Underwear Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Bra, Underpants, Model Body Underwear and Waistcoat), Based upon Application (Adult Men, Adult Woman, Boy and Girl) and Regional Insights and Forecast to 2035

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UNDERWEAR MARKET OVERVIEW

The global Underwear Market size stood at USD 99.23 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 104.19 billion in 2026, growing further to USD 162.07 billion by 2035 at an estimated CAGR of about 5%.

The Underwear Market share is a dynamic and evolving phase of the clothing industry, catering to a numerous consumer base across genders and age agencies. Valued at billions globally, the market is driven via elements along with increasing customer choice for consolation, functionality, and style. Innovations in fabric generation, such as moisture-wicking, antimicrobial homes, and sustainable materials, are reshaping client expectancies. The growing effect of favor traits has brought about a surge in demand for clothier and branded underwear. Additionally, the upward thrust of e-trade has revolutionized the shopping method, imparting consumers comfort and a wide range of choices. Men's and ladies segments dominate, with increasing attention to area of interest classes inclusive of maternity, sports, and plus-length underwear.

Asia-Pacific holds a full-size percentage because of population length and growing disposable earnings, whilst North America and Europe lead in top rate and luxury segments. The market faces challenges which include fluctuating uncooked cloth costs and sustainability worries, prompting brands to undertake eco-friendly practices. Overall, the underclothes market continues to grow, adapting to way of life modifications and client demands. 

KEY FINDINGS

COVID-19 IMPACT

Underwear Market Had a Negative Effect Due to supply chain disruption during 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 rise reflected by the rise in CAGR is attributable to the market’s growth and demand returning to pre-pandemic levels.

The Underwear Market experienced fluctuations throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, with blended impacts on its increase trajectory. Initially, the market confronted disruptions because of supply chain interruptions, manufacturing unit closures, and logistical challenges, leading to transient shortages of merchandise. This created a dip in availability, especially for top class and branded underwear. However, demand for important items like underwear remained resilient, supported by its necessity in day-by-day existence. The shift to faraway paintings and live-at-home life additionally encouraged consumer alternatives, with increased call for cushy and purposeful products. Additionally, the upward push of e-commerce allowed many brands to maintain sales notwithstanding brick-and-mortar closures. Post-pandemic healing efforts, together with streamlined delivery chains and extended production capacities, have similarly stabilized the market.

Overall, while the market confronted quick-term setbacks, it showed resilience and flexibility, with a slow boom in growth driven by way of innovation and transferring consumer developments toward comfort and sustainability.

LATEST TRENDS

Sustainable Materials and Eco-Friendly Practices to Drive Market Growth

Sustainable substances and green practices are sizable increase drivers within the underwear market growth. With rising environmental focus, consumers are prioritizing brands that undertake eco-aware practices. The use of natural cotton, bamboo fibers, recycled polyester, and plant-based totally materials is gaining traction, reducing the environmental footprint of production. Eco-friendly production strategies, including waterless dyeing and minimum-waste strategies, in addition appeal to environmentally conscious shoppers. Many brands are also emphasizing biodegradable packaging to align with green values. This fashion is especially popular among millennials and Gen Z, who desire ethical and sustainable alternatives. As regulatory frameworks tighten and patron alternatives shift, investing in sustainability now not best complements logo picture but additionally guarantees long-time period boom on this competitive market.

• According to Textile Exchange, global fiber production reached 124 million tonnes in 2023, a 7% increase from 2022 — showing volume growth in raw materials used across underwear and apparel.

• According to the U.S. Census Bureau, e-commerce accounted for 15.6% of total U.S. retail sales in Q3 2023, indicating a growing online channel for underwear distribution and buying behavior.

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UNDERWEAR MARKET SEGMENTATION

By Type

Based on Type, the global market can be categorized into Bra, Underpants, Model Body Underwear and Waistcoat.

• Bra: The bra section of the underwear market includes various patterns like sports bras, bralettes, and padded bras, catering to style, comfort, and functionality needs, using enormous growth and innovation globally.

• Underpants: The Underwear Market for underpants specializes in diverse styles like briefs, boxers, and trunks, driven by way of consolation, material innovation, and fashion trends, catering to evolving purchaser possibilities for capability and fashion.

• Model Body Underwear: Model Body Underwear focuses on shape-becoming designs tailored for aesthetics, comfort, and aid, catering to style-ahead clients in search of improved look, frequently the usage of premium fabric and innovative styles for fashion and functionality.

• Waistcoat: The underclothes market's "waistcoat" type includes vests or undershirts worn below clothing for comfort, moisture absorption, and layering. Demand is pushed with the aid of style tendencies, comfort choices, and premium fabric improvements.

By Application

Based on application, the global market can be categorized into Adult Men, Adult Woman, Boy and Girl.

• Adult Men: The Underwear Market for adult men focuses on consolation, style, and functionality, driven with the aid of evolving fashion tendencies, premium materials, and rising focus about hygiene, with robust call for athleisure and sustainable alternatives.

