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Men's and Boys' Wear Manufacturing in Australia - Market Research Report (2013-2028)

Kayla Wheeler Kayla Wheeler Melbourne, Australia Last Updated: August 2023 ANZSIC C1351a

Revenue

$254.6m

2023-24

$254.6m

Past 5-Year Growth

Profit

$XX.Xm

Employees

1,235

Businesses

107

Wages

$XX.Xm

Men's and Boys' Wear Manufacturing in Australia industry analysis

The Men's and Boys' Wear Manufacturing industry has grappled with harsh trading conditions owing to fierce import competition. Factors like low overseas wage costs, and tariff removals for importers under free trade agreements, have magnified import competition and led to imported apparel's dominance in the domestic market. Fluctuating consumer sentiment has hindered demand from department stores and clothing retailers, leading to a downturn in revenue. However, the industry is fighting back by transitioning towards producing high-margin, specialised garments, slowing revenue declines. Rising household disposable income has boosted consumers' purchasing power, prompting them to spend on premium men's and boys' wear to the benefit of manufacturers' profit margins. Nonetheless, revenue contracted at an estimated annualised 4.0% over the past five years, to total $254.6 million in 2023-24. This includes an anticipated 2.8% drop in 2023-24, with a strengthening Australian dollar boosting import competition and undermining exports.Fierce international competition has diminished industry demand, triggering industry enterprise numbers to decline. Employment rates and wages have fallen in line with industry participation. COVID-19 lockdown measures and business closures have stunted shopping activity and hindered industry demand. Online retailers, however, managed to elevate demand through strong online consumer bases, an impact that was positively received upstream by manufacturers. Yet, import markets have met a majority of this demand. Many industry manufacturers, enticed by lower operating costs in parts of Asia, have shifted production offshore to boost profit margins. The remaining manufacturers have focused on producing high-quality apparel to compete with these low-cost imports.Revenue is forecast to grow at an annualised 0.5% through the end of 2028-29, to $260.9 million. This growth stems from an ongoing emphasis on manufacturing premium, high-end apparel, which will also help boost industry profitability. With the rise of online shopping, boutique manufacturers which target niche markets with higher value-added products will benefit. But as supply chains recover, imports are set to constitute a more significant share of domestic demand. A stronger Australian dollar will add to import competition.

Trends and Insights

  • Fierce overseas competition coupled with trade liberalisation has piled pressure on domestic manufacturers. While Australian producers are meeting this challenge with premium products and sustainable practices, the dominance of inexpensive imported goods continues to dampen industry performance.
  • The industry produces various goods, from jeans and trousers to suits and jumpers. Due to stiff price competition from Asia, manufacturers are focussing on high-quality, niche items.
  • Most men’s and boys’ manufacturers are located near critical markets like designers, wholesalers and retailers. This proximity reduces manufacturers’ transport costs and enables them to react quickly to shifting consumer demands.
  • Shifting fashion trends are boosting demand for casual men’s and boys’ apparel, prompting manufacturers to compete based on product design, materials and brand reputation. The competitive edge of high-quality streetwear helps Australian manufacturers hold their own against internal industry competition.
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Industry Statistics and Trends

Market size and recent performance (2013-2028)

Industry revenue has declined at a CAGR of 4.0 % over the past five years, to reach an estimated $254.6m in 2023.

Trends and Insights

The COVID-19 pandemic brought about both highs and lows

  • Government restrictions in March 2020 closed non-essential stores for two months. This decreased shopping activity and consumer sentiment, resulting in fewer orders for industry manufacturers.
  • Additional trends and insights available with purchase
Men's and Boys' Wear Manufacturing in Australia
Revenue (2013-2028)
IBISWorld Logo Source: IBISWorld

Industry outlook (2024-2029)

Market size is projected to grow over the next five years.

Trends and Insights

Import and export activities are set to strengthen

  • Due to the reopening of overseas manufacturing plants and international borders, imports of men's and boys' clothing are set to rise.

Biggest companies in the Men's and Boys' Wear Manufacturing in Australia

Company
Market Share (%)
2024
Revenue ($m)
2024
RM Williams
12.7

To view the market share and analysis for all 1 top companies in this industry, view purchase options.

Products & Services Segmentation

Men's and Boys' Wear Manufacturing in Australia
Products & Services
IBISWorld Logo Source: IBISWorld

Industry revenue is measured across several distinct product and services lines, including Suits, Cardigans, jumpers and coats and Trousers and jeans. Suits is the largest segment of the Men's and Boys' Wear Manufacturing in Australia.

