Mens Underwear Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Boxer Briefs, Boxer Leggings, Briefs and Thongs), By Application (Shopping Mall/Department Store, Specialty Store, Supermarket and Online Sales), and by Regional Insights and Forecast to 2033

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MENS UNDERWEAR MARKET OVERVIEW

The global mens underwear market size was valued at USD 40.5 billion in 2024 and is forecaste to grow USD 66.6 billion by 2033, CAGR of 5.7% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2033.

The men's underwear market leads a dynamic segment in apparel wherein comfort, trend, and utility demand revolutionizes consumerism includes products such as briefs, boxers, trunks, and compression wear. It includes casual, athletic, and luxury segments all combined into one product range. Innovations in fabric technology, environmentally friendly materials, and fit and support-designed garments shape purchasing patterns throughout. Awareness concerning personal hygiene and increased disposable incomes worldwide, the market is set to experience significant growth opportunities in developed and emerging economies alike.

COVID-19 IMPACT

Mens Underwear Industry Had a Positive Effect Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic

The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with the market experiencing higher-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. The sudden market growth reflected by the rise in CAGR is attributable to the market’s growth and demand returning to pre-pandemic levels.

The COVID-19 pandemic has benefitted the men's underwear market owing to the changing consumer habits, which in turn increased the demand for comfort-oriented essentials. Consumers were spending more time indoors, so casual and comfortable underwear purchases saw an increase. This trend has also further been catalyzed by the booming e-commerce, where consumers turn more to online shopping. Besides, the awareness resulted in increased hygiene demand for underwear as a personal necessity. All these factors tremendously contributed to the growth of the market during the pandemic, although there was initial disruption in supply chains and retail.

LATEST TRENDS

Rise of Eco-Friendly Underwear Driving Market Growth

Current trends in men's underwear include sustainability, revolutionary technologies of fabrics, and increased demand for upscale, athleisure design. Among these, eco-friendly underwear made of organic cotton, bamboo, or recycled materials is getting impetus from more and more consumers who are concerned about the environment. This transfiguration is equivalent to the sustainable preference of fashion without compromising comfort or style. Brands are including moisture-control and odor-resistant technologies to make them even more functional. It caters to more segments including everyday as well as active lives.

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MENS UNDERWEAR MARKET SEGMENTATION

By Type

Based on Type, the global market can be categorized into Boxer Briefs, Boxer Leggings, Briefs and Thongs

• Boxer Briefs: Boxer briefs offer more coverage than briefs, and less coverage than boxers and are worn on a daily basis. They offer great support and cushioning and are perfect for any physical exercises due to their snug fit. Made in various fabrics and designs, they meet the market needs both for utility and fashion.

• Boxer Leggings: Boxer leggings are just a longer version of the boxer briefs being worn and are used in activities like sports and outdoor work. Made with moisture management and compression properties, they provide extra support and skin rubbing prevention. This is because activewear fashion and customers’ preference for multifunctional undergarments have boosted their sales.

• Briefs: Briefs are a traditional kind of underwear that provides as little material as possible while providing much support for daily and business wear. Thanks to their small size they allow free movement and do not cause discomfort especially when worn under tight clothing. They come in various types of cuts and materials and still dominate the market for menswear undergarments.

• Thongs: Thongs are designed for specific tastes, they go nearly bare with an emphasis on fashion and sex appeal. They are commonly produced from light and elastic materials thus satisfying consumer’s desire for unique and daring looks. They increasingly participate in the men’s underwear market, which also suggests an expansion of the variety of products and opportunities for consumers.

By Application

Based on application, the global market can be categorized into Shopping Mall/Department Store, Specialty Store, Supermarket, and Online Sales

• Shopping Mall/Department Store: In the case of men’s underwear, shopping malls and department stores still play an important role in the sales of this product type because it provides numerous brands and styles at one location. These stores offer the feel of the cloth, the fit and quality of the fabric before a consumer can be able to buy the product. Promotion during festive seasons and physical assistance to customers also add extra value to this conventional channel of selling.

• Specialty Store: Specialty stores are stores that offer a limited line, which mainly consists of men’s underwear, with the option being superior or specific. These outlets provide specific solutions, which are unique to the consumer needs and may include environmentally friendly or expensive designs. Special attention to customers and individual approach to each guest make specialty stores the favorite places of shopping for many people.

• Supermarket: Supermarkets make it easy to purchase simple and cheap men’s underwear while using the stores to shop for other products. They mainly serve a low-income market with a concentration on cost and accessibility. Being outlets of general merchandise they always experience high traffic which leads to constant sales of the products.

• Online Sales: New media selling has led to the convenience, diversity, and affordability of men’s underwear in the market. Here, customers can search for products, read about them and their features, as well as make their orders without leaving the house. The factors that have boosted the digital retail business are fast shipping, ease of returning products, and new forms of subscription models.

MARKET DYNAMICS

Market dynamics include driving and restraining factors, opportunities, and challenges stating the market conditions:

Driving Factors

Rising Demand for Comfort and Functionality

The rising preference for comfortable and functional underwear is becoming a critical driving force within the industry. In fact, consumers are opting to have moisture control, stretchability, and ergonomic designs for everyday active living. Growth in hybrid working models is further expected to catapult this trend towards essentials meant for home wear.

Increasing Awareness of Sustainability

The rising consciousness towards the environment by consumers is being translated into needing eco-friendly and sustainable men's underwear. These brands have adopted organic cotton, bamboo fibers, and recycled parts to appeal to the increased demand. The demand in this segment has also created a gap for innovation in material and production processes within the market.

