Underwear Market Size, Share, Growth, Industry Analysis, By Type, (Men's Underwear, Women's Underwear, Kid's Underwear, Sports Underwear and Shapewear), By Application (Fashion, Retail, Sports & Fitness, Healthcare and Leisure) and Regional Forecast to 2033.

UNDERWEAR MARKET OVERVIEW

The Global Underwear Market size was valued at USD 86.94 billion in 2025 and it is expected to reach an estimated value of USD 132.22 billion in 2033, reflecting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.38% during the forecast period.

This industry comprises undergarments for men, women and children. The market for this industry is expanding rapidly due to factors include, increase in the disposal income among the younger generation, changing fashion industry and the people's preference for comfortable undergarments. These factors have fueled the need for sustainable and eco-friendly underwear along with personalized options due to the demand from the users. As a result, the underwear market is growing rapidly in recent years.

 Key Findings

• Market Size and Growth: The Global Underwear Market size was valued at USD 86.94 billion in 2025 and it is expected to reach an estimated value of USD 132.22 billion in 2033, reflecting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.38% during the forecast period.

• Key Market Trends: Sustainable underwear made from eco-friendly fabrics accounts for an estimated 18% of new product launches globally.

• Key Market Drivers: Asia-Pacific holds 41.5% of the men’s underwear segment share, driven by a high male population and rising disposable incomes.

• Technological Advancements: Around 27% of premium underwear now uses temperature-regulating fabrics and biodegradable packaging.

• Regional Growth: In 2024, Asia-Pacific led with 30.1% market share, followed by Europe at 27.4% and North America at 25.6%.

• Type Segmentation: Women’s underwear represented 46.8% of the total market in 2024, while the sports underwear segment accounted for 13% in 2023.

• Application Segmentation: Sports & fitness applications contributed 13% of the market in 2023, with the workout underwear subsegment making up 6.3% in 2024.

• Key Players: Top 10 players collectively hold an estimated 32% of the global market share.

US TARIFF IMPACT

US Tariff Results in an Increase in the Cost of the End Product to the Customers

The implementation of tariffs on the underwear market primarily results in an increase in the cost of the end product to the customers. This is especially high for women 's underwear and also sportswear which the customers find quite unfair. The tariff also leads to a disruption in the smooth distribution and supply of the product as well. In the long run tariff also leads to gradual decline in the market and in order to mitigate this impact some brands may move towards domestic suppliers which in turn will result in the significant growth of the domestic underwear market. It should be noted that the tariff by the US on the women's underwear is currently at 15.5% whereas the men's underwear is facing a 11.5% tariff. From this it can be concluded that tariffs, when implemented for a long time could severely impact the overall growth of the global underwear market.

LATEST TRENDS

Use of Eco-friendly Materials is the Latest Trend in the Market

Due to fast fashion there has been a rapid increase in the clothing pollution around the world. This results in increased waste deposit in landfills and micro plastic pollution which results in the release of toxic chemicals into the environment. The consumers are the globe are now increasingly aware of these impacts and in order to mitigate this risk, they are now opting for sustainable underwear & cloths made up of plant based cloth materials. Hence use of eco-friendly raw materials is the latest trend in the underwear market that has resulted in a boost of sales.

• According to the European Apparel and Textile Confederation, eco-friendly underwear products made from organic cotton and bamboo now represent 18% of new product launches in the global market.

• As per the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol, 62% of American consumers consider sustainability certifications a deciding factor in purchasing underwear.

UNDERWEAR MARKET SEGMENTATION

BY TYPE

Based on Type, the global underwear market is segmented into Men’s Underwear, Women’s Underwear, Kid’s Underwear, Sports Underwear and Shapewear.

• Men's Underwear: The men's underwear market is a constantly growing industry and in recent years this market is driven by consumers' need for sustainable and comfortable underwear, influence of the changing fashion industry and the rise of the E-commerce platforms. Currently the Asia-Pacific region dominates the global men's underwear market due to higher male population rate. As a result the Asia-Pacific region holds 41.5% market shares. In 2024 the global men's underwear market was valued at 37.58 billion USD and it is estimated to reach 64.32 billion USD by 2032 due to the rising demand.

• Women's Underwear: This is a constantly growing and changing market. The latest trends in this market that resulted in the market growth include the demand for eco-friendly and biodegradable packaging and raw materials from the customers, expanding the size range to be inclusive and increase in the use of the temperature regulating fabrics from the customers. Some of the common types of underwear for women include panties, bras, shapewear and sleepwear or loungewear. The global women's underwear market in the year 2024 was valued at 40.7 billion USD and it is projected to reach 82.36 billion USD by 2033 due to growing demand.

