Couture and ready-to-wear (RWT) fashion

Most of the apparel and accessories produced, marketed, and sold worldwide are called ready-to-wear (RTW). As the term implies, the merchandise is completely made and ready to be worn (except for finishing details, such as pants hemming in tailored clothing) at the time it is purchased.

In the United Kingdom, this merchandise is called off-the-peg, in France, it is called prêt-à-porter, and in Italy, it is called moda pronto. The RTW fashion industry is comprised of businesses that design, produce, and market fashion merchandise, most of which are branded. This merchandise is typically made using standardized sizing and mass-manufacturing processes that require little or no hand sewing.

RTW is distinguished from haute couture (or couture), which refers to fashion products presented in twice-a-year shows in Paris and other cities.

Couture garments/products are produced in small quantities, sized in Paris and other cities. Couture garments/products are produced in small quantities, sized to fit individual clients’ bodies, made of high-quality fabrics, and use considerable hand-sewing techniques.

In the next step, we will provide further insight into the RTW industry, including discussing why RTW is labor intensive.