Trends and Insights

Shirts and t-shirts contribute significantly to the industry's income

  • The shirts and t-shirts segment comprises clothing items like dress shirts, causal shirts and polo shirts in various styles, fabrics and patterns.
  • More insights available in the full report

Table of Contents

About this industry

Industry definition

The industry includes companies that manufacture men’s and boys’ apparel from purchased materials. Industry players purchase fabrics and materials from textile producers; these fabrics are then cut and sewn to produce men’s and boys’ clothing items, which retail and wholesale firms purchase for resale to consumers. Clothing items like headwear, footwear and leather garments are not included in the industry.

What's included in this industry?

SuitsCardigans, jumpers and coatsTrousers and jeansShirts and t-shirtsWork and school uniforms

Companies

RM Williams

Purchase this report to view all 1 major companies in this industry.

Related Terms

COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN (CAD)OUTWORKER 3D PRINTER

Industry Code

ANZSIC 2006

ANZSIC 1351 - Men's and Boys' Wear Manufacturing in Australia

Performance

Get an indication of the industry's health through historical, current and forward-looking trends in the performance indicators that make or break businesses.

Analyst insights

Fierce overseas competition coupled with trade liberalisation has piled pressure on domestic manufacturers. While Australian producers are meeting this challenge with premium...

In this chapter (4)

  • Current Performance
  • Outlook
  • Volatility
  • Life Cycle

Key metrics

  • Annual Revenue, Recent Growth, Forecast, Revenue Volatility
  • Number of Employees, Recent Growth, Forecast, Employees per Business, Revenue per Employee
  • Number of Businesses, Recent Growth, Forecast, Employees per Business, Revenue per Business
  • Total Profit, Profit Margin, Profit per Business

Charts

  • Revenue, including historical (2013-2022) and forecast (2023-2028)
  • Employees, including historical (2013-2022) and forecast (2023-2028)
  • Businesses, including historical (2013-2022) and forecast (2023-2028)
  • Profit, including historical (2013-2023)
  • Industry Volatility vs. Revenue Growth
  • Industry Life Cycle

Detailed analysis

  • Trends in supply, demand and current events that are driving current industry performance
  • Expected trends, economic factors and ongoing events that drive the industry's outlook
  • Key success factors for businesses to overcome volatility
  • How contribution to GDP, industry saturation, innovation, consolidation, and technology and systems influence the industry's life cycle phase.

Products and Markets

Learn about an industry's products and services, markets and trends in international trade.

Analyst insight

The industry produces various goods, from jeans and trousers to suits and jumpers. Due to stiff price competition from Asia, manufacturers are focussing on high-quality, nich...

In this chapter

  • Products & Services
  • Major Markets
  • International Trade

Key metrics

  • Largest market segment and value in 2023
  • Product innovation level
  • Total imports, level and trend
  • Total exports, level and trend
  • Trade Balance

Charts

  • Products & services segmentation in 2023
  • Major market segmentation in 2023
  • International trade, including imports by country and exports by country

Detailed analysis

  • Trends impacting the recent performance of the industry's various segments
  • Innovations in the industry's product or service offering, specialization or delivery method
  • Key factors that successful businesses consider in their offerings
  • Buying segments and key trends influencing demand for industry products and services
  • Recent trends in import and export volumes, country of origin or destination, and expected future trends

Geographic Breakdown

Discover where business activity is most concentrated in an industry and the factors driving these trends to find opportunities and conduct regional benchmarking.

Analyst insights

Most men’s and boys’ manufacturers are located near critical markets like designers, wholesalers and retailers. This proximity reduces manufacturers’ transport costs and enab...

In this chapter (1)

  • Business Locations

Charts

  • Share of revenue, establishment, wages and employment in each region
  • Share of population compared to establishments in each region in 2023

Tables

  • Number and share of establishments in each region in 2023
  • Number and share of revenue each region accounts for in 2023
  • Number and share of wages each region accounts for in 2023
  • Number and share of employees in each region in 2023

Detailed analysis

  • Geographic spread of the industry across Asia Pacific, and trends associated with changes in the business landscape
  • Key success factors for businesses to use location to their advantage

Competitive Forces

Get data and insights on what's driving competition in an industry and the challenges industry operators and new entrants may face, with analysis built around Porter's Five Forces framework.

Analyst insights

Shifting fashion trends are boosting demand for casual men’s and boys’ apparel, prompting manufacturers to compete based on product design, materials and brand reputation. Th...