• Adult Woman: The Underwear Market for Adult Woman is driven by way of evolving style trends, consolation possibilities, and increasing demand for top rate fabric, specializing in undies, shapewear, and sustainable alternatives, improving functionality and aesthetics.

• Boy: The underwear market with the aid of software for boys consists of merchandise like briefs, boxers, trunks, and long johns, catering to comfort, style, and durability, with developing call for in diverse age corporations.

• Girl: The underwear market for women consists of merchandise designed for comfort, style, and capability, catering to numerous age businesses and preferences, which includes bras, panties, shapewear, and sleepwear.

MARKET DYNAMICS

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

Driving Factors

Celebrity Endorsements and Influencer Marketing to Boost the Market

Celebrity endorsements and influencer advertising play a important role in boosting the Underwear Market by way of growing brand visibility and accept as true with. Celebrities, with their extensive reach and impact, assist manufacturers connect to a larger target audience, developing a feel of aspiration and desirability round their products. Influencers, especially people with area of interest followings on social media systems, promote underclothes manufacturers in genuine, relatable methods, which resonates with more youthful, digitally savvy consumers. Their endorsements regularly reflect cutting-edge developments and body-positive messaging, attractive to diverse demographics. These advertising and marketing strategies are no longer the most effective raise cognizance but additionally encourage customer engagement, main to higher income. As influencers continue to form consumer options, their function in selling underclothes manufacturers remains a key driving force of market increase.

• According to the Government of India Ministry of Textiles (press release / PIB), India’s textile & apparel sector employs over 45 million people and contributes nearly 2% to national GDP, supporting large-scale production capacity for innerwear.

• According to Textile Exchange, polyester (virgin synthetics) accounted for about 57% of global fiber production in 2023, driving demand for performance/athleisure underwear made from synthetic blends.

Increasing Awareness of Body Positivity to Expand the Market

The growing consciousness of body positivity is appreciably increasing the underwear market by way of selling inclusivity and diversity. As societal views shift closer to embracing all body kinds, underwear brands are responding with the aid of supplying a wider range of sizes, designs, and suits that cater to numerous consumers. This includes merchandise designed for one-of-a-kind body shapes, with an emphasis on comfort and help in preference to just aesthetics. The movement encourages brands to break far from conventional beauty standards, making consumers feel greater assured and represented. This shift has caused the upward push of inclusive advertising campaigns, fostering a feel of belonging amongst clients and contributing to a broader market appeal, among younger, socially aware shoppers.

Restraining Factor

Raw Material Costs and Availability to Potentially Impede Market Growth

Raw material expenses and availability are vast demanding situations that would hinder the growth of the Underwear Market. The production of underclothes is predicated on fabrics like cotton, spandex, and synthetic substances, that may differ in rate because of worldwide delivery chain disruptions, climate situations, and shifts in call for. For example, cotton charges can growth due to crop screw ups or decreased supply from key generating countries. Additionally, the growing demand for green fabrics, consisting of organic cotton or bamboo, can cause better production expenses, restricting affordability for consumers. When uncooked material expenses upward thrust or availability turns into uncertain, producers may additionally face strain to elevate product charges, that could deter rate-sensitive clients and gradual market growth.

• According to the World Trade Organization’s trade outlook, global merchandise trade growth slowed to +0.8% in 2023 (WTO revision), reflecting weaker import demand that can limit underwear shipments and sourcing flexibility.

• According to FAO/USDA & related UN reports, global cotton lint production was ~24–25 million tonnes in recent seasons, and production fluctuations (weather/inputs) create raw-material supply volatility for cotton-based underwear lines.

Subscription Services and Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Models to Create Opportunity for the Product in the Market

Opportunity

Subscription offerings and Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) models present enormous opportunities for the underwear market. Subscription offerings permit brands to deliver products directly to customers' doorsteps at regular intervals, fostering convenience and logo loyalty. This model encourages repeat purchases, creates a regular revenue stream, and builds a deeper connection with consumers. On the opposite hand, DTC fashions enable brands to skip conventional retail channels, imparting more manager over pricing, patron statistics, and emblem messaging. By interacting immediately with purchasers, manufacturers can customize offerings, respond to comments quickly, and decorate customer reports. Both approaches can boost purchaser retention, enlarge market attain, and pressure profitability via leveraging digital systems for personalized advertising and focused promotions.

• According to Textile Exchange, 29% of cotton in 2023 was produced under sustainability programs (certified/ preferred) — opportunity for underwear brands to expand certified-cotton product lines.

• According to the U.S. Census Bureau e-commerce releases, online retail share rose to ~15–16% of total retail, creating opportunity to scale direct-to-consumer underwear sales and reduce channel costs per unit.

