2025 Predictions for American Designers
Waste is out, circular fashion is in. What running a fashion brand should look in 2025 for everyone.
2025 could be the toughest year for American businesses—or it could be the best. If you’ve been paying attention to the trickle-down effects of inflation and tariffs on fashion, particularly clothing, you’ve likely noticed an increasing cost of goods that weren’t valuable to begin with. Fast fashion brands like SHEIN and Temu are significant contributors to this issue. According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, the fashion industry produces 92 million tons of waste annually, and global clothing production has doubled in the past 20 years. The fashion ecosystem is a complete circle, and we’re all part of the problem—from factories to consumers.
As a former retail employee, fashion designer, product development manager, and fashion enthusiast, I’ve worked closely with every stage of the industry. We can blame others for the 2.1 billion tons of textile waste that washes onto shores annually (a significant portion ending up in developing countries like Ghana), but the system is the root problem. The machine is broken, and the only way to fix it is to slow it down.
The fashion production industry thrives on the uninformed. For instance, many consumers don’t realize that the Louis Vuitton Neverfull tote, priced at $2,030, is made from coated canvas, not genuine leather. Meanwhile, Zara sells handbags made from similar materials for a fraction of the cost. These price disparities underscore the influence of branding over material quality.
For independent fashion brands and designers, 2025 is a crucial year to tap into the value of American creation. As supply chain disruptions and tariffs make overseas manufacturing more expensive, American-made goods are becoming more viable. For example, U.S. manufacturing output grew by 4.5% in 2024, signaling a shift toward domestic production. This trend creates opportunities for partnerships between textile designers, sewing manufacturers, and fashion retailers. A 2023 survey by Deloitte found that 69% of U.S. consumers are willing to pay more for locally produced goods, emphasizing the potential for American brands to thrive.
Reducing waste in the fashion system starts with educating consumers. Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have played a critical role in highlighting the gravity of textile waste. For instance, hashtags like #FastFashion and #SustainableFashion have amassed over 15 billion views combined. This visibility influences younger generations, particularly Gen Z, who are more likely to prioritize sustainability in purchasing decisions. A 2023 report from First Insight found that 62% of Gen Z prefers to buy from sustainable brands, compared to 54% of millennials and 39% of Gen X.
The ongoing debate between the Hermès Birkin bag (priced at $16,000 on average) and its $80 Walmart “dupe” illustrates this shift. Consumers are increasingly aware of production costs and labor practices. For American handbag designers, this is an opportunity to fill a gap by offering high-quality, ethically made products for mid-market consumers who value practicality and style.
In 2024, the closure of heritage stores like Nordstrom, Sears, Lord & Taylor, and Bed Bath & Beyond left many vendors and producers without retail partnerships. According to Retail Dive, over 3,000 stores closed nationwide last year. These closures have forced businesses to pivot to online marketplaces, which are growing at a rapid pace. U.S. e-commerce sales reached $1 trillion in 2024, and social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok continue to drive discovery and sales.
Brands that cater to underserved markets have a greater chance of success this year. For example, shoppers aged 35–55 often feel left behind as department stores with professional attire disappear. A 2023 survey by Coresight Research found that 41% of women in this demographic struggle to find suitable office wear. With the return to office work, there’s an increasing demand for tailored, transitional pieces that fit busy lifestyles, blending travel, motherhood, and career.
Designers who integrate sustainability into their practices are more likely to succeed. Using recycled fabrics, upcycled materials, and slow production methods directly addresses environmental concerns. Thrift and resale platforms like Poshmark and ThredUp saw a 28% increase in activity post-pandemic, with the secondhand market expected to double by 2027, according to GlobalData. This demonstrates a growing appetite for unique, sustainable fashion.
I’m a testament to the importance of quality and sustainability. When I started my brand in 2015, I operated on a small budget, sourcing products from wholesalers. Over time, I realized the waste and misalignment between my designs and values. The fashion industry discards 85% of its textiles annually, equating to 21 billion pounds in the U.S. alone. Understanding this, I pivoted to intentional design and manufacturing processes.
That pivot saved my business. Like many designers facing similar challenges, the choice lies in creating more than necessary or focusing on intentional, meaningful production. 2025 is an opportunity for American designers to create products that meet genuine needs, providing quality and sustainability for consumers who are increasingly demanding both.