Hosiery Market Assessment, By Product Type [Stockings, Socks, Tights, Leggings, Others], By Fabric [Cotton, Wool, Silk, Nylon, Others], By Gender [Male, Female], By Price [Mass, Premium, Luxury], By Category [Private Label, Branded], By End-user [Adults,

Hosiery Market Assessment, By Product Type [Stockings, Socks, Tights, Leggings, Others], By Fabric [Cotton, Wool, Silk, Nylon, Others], By Gender [Male, Female], By Price [Mass, Premium, Luxury], By Category [Private Label, Branded], By End-user [Adults, Children], By Distribution Channel [Online, Offline], By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, 2017-2031

Global hosiery market is projected to witness a CAGR of 5.10% during the forecast period 2024-2031, growing from USD 50.21 billion in 2023 to USD 74.76 billion in 2031. The global hosiery market is experiencing significant growth driven by increasing consumer preferences for comfortable and stylish clothing and the demand for various hosiery products such as stockings, tights, and others.

The rising popularity of athleisure wear has further fueled market expansion as consumers seek versatile and fashionable hosiery options for casual and athletic activities. Also, the global shift towards health and fitness has led to increased adoption of compression hosiery, benefiting those with medical conditions and athletes. An important factor is the growing rate of obesity worldwide, which has heightened the demand for plus-size and supportive hosiery that offers better fit and comfort to consumers.

According to the article published by WHO in March 2024, 43% of adults aged 18 are overweight and 16% are living with obesity in 2022. Also, 390 million children aged between 5-19 were overweight, of which 160 million are living with obesity.

Thus, to manage foot swelling due to poor circulation, the population uses compression garments and stockings, which benefit the industry by increasing the product volume. Also, the expansion of e-commerce platforms significantly enhanced product accessibility, allowing consumers to explore a wide range of hosiery styles and brands. Hence, the market is characterized by dynamic consumer preferences and a growing emphasis on health, comfort, and style.

Technological Advancement in Fabric Production

Innovations in fabric production, such as seamless weaving, advanced yarns, high-performance fibers, and computerized weaving machines, have revolutionized hosiery manufacturing. Seamless weaving technology eliminates seams, improving comfort and fitness, which is particularly important for hosiery. The technology allows for complex designs and patterns, meeting the rising consumer demand for functionality and athleisure. Advanced yarns have emerged, including those with moisture-absorbing, anti-microbial, and stretchable properties. These high-performance materials provide additional benefits, such as keeping feet dry, reducing odors, and offering better elasticity and durability. Technological advancements in fabrics and fiber technology have notably impacted the hosiery market. In fiber technology, innovations such as microfiber, synthetic blends, and microfiber have changed the traditional way of fabric production to make hosiery products. Microfibers provide perfect breathability and a smooth and soft feel, bamboo fiber provides anti-bacterial properties, and a combination of nylon and spandex provides stretch and strength to the fabric.

For instance, in June 2023, Lyra launched a new fiber technology for the hosiery sector, made with an anti-static additive. It is specially designed to reduce the static effect and ensure cling-free wearing comfort for the hosiery sector.

Computerized weaving machines enable precise control over fabric and fiber construction, allowing for different patterns and textures that were difficult to achieve. These machines increase productivity, reduce waste, and lower the labor cost of high-quality hosiery products. Also, innovation in sustainable fiber, such as recycled and biodegradable materials, aligns with growing consumer demands and eco-friendly products, further driving the market growth.

For instance, in January 2024, Under Armour Inc., an athletic apparel and footwear company, and Celanese Corporation, a specialty materials and chemical company, collaborated to introduce and develop a new fiber for performance stretch fabrics ‘Neolast’. The material offers the apparel industry a stretch fabric made with microfiber.

Rising Demand for Compression and Medical Hosiery

The growth of hosiery products is fueled by increasing awareness of the health benefits these specialized garments offer, particularly for those individuals with specific medical conditions and those seeking enhanced comfort and support in their day-to-day activities. Due to these several factors, the demand for compression and medical hosiery is rising. Compression hosiery is designed to apply regulated pressure on the legs. It helps improve blood circulation, reduce swelling, and ease symptoms of conditions such as deep vein thrombosis, varicose, and chronic venous insufficiency. With the aging global population and the growing prevalence of these vascular conditions, the need for effective and non-invasive treatment options such as compression hosiery has surged. Also, compression hosiery is increasingly popular among athletes and fitness enthusiasts. These garments aid in enhancing performance and preventing injury by promoting better flow of blood and reducing muscle fatigue.

