Overview of Underwear Industry
The underwear industry is a thriving market that encompasses various segments, including men’s underwear, women’s lingerie, and children’s underwear. Understanding the market size, growth, and revenue generation is crucial for underwear designers and businesses looking to make informed decisions. Let’s explore the market size and sales channels within the underwear industry.
Market Size and Growth
The global underwear market has witnessed significant growth in recent years. In 2021, the market was estimated to be worth $110.9 billion and is projected to reach $162.5 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 5.4% during the forecast period (Recovo). This growth can be attributed to factors such as changing fashion trends, increasing consumer awareness about comfort and quality, and the rise in disposable income.
Revenue and Sales Channels
Revenue generation within the underwear industry occurs through various sales channels, including offline and online platforms. Offline sales channels include brick-and-mortar stores, department stores, and specialty lingerie boutiques. These physical retail spaces allow customers to have a hands-on experience with the products and seek assistance from knowledgeable staff.
On the other hand, online sales channels have been gaining significant traction in the underwear industry. The global online lingerie market size was valued at USD 60,074.05 million in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 133,391.95 million by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 14.22% during the forecast period (LinkedIn). The convenience, wide product selection, and competitive prices offered by online platforms have contributed to the growth of this segment.
To stay competitive in the underwear industry, businesses must adapt to the changing consumer preferences and leverage both offline and online sales channels. By understanding the market size and revenue streams, designers and businesses can develop effective strategies to cater to the diverse needs of their target audience.
In the following sections, we will delve deeper into specific segments of the underwear industry, including children’s underwear, men’s underwear, and the lingerie market analysis. By exploring these segments, designers can gain valuable insights into market trends and consumer preferences to create products that meet the demands of their target market.
Market Research Insights
To gain a deeper understanding of the underwear industry, it’s essential to explore the market research insights for different segments. This section will focus on the children’s underwear market, the men’s underwear market, and provide an analysis of the lingerie market.
Children’s Underwear Market
The children’s underwear market encompasses various factors, including revenue, volume, price per unit, and sales channels Statista. This market segment plays a significant role in the overall underwear industry. It includes revenue and average revenue per capita, volume, average volume per capita, and the sustainable apparel share.
When analyzing the children’s underwear market, it’s important to consider the sales channels used to reach the target audience. These channels include both online and offline distribution channels. By understanding the dynamics of this market, underwear designers can tailor their products to meet the specific needs and preferences of this consumer group.
Men’s Underwear Market
The men’s underwear market is another important segment within the underwear industry Statista. It encompasses revenue, volume, price per unit, and sales channels across various key regions like India, China, Germany, the United States, and Malaysia. Understanding the trends and dynamics of the men’s underwear market is crucial for underwear designers targeting this demographic.
Analyzing this market segment involves considering revenue and average revenue per capita, volume, average volume per capita, and the sustainable apparel share. By examining these factors, underwear designers can identify opportunities for growth and tailor their product offerings to suit the preferences and demands of men in different regions.
Lingerie Market Analysis
The lingerie market is a significant and lucrative segment within the underwear industry Grand View Research. In 2022, the global lingerie market size was valued at USD 88.32 billion, and it is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.1% from 2023 to 2030.
When analyzing the lingerie market, it’s important to consider the different segments within this category. The briefs segment currently dominates the market, holding a revenue share of over 55.0% in 2022. On the other hand, the shapewear segment is expected to exhibit the fastest CAGR of 6.8% over the forecast period.
Understanding the trends and growth opportunities in the lingerie market is essential for underwear designers who specialize in this segment. By staying informed about consumer preferences, market dynamics, and emerging trends, designers can develop innovative and appealing lingerie products that cater to the evolving needs of their target audience.
By delving into the market research insights for the children’s underwear market, men’s underwear market, and lingerie market analysis, underwear designers can gain valuable knowledge about these specific segments. This understanding can guide their product development, marketing strategies, and overall business decisions, enabling them to thrive in the competitive underwear industry.
Segment Analysis
To gain a deeper understanding of the underwear industry, it is important to analyze various segments within the market. This section explores the dominance of briefs, the growth of shapewear, and the trends in bottom innerwear.
Briefs Dominance
Briefs have long been a staple in the underwear industry, and they continue to dominate the market. In fact, according to Grand View Research, the briefs segment held a revenue share of over 55.0% in 2022. Briefs are known for their classic design, providing ample coverage and support. They are favored by individuals seeking comfort and functionality, making them a popular choice among consumers.
Shapewear Growth
Shapewear has witnessed significant growth and is expected to continue expanding in the coming years. According to Grand View Research, the shapewear segment is projected to exhibit the fastest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8% over the forecast period. Shapewear offers body contouring and shaping benefits, providing a streamlined look under clothing. As consumers increasingly prioritize body confidence and appearance, the demand for shapewear continues to rise.
Bottom Innerwear Trends
The bottom innerwear segment encompasses various types of intimate apparel, including underwear and shapewear. This segment held the largest revenue share of 50.07% in 2022 and is expected to maintain its dominance in the market over the forecast period, as reported by Grand View Research. Bottom innerwear plays a crucial role in providing comfort, support, and confidence to individuals. As fashion evolves and consumer preferences change, this segment continues to adapt to meet the demands of the market.
It is worth noting that the thermals and base layers segment is projected to register the fastest CAGR of 7.0% from 2023 to 2030. Thermals and base layers are specialized types of underclothing designed to provide insulation and regulate body temperature in cold weather or during outdoor activities, as highlighted by Grand View Research. This segment caters to individuals seeking functional and performance-oriented undergarments.
By understanding the dominance of briefs, the growth of shapewear, and the trends in bottom innerwear, underwear designers can make informed decisions when creating new collections. Staying attuned to evolving consumer preferences and market trends will help drive innovation and meet the ever-changing needs of consumers in the underwear industry.
Distribution Channels
In the underwear industry, distribution channels play a crucial role in reaching customers and driving sales. The industry utilizes both offline and online channels to cater to the diverse needs and preferences of consumers.
Offline Segment
The offline segment, which includes physical stores and brick-and-mortar retail outlets, has traditionally been the dominant distribution channel for underwear. According to Grand View Research, the offline segment held the largest share of over 60.0% in 2022. Physical stores provide customers with the opportunity to physically examine and try on different underwear styles and sizes before making a purchase. This tactile experience can be particularly important for customers when it comes to undergarments, as proper fit and comfort are key considerations.
Physical stores also offer personalized customer service, allowing consumers to seek advice from knowledgeable sales associates about sizing, fabrics, and styles. Moreover, offline shopping provides an immediate gratification factor, as customers can take their purchases home immediately after making a decision.
Online Channel Expansion
With the rise of e-commerce, the online channel has experienced significant growth in the underwear industry. Consumers are increasingly turning to online platforms to shop for underwear due to the convenience, wide product selection, and competitive pricing offered by online retailers. According to Grand View Research, the online distribution channel is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 6.5% over the forecast period.
Online shopping allows customers to browse and purchase underwear from the comfort of their own homes, at any time that suits them. The online channel also enables customers to access a wide range of brands and styles that may not be available in their local area. Additionally, online retailers often offer detailed product descriptions, size guides, and customer reviews to assist shoppers in making informed purchasing decisions.
The global online lingerie market has witnessed significant growth, with a projected CAGR of 14.22% during the forecast period (2024 to 2031) and an expected market size of USD 133,391.951 million by 2031, according to LinkedIn. This growth can be attributed to factors such as increasing internet penetration, the convenience of online shopping, and the availability of a wide range of styles and sizes.
To stay competitive in the evolving market, underwear brands and retailers are expanding their online presence through dedicated e-commerce websites, online marketplaces, and social media platforms. This allows them to reach a broader customer base and target specific consumer segments. Additionally, online channels provide opportunities for personalized marketing, such as targeted advertisements and email campaigns, tailored to individual customer preferences.
By leveraging both offline and online distribution channels, underwear brands can maximize their reach and cater to the diverse preferences of consumers. The combination of physical stores and online platforms provides customers with various options for purchasing underwear, ensuring accessibility, convenience, and an enhanced shopping experience.
Fabric Trends in Underwear
When it comes to underwear, the choice of fabric plays a crucial role in comfort, breathability, and overall satisfaction. Let’s explore the fabric trends in the underwear industry, including the dominance of cotton and other popular fabric choices.
Cotton Dominance
Cotton has long been the dominant fabric in the underwear industry. According to Grand View Research, the cotton segment held the largest revenue share of above 50.0% in 2022, and it is expected to maintain its dominance over the forecast period.
