Turkish textile and apparel move beyond fast fashion to high-value, sustainable growth
Turkey’s textile and apparel industry is in a real transition. The pace picked up earlier than many expected because of the current economy, yet this turn was coming either way. We can acknowledge the headwinds and still accept the simple truth—this shift was inevitable.
Look at the path others took. The UK, US, Japan, France, Hong Kong, Korea, Taiwan, and more went through the same cycle. Some used their know-how to move from mass production to higher value products. Others branched into new fields. With a focus on value-added technical goods, several now post export figures that exceed Turkey’s current levels. That’s not a warning; it’s a map.
Here’s what matters for Turkey today. We have real advantages that still define the industry:
- A very developed end to end ecosystem with strong supply chain and logistics infrastructure
- Innovation capability in fabrics and product development
- Advanced production infrastructure and efficiency
- A practical and solution-oriented culture and mindset
- A highly experienced talent base across both white and blue collar
- Strong compliance with European Union sustainability regulations
- Flexibility and resilience
- Proximity to Europe
- Consistently high-quality standards
Turkey stands as the country with the highest capacity and capabilities in the region. It’s hard to find another place that brings this full mix together.
Now the hard truth. “Entry price level fast fashion and mass production” is no longer Turkey’s USP. Waiting for the old play to return is a distraction. The job is to accept this permanent change and define a new USP built on what we already do well. The opportunity sits in higher value-added products, new segments, and business models that are sustainable by design.
Bottom line—this is the road ahead:
- Innovation
- Focusing on sustainability
- Becoming a trusted solution partner for our customers
- Strengthening and amplifying our core competencies
- Creating value beyond volume
- Focusing on efficiency, new technologies and automation
- Prioritising quality over quantity
A new chapter is opening for the Turkish textile and apparel industry. Steering it the right way is up to us. Industry bodies—TIM, IHKIB – Istanbul Apparel Exporters Association, TGSD Türkiye Giyim Sanayicileri Derneği, and EURATEX – European Apparel and Textile Confederation—along with all stakeholders, carry a key responsibility in this work. The direction is clear; now we execute.
