The number is striking, and it puts fresh attention on how something as ordinary as clothing can quietly strain global water supplies at a time when droughts and climate pressures are rising worldwide.

The figure aligns with research from the Water Footprint Network , which estimates that cotton is among the most water-intensive crops on the planet. Their global calculations show that cotton farming can demand anywhere between 7,000 and 29,000 litres of water per kilogram, depending on the region.

Why cotton uses so much water

Cotton grows mainly in hot, dry regions, where water is most scarce, which forces farmers to rely heavily on irrigation. Over time, this has drained rivers, damaged soils, and contributed to ecological disasters.

WaterAid, a charity focused on global water access, notes that water-intensive farming practices often compete directly with people’s basic needs. In communities where clean water is already limited, growing cotton can worsen shortages for households.

This issue is not limited to one region. The Guardian has reported widely on how cotton farming contributed to the near-collapse of the Aral Sea, once the world’s fourth-largest inland lake. Massive cotton irrigation projects in Central Asia diverted the rivers that fed the sea, causing it to shrink dramatically and leaving behind health crises, dust storms, and economic collapse.

Today, similar pressures are appearing in India, Pakistan, China, and parts of Africa — all major cotton producers. These regions face rising temperatures and unpredictable rainfall linked to global climate change, making cotton even thirstier and more difficult to sustain.

This conversation comes as major fashion brands face growing pressure to reduce their environmental impact . Several companies are rethinking their supply chains after new 2024–2025 regulations in Europe and the U.S. began demanding clearer reporting on water usage and climate risk.

Meanwhile, the ongoing droughts affecting North Africa , the American Southwest, and southern Europe have sparked new questions about which crops should be prioritised in a warming world. Cotton, with its high water footprint, is increasingly part of that debate.

That’s how much it takes to grow the cotton, process it, and make just one T-shirt. To put that in perspective, that’s roughly the amount of water a person drinks in about two and a half years.

From the moment cotton is planted, it requires regular irrigation, especially in regions with hot, dry climates. After harvesting, water is also used for cleaning, dyeing, and finishing fabrics.

The World Bank reports that fresh water is under growing stress worldwide, with demand expected to exceed supply by 40% as early as 2030.

The Bank’s overview emphasises that water “sustains people, powers economies and jobs, grows food, and supports ecosystems,” yet this vital resource is pushed to its limits.

In countries where cotton is widely grown, such as India, Pakistan, and parts of Africa, this water demand often conflicts with local communities' needs. Over-extraction can deplete rivers and aquifers, worsening droughts and threatening livelihoods.

As fast fashion increases global demand for cheap clothing, water use continues to climb. This makes the industry one of the world's biggest consumers of water worldwide, and one of the key areas where sustainable change could have a real impact.

Fashion designer Aisha Thaddeus also told Viory that her style blends traditional fabrics like Aso-Oke and Ankara into wearable, globally appealing designs. “We bring something radiant,” she said, explaining her mix of Nigerian textures. 

Actor Kiki Festus praised Nigeria's innovative spirit, saying, “We're putting our country on the map.” Tech expert Joshua Peresi echoed the sentiment, calling Lagos “a hub for creativity.”

A recent analysis by Trend Economy reveals that India is responsible for an extraordinary 94% of all human hair exports worldwide, a figure that places the country miles ahead of any competitor.

Human hair is far more than a niche commodity. It fuels a multibillion-dollar global industry that spans fashion, beauty, and healthcare. From wigs and extensions used in the entertainment world to hairpieces for patients coping with cancer or alopecia, demand continues to soar across North America , Europe, Africa, and Asia.

India’s dominance stems largely from temple donations in the country’s south, where millions of devotees shave their heads as part of religious rituals. The collected hair, known for its natural texture and length, is carefully sorted, treated, and exported.

The scale of this trade is huge. According to WTEx data, India exported human hair worth over $340 million between 2022 and 2023, with the United States and China emerging as the largest buyers.

