French Ready-to-Wear Sector Grapples with Bankruptcies Amidst Fast Fashion and Second-Hand Surge in 2025

French Fashion Sector Under Pressure

The French ready-to-wear sector experienced a challenging year in 2025, with numerous brands facing bankruptcies, court-supervised restructurings (redressements judiciaires), and liquidations. This downturn is largely driven by the escalating competition from fast fashion and the burgeoning second-hand market, alongside other factors such as the difficult transition to online sales, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, and persistent inflation.

According to a parliamentary report, nearly 1,500 clothing stores closed in France in 2024. The textile industry's workforce has seen a dramatic reduction, shrinking from 400,000 employees in the 1970s to approximately 60,000 today, not including the 70,000 store employees reported at the end of 2023.

Major Brands Affected by Economic Headwinds

Several well-known French fashion brands have been significantly impacted throughout 2025:

• IKKS: The group found a buyer but saw its workforce cut by half, resulting in the loss of approximately 500 jobs.
• Jott (Just Over The Top): The Marseille-based brand was placed under court-supervised restructuring in December 2025.
• Anne Fontaine: Had its safeguard plan validated.
• Naf Naf: Entered court-supervised restructuring in May 2025, with a subsequent partial acquisition by Groupe Beaumanoir leading to significant job reductions and store closures.
• Jennyfer: The brand was officially placed in judicial liquidation on April 30, 2025, ceasing operations on May 28, 2025.

Other brands cited as facing difficulties or having disappeared include Camaïeu, Kookaï, André, San Marina, Minelli, Comptoir des Cotonniers, Princesse Tam Tam, and Kaporal.

The Dual Pressure of Fast Fashion and Second-Hand Market

The rise of fast fashion, particularly ultra-fast fashion platforms like Shein and Temu, presents a formidable challenge. These platforms introduce thousands of new products daily at highly competitive prices, fostering a culture of overconsumption. Data indicates that one in five garments purchased online now originates from ultra-fast fashion. In response to the environmental and economic impact, France has proposed legislation to regulate fast fashion, including potential advertising bans and penalties on low-cost clothing, recognizing its status as an 'ecological disaster'.

Simultaneously, the second-hand market has seen explosive growth. Over 80% of French consumers are active in this market, driven by economic considerations and a growing ecological awareness. France leads the European second-hand fashion market, generating €4.1 billion in 2024, with projections to reach €6.3 billion by 2030. Platforms like Vinted have become dominant, surpassing even fast fashion giants in terms of textile e-commerce in France.

Outlook and Industry Adaptation

Despite the current difficulties, experts suggest that a potential rebound for the French ready-to-wear sector could come from brands refocusing on their core identity, fostering innovation, and moving towards more premium offerings. The annual 'State of Fashion BOF-McKinsey' report highlights strategic avenues such as the adoption of artificial intelligence, diversification of production locations, and the integration of second-hand offerings into business models. Some traditional brands are already adapting by launching their own second-hand platforms.

While the first half of 2025 showed a modest 1.3% increase in activity for clothing brands, particularly in women's textiles and the general public segment, supported by favorable weather and reduced inflation, June 2025 still recorded a 1.5% decrease in sales. The industry continues to navigate a complex landscape, seeking sustainable strategies to thrive amidst evolving consumer habits and intense market pressures.