Casual Wear and Ready-Made Garments from Sri Lanka

The roots of the Sri Lankan apparel and textile industry go back to the 1950s where the local demand was served by a group of industrialists who had hoped for a steady industry. By 1960, the product portfolio of each manufacturer expanded, resulting in Sri Lanka producing 300 categories of garment products locally.

This was also the time that ready-made garments from Sri Lanka began to break into export markets. Shirts made in Sri Lanka found themselves widely accepted in the UK and the Soviet Union. Since then, locally manufactured casual wear was introduced to global markets.

Casual wear was initially a western dress code that is based on having relaxed, occasional, and spontaneous outfits for everyday use. Distinct from formal attire, casual wear is an all-time favourite among all age groups, precisely due to the notion of relaxation that casual wear is synonymous with. Men’s casual wear includes collared t-shirts, collarless t-shirts, denim jeans, casual jackets, hoodies, shorts, etc. and women’s casual wear spans across a variety of items including t-shirts, blouses, jeans, shorts, skirts, etc.

All these fashion items are further segmented based on their material and quality. This is where apparel and textiles from Sri Lanka are given a special place. Their outstanding quality of material and the perfection of tailoring are admired by international fashion enthusiasts.

What makes casual wear from Sri Lanka stand out among the rest?

Unparalleled quality

One of the region’s most trusted apparel suppliers, Sri Lanka is famed for producing high-quality apparel that is widely sought-after by leading brands around the world. Known for its refusal to compromise the quality of products under any circumstance, Sri Lanka is teeming with a highly skilled and educated workforce, the driving force behind the country’s success in the global apparel industry. As research suggests, the Sri Lankan workforce is proficient at comprehending and working with intricate, detailed designs.

Their skills come in handy in terms of colour management, sewing complex details and quality assurance etc. Not every apparel industry is blessed with such an adroit and sophisticated workforce and in Sri Lanka, it is speculated that the country’s public education system that provides free education up to the tertiary level is the main reason behind the existence of such a skilled workforce. Putting this skill to good use, the Sri Lankan apparel industry produces apparel with unparalleled quality.

Ethical work culture

Perhaps, the Sri Lankan apparel industry is best known for its ethical and favourable work culture. There are no sweatshops operating in Sri Lanka; all the apparel sector workers are properly compensated for their labour and are beneficiaries of related rights and perks. Further, the work conditions of garment factories are some of the best in the world.

As a result, the made-in-Sri-Lanka label has struck a code with fashion enthusiasts who are conscious about the conditions under which their garments are made. The #whomademyclothes movement popularized Sri Lankan apparel and today, the local apparel industry is renowned for producing garments without guilt.

Commitment to sustainability

Yet another decisive factor that sets Sri Lankan apparel apart is the country’s dedication to sustainability. As one of the oldest apparel manufacturers in the region, Sri Lanka realized the vitality of sustainable practices in the apparel industry and has been acting on that ever since. At present, the country is the proud home to Asia’s first green factory – Mihila by the Hirdaramani Group.

What are the major companies exporting casual wear from Sri Lanka?

Due to the accelerated and heightened demand for local apparel, many companies are engaged in exporting locally manufactured casual wear and leading producers for global brands.

What are the Casual Wear Items Exported by Sri Lanka?

Sri Lankan apparel manufacturers produce a wide range of casual wear and ready-made garments for high street fashions brands in Sri Lanka.

T-shirts

T-shirts are always preferred due to their stretchable, finely knitted fabric and some of the most popular t-shirt patterns include collared T-shirts (Polo t-shirt), round collared T-shirts, V-necked T-shirts, U-necked T-shirts and tie-dye T-shirts. The structure of each piece of work includes ring-spun cotton that goes through thinning, twisting, and spinning fabrics to yarn.

This is further followed by dyes, spray, paints, markers and techniques such as screen printing, daubing, and bleaching. Modern-day fashion trends have defined the concept of T-shirts as unisex wear, producing T-shirts for both men and women. The difference between the two types is seen in the shape of the garment; a t-shirt designed specifically for women will be curvy from the waist to improve its shape.

Shorts

Shorts are among some of the most highly favoured casual wear. Just like any other fashion item, shorts are also segmented into various categories based on material, size, sex, brands, etc. Chino shorts, board shorts, low-rise shorts, pedal pusher shorts, and pleated shorts are some of the most popular choices among women. Men often prefer shorts with multiple pockets. Their taste also differs based on purpose. Golf shorts, running shorts, walking shorts, cargo shorts, and swim shorts are some of the famous men’s shorts.

Denim Jeans

According to records, denim jeans were originally named after the city of Genoa in Italy. The denim material was the result of the effort put in by a group of weavers who tried to reproduce the cotton corduroy that was initially made in Genoa. The material was highly durable and was later used to make long-lasting clothes.

Slim boot-cut jeans, loose and distressed jeans, slim-straight jeans, skater jeans, and light washes are some of the trending denim jeans in women’s fashion. Like any trouser type, the size of denim jeans is also measured based on the waist size. New additions can be seen in the men’s denim jeans section as well. Double denim, nineties denim, distressed denim and denim with turn-ups are some of the most popular men’s denim trouser choices.

Skirts

Skirts are never out of trend. Various skirt types are still being tailored for both formal and casual needs. Fabrics such as denim, jersey, and poplin are known to be used for skirts. The types of skirts vary based on the quality of fabric, length, and shape. With today's fashion trends, monogram skirts, denim skirts, miniskirts, mini pleated skirts, long tulle skirts, and leather skirts enjoy high demand.

The Sri Lankan Apparel and Textile industry specialize in casual wear of all types. With sound knowledge of industry trends and professional skills, the sector has come a long way in serving the global demand with quality and style. Innovation is a key factor that drives the local industry. Sri Lanka continues to strive for perfection and meet never-before met standards in the casual wear industry, the reason behind its stunning success.

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