Top markets to expand your business of modest wear in Pakistan

For entrepreneurs keen on expanding their business globally, understanding the dynamics of the modest clothing market and identifying key international destinations are paramount.

Understanding the global modest fashion market

The global modest fashion market is experiencing significant expansion, with projections indicating a substantial increase from US$300.5 billion in 2025 to an estimated US$508.6 billion by 2033¹. This rapid growth translates to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8%².

A part of its growth is thanks to the increasing emphasis on cultural diversity and inclusivity within the fashion industry. As global societal norms continue to evolve, there's a clear rise in demand for apparel that respects and caters to varied cultural backgrounds and preferences. Furthermore, fashion innovation and adaptation serve as another crucial driver shaping this market. Designers and brands are actively embracing creativity, offering modern, stylish, and trend-forward modest clothing options that appeal to a broader consumer base.

This significant growth underscores the vast potential for brands specializing in modest fashion in Pakistan to achieve remarkable success on the international stage. As more mainstream fashion houses introduce dedicated modest lines, the market continues to gain mainstream appeal, opening further avenues for online retailers and designers.

Top international markets for modest wear expansion

For Pakistani modest fashion businesses, a strategic approach to expanding to international markets involves identifying regions with high demand and favorable market conditions. Here are some of the top international markets poised for modest wear expansion:

1. Iran

Iran stands as a dominant force in the global modest fashion market, with its Islamic apparel business valued at US$57 billion in 2022, making it the largest market globally at that time³. Furthermore, despite ongoing economic challenges, Iran is experiencing a significant surge in demand for modest fashion, with its apparel market projected to reach approximately US$4.45 billion by 2025⁴.

This presents substantial opportunities for Pakistani brands to introduce their unique designs and craftsmanship. Pakistani designers can leverage their cultural proximity and design sensibilities to cater to this significant and evolving consumer base, establishing a strong foothold in a resilient and increasingly fashion-forward market.

2. Indonesia

Indonesia has emerged as a powerhouse in the modest clothing market, consistently ranking among the top global players. As the world's most populous Muslim-majority country, being home to roughly 242 million Muslims⁵, the country's Muslim fashion consumption stands at an impressive US$20 billion, demonstrating an average annual growth rate of 18.2%⁶.

This strong local demand underscores the significant purchasing power and consistent demand within this dynamic market. As such, tapping into Indonesia can also serve as a gateway for further regional expansion in Southeast Asia.

3. Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia's fashion industry is undergoing a rapid transformation, strongly supported by the Kingdom's ambitious Vision 2030 initiatives. This strategic roadmap aims to diversify the economy and foster growth in non-oil sectors, including the fashion industry.

The Saudi fashion market was valued at US$4.25 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$5.70 billion by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.07%⁷. This expansion is largely fueled by a young, fashion-conscious population with increasing disposable incomes. Moreover, the cultural shifts within Saudi Arabia, coupled with a growing openness to modern fashion interpretations that still adhere to Islamic principles, make it a highly promising market for modest fashion business expansion. Designers creating stylish yet conservative pieces, including contemporary abayas and layered ensembles, will find a receptive audience here.

4. Turkey

Turkey holds a significant position as one of the largest markets for modest fashion, valued at just under US$37 billion in 2022⁸. And a sizable Muslim population and a strong cultural inclination towards modesty in fashion primarily drive this demand. In addition, the Turkish apparel market is worth US$18.27 billion in 2025⁹, with women's apparel consistently accounting for a substantial portion of this revenue, which has a market volume of US$9.75 billion¹⁰.

The increasing consumer preference for modest attire, coupled with the country's rich cultural heritage, presents a fertile ground for introducing new modest wear brands. Also, collaborations with local designers and active participation in events like Modest Fashion Week can significantly enhance both brand visibility and credibility.

5. United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The UAE is a vibrant and highly diverse apparel market, projected to generate substantial revenue of US$10.88 billion by 2025¹¹. This market is forecast to experience consistent annual growth, with a CAGR of 3.16% from 2025 to 2029¹². Within this thriving sector, women's apparel stands out as the largest segment, anticipated to achieve a market volume of US$5.47 billion in the same year¹³.

Beyond these impressive figures, the UAE is known for its fashion-forward consumers and a significant demand for modest clothing. While rooted in tradition, the UAE's modest fashion scene is also a melting pot of trends, with consumers seeking high-quality, elegant, and modern modest attire that reflects their individual style.

Furthermore, UAE-based designers are at the forefront of blending elegance with cultural identity, and events like Dubai Modest Fashion Week provide prominent platforms for showcasing new collections. The diverse population, comprising both local Emirati women and expatriates from various regions, creates a broad consumer base for Pakistani modest clothing business ventures.

Your path to international modest fashion expansion

The global modest fashion market offers immense potential for Pakistani businesses looking to expand their reach and diversify their revenue streams. From Iran's established leadership to the dynamic landscapes of Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the UAE, each market presents distinct opportunities for modest wear brands in Pakistan. By strategically exploring these international markets, businesses can tap into a growing consumer base that values both modesty and style.

Expanding business globally requires not only a keen understanding of target markets but also an international expansion strategy that includes seamless logistics.

Launch your modest fashion business onto the international stage. DHL Express offers international logistics services that simplify the complexities of cross-border deliveries and support your business every step of the way. With our extensive worldwide network, we assist in navigating customs procedures, offer comprehensive tracking services for real-time visibility, and ensure the timely delivery of your modest clothing collections overseas.

Open a business account today to explore personalized logistics solutions and confidently expand your brand to new international horizons.