5. Fashion is the leading category in the dropshipping market.
Among the five main categories—Fashion, Electronics and Media, Toys, Hobbies, and DIY, Furniture and Appliances, and Food and Personal Care—fashion claimed the largest dropshipping market share, according to a comprehensive analysis by Grand View Research in 2022.
What’s more, the fashion sector is predicted to grow and achieve a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 24.8% by 2030.
Source: Grand View Research
The dropshipping model allows brands to offer a wide range of fashion items without holding inventory. Working together with dropshipping suppliers that can send products all over the world makes shipping and handling a lot easier, reducing logistical challenges.
Additionally, clothing items are easy to dropship and customize. When partnering with a print-on-demand supplier, fashion brands can sell personalized items and offer added value even amidst fierce competition.
6. Online shoppers in the US are spending $220 per purchase—the highest average order value (AOV) in the fashion ecommerce market.
This statistic highlights a key trend in consumer spending behavior, indicating that American consumers are comfortable with online shopping. That’s likely bolstered by secure online payment methods, effective customer service, and shopping experiences that make higher-value purchases more appealing. For example, Black Friday deals or flash sales are known to increase consumer spending per order.
The high AOV also highlights the importance of curating a premium product selection. More and more people are willing to invest in higher-priced fashion items and luxury goods online. For online retailers, there’s potential for growth in the luxury and premium sectors.
Consumer behavior and preferences
Today’s fashion consumers are looking for experiences, personalization, and convenience. They’re increasingly environmentally conscious, favoring sustainable and ethical brands. Social media has also significantly influenced purchasing habits, with influencers playing a key role in decision-making processes.
To better understand shifting consumer behaviors, let’s look at the key statistics showing what shoppers look for when buying online.
The growing preference for casual and athletic wear reflects a broader lifestyle shift toward comfort and functionality. The rise of remote work, accelerated by the pandemic, has led to a reassessment of daily attire, with many shoppers prioritizing comfort.
The increased focus on health and well-being has also played a crucial role in shaping consumer preferences toward athletic wear. The athleisure trend, which blurs the lines between workout gear and everyday wear, has become firmly entrenched in the fashion vocabulary. So, it’s not surprising that consumers are increasingly shopping for apparel that supports an active lifestyle.
Britain is set to become the first country in Europe where the majority of clothing is purchased through online platforms. A country with major fashion retail players like ASOS, Boohoo, and Next, the UK has now reached a tipping point where most consumers are comfortable shopping for fashion online.
Looking ahead, the growth of ecommerce and online fashion retail in the UK signals a potential blueprint for other European brands to boost their online sales.
9. Women make up the majority of fashion ecommerce buyers and are most likely to fall within the 26 to 35-year-old age range.
Statista reports that at least 82% of shoppers worldwide between 26 and 35 years old had purchased a fashion item online in the previous 12 months. This age group is typically characterized by shoppers who are in the early to mid-stages of their careers, likely experiencing stability in their income and starting families. These factors contribute to increased spending, with fashion playing a key part.
Women in this age group highly value the convenience of online shopping, from the ease of browsing and purchasing to the home delivery of products. To attract these consumers, brands need to adopt a multi-channel online presence and actively engage on social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest.
10. 60% of women worldwide report making their clothing purchases online on impulse.
The statistic underscores how ecommerce stores effectively use online marketing strategies to drive sales. Engaging content, targeted advertisements, and time-limited offers are likely contributing to spontaneous purchases. These tactics, coupled with the instant gratification offered by online shopping, create a conducive environment for impulse buying.
That also reflects the psychological aspects of shopping, particularly in the fashion category. The thrill of finding something new, the excitement of a good deal, or even the desire for a mood lift can trigger impulse purchases. Fashion ecommerce platforms, with their vast selection and constantly updated inventory, tap into these emotional drivers effectively.
Finally, this behavior also points to the challenges of overconsumption. While impulse buying can lead to a short-term dopamine hit, it may also result in buyer’s remorse or even financial strain.
11. In Europe, the fashion items that are most often returned are dresses, skirts, and backless slippers.
The high return rates point to a combination of issues with fitting, differences between how items are perceived online versus their actual appearance, and quick changes in fashion trends.
One way that fashion retailers could address this is by having more accurate sizing guides, adding realistic product imagery, and being open to customer feedback. In addition, sharing styling tips and customer photos shows potential buyers different ways to wear or accessorize an item and even how to mix and match their purchases.
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