Rainwear Market Assessment, By Type [Clothing, Footwear], By End-user [Men, Women, Kids], By Distribution Channel [Online, Offline], By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, 2017-2031F

Rainwear Market Assessment, By Type [Clothing, Footwear], By End-user [Men, Women, Kids], By Distribution Channel [Online, Offline], By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, 2017-2031F

Global rainwear market is projected to witness a CAGR of 4.21% during the forecast period 2024-2031, growing from USD 2.53 billion in 2023 to USD 3.52 billion in 2031. The driving factors of the rainwear market are a rise in the traveling of consumers, an increase in recreational and outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, biking, and mountaineering in the cooler or wetter regions, unpredictable weather patterns in some places, rising fashion trends and increased multi-functionality, daily commutation requirements by working population during monsoon season, and rise in the rate of precipitation in some parts of the world.

The rainwear market is experiencing remarkable growth, driven by consumers' changing lifestyles and emerging fashion trends, the influence of social media and Western culture, and a growing emphasis on dynamic culture. Rainwear, once a necessity product, has now become a trend owing to its multi-functionality and product variety available in the market.

The rainwear market is witnessing growth due to surging demand for rainwear for golfers. Moreover, the use of advanced technologies such as DryJoys waterproof technology is further augmenting the growth of the market.

Although Asia-Pacific is emerging as a dominant region, other regions are contributing to the rainwear market due to greater number of people using the products and availability of products with advanced features.

Sustainable and environmentally friendly rainwear is gaining momentum in the market and appealing to eco-conscious consumers. For instance, in March 2024, TRUE Linkswear launched TRUELUX G, its waterproof and sustainable rainwear. These footwears are available for both men and women and provide comfort with style.

Asia-Pacific to Dominate the Market Share

Asia-Pacific dominates the rainwear market due to unpredictable changes in the climate, unseasonal weather patterns, and heavy rainfall experienced in the region. Globally, most wet places on the Earth are in India and China which are among the most populated countries. As per the reports of International Monetary Funds, the total population of Asia-Pacific is 4.44 billion as of 2024 while the population of India stands at 1.4 billion as stated by the United States Census Bureau in 2024. The top two wettest places globally are Mawsynram and Cherrapunji in India. Emei Shan, Sichuan Province in China ranks 10th in the same category. According to Britannica, the global yearly precipitation average is about 990.6 mm.

Moreover, rapid urbanization and the increasing millennial population in the region have enabled people to adopt new products and innovations. The rising traveling population further supports the demand, demonstrating a higher inclination for fashionable and durable rainwear.

Light Weight Rainwear is Gaining the Trend

Lightweight rainwear is gaining popularity due to reasons such as convenience and ease of portability and storage, which allows consumers to pack it in their bags and carry it with them, making it a go-to option for daily commutation and outdoor activities.

Lightweight rainwear gives consumers the freedom to move and provides better breathability since it is mostly made of polyester and causes inconvenience when worn from heavy and bulky materials.

The key players are incorporating various technologies and using different materials to make their rainwear offerings lightweight, providing convenience to consumers during the slippery monsoon season.

For instance, in October 2022, Galway Bay Apparel, LLC introduced its new 2023 rainwear collection designed for golfers. Its custom rainwear features its proprietary lightweight waterproof technology, known as the Hydro-Flex 32 fabric, which is breathable and keeps players dry. The collection includes a reversible jacket, a rain jacket, a quarter zip pullover, and tailored rain pants, constructed to provide unparalleled performance fit with ergonomic functionalities.

Sustainable Rainwear to Gain Momentum

Sustainable rainwear is gaining popularity due to increasing eco-consciousness among consumers. Various key players are using sustainable materials like recycled polyester, eco-friendly membranes, and organic cotton in their products. These materials minimize the environmental impact of production by reducing the reliance on virgin materials, helping to reduce waste. The rising demand for eco-friendly and modern rainwear created from recycled materials like nylon and PET plastic is increasing, supplementing the growth of the rainwear market.

For instance, in February 2024, Arc'teryx, a brand of Amer Sports Corporation, launched its latest Beta Jacket, made from Gore-Tex, a sustainable shell material used by the company for its rainwear. The sustainable material is a waterproof membrane that helps keep the wearers dry during monsoon. Additionally, sustainable rainwear incorporates sustainable water-resistant coatings that are free from harmful chemicals like polyvinyl chlorine. Sustainable rainwear brands practice ethical production techniques, including fair labor remuneration, transparency in the supply chain, and responsible sourcing of raw materials, contributing to a better cause.

Multi-functional Rainwear Flourishing the Growth

Due to its versatility, multi-functional rainwear is driving the growth of the market. These products are designed to protect the wearer from different situations, such as windy weather, cold temperatures, and heavy rains. This feature of rainwear is highly applicable to travelers, consumers who engage in outdoor activities, or people residing in regions with unpredictable weather patterns.

Additionally, multi-functional rainwear offers features such as removable linings, ventilation systems, and adjustable hoods, enabling the wearers to personalize their comfort level based on the prevailing conditions. This versatility reduces the need to purchase multiple outwear pieces for different weather conditions, helping consumers to save money.

Moreover, the rainwear design includes multiple pockets and compatibility with detachable hoods or zip-in liners. These features of multi-functional rainwear enrich the garment's usability and functionality, making them suitable for multiple purposes and activities.

For instance, in October 2023, Reen announced the launch of a sustainable, luxury waterproof jacket for men that can be worn even in heavy rains. The product appeals to consumers due to its functional versatility, as it includes various features like a windproof design, waterproof zippers, large pockets, arm vents, draw cords and cord locks.

Future Market Scenario (2024 – 2031F)

The demand for sustainable and eco-friendly rainwear is on the rise and expected to increase exponentially in the future, providing key players with an opportunity to offer more innovative products. For instance, companies may incorporate advanced technologies and fabrics to experiment and formulate zero-waste, sustainable rainwear, further supporting the market growth in the forecasted period.

The rising prevalence of fashion shows and the product's multi-functionality further indicate better opportunities for the market to grow. This is because of the rise in the young population and consumers’ preference for fashionable rainwear.

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

Key players in the market are helping in the growth by focusing on continuous product innovation, retail expansions and strategic marketing. The manufacturers are actively expanding their product portfolio, increasing the base of the customers, and catering to their evolving needs.

A trend has been observed among the key players like Patagonia, Inc., whose product offerings are made from 100 percent recycled materials.

Additionally, manufacturers are launching multi-purpose rainwear which consumers can wear during heavy rainfalls and use their rainwear during colder weathers and in snow. It caters to the travel enthusiasts who enjoy adventure sports such as skiing.

For instance, in October 2023, The Helly Hansen Group introduced their latest Odin Backcountry Capsule Collection, which is ideal for ski touring and during monsoon season. The collection includes the Odin BC Infinity Shell Jacket, Odin BC LT Insulator Hood, and the Odin BC Softshell Jacket. These product offerings are lightweight, highly breathable, and dry quickly, which makes them a preferred option for the consumers.