For instance, in October 2023 Comrad Socks introduced its latest innovation ‘the infrared recovery compression socks’, these socks are designed with numerous benefits such as improved blood circulation.

For instance, in September 2022, CEP, a compression sportswear brand, launched ‘infrared compression socks’ designed to help muscles recover after intense physical exercise. These socks are designed with bioactive minerals technology that helps improve muscle microcirculation and oxygen supply.

The dual appeal to medical patients and active-wear individuals has widened the market base for compression hosiery. Medical hosiery, including compression stockings and support socks, is seeing increased adoption due to greater health consciousness and proactive management of chronic conditions. Innovations in fabric and fiber technology have further improved these products' comfort, durability, and look, making them more appealing to a wider range of consumers. The expansion of e-commerce consumer sales channels has made it easier for consumers to access various compression and medical hosiery products. The accessibility is combined with educational campaigns by healthcare providers and acceptance of these specialized hosiery options. Therefore, the rising demand for compression and medical hosiery reflects a growing recognition of the health benefits, expanding their market presence and driving the market growth.

Asia-Pacific is Expected to be the Fastest-Growing Region

Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the global hosiery market due to several key factors, including urbanization, changing trends in fashion, increasing health awareness, rising standard of living, and disposable income. The rapid economic growth in countries such as China, India, and Southeast Asian nations has led to a significant increase in disposable income. As a result, consumers have more spending power and are investing in higher-quality branded hosiery products. For instance, in China, the growing purchasing power of the middle-class population has driven demand for premium hosiery brands. Changing lifestyles in the region are influencing more people living in urban areas. There is a greater emphasis on fashion and personal appearance. The shift is evident in the rising popularity of fashionable hosiery. In India, the fashion-forward younger generation is increasingly adopting Western clothing styles, which include a variety of hosiery products. For instance, in September 2023, Gildan entered the Indian market to expand its reach in Asia.

Health awareness is another important factor. The growing knowledge of the benefits of compression and medical hosiery for managing conditions drives the demand. Japan and South Korea have seen a rise in the use of compression socks among the elderly and those with desk lifestyles. E-commerce has played an important role in the region's hosiery market extension. Platforms such as Flipkart, Amazon, and Alibaba have made their products more accessible to a broader audience. The online marketplace offers a wide range of options, catering to different consumer preferences, driving the market growth.

Future Market Scenario (2024 – 2031F)

Rapidly adapting consumers are changing preferences, such as the rise of experiential retail or digital-first shopping experiences. Cultural shifts in product development are expected to easily attract customers and drive market growth.

The rising popularity of multifunctional hosiery for varied seasonal use further boosts market growth. Advancements in fabric technology for comfort and durability are expected to increase the global hosiery market size in the forecast period.

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

Continuous innovation by the key players characterizes the competitive landscape of the global hosiery market. The market is dominated by major players as these companies lead through extensive portfolios, strong brand recognition, product launches, acquisitions, and brand evolution. The market is poised for steady growth, driven by the fashion-conscious population with their increasing disposable income, and a rising preference for sustainable shopping. The integration of technology, such as microfiber and infrared fabrics options, and digital marketing strategies is expected to drive the market growth. Hosiery manufacturers are concerned with supply chain resilience and product quality. Manufacturing locally to minimize operational cost and variety is likely to define the industry's future. Partnerships, collaborations, and developing technologies are projected to increase competition in the fast-paced market.

For instance, in May 2024, PUMA SE and Coperni partnered and launched their extensive collection of spring and summer 2024. Some of the highlighted items in the collection are tights, bodysuits, socks, speedsuit, and others.

For instance, in May 2022, adidas AG and Foot Locker, Inc. partnered to introduce a variety of products in the women's and kid's apparel section. The launch aims to provide an elevated experience to consumers through product innovation.