Latest news with #Fibre2Fashion
Fibre2Fashion
4 days ago
- Business
- Fibre2Fashion
Manoj Thakur Co-founder & CEO
Aguante stands apart as a brand built by runners, for runners Aguante is a purpose-driven activewear brand born from a runner's passion to bridge the gap in high-performance, runner-focused apparel. Committed to quality, functionality, and innovation, Aguante designs gear that empowers movement and supports an active lifestyle. With ethical values and sustainability at its core, the brand is led by passion—just like its community. In a conversation with Fibre2Fashion, Co-founder & CEO Manoj Thakur shares how his personal experiences shaped the brand's journey, Aguante's commitment to performance and community, the role of athlete feedback in product design, and how the brand is navigating India's growing activewear market through innovation, storytelling, and sustainability. What inspired you to start Aguante, and how did your own experiences influence the brand's inception? As a passionate long-distance runner, I often struggled to find running apparel that truly met my needs, either the quality was not right, the functionality was lacking, or the price was too steep. I noticed that while global brands dominated the market, their primary focus was on footwear, and their apparel offerings did not feel tailored to runners. With my background in retail and experience in the apparel industry, I saw a clear gap, a lack of high-quality, runner-specific gear designed with purpose. Post-COVID, the surge in fitness and running made the timing ideal. Aguante was born out of that need to create accessible, passion-driven running apparel, designed by a runner, for runners. How does Aguante differentiate itself from other performance wear brands in India and globally? Aguante stands apart as a brand built by runners, for runners, focused solely on purposeful, performance and passion-driven running gear. While global brands prioritise footwear and local ones often compromise on quality, we offer premium products tailored to Indian conditions at accessible prices. Our innovations come from real runners' needs, and our storytelling celebrates everyday athletes, not just elites. With a seamless digital experience and deep community engagement, Aguante is more than a brand; it is a movement powered by runners. Your collections emphasise 'athlete-engineered' design. Could you walk us through how athlete feedback influences product development at Aguante? At Aguante, 'athlete-engineered' is not just a tagline; it is the foundation of our product development process. Every collection starts with real insights from runners, their pain points, preferences, and feedback from the road, track, and trail. We regularly engage with athletes across levels, from everyday runners to elite marathoners, to understand what truly matters to them, whether it is the fit, breathability, storage, or durability. This feedback directly shapes our designs. For example, our race-ready T-shirts and Singlets came from runners asking for lightweight gear with better range of motion, while our half tights were developed to meet demands for long-distance comfort with ample pocket space. We also test prototypes with athletes during their actual training cycles, using their input to tweak everything from stitch placements to fabric feel. It is a continuous loop —listen, design, test, refine. That is how we ensure that every Aguante product is not just built for performance, but truly built for the runner. How is Aguante integrating fabric technology and innovation—such as moisture-wicking, anti-odour, or stretchability—into its product line? At Aguante, fabric technology is not an add-on; it is where our design process begins. The idea was born out of real challenges runners face: apparel that clings uncomfortably, holds onto sweat, or restricts movement over long distances. As runners ourselves, we knew how these small discomforts could turn into big barriers during a run. That is why we work with performance fabrics that are moisture-wicking, anti-odour, and offer optimal stretch, including four-way stretch in key pieces. These are not marketing claims—each fabric is selected with intent, tested extensively by runners in actual training conditions, and refined to suit Indian heat, humidity, and varied terrain. Whether it is ensuring freshness on a humid day or freedom of motion on a tempo run, the goal is to create gear that does not just perform in the lab; it performs where it matters the most: on the road, the trail, and the track. You cater to both professional and everyday athletes. How do you balance performance-grade quality with lifestyle comfort in your designs? We design with the belief that every runner, whether professional or recreational, deserves high-performance gear. Our approach blends technical functionality with everyday comfort. We use performance-grade fabrics with features like sweat-wicking, stretchability, and breathability, but