In this chapter (4)

  • Concentration
  • Barriers to Entry
  • Substitutes
  • Buyer & Supplier Analysis

Key metrics

  • Industry concentration level
  • Industry competition level and trend
  • Barriers to entry level and trend
  • Substitutes level and trend
  • Buyer power level and trend
  • Supplier power level and trend

Charts

  • Market share concentration among the top 4 suppliers from 2018-2023
  • Supply chain including upstream supplying industries and downstream buying industries, flow chart

Detailed analysis

  • Factors impacting the industry’s level of concentration, such as business distribution, new entrants, or merger and acquisition activity.
  • Key success factors for businesses to manage the competitive environment of the industry.
  • Challenges that potential industry entrants face such as legal, start-up costs, differentiation, labor/capital intensity and capital expenses.
  • Key success factors for potential entrants to overcome barriers to entry.
  • Competitive threats from potential substitutes for the industry’s own products and services.
  • Key success factors for how successful businesses can compete with substitutes.
  • Advantages that buyers have to keep favorable purchasing conditions.
  • Advantages that suppliers have to maintain favorable selling conditions.
  • Key success factors for how businesses can navigate buyer and supplier power.

Companies

Learn about the performance of the top companies in the industry.

Analyst insights

Industry heavyweights have been losing grip, with none commanding more than 5% market share. Many have strategically shifted towards boutique niche brands as offshore bulk ma...

In this chapter

  • Market Share Concentration
  • Companies
  • Company Spotlights

Charts

  • Industry market share by company in 2019 through 2023
  • Major companies in the industry, including market share, revenue, profit and profit margin in 2023
  • Overview of RM Williams's performance by revenue, market share and profit margin from 2017 through 2023

Detailed analysis

  • Description and key data for RM Williams, and factors influencing its performance in the industry

External Environment

Understand the demographic, economic and regulatory factors that shape how businesses in an industry perform.   

Analyst insights

The Australian Men’s and Boys’ Wear Manufacturing industry faces light regulation, centred primarily around worker protection and product safety. Changing laws, like those en...

In this chapter

  • External Drivers
  • Regulation & Policy
  • Assistance

Key metrics

  • Regulation & policy level and trend
  • Assistance level and trend

Charts

  • Regulation & Policy historical data and forecast (2013-2028) 
  • Assistance historical data and forecast (2013-2028) 

Detailed analysis

  • Demographic and macroeconomic factors influencing the industry, including Regulation & Policy and Assistance
  • Major types of regulations, regulatory bodies, industry standards or specific regulations impacting requirements for industry operators
  • Key governmental and non-governmental groups or policies that may provide some relief for industry operators.

Financial Benchmarks

View average costs for industry operators and compare financial data against an industry's financial benchmarks over time. 

Analyst insights

The Men’s and Boys’ Wear Manufacturing industry comprises mainly small-scale manufacturers with similar cost structures, suggesting no domination by any single company. So, t...

In this chapter

  • Cost Structure
  • Financial Ratios
  • Key Ratios

Key metrics

  • Profit margin, and how it compares to the sector-wide margin
  • Average wages, and how it compares to the sector-wide average wage
  • Largest cost component as a percentage of revenue
  • Industry average ratios for days' receivables, industry coverage and debt-to-net-worth ratio

Charts

  • Average industry operating costs as a share of revenue, including purchases, wages, depreciation, utilities, rent, other costs and profit in 2023
  • Average sector operating costs as a share of revenue, including purchases, wages, depreciation, utilities, rent, other costs and profit in 2023
  • Investment vs. share of economy

Data tables

  • Cash Flow & Debt Service Ratios (2013-2028)
  • Revenue per Employee (2013-2028)
  • Revenue per Enterprise (2013-2028)
  • Employees per Establishment (2013-2028)
  • Employees per Enterprise (2013-2028)
  • Average Wage (2013-2028)
  • Wages/Revenue (2013-2028)
  • Establishments per Enterprise (2013-2028)
  • IVA/Revenue (2013-2028)
  • Imports/Demand (2013-2028)
  • Exports/Revenue (2013-2028)

Detailed analysis

  • Trends in the cost component for industry operators and their impact on industry costs and profitability 

Key Statistics

Industry Data

Data Tables

Including values and annual change:

  • Revenue (2013-2028)
  • IVA (2013-2028)
  • Establishments (2013-2028)
  • Enterprises (2013-2028)
  • Employment (2013-2028)
  • Exports (2013-2028)
  • Imports (2013-2028)
  • Wages (2013-2028)

Top Questions Answered

Unlock comprehensive answers and precise data upon purchase. View purchase options.