Much of this hair is processed in China, where it is transformed into wigs and extensions before being re-exported at a higher value. Meanwhile, African markets, particularly Nigeria and South Africa , have become increasingly important destinations as demand for hair extensions grows rapidly.

This thriving industry also reflects wider global trade dynamics. As beauty and personal care markets expand worldwide, India’s role as a raw material supplier strengthens, mirroring its growing clout in agricultural and commodity exports.

At the same time, challenges persist. Ethical concerns over hair sourcing remain under scrutiny, while synthetic hair—cheaper and increasingly realistic—poses a competitive threat. Rising global inflation and shipping costs also put pressure on exporters, potentially squeezing margins in the years ahead.

Despite these hurdles, India’s extraordinary 94% market share illustrates how cultural traditions, economic opportunity, and global demand can intersect to create a powerful export story. With the beauty and fashion sectors projected to expand significantly over the next decade, the country’s hold on the human hair market looks set to continue.

The event was part of her first official tour since taking office.

While some saw her outfit as modern and relatable, others criticised it as too casual for a public official. Photos shared online quickly triggered mixed reactions, with some educators and social media users saying the outfit was not suitable for a minister.

In response, Ms Narumon defended her decision, saying the event was informal and held over the weekend.

“It wasn’t a formal event. I wanted to create an easygoing atmosphere where I could engage directly with teachers and students,” she was quoted by local media .

She added that local officials chose to wear formal clothing on their own and that she had not set any dress code.

The minister said casual outfits should be acceptable on weekends and public holidays, and called for the public to focus on education rather than clothing.

Deputy government spokesman Anukul Pruksanusak also stepped in to defend her, saying Ms Narumon dressed in a way that matched the setting and encouraged a friendly environment.

“She has always dressed appropriately for the occasion. Let’s focus on her work,” he said.

Scoring an impressive 97.94 out of 100, France edged out global style powerhouses like Italy, the United States, and the United Kingdom to secure the top spot.

The annual ranking, based on expert reviews, consumer fashion preferences, global influence, and cultural impact, reaffirms the enduring reputation of countries that have shaped the modern fashion landscape.

Top 10 most fashionable countries

France's top ranking comes as no surprise. Paris, often referred to as the “fashion capital of the world ,” is home to elite fashion houses like Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton, and Givenchy.

From Paris Fashion Week to the influence of streetwear chic in Le Marais, France's dominance in luxury and ready-to-wear fashion remains unshaken.

According to the magazine , France scored highest in cultural influence, designer reputation, innovation and global appeal, fashion education and modelling institutions.

Close behind France is Italy, with a score of 97.67, bolstered by iconic labels like Gucci, Prada, and Versace. Milan continues to be a top destination for buyers and influencers alike.

The United States ranks third, with 97.46, thanks to New York's influence, thriving streetwear culture, and rising labels that define Gen-Z and millennial style. With global celebrities often setting fashion trends, American style mixes luxury, diversity, and accessibility.

Italy’s northern regions, particularly Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, Veneto, and Piedmont, house the country’s most iconic and lucrative brands across fashion, automotive, design, and food.

On the contrary, the south, while not without its gems, plays a significantly smaller role in brand valuation and global recognition.

According to a 2 024 report by Brand Finance , Ferrari consistently ranks among the world’s most powerful brands in terms of brand strength index (BSI), scoring 90+ points on a 100-point scale. Gucci, meanwhile, ranks as one of the top 10 global fashion brands with an estimated brand value exceeding $18 billion.

The World Bank and OECD have repeatedly documented the economic disparity between northern and southern Italy, often noting that the north contributes over 70% of Italy’s industrial output.

These disparities are reflected in brand distribution and valuation — the north’s infrastructure , export readiness, and investment climate far outperform the Mezzogiorno (southern Italy).