Restraining Factor

High Production Costs Restrain Men's Underwear Market Growth

One major restraint in the Mens Underwear Market Share is the expensive cost of the product as it is considered a premium and sustainable one. Premium eco-friendly materials and advanced fabric technologies used in making such underwear do appeal to quality-conscious and environmentally conscious consumers, but they appear expensive to produce. Thus it falls on the higher end in terms of pricing, making it difficult for many to afford it. Also, replacement costs afforded by supermarkets and discount outlets originate from low-cost competition, further hampering the presence of premium offerings. Collectively, these factors act as a barrier to widespread acceptability of innovations in such price-sensitive markets.

Opportunity

Online Retail Growth Fuels Men’s Underwear Market Expansion

The men's underwear market possesses a booming opportunity in online retailing and e-commerce. With an influx of digital adoption, customers now have the convenience of shopping at home, which is likely to prompt them to demand further products and personalized needs. It also provides the possibility of gaining global audiences without limitations of geography. Besides this, a subscription-based model makes one secure monthly income as well as customer loyalty, since essentials are regularly delivered. This scenario really raises the bar concerning growth, especially among focused niche and green brands.

Challenge

Multi-Layer Competition and Price Wars Hindering Market Growth

The major hurdle for the male underwear market is multi-layer competition with already established brands and the low-cost options. This results in extreme competition through price wars rendering it difficult for premium and sustainable brands to be profitable. The low diversity of the product offering reduces customer loyalty and lands higher marketing costs to stand out. Market conditions, such as the fluctuating prices of raw materials, especially those concerning eco-friendly fabrics, turn on the costs of production. Balancing innovation and affordability continues to be a hard task for brands looking at different markets.

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MENS UNDERWEAR MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

• North America

North America has continued to lead the men underwear market owing to the dynamic consumption patterns that display the inclination of consumers towards premium and innovative products. In addition, a strong mature retail infrastructure and an increasing e-commerce network make significant contributions to the growth of the market. The United States Mens Underwear Market plays a key role in the overall scenario due to its extensive consumer base and the developing awareness about comfort and sustainability. The U.S. continues to be the largest market in terms of sales fuelled by a myriad of brands and extensive prevalence of online shopping.

• Europe

Europe is a great contributor to the Mens Underwear Market Growth through the diversity of consumers and strong fashion demand in the region. This is because it has a big propensity towards high-end brands and luxury brands, with a lot of leading manufacturers located in Italy and France. There is also an increasing consciousness towards sustainability, leading to greater use of eco-friendly as well as organic materials in products. Last but not least, new athleisure lines with a comfort focus are further boosting the drive in the European markets. Besides, e-commerce platforms are rapidly growing and expanding the reach to potential customers across Europe.

• Asia

Asia makes a significant contribution to men's underwear as it comes up with a specific rapidly expanding middle class with increasing disposable income, which mostly finds manifestation in countries such as China and India. Rising urbanization and changing lifestyle preferences are driving demand for both comfortable and fashionable underwear options. Shift to premium and innovative products is also gathering momentum wherein people are inclined toward better quality materials and designs. Apart from this, the online shopping boom in Asia is unfolding its market, making it available for a more extensive audience. The present young and diverse employing population in the region also offers continuous growth opportunities, especially in developing economies.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Innovations and Marketing Strategies Drive Growth in Market

Major industry players are severely influencing the market of men's undergarments through innovations, branding, and more product variety. They are also leading trends such as sustainable materials, modern fabric technology, and customization options. These players use strong marketing strategies, collaborations, and more comprehensive distribution networks to mold consumer preferences. Besides, they are increasingly using online retail platforms to enhance market reach which indeed may further boost growth and competition in the market. All such strategies add to market visibility and consumer engagement.

List of Top Mens Underwear Companies

• PVH (New York, United States)
• Nike (Oregon, United States)
• Jockey (Wisconsin, United States)
• Adidas (Germany)
• Gunze (Japan)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT

Strategic Expansions and Product Innovations Driving Market Growth

September 2022: Major players in the manufacturing industry have been engaging in significant moves that seek to deepen their market influence in the men’s underwear market in the recent past. One such development that is worth mentioning is Page Industries Ltd. which has launched its new Jockey flagship store in New Delhi, India. This decision may be interpreted as the brand’s strategy to better position the company within the quickly expanding Indian market while providing a premium local experience. The store also has the advantage of proving the increasing globalization of brands around the developing markets especially in Asia.

April 2022: Another major release was from Hanesbrands which introduced its new product ‘X-Temp Total Support Pouch’ men’s undergarment in the market. Some of the new technological aspects included in this product include; cooling fabrics, breathable mesh panels, and moisture-wicking to meet the customer’s needs for functional and performance wear for the undergarment. The appearance of such product lines indicates a growing tendency for the combination of technology with comfort within regular wear to target the modern physically active and health-oriented customer base.

REPORT COVERAGE

The study encompasses a comprehensive SWOT analysis and provides insights into future developments within the market. It examines various factors that contribute to the growth of the market, exploring a wide range of market categories and potential applications that may impact its trajectory in the coming years. The analysis takes into account both current trends and historical turning points, providing a holistic understanding of the market's components and identifying potential areas for growth.

This research report examines the segmentation of the market by using both quantitative and qualitative methods to provide a thorough analysis that also evaluates the influence of strategic and financial perspectives on the market. Additionally, the report's regional assessments consider the dominant supply and demand forces that impact market growth. The competitive landscape is detailed meticulously, including shares of significant market competitors. The report incorporates unconventional research techniques, methodologies, and key strategies tailored for the anticipated frame of time. Overall, it offers valuable and comprehensive insights into the market dynamics professionally and understandably.