The knitwear market keeps growing, but the way brands buy is changing. This week’s industry news is about two things: bigger market numbers and cheaper yarn. Search data shows buyers are already looking ahead to 2026-27. Here’s what that means for your next order.
1. The market: $1.26 trillion by 2035
Textile Today reported on July 30, 2026 that the global knitwear market is projected to hit $1.26 trillion by 2035. The two drivers named in the report: sustainability and performance.
For a brand, that’s not abstract. It means your customers’ end-buyers are asking for recycled yarns, washable wool, and garments that do more than keep someone warm. If your line doesn’t answer those two questions, the 2035 number doesn’t help you.
2. Silicone finishes: the new standard in Bangladesh
Textile Today ran a piece on August 9 about silicone finishes driving Bangladesh’s knitwear industry. A silicone finish is a softener applied at the end of production. It changes how a fabric feels without changing the yarn itself.
Why brands should care: a 100% cotton or acrylic sweater can feel like a much higher-price garment with the right finish. It also adds water repellency and can reduce pilling. It’s not a replacement for good yarn — it’s a finishing decision you make at the factory, not at the yarn supplier.
Ask your manufacturer what finishes they run, and on what machines. Not every factory does it well. A bad silicone application makes the garment feel greasy and kills breathability. It’s a spec, not a promise.
3. Yarn prices: the surge is over, for now
The News Minute reported in June that yarn prices declined after months of surge, bringing relief to manufacturers in Tiruppur. After a long run-up, wool and cotton yarn prices have eased.
What that means for your order: if you’ve been waiting on a collection because yarn cost was too high, this is the window. Yarn prices don’t stay down forever. Locking in a price now — even before your full design is final — protects your margin on the 2026-27 line.
4. Tariffs and sourcing: Tiruppur keeps its US buyers
The Economic Times reported in March that tariffs haven’t stopped Tiruppur, India’s knitwear capital, from keeping US buyers. The story: nonstop negotiation, price sharing, and faster sampling to hold onto orders.
The lesson for brands: tariff pressure doesn’t mean you stop buying knitwear. It means your supplier needs to be flexible on price structure and fast on samples. If your current factory can’t do quick sample rounds, that’s a sourcing risk, tariff or no tariff.
5. What search data says buyers want for 2026-27
Google search suggestions show where demand is heading:
- knitwear trends 2026 / knitwear trends 2027 — buyers are planning two seasons out
- sweater trends winter 2026 — winter demand is already being searched in August
- custom knitwear manufacturer — brands are looking for made-to-order, not stock
- half zip sweater supplier / quarter zip sweater suppliers — the half-zip silhouette is a repeat search term
- sweater supplier near me — local sourcing questions keep coming up
Two takeaways. First, the half-zip and quarter-zip sweater is still a strong shape — it shows up in supplier searches across markets. Second, “custom” beats “stock” in search intent. Brands want their own spec, their own label, their own colors.
6. What this means for brands and designers
- Yarn prices move — time your orders. Prices are softer now. Order for 2026-27 while the window is open.
- Ask for the finish, not the promise. If a supplier says a garment will feel soft, ask what finish they’ll use and on what machine.
- Plan two seasons out. Search data shows buyers look at 2026-27 trends in August. Your line sheet should be ready before the searches peak.
- MOQ reality check. Custom production still has a floor. At Lewen Garment, MOQ is 100 pcs per style — low enough for a capsule launch, high enough to keep unit costs sane.
That’s the state of the industry this week: a growing market, cheaper yarn, and a clear shift toward custom, performance-driven knitwear. If you’re planning a 2026-27 line, the smart move is to start the conversation now.
FAQ
What is the MOQ for custom knitwear at Lewen Garment?
MOQ is 100 pcs per style. That covers a capsule launch or a test run without committing to container volumes.
How long does a sample take?
Simple styles take about 7-10 days. Complex styles depend on the details — gauge, intarsia, special yarns, and trims all add time.
Does Lewen Garment work with recycled or sustainable yarns?
Yes. We run custom production with the yarn your spec calls for, including recycled and performance yarns. The sample stage confirms how the yarn behaves before bulk production.
When should I order for the 2026-27 season?
Start the conversation now. With yarn prices down and sample lead time of 7-10 days, ordering early locks in yarn cost and leaves room for sample revisions.