Fashion Trends for Local and International Markets: Online Business Ideas for Sri Lankans
Do you have a passion for fashion and want to start an online business in Sri Lanka? Want to make the business you have from Good to Great? We got you!
In this article, we'll guide you through the different trends matching for the Sri Lankan market and international markets, along with some fantastic online business ideas tailored specifically for Sri Lankans. Get ready to embrace your fashion-forward spirit and make your dream business into reality!
As you know Sri Lanka is not really affected by the seasonality but the international market is. Hence, we will be providing international market trends based on 4 seasons. Then we will move on to the fashion trends in Sri Lanka and explore what fashion business ideas that can be useful for your online business.
Fashion is ever-evolving, but there are timeless pieces that remain essential for each season. Let's take a closer look at the fashion must-haves for every season. This will give you an idea of what to stock more for each season if you are selling or planning to sell to the international markets.
Fashion Trends for International Markets
Spring:
You can embrace the freshness of spring with lightweight dresses, floral prints, and pastel hues for the spring season. Layering pieces such as light cardigans, denim, and t-shirts to sneakers can adapt the outfits to the changing weather.
Summer:
Summer is hot. Suggest your clients stay cool and chic in the sweltering heat with breezy tops, bikinis, kaftans, trunks, flowy maxi dresses, and comfortable shorts, and don’t forget sandals. Vibrant colors, breathable fabrics, and trendy accessories are the go-to choices for a fashionable summer look.
Autumn/Fall:
As the leaves start to fall, the best trend is to embrace earthy tones, cozy sweaters, jumpers, ankle boots, trainers, and layering fashion essentials like scarves and trench coats. You can experiment with textures and patterns to add depth and dimension to your outfits.
Winter:
Bundle up your customers in warm coats, oversized coats, thermals, hoodies, knitted sweaters, and stylish boots to combat the cold. You can go for rich, deep colors and luxurious fabrics like wool or cashmere as well based on the demand.
Fashion Trends in Sri Lankan Market
In general Sri Lankans are now comfortable with purchasing online when as long as they find the matching size and credibility of the online store, page, or website. Other than men, and women's apparel, here are some fashion trends in the Sri Lankan market for you to adapt to.
Office wear / Businesswear
In Sri Lanka, employees mostly wear smart casuals as their office wear and mainly sarees. Smart casual is less formal than proper business casual and those are only worn for special occasions and meetings. Hence, the trend is set for smart casuals such as pencil skirts, pleated skirts, basic blouses, henleys, button-downs, pants, trousers, and light-color long-sleeved shirts. Now let’s talk about what you should keep an eye on and what to adapt as new ideas for your online business.
Accessories
The Accessories market in Sri Lanka is projected to grow by 14.23%. Now there is much more to the gold, silver, and pearl accessories. The biggest segment is luggage and bags followed by watches & jewelry. Starting from Tote bags to vibrant color jewelry, owning unique accessories is becoming quite the hot style among Sri Lankans. Multiple earrings and hoops paired with matching rings can be offered as a combination.
Gym clothes
People are more open and willing to keep in touch with healthy habits and going to the gym is one of the habits popular these days. Keep an eye out for gym clothes and accessories. This is a trend that will continue to grow as people would love to put on gym wear, work out and grab a smoothie on the way back home.
Plus size and oversized clothes
People are more comfortable wearing oversized clothes these days. It's the perfect choice for a trip, to travel, or a walk to the market. People are more confident about their body shape and willing to try out plus-size of different styles as well.
Sheer and See through clothing
This transparent trend has taken over tops, skirts, and even trousers. People have grown to like the versatility of it.
Maxi skirts
Maxi skirts are currently dominating the fashion scene, offering a remarkable blend of style and comfort. These versatile skirts can be effortlessly dressed up or down, available in a wide range of colors, patterns, and fabrics. Whether you're drawn to a breezy, boho aesthetic or a refined, tailored appearance, maxi skirts cater to your preferences. They effortlessly complement various outfits, whether it's paired with blouses and sandals or graphic tees and sneakers. With a multitude of styles to choose from, maxi skirts have something to suit everyone's taste.
Now, let's take a look at the things you need to keep an eye on and some ideas useful for your business.
1. Stay Up-to-Date with Seasonal Fashion Trends
As fashion-conscious Sri Lankans and aspiring online business owners, you know the importance of keeping up with the latest trends and the importance of eCommerce for the fashion industry. Our island experiences may not experience seasons too heavily, but each one offers us exciting fashion opportunities. Stay in the loop by following fashion magazines, blogs, and social media platforms that highlight upcoming trends. This knowledge will help you curate a stylish and sought-after collection for your online store.
2. Embrace Our Vibrant Sri Lankan Fashion Culture
Sri Lanka boasts a rich cultural heritage, and our fashion reflects this diversity. Let's blend traditional elements with contemporary styles to create unique fashion pieces that appeal not only to locals but also to customers worldwide. Incorporate our traditional fabrics, intricate embroidery, and vibrant colors into your designs to showcase the beauty of our culture.
3. Focus on Fashion Accessories
Accessories play a vital role in completing any outfit, and we Sri Lankans have grown to love our accessories! This presents a fantastic opportunity for online business ventures. From statement jewelry to trendy handbags and stylish sunglasses, there's a wide range of options to offer in your online store. Experiment with locally-sourced materials and collaborate with talented artisans to create exclusive accessories that showcase our country's craftsmanship.
4. Curate a Diverse Range of Clothing Options
Given our tropical climate, comfort is essential in our clothing choices. Offer a wide range of options such as lightweight dresses, linen shirts, cotton shorts, and breezy tops. Ensure that your collection caters to different demographics, occasions, and personal styles, providing something for everyone in Sri Lanka.
5. Step into the World of Footwear
Footwear is an integral part of any outfit, and we Sri Lankans are increasingly interested in fashionable yet comfortable shoes. Consider offering various footwear options, including sandals, flip-flops, sneakers, and traditional shoes. Focus on quality, durability, and style to win customers' hearts in this competitive market.
6. Collaborate with Local Fashion Bloggers and Influencers
To expand your reach and increase brand visibility, collaborate with Sri Lankan fashion bloggers and Sri Lankan influencers. Their expertise and social media presence can help promote your products to their loyal followers. Consider hosting giveaways, sponsoring events, or providing affiliate programs to establish strong partnerships and enhance your online presence.
7. Create Your Own Online Store
With the rising popularity of e-commerce, setting up your own online store has never been easier. Invest in a user-friendly website with an attractive design that effectively showcases your products. Ensure seamless browsing, and easy navigation, and offer a secure payment system in your online store to provide a delightful shopping experience for your customers.
8. Stay Fashion-Conscious and Customer-Focused
The key to running a successful fashion business is to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and focus on your customers' needs. Continuously research market trends, customer preferences, and feedback to adapt your offerings accordingly. Regularly update your collection and introduce fresh designs to keep customers engaged and excited.
Starting a fashion business in Sri Lanka is one of the best online business ideas that holds immense potential as the fashion industry is one of the most important and lucrative industries in the world. With the right combination of fashion essentials and online business strategies, we can establish thriving brands that cater to the unique style preferences of Sri Lankans.
So, let's get started with your dream business today! Don’t let the negativity drag you down. You shouldn’t give up without trying. Time is of the essence! We at ShopOnCloud are ready and waiting to build your branded online store whenever you want to!