balance them with soft-seam finishes, ergonomic fits, and versatile styles that transition from training to daily wear. The result is gear that performs on race day but feels just as good on a recovery jog or a coffee run, because comfort should never come at the cost of performance. How is Aguante building a community of athletes and fitness enthusiasts around its brand, and what role does storytelling play in your marketing strategy? We are not just building a brand; we are nurturing a movement of runners and fitness enthusiasts who share a passion for the sport. Our storytelling is deeply rooted in this passion. Through every campaign, social media post, and customer interaction, we celebrate real people, real journeys, and the everyday grit that defines the active lifestyle. This authentic, purpose-driven storytelling helps us foster a strong emotional connection with our community and reinforces our identity as a passion-driven activewear brand. What challenges did you face in setting up a high-performance apparel brand in a price-sensitive market like India, and how did you overcome them? Setting up a high-performance apparel brand in a price-sensitive market like India came with its challenges, especially when educating consumers on the value of technical gear. Our products are priced above mass-market brands, but below, and in some cases at par, with global giants. What sets us apart is our focus on the finer details that truly matter to athletes, from fabric innovation to race-specific design features. Functionality is our top priority, and every product is built with purpose and precision. This commitment to quality and performance has helped us earn the trust of serious runners and fitness enthusiasts, allowing us to rise above pure price sensitivity and build a loyal, value-driven customer base. How is Aguante tapping into the growing fitness and athleisure trend in India, and what strategies are in place to grow your market share? At Aguante, our current focus is firmly on the activewear segment, specifically running, yoga, and fitness, where we see a significant and growing demand in India. While the athleisure trend is on the rise, our strategy is rooted in serving the endurance-related needs of serious fitness enthusiasts and runners. We are building a brand that speaks to those who move with intent, not just style. Our growth strategy includes expanding our product range within these verticals, investing in high-quality gears with innovation, and strengthening our connection with the fitness and running community through storytelling, partnerships, and grassroots engagement. By staying true to our niche and delivering real value to active consumers, we aim to steadily grow our market share in India's evolving activewear landscape. Sustainability is increasingly important in apparel. Is Aguante taking any steps towards eco-friendly materials, ethical production, or conscious consumption? Sustainability is a key priority for Aguante as we grow. We are in the process of adopting recycled materials across our product range, with a clear goal: to completely transition to recycled fabrics by 2030. All our products are manufactured in our factory, which allows us to maintain strict control over quality and ensure ethical production practices. We uphold high labour standards, providing a safe, fair, and respectful working environment. As we move forward, our focus is not just on performance, but on creating gear that supports both the athlete and the planet. How can Indian performance wear brands compete with established global players in terms of innovation, quality, and branding? Indian performance wear brands can compete with global players by focusing on three key pillars—relevance, responsiveness, and relationships. While global giants come with scale and legacy, local brands like ours can outpace them by being more attuned to the unique needs of Indian consumers—from fabric choices to fit to climate adaptability. Innovation does not always mean big tech; it can be in listening deeply to your community and solving real problems. With a D2C model, we maintain a tight feedback loop and rapidly iterate. Branding that focuses on authenticity and community rather than celebrity helps create deeper connections, and that is where Indian brands have an edge. How is digital commerce, especially D2C (direct-to-consumer), transforming the way performance wear brands connect with and retain their customer base? D2C is reshaping performance wear by allowing brands to connect directly with customers, offer personalised experiences, and build loyalty through better value, storytelling, and seamless service, all while maintaining full control over the brand journey. What are some key consumer trends influencing design and functionality in sports and activewear today? Today's activewear is driven by demand for versatile, tech-enabled, and sustainable designs. Consumers want moisture-wicking, breathable fabrics, inclusive