• Kid's Underwear: The kid's underwear market is a rapidly growing segment among the underwear industry. The growth of this segment is propelled by the increasing demand for sustainable and comfortable underwear for kids, rapidly changing fashion trends and increase in the use of eco-friendly materials for making the underwear. This market is segmented on the basis of price range which includes Mass market which are easily affordable, mid-range which offers a balance between quality and affordability and premium which includes high end brands that uses advanced materials and features. The availability of the kid's underwear in both online and offline stores are greatly fueling the growth of the market in recent years.

• Sports Underwear: This segment is characterized as the rapidly growing segment among the underwear industry. The growth is fueled by the demand for comfortable, durable, performance friendly and sustainable material for making this underwear. Some of the latest trends in this market include eco-friendly packaging, moisture wicking and use of temperature-regulating materials. As of now the global sports underwear market which includes men's, women's and kid's was valued at 11.3 billion USD in 2023 and with the constant rise in demand the market is expected to reach 30.59 billion USD by 2032.

• Shapewear: One of the sub segments of the underwear industry that has gained traction and growing rapidly in recent years is the shapewear industry. The growth of this industry is fueled by changes and advancement in fabric technology, constantly changing customer’s preferences and the constant influence from the social media influencers. Some of the common shapewears include body briefs, corsets, long legs, control camisoles and many more. North America, especially the US, is the dominant player in this industry and the market was valued at 2.6 billion USD in 2024 and it is projected to reach 4.456 billion USD by 2031 owing to the increasing demand from the global population.

BY APPLICATION

Based on Application, the global underwear market is segmented into Fashion, Retail, Sports & Fitness, Healthcare and Leisure.

• Fashion : The evolution of underwear in the fashion industry has been quite significant. It has transformed from being a necessity piece of cloth to a fashion statement in recent years. Some of the recent trends in this industry include the use of sustainable and eco-friendly materials for manufacturing and packaging, inclusive sizes to promote body positivity and the consumer preference for moisture wicking, breathable and comfortable fabrics have helped with the growth of the underwear market within the fashion industry.

• Retail: In the retail industry, the underwear segment is considered as a thriving segment as it has a wide range of options for both men and women. The market for retail is driven by factors such as increase in the need for comfortable and affordable underwear, demand for eco-friendly packaging and materials and changing fashion trends are considered as the key factors. These key factors have resulted in the significant growth of underwear in the retail industry.

• Sports & Fitness: Underwear is known to play a crucial role in the global sports & fitness industry. This is mainly due to the sports underwear providing comfort, support and even in enhancing the performance of the customers. These factors have also played a role in the growth of the underwear market within the sports & fitness industry. As a result, the global sports underwear market was valued at 11.3 billion USD and with rise in demand the market is expected to reach 30.59 billion USD by 2032. And the global workout underwear market is valued at 5.5 billion USD in 2024 and with the constant rise in demand its market is expected to reach 8.8 billion USD by 2033.

• Healthcare: In the healthcare industry, the underwear is used in elderly care as adult diapers, post-surgery recovery care uses compression underwear and underwear designed for specific medical conditions. From this it can be noted that underwear plays a vital role in the cleanliness segment of healthcare. North America is the dominant player and holds the largest underwear market share in the healthcare industry due to its developed healthcare infrastructure.

• Leisure: As this underwear are for leisure purposes they often prioritize comfort and relaxation and in some cases style, these features make it suitable for everyday use. The leisure underwear includes sleepwear, loungewear and casual underwear. Hence it holds a significant position in the global underwear market.

MARKET DYNAMICS

Market dynamics includes driving and restraining factor, opportunities and challenges stating the market conditions.

DRIVING FACTORS

Growing Middle Class Is a Key Driving Factor for the Market Growth

In recent years there has been a global middle class increase especially in the developing countries. This has greatly helped with the growth of the underwear market as more customers are willing to purchase branded and premium quality underwear. Changing fashion trends have also played a key role in influencing the middle class customers to purchase the latest styles.

Influence of Social Media is Fueling the Market Growth

Social media plays a huge role in the overall growth of the underwear market as influencers not only promote but also model the new products thereby shaping the customer’s preferences. Most of the shapewears, loungewear and lingerie industry grew with the help of social media.

• According to the International Trade Centre (ITC), Asia-Pacific accounts for 41.5% of men’s underwear consumption, driven by high male population density and rising disposable incomes.

• As per the Japan Textile Federation, 34% of Japanese consumers purchased shapewear in 2024, indicating rising adoption for functional fashion.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Fluctuating Material Cost is Greatly Restraining the Market Growth

The materials needed for making the underwear include cotton, silk and nylon and the cost of these materials can vary due to climate changes, geopolitical issues and inflation and this results in the delay or shortage in the supply of the raw materials to the manufacturers which in turn lead to increase in the cost of the end product. This could lead to middle class customers opting out of buying these products. Hence fluctuating cost is a key factor restraining the Underwear Market growth.

