klesindustri

Klesindustri is the clothing industry, encompassing the design, production, marketing and sale of garments and related textile products. In Nordic and broader European usage, the term is used to describe the sector known in English as the textile and apparel industry. The industry covers the full value chain from fiber and fabric production to fashion design, garment manufacturing, distribution, retail and post-purchase services.

The value chain typically comprises several interconnected stages: research and design; fiber production and textile manufacturing; fabric finishing and quality control; garment assembly and production; wholesale, logistics and distribution; and retail, e-commerce and consumer services. Production is highly globalized and fragmented, with manufacturing often outsourced to contract facilities in cost-competitive regions, while design and branding activities may remain concentrated in home markets.

Economic and social aspects are central to the klesindustri. It provides a large number of jobs worldwide but is also associated with wage and working-condition concerns in some factories. Environmental implications include water use, chemical management, energy consumption and waste. In response, many companies pursue sustainability programs, supply chain transparency, responsible sourcing, and circular economy initiatives such as recycling and take-back schemes.

Regulation and policy shape the industry through trade barriers, labor laws, chemical restrictions and product safety standards. Market dynamics are driven by consumer demand, fashion cycles, and the growth of e-commerce. Ongoing trends include automation and digitalization in production, nearshoring versus offshoring decisions, increased emphasis on sustainability and traceability, and innovations in materials and design.