Ukraine's textile, apparel, leather, and footwear sectors continue to play a vital role in the national economy, showcasing innovation, adaptability, and international competitiveness. Despite ongoing challenges, these industries demonstrate strong market potential, attract global partnerships, and highlight Ukraine's rich cultural heritage in craftsmanship and design.

Ukraine’s Apparel and footwear faced numerous challenges in 2023-2025, yet continues to demonstrate development potential. The number of active enterprises in the sector has been steadily rising: from 13,085 in 2022 to 15,224 in 2024, reaching 17,708 in 2025. In 2025, overall output in the sector increased by 0.6%. Production of leather, leather goods, and related materials grew by 5.3%, while clothing manufacturing recorded a 0.2% increase.

Demand for workwear, military uniforms, footwear, equipment, and other supplies for the Armed Forces of Ukraine has been a key factor supporting industry performance.

Exports of apparel and footwear products are also on an upward trajectory. In 2025, exports of textiles, textile products, and footwear amounted to $808 million (2% of total merchandise exports), representing an 8% increase compared to 2024. Among the top three segments are women’s suits (+$11,10 million), knitted T-shirts (+$10,55 million), and other made-up textile articles (+$9,77 million). This underscores the integration of Ukrainian suppliers into contract manufacturing and their collaboration with European brands.

Ukraine's leather and footwear sector includes 339 companies. Over 30% of Ukrainian footwear manufacturers produce for renowned global brands, solidifying the country’s reputation as a reliable and high-quality production hub. In 2025, Ukraine’s footwear market is adapting to wartime conditions through the transformation of retail channels and the growing share of online sales. The market is characterized by intense competition, steady demand for high-quality domestically produced footwear, and increasing popularity of unisex models, eco-friendly materials, and functional comfort. Key trends include the expansion of local production and the ongoing digitalization of brands.

The wedding dress industry is one of Ukraine’s most unique sectors. It is underpinned by over 70 years of experience from Ukrainian craftswomen, which began with bespoke tailoring and has now grown into a manufacturing sector employing hundreds of people and featuring countless distinctive brands showcased in the world’s finest bridal boutiques.

Today, Ukrainian wedding brands have not only completely taken over the Ukrainian market, but are also setting the tone for the global industry and changing its rules of the game. Almost all the world’s top bridal boutiques – in New York, Shanghai, Milan and Barcelona – stock Ukrainian brands. The industry is entirely export-oriented, with around 98% of its output going abroad.

The 2025 White Wedding Platform show in Turin brought together 32 leading Ukrainian brands. These included: Yedyna, Liretta, Pollardi, Ida Torez, Lanesta, Armonia, Dominiss, Innocentia and Ricca Sposa. Their collections are the result of many years’ experience of Ukrainian craftswomen, who have been creating wedding gowns for brides from all over the world for decades.

Ukrainian fashion designers today are receiving well-deserved recognition internationally with coverage from the leading professional media to sales all around the world. Ukrainian designers have showcased their work on international platforms, including Paris Fashion Week, where brands like Litkovska, Anna October, Ruslan Baginskiy, Bevza, and Bobkova presented collections emphasizing heritage and resilience. This international presence amplifies Ukraine's cultural influence and highlights the global appeal of its fashion industry. Well-known brands like Zara, Hugo Boss, Laura Ashley, Decathlon, Triumph, New Look, Lener Cordier and others are already cooperating with Ukrainian manufacturers.

After four International Seasons that took place on the runways of international partners Ukrainian Fashion Week is back in Kyiv in 2024. During Ukrainian Fashion Week (UFW) FW26-27, eleven Ukrainian brands presented their collections in a Trade Show format. The event became a key platform for Ukrainian designers, showcasing cultural resilience and identity. The program featured runway shows, theatrical performances, and presentations in historic venues, with a strong focus on global fashion rooted in Ukraine.

Ukrainian Fashion Week SS27 focuses primarily on craft practices, artisanal traditions and their contemporary reinterpretation in Ukrainian fashion. Fifty Ukrainian fashion brands presented their collections through shows, presentations and exhibitions. The lineup includes the COAT by Katya Silchenko, FROLOV, GASANOVA, GUNIA Project, J’AMEMME, JULIYA KROS, KATERINA KVIT, KHRYSTYNA RACHYTSKA, NADYA DZYAK, PASKAL, POUSTOVIT, PRZHONSKA, SANTA, SIDLETSKIY, SYNDICATE, TONiA, VIKTORANISIMOV, among others.

Despite economic and geopolitical challenges, Ukraine’s textile, apparel, leather, and footwear industries remain resilient, fueled by innovation, skilled labor, and strong international demand. These sectors are expected to continue evolving, further enhancing Ukraine’s position in the global fashion and manufacturing landscape.

Stakeholders

Ukrlegprom – Ukrainian Association of enterprises of textile & leather industry plays a pivotal role in the development and international integration of Ukraine's textile and leather sectors. Established in 2000, the association unites over 250 leading enterprises, collectively accounting for more than 60% of the country's light industry production.

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