sizing, and styles that work beyond workouts. Personalisation, influencer impact, and eco-conscious choices are also key factors shaping buying decisions. What role do technical textiles and smart fabrics play in shaping the future of activewear? Technical textiles and smart fabrics are shaping the future of activewear by enhancing performance, comfort, and functionality. Features like moisture-wicking, stretch, and odour control are now standard, while emerging smart fabrics can track biometrics and support recovery. For brands like Aguante, these innovations allow us to create gear that not only performs but evolves with the needs of modern athletes. How do you see the performance wear market evolving in India, especially with the rise of athleisure and fitness-conscious consumers? India's performance wear and athleisure market is witnessing rapid growth, driven by rising health consciousness post-pandemic, a young and fashion-forward consumer base, and the expanding reach of e-commerce across urban and tier-2 and 3 cities. Consumers are increasingly seeking versatile, tech-enabled, and sustainable apparel that blends function with comfort and style. The market is projected to grow significantly over the next decade, with the sports apparel segment alone expected to triple by 2034. While global brands dominate the premium segment, domestic players are gaining ground by offering locally relevant, price-sensitive innovations. Overall, brands that prioritise innovation, inclusivity, and community engagement are best positioned to lead in this dynamic and evolving space. Are there any plans to expand Aguante's presence internationally or diversify into other categories such as footwear or accessories? At this stage, we have no immediate plans to expand internationally or diversify into categories like footwear. Our focus remains clear: to deepen our presence in the Indian market and strengthen our core categories of running and fitness apparel. DISCLAIMER: All views and opinions expressed in this column are solely of the interviewee, and they do not reflect in any way the opinion of
Fibre2Fashion
4 days ago
- Business
- Fibre2Fashion
Do new US tariffs tip the balance in favour of Vietnam?
Trump's reciprocal tariffs have posed new challenges for apparel manufacturers across destinations. Several countries have already received notice of new tariff rates imposed by the United States, set to take effect August 1. Fibre2Fashion spoke to a cross section of apparel makers in various countries to understand their take. Initially hit with a steep 46 per cent tariff on its exports, US subsequently reduced the rate to 20 per cent for most goods. Garment makers in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh believe Vietnam stands to gain, expert from Vietnam offers a different perspective. This follows the expiration of a 90-day tariff suspension window that had previously granted temporary relief to exporters scrambling to adapt to shifting US trade policy under the Trump administration's protectionist framework that emphasises reciprocity. Due to this policy, major apparel manufacturing countries such as Bangladesh, Cambodia, and Sri Lanka now face steep US tariff rates of 35 per cent, 36 per cent, and 35 per cent respectively on their exports. Meanwhile, another key player, India, is engaged in negotiations with the United States in hopes of securing a tariff reduction. It may be mentioned here that as per reports, China, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Cambodia, and India held the largest share of the US apparel import market in 2024. For India though, being a BRICS member could add a separate layer of complexity. Trump had previously proposed an additional 10 per cent tariff on all BRICS nations, following reports that these countries were promoting the use of local currencies for cross-border trade and financial settlements, to reduce dependence on the US dollar. Meanwhile, China —also BRICS founding member —has until August 12 to renew its deal with the US or forge a new agreement to avoid the tariffs reverting to their higher rates. This after US tariffs on Chinese goods soared as high as 145 per cent earlier this year, after which the Trump administration in May reached a deal with Beijing to scale back taxes on each other's exports for at least 90 days. Under the truce, Chinese imports to the US are subject to a blanket duty of 30 per cent in addition to the existing 25 per cent tariffs on specific products bringing the total to 55 per cent, while US exports are subject to a 10 per cent rate. Amidst all these, one country that seems to have gained considerable advantage vis-à-vis most of its competitors is Vietnam. While Vietnam was initially hit with a steep 46 per cent tariff on its exports to the US, the Vietnamese Government moved quickly to engage in talks with the Trump administration and ultimately secured a more favourable deal under which the tariff rate was lowered to 20 per