JAGARAN CHAKMA

Once an overlooked corner of the accessories market, caps are now a growing contributor to Bangladesh’s export portfolio, reflecting both shifting global trends and the country’s ability to adapt and scale.

According to data from the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), Bangladesh exported $89.98 million worth of headgear in the first quarter of FY 2024-25.

This was a 12 percent year-on-year increase from the same period last fiscal year.

The goods fetched $364.46 million last fiscal year.

The figures reflect the increasing importance of non-traditional exports like caps and headwear in Bangladesh’s broader apparel diversification efforts, said exporters.

Industry insiders attribute this remarkable rise to a shift in global sourcing patterns, with international buyers increasingly moving away from traditional suppliers such as China and Korea, many of whose factories are scaling down or shutting operations.

“Earlier, global buyers didn’t know that Bangladesh had the capability to manufacture such high-quality headwear,” said Md Mahbubur Rahman Masum, managing director of Jalal Hats & Apparels Ltd.

“Now they’re discovering us,” he said.

Founded with a vision to deliver premium-quality, globally competitive headwear, Jalal Hats & Apparels Ltd has emerged as a premier manufacturer, producing a range of stylish, durable, and customizable caps for international brands, retailers, and wholesalers.

“Currently, we export to countries like Italy, Denmark, Germany, France, the UAE, and the USA,” Masum shared.

“The growth is happening fast—even if the export volume is still smaller than garments, the rate of expansion is impressive,” he said.

Masum believes the sector holds strong potential and could play a role in Bangladesh’s export diversification strategy.

However, he said, greater policy support—particularly in the form of higher cash incentives and easier access to bonded warehouse facilities—could accelerate the industry’s development.

“Caps currently fall under the RMG incentive structure, but the percentage is not uniform. We believe caps deserve a higher incentive rate as this is a newer, promising export sector,” he added.

“We often talk about garments, but the cap industry deserves its spotlight too. It’s time to recognise this growing segment,” said Masum.

Jessi Yiu, deputy managing director of Actor Sporting Ltd, sees a transformative future for Bangladesh’s cap and headwear industry, as shifting global consumption patterns and sustainable practices reshape how fashion is made—and where.

Operating out of the Dhaka Export Processing Zone since 1995, Actor Sporting Ltd is a wholly export-oriented manufacturer catering primarily to clients in the US and EU.

But as the global fashion industry evolves, so too do expectations from buyers.

“We’ve observed a clear shift in our customers’ buying practices—from mass production to smaller, more tailored orders,” said Yiu.

“This reflects the rise of ethical fashion, where consumers value style alongside environmental and social responsibility,” she said.

The shift aligns with global trends in athleisure and streetwear, which require fast adaptation to changing styles, shorter production cycles, and reduced inventory risk, she said.

“Tools like 3D design and automated sewing machinery allow us to reduce fabric waste and shorten lead times,” Yiu explained.

“This makes our products more