• According to the World Trade Organization (WTO), the average tariff rate on imported women’s underwear in the U.S. is 15.5%, leading to higher retail prices.

• As per the Indian Ministry of Textiles, fluctuations in cotton prices by up to 22% year-on-year disrupt production costs and supply chain stability.

CHALLENGES

Intense Competition is Challenging the Market Growth

The underwear market is considered as a crowded market as it has numerous brands not only in the domestic but also in the global platform. This leads to over saturation of the market as brands and companies will constantly fight for the leading position and also to differentiate themselves among their competitors. This could lead to market decline and stagnation and many SMEs might struggle to mitigate the challenging market dynamics. Plus, with the tariffs many small brands might struggle to stay in business. For this it is noted that intense competition can hinder the growth Underwear market.

• According to the International Apparel Federation (IAF), over 1,200 brands compete in the global underwear market, creating high saturation and reduced differentiation.

• As per the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), 27% of returned apparel purchases are underwear items due to sizing and fit issues, impacting profitability.

OPPORTUNITY

Rise of E-commerce Platforms is Opening New Opportunities for the Market

With the digitalization of the world, there has been a continuous increase in the number of online platforms. These platforms allow the customers to review and purchase the underwear from the comfort of their home. Online platforms also provide a wide range of options with varying sizes and allows the customers to explore different styles and features. The online platforms also allow for easy return and cash back options. These features are the key driving factors for the underwear industry that result in boost of sales. Hence the rise of E-commerce platforms is opening new opportunities for the underwear market.

• According to the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), global e-commerce apparel sales grew by 24% in 2024, opening new online distribution channels for underwear brands.

• As per the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), the sports underwear category has grown 13% year-on-year due to increased participation in active lifestyles.

UNDERWEAR MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHT

• NORTH AMERICA (US)

The United States underwear market is a substantial and growing market. The US underwear market which comprises both and women is driven due to factors such as the rising health awareness among the global population, changing fashion trends and product innovations. The US market in the year 2024 was valued at 22.2 billion USD and with the constant rise in demand the market is expected to reach 34.2 billion USD by 2033.

• EUROPE

The Europe region has a constant and steady growing underwear market. The growth in this region is greatly fueled by the evolving fashion trends, growing body positivity movements and the demand for customized underwear. Due to these factors the market in this region in 2024 was valued at 23.85 billion USD. The countries such as UK, France and Germany are considered as the dominant player in this region.

• ASIA

The Asia-Pacific underwear market is the largest in the world and it is growing continuously as well. The increasing growth in this region contributes to the increase in the disposal income, rapid urbanization & changing lifestyle and the increase in the E-commerce platforms. The market in 2024 was valued at 26.18 billion USD and with time as it reaches 2030 its market is projected to value 40.76 billion USD.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Industry Players Shaping the Market Through Innovation and Market Expansion

The key players are also termed as the dominant players in the global underwear market. They keep up with the latest trends that resulted in the boost of sales. Key players also invest heavily in the research & development to come up with new and innovative changes and products to the market. Key players are responsible for the smooth and uninterrupted supply to the customer. Key players come up with new strategies to boost the market growth in times of decline or stagnation.

• According to China National Textile and Apparel Council, DG Shang Lian holds over 12% share of China’s premium lingerie exports.

• As per the U.S. Department of Commerce, Seam Apparel supplies 8.5 million units annually to North American retailers.

LIST OF KEY UNDERWEAR COMPANIES

• DG Shang Lian (China)
• Seam Apparel (U.S.)
• Bkage Underwear (U.S.)
• Mega Sports Apparel (U.S.)
• Steve Apparels (U.S.)
• Pico (U.S.)
• Affix Apparel (U.S.)
• Zega Apparel (U.S.)
• Alanic International (U.S.)
• Y.O.U Underwear (U.K.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT

August 2024: Wacoal, a Japanese underwear and lingerie company introduced a new product line in India called the “Wacoal Basic”. It features a range of everyday innerwear that are at an affordable price point. By launching this product line Wacoal aims to expand its customer base in India.

REPORT COVERAGE

This report covers the basis of the underwear industry and its market in the global platform. It describes the latest trends in the market that resulted in the boost of sales. It also covers the impact of tariffs on the global underwear market.

The report explains the segmentation of the underwear market and its contribution to the market growth. The effects of driving factors and opportunities in the market growth and the impact of restraining factors and challenges in the decline of the market.

The report also describes the regional insight of the underwear market. The role of key industry players in the market growth and the key industry development that took place recently in the market.