What is the market size of the Men's and Boys' Wear Manufacturing industry in Australia in 2024?

The market size of the Men's and Boys' Wear Manufacturing industry in Australia is $254.6m in 2024.

How many businesses are there in the Men's and Boys' Wear Manufacturing in Australia industry in 2023?

There are 107 businesses in the Men's and Boys' Wear Manufacturing industry in Australia, which has declined at a CAGR of 3.8 % between 2018 and 2023.

Has the Men's and Boys' Wear Manufacturing industry in Australia grown or declined over the past 5 years?

The market size of the Men's and Boys' Wear Manufacturing industry in Australia has been declining at a CAGR of 4.0 % between 2018 and 2023.

What is the forecast growth of the Men's and Boys' Wear Manufacturing industry in Australia over the next 5 years?

Over the next five years, the Men's and Boys' Wear Manufacturing industry in Australia is expected to grow.

What are the biggest companies in the Men's and Boys' Wear Manufacturing market in Australia?

The biggest company operating in the Men's and Boys' Wear Manufacturing market in Australia is RM Williams

What does the Men's and Boys' Wear Manufacturing in Australia include?

Suits and Cardigans, jumpers and coats are part of the Men's and Boys' Wear Manufacturing industry.

Which companies have the highest market share in the Men's and Boys' Wear Manufacturing in Australia?

The company holding the most market share in Australia is RM Williams.

How competitive is the Men's and Boys' Wear Manufacturing industry in Australia?

The level of competition is moderate and increasing in the Men's and Boys' Wear Manufacturing industry in Australia.

Related Industries

Widen you competitive advantage with related industries

Competitors

  • Tailoring and Clothing Accessories Manufacturing in Australia
  • Knitted Product Manufacturing in Australia

Complementors

  • Women's and Girls' Wear Manufacturing in Australia
  • Footwear Manufacturing in Australia

International industries

  • Global Apparel Manufacturing
  • Men's & Boys' Apparel Manufacturing in the US
  • Surgical Apparel Manufacturing in the US
  • Tactical & Service Clothing Manufacturing in the US
  • Men's & Boys' Apparel Manufacturing in Canada

View all industries in Australia

Methodology

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Our analysts start with official, verified and publicly available sources of data to build the most accurate picture of each industry. Analysts then leverage their expertise and knowledge of the local markets to synthesize trends into digestible content for IBISWorld readers. Finally, each report is reviewed by one of IBISWorld’s editors, who provide quality assurance to ensure accuracy and readability.

IBISWorld relies on human-verified data and human-written analysis to compile each standard industry report. We do not use generative AI tools to write insights, although members can choose to leverage AI-based tools within the platform to generate additional analysis formats.

What data sources do IBISWorld analysts use?

Each industry report incorporates data and research from government databases, industry-specific sources, industry contacts, and our own proprietary database of statistics and analysis to provide balanced, independent and accurate insights.

Key data sources in Australia include:

  • Australian Bureau of Statistics
  • Australian Taxation Office
  • Australian Securities & Investments Commission

Analysts also use industry specific sources to complement catch-all sources, although their perspective may focus on a particular organization or representative body, rather than a clear overview of all industry operations. However, when balanced against other perspectives, industry-specific sources provide insights into industry trends.

These sources include:

  • Industry and trade associations
  • Industry federations or regulators
  • Major industry players annual or quarterly filings

Finally, IBISWorld’s global data scientists maintain a proprietary database of macroeconomic and demand drivers, which our analysts use to help inform industry data and trends. They also maintain a database of statistics and analysis on thousands of industries, which has been built over our more than 50-year history and offers comprehensive insights into long-term trends.

How does IBISWorld forecast its data?

IBISWorld’s analysts and data scientists use the sources above to create forecasts for our proprietary datasets and industry statistics. Depending on the dataset, they may use regression analysis, multivariate analysis, time-series analysis or exponential smoothing techniques to project future data for the industry or driver. Additionally, analysts will leverage their local knowledge of industry operating and regulatory conditions to impart their best judgment on the forecast model.

IBISWorld prides itself on being a trusted, independent source of data, with over 50 years of experience building and maintaining rich datasets and forecasting tools. We are proud to be the keystone source of industry information for thousands of companies across the world.

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