Intimate Wear Market Size Report, Share, Industry Analysis, Growth, 2032

Intimate Wear Industry Prospective:

The global Intimate Wear market size was worth around USD 93.34 billion in 2023 and is predicted to grow to around USD 149.84 billion by 2032 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 5.4% between 2024 and 2032.          

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Intimate Wear Market: Overview

Worn just above the skin, intimate apparel is a radical kind of clothing as it acts as a human's second skin. Several factors, including temperature, sensory, kinetic, and aesthetic value, must be considered while developing and making intimate materials. It is important to recognize the connections between these attributes. For instance, intimate apparel connects the skin to outer garments; as such, it needs to be cozy and have the right amount of give and take in terms of texture and motion.

The amount of moisture that seeps through the fabric by wicking, evaporation, sorption, or diffusion varies based on the thickness and tightness of the material. The intimate wear industry is being driven by several factors including rising disposable income, growing technology and innovation, growth of the e-commerce sector, rising product innovation, growing health and wellness trends, the influence of social media and celebrities and many others.

Key Insights

• As per the analysis shared by our research analyst, the global Intimate Wear market is estimated to grow annually at a CAGR of around 5.4% over the forecast period (2024-2032).
• In terms of revenue, the global Intimate Wear market size was valued at around USD 93.34 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 149.84 billion, by 2032.
• The growing product innovation is expected to propel the intimate wear market during the forecast period.
• Based on gender, the female segment is expected to capture a significant market share over the forecast period.
• Based on the product type, the shapewear segment is expected to hold a prominent market share over the forecast period.
• Based on the distribution channel, the online segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR over the projected period.
• Based on region, the Asia Pacific is expected to hold a prominent market share over the forecast period.

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Intimate Wear Market: Growth Drivers

Growing emphasis on body positivity drives market growth

The worldwide intimate wear business is being driven primarily by the increasing emphasis on inclusion and body acceptance. The societal conventions around beauty standards are evolving, leading to a desire for intimate apparel that fits a variety of body shapes, sizes, and ethnicities. Businesses that value diversity in their marketing and product offers can reach a larger spectrum of customers. Emphasizing body diversity in advertising and marketing initiatives has become a powerful catalyst for empowering consumers to embrace their true selves.

The intimate apparel industry is largely shaped by cultural norms and fashion trends. Customary ideas of beauty and style, which are impacted by runway trends, celebrity endorsements, and cultural movements, generate demand for specific underwear types. The cyclical nature of fashion trends is demonstrated by the intimate clothing collections' frequent use of antique aesthetics, nostalgic inspirations, and patterns reminiscent of the 1950s. This is the main driver of market expansion and development.

Intimate Wear Market: Restraints

Counterfeit products hindering the market growth

The intimate wear industry is severely constrained by issues with intellectual property and counterfeiting. A fraudulent product's proliferation damages the reputation of the manufacturing company as well as the overall business. Investing in research & development and innovation exposes brands to the possibility of rivals copying their designs, which may lead to financial losses and a decline in the brand's value.

Therefore, to protect intellectual property in the intimate wear business, robust anti-counterfeiting processes are essential. Counterfeit goods have the potential to decrease multinational brands' market shares in the intimate apparel sector. Purchasing fake items unintentionally because one believes them to be real merchandise is a possibility. Thus, the counterfeit products in the market hampering the growth of the intimate wear industry.

Intimate Wear Market: Opportunities

Growing product launch offers an attractive opportunity for market growth

The increasing product launch is expected to offer an attractive opportunity for market growth during the forecast period. For instance, in October 2023, the first-ever intimate clothing lines for women with impairments, VS & PINK Adaptive, were unveiled by Victoria's Secret and PINK. With assistance from GAMUT Management (GAMUT), the leading talent management and consulting firm that works with and for individuals with disabilities.

People with disabilities provided direct feedback on every stage of the development of VS & PINK Adaptive, including focus groups, wear testing, feedback panels, and more. The firm is delighted to be the first major fashion brand to provide adapted intimate items both online and in select locations, and the collections are representative of its commitment to celebrating women of all sizes, shapes, and abilities.

Intimate Wear Market: Challenges

Intense competition poses a major challenge to market expansion

Many businesses are fighting for market share in the fiercely competitive intimate apparel industry. Competition may put pressure on prices, drive up marketing costs, and necessitate ongoing product innovation to set products apart and keep customers loyal. Thus, the intense competition might be a major barrier for small and medium-sized enterprises over the forecast period.

Intimate Wear Market: Segmentation

The global Intimate Wear industry is segmented based on Gender, Product Type, Distribution Channel and region.

Based on gender, the global Intimate Wear market is bifurcated into Male and Female. The female segment is expected to capture a significant market share over the forecast period. When shopping for intimate apparel, female shoppers value comfort and usefulness. Wireless bras, seamless underwear, moisture-wicking textiles, and adjustable straps for a more tailored fit and support are examples of such advances. For instance, in July 2023, Wacoal, the nation's top designer intimate clothing brand, launched the groundbreaking Shape Revelation™ collection. Wacoal's dedication to providing the best fit for everybody continues to grow. Shape Revelation™ is a unique collection of bras and shapewear designed for three different breast forms and two body types.

Based on the product type, the global Intimate Wear industry is segmented into Briefs, Bras, Shapewear and Others. The shapewear segment is expected to hold a prominent market share over the forecast period owing to its functional design. Shapewear garments are made with specific materials and compression panels to give precise support and control. The seamless structure, adjustable straps, and silicone grippers offer a pleasant and secure fit.

Based on the distribution channel, the global Intimate Wear industry is segmented into online and offline. The online segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR over the projected period. Online shopping allows customers to browse and purchase intimate clothing from the comfort of their own homes or mobile devices. This accessibility enables customers to browse a diverse choice of brands, styles, and sizes without regard for actual store hours or locations.

Intimate Wear Market: Report Scope

Regional Analysis

The Asia Pacific is expected to hold a prominent market share during the forecast period

The Asia Pacific is expected to hold a prominent market share during the forecast period. The regional market growth is attributable to the rising urbanization and increasing disposable income of the population. For instance, according to the data published by the National Institute of Urban Affairs, Currently, not much over half of the world's population lives in metropolitan regions. This percentage is predicted to grow considerably in the future decades, owing to growing earnings and a transition away from agricultural and rural economies.

India, which accounts for one-sixth of the global population, is at the forefront of this transition. Urban India is undergoing a huge shift. Since 1951, the urban population has increased sixfold, rising from 62.4 million to 377.1 million in 2011, and 590 million people are expected to reside in Indian cities by 2030, more than twice the total population of the United States. Thus, the aforementioned stats drive the market growth in the region.

Intimate Wear Market: Competitive Analysis

The global Intimate Wear market is dominated by players like:

• Enamor India
• Zivame
• L BRANDS INC.
• HANKY PANKY LTD.
• JOCKEY INTERNATIONAL INC.
• PVH Corporation
• HANESBRANDS INC.
• THE CHANTELLE GROUP
• MAS Holdings Ltd.
• TRIUMPH INTERNATIONAL HOLDING GMBH
• BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC
• AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS INC. (AERIE)

The Global Intimate Wear market is segmented as follows:

By Gender

• Male
• Female

By Product Type

• Briefs
• Bras
• Shapewear
• Others

By Distribution Channel

• Online
• Offline

By Region

• North America
  • The U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • France 
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Southeast Asia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa