SWOT Textile industry

Strengths
Include as strengths any formulas or policies your company uses that give it an edge in name recognition, brand positioning and bottom-line revenue. For example, many designers have two avenues of distribution, a couture line and a ready-to-wear, off-the-rack line more accessible to buyers with average incomes. This is a strength because it allows the designer's name to reach a larger audience of potential customers and the brand to make more sales. For example, Giorgio Armani includes high-priced couture and a ready-to-wear line available through Armani Exchange; Issac Mizrahi designs both couture and a ready-to-wear line sold exclusively through retailer Target.
Weaknesses
Consider as weaknesses any unusual or unnecessary costs, unknown designers or lack of presence in a particular region. Consider also everything used to define strengths. A lack of any of the strengths is considered a weakness within SWOT analysis.
Opportunities
Look at the politics of each region, both in itself and in relation to the U.S., to identify opportunities. Watch for the repeal of trade embargoes, a new or newly accessible source of raw materials such as fabric or thread or a newly green source of raw materials like sustainable natural fabric fiber. For example, for years, China was inaccessible as a source of labor, supply or export sales due to inter-governmental tension and its fundamental attitude toward commerce. However, recently China has loosened commercial restrictions and has become a more open source for labor, materials and import/export commercial transactions. Technological advancements in machinery are also opportunities when the technology makes production or distribution faster or increases its scale, such as machines that cut more garment pieces at a time.
Threats
Politics and economies are primary sources of threats to a brand in the fashion industry. Trade embargoes, political unrest in an area of raw material supply and economic downturns that lead to restricted consumer spending are all threats to the accessibility of raw materials, brand exposure and name recognition, distribution and consumer purchasing.
Comparison and Planning
Compare your brand its competitors. What strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats are the same? Which are unique to a competitor or to you? Make changes to capitalize on your strengths and turn both your competitors' strengths and weaknesses into your strengths. Capitalize on your existing opportunities. Find ways to turn threats into opportunities. Hire a lobbyist, negotiate with politicians yourself or farm your own natural raw materials supply. Consider working with competitors to circumvent a threat if the threat is too big to eliminate on your own.