Changing Consumer Preferences a Potential Challenge for Consumers

Challenge

Changing patron choices inside the underwear market can pose a project for consumers, as they face a continuously evolving range of patterns, substances, and functionalities. With the rise of athleisure, shapewear, and sustainable style, consumers may additionally find it hard to pick merchandise that meets their wishes for comfort, fashion, and eco-recognition. Additionally, moving choices can lead to confusion over sizing, in shape, and niceness, especially whilst manufacturers exchange designs or introduce new collections. As manufacturers try to cater to those evolving demands, clients may also revel in a lack of consistency, resulting in dissatisfaction. Furthermore, the overwhelming style of choices inside the market could make it harder for consumers to discover the proper product that aligns with their unique dreams and values.

• According to the International Labour Organization and related reports, garment-sector employment and working-condition pressures affect millions of workers (garment employment share at ~3.8% of total employment in recent estimates) — increasing regulatory and compliance risk for underwear supply chains.

• According to Textile Exchange and industry analyses, recycled polyester’s share fell to ~12–13% of polyester production in 2023, highlighting technical/scale limits for circular materials — a challenge for brands targeting circular underwear lines.

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UNDERWEAR MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

• North America

North America significantly influences the underclothes market because of its high consumer demand, revolutionary brands, and strong retail presence. The area dominates with leading groups riding product innovation, specifically in consolation, sustainability, and layout. North American clients’ choice for premium and various product services guarantees persisted market management. The United States underwear market has notably impacted through sturdy consumer call for, riding innovation in design, consolation, and sustainability. It also influences worldwide developments, advertising and marketing strategies, and e-trade growth.

• Europe

Europe has significantly motivated the underwear market via innovation in design, cloth generation, and sustainability. European brands emphasize notable substances, consolation, and eco-friendly manufacturing practices, putting trends globally. Additionally, European fashion hubs pressure style alternatives, while strict regulatory requirements make certain product safety, impacting global industry standards.

• Asia

Asia has notably impacted the underwear market via its massive manufacturing base, using manufacturing prices down and allowing international delivery chains. Additionally, growing disposable earning and changing style options in countries like China and India have fueled demand for various, snug, and progressive underwear styles, shaping market developments.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Industry Players Shaping the Market Through Innovation and Market Expansion

Key enterprise players in the undies market encompass international brands which includes Victoria’s Secret, Hanesbrands Inc., Calvin Klein, Fruit of the Loom, and Uniqlo. These agencies dominate via vast product ranges, robust logo reputation, and global distribution networks. L Brands, the discern enterprise of Victoria’s Secret, is understood for its luxury and mainstream collections, whilst Hanesbrands offers a variety of lower priced and cushy alternatives. Calvin Klein is famed for its top-rate designs and advertising and marketing campaigns. Uniqlo specializes in functional, cushy, and low-priced underclothes. Emerging brands like Savage X Fenty by Rihanna are difficult traditional gamers with inclusivity and bold advertising. Additionally, ThirdLove and Aerie attention on frame positivity and sustainability, reflecting changing customer preferences.

• Kimberly-Clark — According to Kimberly-Clark’s 2024 filings and company materials, the company employs ~38,000 employees worldwide, underpinning its manufacturing & distribution capacity for hygiene and some intimate-care product lines.

• Essity — According to Essity’s official facts, Essity has ~36,000 employees and ~70 production facilities, positioning it as a major hygiene & tissue manufacturer with capabilities relevant to underwear/absorbent product segments.

List of Tops Underwear Companies

• McKesson (U.S.)
• Fuburg (Germany)
• COCO Healthcare (China)
• Chiaus (China)
• Daio Paper (Japan)
• Gap (U.S.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT

March 2023: In 2023, the Underwear and Lingerie market noticed numerous big traits. One principal fashion has become the shift toward inclusivity and sustainability, as brands more and more provide a broader variety of sizes and eco-friendly materials. The call for wire-free and seamless designs also grew, as customers have become more focused on consolation. Additionally, the effect of e-trade and social media turned obvious, with online sales expanding, driven with the aid of personalized shopping experiences.

The pandemic's residual results endured to persuade the market in the sooner months, specifically with deliver chain disruptions that hindered product availability​. However, with the aid of mid-2023, manufacturers began that specialize in innovation, with extra emphasis on body positivity and self-expression, which helped gasoline marketplace recuperation. These efforts, combined with growing call for underwear as each a practical and stylish object, marked an important factor within the industry's improvement.

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 considers both current trends and historical turning points, providing a holistic understanding of the market's components and identifying potential areas for growth.

The Underwear Market growth is poised for a continued boom pushed by increasing health recognition, the growing popularity of plant-based diets, and innovation in product services. Despite challenges, which include confined uncooked fabric availability and better costs, the demand for gluten-unfastened and nutrient-dense alternatives supports market expansion. Key industry players are advancing via technological upgrades and strategic market growth, enhancing the supply and attraction of the Underwear Market growth. As customer choices shift towards healthier and numerous meal options, the Underwear Market share is expected to thrive, with persistent innovation and a broader reputation fueling its destiny prospects.