A major Slovenian apparel brand best known for upmarket leggings has decided to move a part of its production from China to Slovenia, a rare boost for the country's ailing textile industry.

Lelosi, a direct-to-consumer brand, will produce certain pieces in Murska Sobota starting with Bermuda shorts.

This is an important strategic decision that strengthens the company's commitment to local development and reducing dependence on foreign suppliers, said Lelosi's owner, the company Uvecto.

The company thinks the relocation will also improve quality control and allow it to better adapt to the needs of the market.

Uvecto is starting production in a building of the former textile factory Mura, which used to be the country's flagship brand in the textile industry and employed more than 2,000 workers at its heyday.

"We believe in the knowledge that is present here and we want to create an environment where textile manufacturing can be a source of pride once again," Uvecto founder Matej Slapnik said on 16 April.

The company plans to ramp up production gradually and start making more complex products in the coming months. At this point, staff are still being trained on the new materials, processes and technologies.

Founded in 2019, the company has been growing rapidly and its revenue increased tenfold between 2020 and 2023, to €57.8, with net profit at €6.8 million.