Cotton is a popular choice for undergarments due to its natural breathability, softness, and moisture-wicking properties. It allows air to circulate, keeping the skin dry and comfortable. The softness of cotton fabric against the skin enhances the overall wearing experience, making it a preferred choice for many individuals.
Popular Fabric Choices
While cotton remains a top choice, there are other fabric options that have gained popularity in the underwear industry. Let’s take a look at some of these popular fabric choices:
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Cotton Satin: Cotton satin is a fabric that combines the natural breathability and softness of cotton with a smooth, slightly glossy finish. It is often used to create elegant chemises or cute pyjama sets. The breathable properties and cool touch of natural cotton make it a beautiful material to wear (Contrado).
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Mulmul Soft Muslin: Mulmul soft muslin is a sheer-like, semi-transparent fabric with an incredibly soft texture and a brushed surface. It is often used to create delicate and “barely there” chemises or nightdresses. The softness and lightweight nature of this fabric make it a popular choice for lingerie (Contrado).
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Jersey: Jersey is a versatile fabric known for its springiness and stretchiness. It is ideal for creating supportive garments such as panties or slips. Jersey moves with the body, provides warmth, and offers a cozy softness. Depending on the desired usage, there are various weights of jersey fabric to choose from (Contrado).
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Organza: Organza is a sheer and transparent fabric with a touch of sparkle. While it is not typically used as the main fabric for underwear, it is a popular choice for adding decorative elements to lingerie. Organza can bring slight firmness without weight, making it perfect for enhancing the aesthetic appeal of undergarments (Contrado).
As the underwear industry continues to evolve, fabric choices are constantly expanding to offer consumers a wide range of options. While cotton maintains its dominance, the availability of other fabrics like cotton satin, mulmul soft muslin, jersey, and organza allows individuals to choose underwear that suits their preferences and needs.
Understanding the various fabric options can help underwear designers make informed decisions when creating new designs and cater to the diverse preferences of consumers. By staying up-to-date with fabric trends and incorporating them into their collections, designers can ensure that their products meet the expectations of the ever-evolving underwear market.
Future Trends and Growth Strategies
As the underwear industry continues to evolve, it is important for underwear designers to stay informed about the latest trends and growth strategies. In this section, we will explore the future trends and growth strategies in the underwear industry, with a specific focus on the US women’s underwear market.
US Women’s Underwear Market
The US women’s underwear market has experienced significant changes in recent years. The fall of Victoria’s Secret and the rise of emerging brands, such as Savage X Fenty, have contributed to a more fragmented market since 2016. According to Euromonitor, the US women’s underwear market is the largest among developed economies and the second largest in the world, following China. Euromonitor
To cater to the changing consumer preferences, brands in the US women’s underwear market are focusing on inclusivity and comfort. There has been a shift from padded and push-up bras to wireless and unlined bras, aligning with consumers’ increasing demand for comfort and fit. Brands like Savage X Fenty have received positive reviews for their emphasis on features like “comfort,” “fit,” and “size.” Euromonitor
Industry Growth Forecast
The US women’s underwear industry is expected to witness healthy growth over the forecast period (2022-2027), driven by various trends and factors. According to Euromonitor, brands should adapt to consumer demands, digitalization, supply chain reinvention, and sustainability to capitalize on the growth opportunities in the market. Euromonitor
Consumer Trends and Brand Strategies
To thrive in the competitive US women’s underwear market, brands need to understand consumer trends and adopt effective brand strategies. One notable example is Savage X Fenty’s Xtra VIP membership program. This program has contributed significantly to the brand’s revenue growth and brand loyalty. Offering features such as limited editions, exclusive discounts, and loyalty credits, the membership program helps in strategy-building and decision-making for the brand. Euromonitor
To stay relevant and differentiate themselves in a crowded market, brands should focus on inclusivity, female empowerment, comfort, and unique selling points. By adapting to consumer demands and leveraging digitalization, brands can effectively engage with their target audience. Additionally, supply chain reinvention and sustainability should be prioritized to meet the growing demand for ethical and eco-friendly products.
By understanding the future trends and growth strategies in the US women’s underwear market, underwear designers can position themselves for success. Adapting to consumer preferences, embracing digitalization, and incorporating sustainable practices will be key factors in driving growth and building a strong brand presence in the dynamic and evolving underwear industry.
