes

Sportswear

Sunglasses

T-Shirts

Undergarments

Uniforms

Women's

 

 

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