The titans of the North

Emilia-Romagna & Lombardy: Luxury and engineering giants

Veneto & Friuli Venezia Giulia: Design and consumer staples

Southern strengths: Food and shipping make a mark

While less brand-saturated, the south and islands feature notable exceptions:

Burkinis, made up of two words, “burka” (a full-body Islamic covering) and “bikini”, are full-body swimsuits that allow Muslim women to bathe while respecting the principles of modesty.

It typically includes long sleeves, full-length pants, and a head covering, whereas bikinis, on the other hand, are western-styled fashion two-piece clothes that typically cover only the breasts, groin, and buttocks and leave other body parts, including the stomach, back, shoulders, arms, and legs exposed.

The swim dress code is the first set of national dress guidelines released by the authorities since President Bashar al-Assad was removed from power in December.

According to the statement , the new rules are designed to respect public decency and reflect what officials describe as the feelings of different groups in society.

According to the order, women’s swimwear must cover more of the body, citing the burkini as an example.

Also, under these new guidelines, women are expected to wear loose clothing outside swimming areas, while men must avoid being bare-chested in public spaces such as hotel lobbies or restaurants.

The new policy further urges people to avoid wearing very tight or see-through clothing in public areas around beaches and pools.

However, an exception has been made for private clubs, hotels rated four stars or higher, and luxury resorts.

In those settings, Western-style swimwear is still allowed but must stay within what officials call the limits of public taste and morality.

This is the first time Syria’s new leadership has issued official rules about how people should dress in public.

Since Islamist-led rebels took power, posters have appeared in some areas asking women to dress modestly, but there had been no formal national policy until now.

A temporary constitution passed earlier this year increased the influence of Islamic law in the country, although leaders have avoided giving clear answers about how far that influence will go.

The tourism ministry’s announcement also included general beach safety advice, such as avoiding strong sun and watching out for jellyfish, but the focus of the rules has been on public behaviour and clothing.

According to the 2024 Fashion Transparency Index , published by Fashion Revolution, major fashion companies are being held accountable for how openly they disclose their policies, practices, and supply chain details.

What Is the Fashion Transparency Index?

The Fashion Transparency Index ranks global fashion brands based on how much they disclose about their supply chains, environmental practices, labour rights policies , and sourcing locations. The aim? To push brands toward greater accountability and empower consumers with the information they need to shop responsibly.

Most Transparent Fashion Companies in 2024 (by Transparency Score)

Key insights from the 2024 Global Fashion Transparency Index

For two years, she stayed in bed and struggled with her mental health , but with the help of a close friend, she slowly returned to daily life and started working again.

The two women opened a small quilt-making business in Changsha, a city in Hunan province, where Tang designs most of the quilts and also sews them herself.

Having faced a major challenge, the unavailability of sewing machines made for people like her, Tang came up with her own solution.

She attached an iron ring around her waist and connected it to the sewing machine’s foot pedal. By moving her upper body back and forth, she makes the machine work.

“I use the strength of the upper part of my body to drive the machine. My back moves back and forth, just like a toy tumbler,” she told the South China Morning Post .

After three months of practice, Tang became as skilled as other sewers who use their feet.

Her story has gained attention online, where she is known as the “belly sewing sister.” Many people praised her for her strength and creativity.

Besides running her business, Tang spends time helping others.

Over the past four years, she has repaired thousands of quilts for free for elderly people and donated hundreds more to those in need.

Tang said she hopes her story will inspire people who are going through hard times.

“When God closes a door for you, he will leave a window open. As long as we find our own way to live, we will live a brilliant life.”

Ayelabola did not walk this path alone. Her runway was shared with models who often face barriers in the fashion world—plus-size models, individuals with albinism, vitiligo, and tribal marks. 

According to the 26-year-old, the event was more than a record-breaking attempt; it was to inspire others to embrace their uniqueness.

“I came up with a theme that was inclusivity and diversity,” she told Guinness World Records . “I wanted a runway where everyone would be included and everybody could showcase their talent, and we could inspire others to be who they were and to stay true to themselves.”

