FASHION MERCHANDISING: STANDARD 6

Main Segments of the Fashion Industry

Objectives

Students will explore the main segments of the fashion industry. Objective 1: Describe the primary market in the

fashion industry. Objective 2: Describe the secondary market in the

fashion industry. Objective 3: Describe the tertiary market in the

fashion industry and the types of fashion businesses. Objective 4: Recognize categories in the retail

market. Objective 5: Identify careers in the fashion

merchandising industry.

Primary Market

Businesses that grow and produce the raw materials that become fashion apparel or accessories.

Secondary Market

Businesses that transform the raw materials into fashion. The link to the retail world.

Tertiary Market

Businesses that sale the fashion merchandise. Sole Proprietorship: Business with only one

owner Partnership: Business structure with two or

more owners Corporation: Business that chartered by the

state, legally apart from the owner(s)

Retail Market Categories

Men’s

Women’s

Juniors

Children

Home Décor

Men’s Wear

Traditionally, men have not responded to fashion changes quickly.

However, today men have become almost as fashion conscious as women.

Fashion markets present new lines two to four times a year.

Men’s Wear Segments

Tailored clothing Usually business attire,

very dressy and classy Casual Office Wear

Sometimes called “Friday Wear”

Khakis, button downs, sweaters

No Jeans or Sneakers Sportswear

Athletic attire, t-shirts, loose fitting clothing, seperates

Nike, Adidas, Underarmour

Casual Non-athletic Jeans, polo/golf shirts

Outdoor Sport Coats and jackets Northface, Columbia

Furnishings Accessories, watches,

bags, sunglasses, cuff links, jewelry

Footwear

Women’s Wear

Women’s wear represents the largest share of the apparel industry.

Fashion is continually moving and changing.

The retail life of a women’s line is approximately 10 weeks.

After that point, stores begin introducing new lines for their customers.

Women’s Size Ranges

Misses Regular sizes in even numbers from sizes 2-14

Women’s/Plus Size Full figures size 14+

Petite Designed for women under 5 feet 3 inches tall

Juniors Designed for younger figures with odd-

numbered sizes from 1-13

Women’s Wear Segments Business

Tailored, classic, dressy

Sportswear Jeans, t-shirts,

sweaters Bridal/Formal Wear

Wedding, bridesmaid, prom, party attire

Accessories Handbags, jewelry,

hats Outerwear

Jackets, coats, hoodies

Athletic wear Exercise gear,

swimsuits Foundations/Lingerie

Panties, bras, camis, negligees, pajamas

Footwear

Children’s Sizes Infants or children's clothing

can come in a variety of sizes. Infants: Based on average heights

and weights 0-3 to 24 Months

Toddlers: Clothes are made to go over a diaper or training pants. 1T to 4T

Young children: It is best to go by the child’s height when determining size, not just age. 2 to 6(x)

Home Décor

Textiles, accessories, furnishings and fashions used in interiors.

Careers in the Fashion Industry Entrepreneur

Person who starts his or her own business and who assumes the risk and management of the enterprise

Store Manager Oversees all aspects of the store’s operation

Buyer Buys clothes and accessories for a store or

department to sell Merchandising Coordinator

Makes sure retail stores are fully stocked