cent for most goods. However, a caveat was added stipulating that any products deemed to be 'transhipped' through Vietnam would be subject to a higher 40 per cent duty, a clause aimed at preventing tariff evasion via indirect routing and ensuring genuine Vietnam products benefit from the revised rates. Garment industry remains one of the key drivers of Vietnam's economic growth and any impact on apparel exports will have repercussions. As per Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association (VITAS), in 2024, Vietnam's textile and apparel exports reached $44 billion, marking an 11 per cent year-on-year increase. Meanwhile, most industry players Fibre2Fashion spoke to across apparel manufacturing and export destinations, felt Vietnam has an edge over most of its competitors. Fazlul Hoque, managing director of Bangladesh based Plummy Fashions Ltd and former president of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) warned Bangladesh will struggle to compete with Vietnam in case the 35 per cent tariff remains unchanged for Bangladesh even as he added Vietnam also holds a larger share in the US market compared to Bangladesh. John De Silva, managing director of Sri Lanka based Jia Moda Private Limited told F2F that the 35 per cent new tariff imposed by US on Sri Lanka is going to pose a massive challenge, which could result in shift of orders to countries like Vietnam thanks to the tariff advantage even as Yohan Lawrence, secretary general of Sri Lanka's Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAFSL) underlined that Vietnam stands to gain in view of the current tariff rates. However, N Thirukumaran, general secretary of the Tiruppur Exporters' Association (TEA), India , felt that given Vietnam's dependence on overseas yarns and fabrics in absence of adequate domestic availability, the overall advantage may not be on the expected lines, especially considering the US' stand on the issue of transhipment. Vietnam sources approximately 70 per cent of its raw materials—such as zippers, cotton yarn, and elastic—from China, as per reports. Meanwhile, speaking to Fibre2Fashion, Greg Fleming, industry veteran and an expert in Vietnam apparel production (operations) and supply chain noted while the country has an edge over Cambodia, the same may not be necessarily the case when compared to Bangladesh. This stems from the fact that the countries concerned—Vietnam and Bangladesh—cater to different product categories in the US market and as such are not in direct competition so to say. Besides, Bangladesh also scores over Vietnam in terms of labour cost, which remains cheaper and affordable than most of its competitors, explained Greg, who is based out of Ho Chi Minh City. Like Thirukumaran, he also expressed concerns on the possible repercussions of US' transhipment clause—especially in view of focus shifting to China owned factories in the country—and how things might take shape in case Vietnamese apparel manufacturers use raw materials from countries like South Korea, with which it has a free trade agreement. Another industry insider pointed out that there's some 'ambiguity' in the transhipment clause while adding the scale of the impact will thus depend. So, while opinions differ on whether the current situation favours Vietnam, the tariff issue highlights a broader concern: the growing instability in supply chains and global trade as apparel exporters around the world continue to grapple with uncertainties. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DR)
Fibre2Fashion
5 days ago
- Business
- Fibre2Fashion
Mosaic opens $84 mn fertiliser plant in Brazil's Matopiba
The Mosaic Company (NYSE:MOS) continues to execute on its strategy to leverage market access and announced that its new blending, storage and distribution plant in Palmeirante, Tocantins, Brazil, will begin operations this month. An inauguration ceremony, hosted by Mosaic Executive Vice President, Commercial Jenny Wang, is being held today with state and local officials. The plant increases blending capacity and expands Mosaic's presence in the fast-growing northern region of Brazil. With a capacity to process 1 million tonnes of fertilizer annually, and approximately 500,000 tonnes in 2025, the Palmeirante facility will be a key contributor to Mosaic's ambitious growth plans in Brazil. Distribution sales are expected to grow from less than 8 million tonnes in 2024 to 13-14 million tonnes by the end of the decade. The $84 million investment in the Palmeirante facility has been completed on time and within budget. The facility is expected to earn a margin of $30-$40 per tonne-generating an anticipated internal rate of return in excess of 20 percent and demonstrating the company's commitment to capital allocation execution and reallocation in pursuit of strong shareholder returns. "The inauguration of our new plant in Palmeirante represents meaningful progress for Mosaic," said Executive Vice President, Commercial Jenny Wang. "Brazil