Having worked in the modelling industry for six years, the inspiration for the record-setting catwalk stemmed from a personal experience of rejection. After being told she wasn’t tall enough to participate in a Lagos Fashion Week, Ayelabola set out to challenge conventional beauty standards. Her goal was to create opportunities for other aspiring models who had been turned away for reasons beyond their control.

“I started this journey to create a stage for all the models who’d been told no because they aren’t tall enough or have a skin condition, even though they were talented,” she explained.

Despite the humongous sums of money some brands of watches cost, there are many buyers.

Beyond telling the time, watches tend to elevate a person's clothes or outfits, hence the rave for stylish and expensive ones.

The huge market for this style has inspired some of the world's most expensive watches ever manufactured and bought.

Graff Diamonds Hallucination - $55 million

At $55 million, the Graff Diamonds Hallucination is the most expensive watch in the world. With 110 carats of very rare and very large coloured diamonds, the clock is set in a platinum bracelet.

Graff Diamonds The Fascination - $50 million

This Graff Diamonds piece embodies elegance. The bracelet watch has 152.96 carats of diamonds and a detachable 38.14-carat pear-shaped stone.

Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300A-010 - $31 million

Attributed as the most complicated Patek Philippe wristwatch ever made, the $31 million watch has 19 complications, including five chiming modes and a date repeater.

Breguet Grande Complication Marie Antoinette - $30 million

Manufactured in 1783, the Breguet Grande Complication Marie Antoinette watch combines history with advanced features like a thermometer and perpetual calendar. The watch is named after Marie Antoinette, the Queen of France, who was a patron of Breguet's work.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Joaillerie 101 Manchette - $26 million

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Joaillerie 101 Manchette boasts a unique design feature of a seemingly random arrangement of polished or diamond-set links that cleverly conceals the miniature Calibre 101 movement within.

McBright Kavari, who is a Herero himself, combines traditional styles with new designs to appeal to younger generations.

The tribe which is known for its rich history and cattle-herding culture, makes up less than six percent of Namibia’s population.

Kavari says he wants young Herero women to embrace the dress and feel proud to own it. He modernises the outfits by shortening the length or removing sleeves while keeping key features like long sleeves, a covered bodice, and the Otjikaeva headgear, which resembles cow horns. For him, the headgear is a powerful symbol of Herero identity and heritage.

Fashion students like Kasukona Kandukozombu, who work with Kavari, are also learning how to honour traditions while making slight changes for today’s generation.

This produces a deep, rich blue colour that sets these jeans apart.

Momotaro Jeans, created by Japan Blue in 2006, are part of Kojima’s long history of quality textiles. This seaside town, known as the birthplace of Japanese denim, uses shuttle-weaving machines that produce durable fabrics but are slower and harder to maintain than modern machines.

These jeans are pricey, with some pairs costing over $1,300, but buyers value their quality and the stories woven into each pair.

International demand for Japanese jeans is growing, with 40% of Momotaro’s sales coming from overseas.

After struggling to find clothes that fit when she returned to China in 2015, Yao began her fashion brand, Yue Design.

“I want my customers to have clothes that express who they are inside, rather than soulless pieces that exist only to make them look thinner,” Yao told the AFP.

Her colourful designs aim to empower women to feel confident, rejecting the idea that beauty is limited to smaller sizes.

"Even at this age, I had the courage to grab onto an opportunity and take on a challenge," Choi told The Associated Press hours before the pageant.

Though she missed the ultimate crown, Choi did not leave empty-handed. She was awarded the "Best Dresser" prize, a nod to her unique style and grace on the stage.

Choi Soon-hwa's modelling journey began at the age of 72, following a career as a hospital carer. She made her runway debut at the Seoul Fashion Week in 2018, at 74 years old.

Earlier in September, she was announced as one of the 32 finalists for the Miss Universe Korea pageant, drawing global attention due to her age-defying aspirations.

Had Choi made it to the Miss Universe stage, she would have set a record as the oldest contestant ever, having been born nearly a decade before the first Miss Universe contest in 1952.