is an agricultural powerhouse, and Mosaic has been a leader in the market for many years. We are providing farmers in the MATOPIBA region with more efficient access to the fertilizers they need and expanding Mosaic's presence in a key growing region." The facility includes significant warehouse capacity, automated blending and bagging systems, and a direct rail connection to the port of Itaqui-reducing logistics costs and providing state-of-the-art quality control technology. Note: The headline, insights, and image of this press release may have been refined by the Fibre2Fashion staff; the rest of the content remains unchanged. Mosaic has opened a new $84 million fertiliser plant in Palmeirante, Brazil, boosting its presence in the growing Matopiba region. With a 1 million-tonne annual capacity and expected 2025 output of 500K tonnes, the facility supports Mosaic's target to grow Brazil distribution to 13â€'14 million tonnes by 2030. It offers automated systems, warehouse space, and rail access to Itaqui port. ALCHEMPro News Desk (HU)
Fibre2Fashion
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Fibre2Fashion
Swedish brand H&M Move launches SoftMove pilates collection for summer
H&M Move unveils its latest Pilates collection featuring clean-lined, feminine sets and accessories. Designed for sculpting and toning practices, it offers gentle support to cultivate strength, resilience, and a radiant glow — however you move. Available globally in selected stores and at from 17 July 2025. The summer of 2025 is all about slow, intentional workouts that promote a profound sense of well-being, leaving you feeling sculpted, toned, and energised. This is reflected in H&M Move's latest Pilates drop: a breath of calm confidence, created for optimal comfort and freedom of movement — on and off the mat — during high summer. 'I love the idea of bringing your studio practice outdoors in the summer. This collection, crafted with refined simplicity, is made with our softest and lightest performance materials so you can stay cool even on the warmest days. We've also included training essentials, such as an insulated water bottle and ankle weights, that are easy to throw in our new mesh bag and go,' says Marie Fredros, Head of Design at H&M Move . H&M Move's latest Pilates collection, launching globally on July 17, 2025, features feminine, sculpted sets in soft, breathable SoftMove fabrics. Designed for comfort and freedom, it includes bras, shorts, flared leggings, and accessories in black, white, clay, and pistachio. Graceful scallop details and versatile pieces support mindful movement in and out of the studio. Graceful curves reminiscent of a scallop shell's edge grace the trims of a SoftMove bra in deep black, perfectly paired with matching hotpants or flared leggings. The scallop-edge design also reappears on a yoga mat, giving the studio staple an artful touch. Another standout piece is the twisted training bra in supple SoftMove fabric, created to make an effortless statement on its own or layer under the new knot top or T-shirt. The collection also introduces versatile sets of SoftMove bras and cycling shorts in a palette of timeless black, clean white, grounding clay, and a vibrant hint of pistachio. These can be seamlessly mixed and matched for a personalised look. The new pistachio hue is also featured on a spaghetti-strap playsuit, combining effortless chic with everyday ease. Note: The headline, insights, and image of this press release may have been refined by the Fibre2Fashion staff; the rest of the content remains unchanged. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RM)
Fibre2Fashion
7 days ago
- Business
- Fibre2Fashion
Industry players optimistic as Trump hints at tariff relief for India
Even as US-India trade talks continue with negotiations intensifying ahead of the August 1 deadline with much at stake as the clock ticks, US President Donald Trump on Tuesday stated that India is working on a trade deal along the same lines as the one he announced with Indonesia recently. 'India basically is working along that same line,' Trump maintained speaking to the reporters in Washington on Tuesday, hinting at the possibility that India could be offered similar trade terms as Indonesia. As per Donald Trump, Indonesia will face a 19 per cent tariff on imports into the US as part of new deal with Jakarta, but no tariff on exports from the US to Indonesia. President Donald Trump hinted at a potential USâ€'India trade deal similar to the recent Indonesia agreement, which imposes a 19 per cent tariff on exports to the US but grants duty-free access for US goods. Indian apparel exporters are optimistic, viewing this as a chance to boost competitiveness in the US market. Industry leaders believe the move could unlock significant trade growth. And as news of this announcement spreads through industry circles it brings into focus what such a deal could mean for India's major export sectors, especially the apparel industry, which counts the United States as its crucial garment export destination. 'President Trump hinting at a potential India–US trade deal modelled on the recent Indonesia agreement (where exports face a 19 per cent tariff), Indian exporters may finally find a more level playing field in the lucrative US apparel market,' underlined Kishan Daga, founder anchor of consulting service provider Concepts N Strategies, speaking to Fibre2Fashion , who also added that a tariff reduction to under 20 per cent could open 'more doors' for Indian exporters, particularly in athleisure and MMF-heavy segments where India is ramping up production. Such a shift would also support India's vision to become a reliable global supplier in technical textiles and functional apparel, claimed Daga even as Sabhari Girish, chief sustainability officer at Sulochana Cotton Spinning Mills (Tiruppur) on his part stated: 'It is undoubtedly a very positive development if we have to pay 19 per cent tariff as is the case with Indonesia; and it also implies how hard we negotiated on tariffs to maintain our competitiveness.' Girish also noted that assuming India also have to pay 19 per cent tariff, the real challenge for the industry would be in seizing the opportunity even as he urged exporters to expand their production capacities and boost manpower in order to make the most of this situation. Meanwhile, N Thirukkumaran, chairman of Tiruppur based Ess Tee Exports India Pvt Ltd , said, ' India will definitely have a competitive advantage compared to many of its rivals. However, this will come with a caveat—the new tariff would be in addition to the existing duties Indian apparel exporters already pay on shipments to the US, which could somewhat diminish the overall benefit, even if the new tariff rate is set at 19 per cent.' He, however, remained cautiously optimistic, noting that India might negotiate hard to bring the tariff down from 19 per cent in the interim deal—a move that, if successful, could be a game-changer for the industry. It may be mentioned here that with discussions focusing on expanding market access and negotiating tariff reductions on goods estimated to constitute between $150 billion and $200 billion in bilateral trade, it is clear that both nations see the potential to unlock even greater economic value, a sentiment that is echoed in several recent media reports suggesting that India and the US aim to boost bilateral trade volumes to $500 billion by 2030, a figure that would mark a substantial leap and a transformative moment in their strategic and economic partnership. But this optimistic projection hinges on the successful completion of an equitable and mutually beneficial trade agreement. Even as the discussions with the US continue, aiming to finalise a comprehensive trade deal, all eyes are now on the so called 'mini trade deal', which is on the verge of being formalised, and is seen as a precursor or stepping stone to a more robust and all-encompassing arrangement. The origins of this mini trade deal date back to when Trump first announced his intention to impose additional tariffs on a number of countries with which the US has a trade deficit, a list that prominently included India due to its substantial export surplus vis-à-vis the US, with India exporting roughly $77 billion worth of goods to the United States annually while importing only around $42 billion, thus maintaining a trade surplus that has long been a point of contention for the Trump administration, which has repeatedly demanded more equitable terms of trade and better access for US goods and services in the Indian market. If one may recall, in February, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Trump had announced during Modi's two-day visit to the United States that the 'first tranche' of a larger bilateral trade agreement would be announced by fall 2025, raising hopes in both capitals that years of stalled talks, misunderstandings, and tariff disputes would finally begin to yield concrete results. However, the impetus for a more accelerated approach to the deal grew stronger after the US administration decided to impose or consider tariffs on nearly every major trading partner around the world in a bid to shrink America's longstanding trade deficit, a goal Trump has pursued with singular focus since his election as the US President. New Delhi has in the past demurred from signing any agreement that could have potentially adverse implications for its sensitive agricultural and dairy sectors, both of which are politically sensitive and socially vital for India. That said, as we now wait for formal signing and announcement of the deal, which would define the tariff India will pay on its exports to the US, the sentiment within the Indian apparel industry remains notably upbeat, in anticipation of 19 per cent tariff, which is expected give an edge to Indian apparel exporters to the crucial US market. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DR)