As it stands, the oldest confirmed contestant for the 73rd Miss Universe pageant, scheduled for November in Mexico City, is Beatrice Njoya, a 40-year-old representative from Malta.

Born nearly a decade before the inaugural Miss Universe contest in 1952, Soon-hwa is vying to represent South Korea in the 73rd edition of the global competition in Mexico City on November 16.

To earn that opportunity, she must first win the title of Miss Universe Korea on September 30, competing against much younger finalists.

“I want to stun the world, like, ‘How is an 80-year-old lady so healthy?’” Soon-hwa told CNN . “When you get old, you gain weight… So, I want to show that we can live healthily even when we get old,” she added.

If she wins, Soon-hwa will not only represent her country but also become the oldest contestant ever in the history of the international Miss Universe pageant. The current oldest confirmed participant is Beatrice Njoya, a 40-year-old from Malta.

In previous years, the Miss Universe Organisation enforced age restrictions, limiting contestants to those aged 18 to 28. However, the organisation lifted the upper age limit this year, giving Soon-hwa the chance to make history.

“Now that the age restriction has been lifted, I said, ‘I should give it a try’… Whether I get through or not, I was determined to try and get this opportunity,” she said.

Though this is her first beauty pageant, Soon-hwa has been modelling since the age of 72, after a career as a hospital carer. Her runway debut took place at the Seoul Fashion Week in 2018, at the age of 74. Since then, she has been featured in major fashion magazines, including Harper’s Bazaar and Elle.

As a grandmother of three, Soon-hwa will turn 81 in October, and she believes her modelling experience will give her an edge in mastering the runway walk against the 31 other finalists.

Four sets of uniforms were launched, with a traditional Mongolian style, the female athletes’ uniform, the male athletes’ uniform, the female flag bearer’s uniform, and the male flag bearer’s uniform.

They are expected to be worn at the opening and closing ceremonies in Paris.

What the uniforms look like?

The uniforms are calf-length with a high collar and long sleeves. They are decorated with the country’s national colours – blue, red, and white and have symbolic Mongolian symbols and motifs. The Soyombo symbol, a special symbol invented by Zanabazar (17 th- century leader and father of Mongolian art) is also found in the uniform. The Eiffel Tower and the Olympic Flame are also highlighted.

Who designed the uniforms?

The uniforms were designed by Mongolian sisters Michel and Amazonka Chiogalaa. The two are known for their previous designs of the Mongolian team’s official outfits for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics as well as the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics.

Their designs are usually a blend of tradition and modernity, usually adorned with national symbols and colours.

According to them, there at two main models for the athletes. Each set was made within an average of 20 hours in 6 steps, according to the sisters.

Here are photos of the designs shared by the Chiogalaa sisters

Why social media is buzzing

The Mongolian Olympic uniforms have attracted a lot of eyes on social media platforms including X, Tik Tok and Facebook with many fashion and sports commentators expressing admiration for the designs.

Style writer Ryan Yip shared a video viewed over 2 million times, stating "They just won the Olympics before it even started."

Others including design brands have shared photos of the uniform and commended the country’s designs.

Breaking away from tradition, the Nigerian teams will sport a white shirt as their home kit for the first time in three years, deviating from the customary green. The white jersey boasts a unique square collar, a red rendition of the iconic Nike swoosh logo, and the inscription 'Naija' - a colloquial term for Nigeria - in bold letters across the chest, complemented by an eagle motif in the background, Semafor reports.

Continuing Nike's approach from its 2018 debut, the new designs incorporate patterns and prints inspired by Nigerian culture, a strategy that has proven successful in the past. The 2018 kit, for instance, reportedly sold out rapidly, with a staggering 3 million pre-orders, even at a price point of $90 each. This year's collection is available on the Nike website , retailing between $90 and $160.

However, questions linger regarding the target audience for these sought-after jerseys. Notably, the Nike website does not offer Nigeria as a location option for African visitors, and the sole official Nike store in the country is situated in Lagos.

Here are some mixed social media reactions: