South Korea Clothes Market Size and Share Outlook - Forecast Trends and Growth Analysis Report (2025-2034)

The South Korea clothes market was valued to reach a market size of USD 29.64 Billion in 2024. The industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.42% during the forecast period of 2025-2034. The rising popularity of global luxury brands, e-commerce expansion, and the growing demand for sustainable clothing are aiding the market to attain a valuation of USD 41.49 Billion by 2034.

South Korea Clothes Market Overview

The increasing number of fashion shows in South Korean cities such as Seoul and Busan, which highlight designer labels, directly impacts consumer demand for the showcased collections, driving the South Korea clothes market. In 2023, Seoul Fashion Week featured 30 designer fashion shows and one business-focused fashion event. The demand for premium and stylish kids' wear is growing. Luxury brands providing kids’ wear such as Burberry, Moncler, and Dior are widely popular among consumers. Korean men prefer trendy clothing that provides them with comfort. Key clothing brands for men include 87MM, Hyein Seo, and DIAFVNE.

South Koreans’ desire to outwardly exhibit social standings drives the demand for luxury clothing. In H1 2024, the sales growth of luxury goods in Korea’s three largest department stores, such as Shinsegae Department Store, Hyundai Department Store Co., and Lotte Department Store, exceeded the upscale shopping centres’ average revenue growth of 2.6%.

In 2022, the combined revenue of the top four luxury brands, namely Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Christian Dior, and Hermès, reached USD 3.78 billion in the country. Chanel topped the luxury market with total sales of USD 1.2 billion. The high internet penetration, coupled with smartphone adoption, aids the growth of the online clothing market, thus supporting the South Korea clothes market. In 2022, 97.2% of Koreans had access to the Internet. Key online websites include coupang.com and ssg.com.

Figure: Internet Penetration (% of the Population) in South Korea, 2018-2023

According to 2024 data, South Korea's e-commerce market is the 4th largest in the Asia-Pacific region, behind China, Japan, and India. South Korea's e-commerce sector is driven by increasing internet penetration, consumer adoption of online shopping, enhanced payment infrastructures, and the popularity of innovative shopping experiences. During the 2024-2028 period, South Korea’s e-commerce sector revenue is expected to show a compound annual growth rate of 6.4%. In 2023, the top three e-commerce platforms in South Korea emerged as Coupang, Naver Shopping, and Gmarket. This growth is attributed to speedy delivery, ease of return/exchange, and cheaper prices compared to other platforms.

South Korea Clothes Market Growth

Flame-resistant clothing is essential for protecting welders, chefs, grill masters, and workers in iron and steel mills that are exposed to sparks, embers, and flames. As per 2024 data, South Korea ranks 7th in crude steel production globally. Furthermore, according to 2022 data, welding constitutes 70% of the total shipbuilding process in the industry. South Korean sportswear brands are combining innovation, style, and functionality to cater to their consumer base. Key sportswear brands include XEXYMIX, Black Yak, Pro-Specs, and FCMM.

To meet sustainability goals, manufacturers are adopting eco-friendly printing methods using plant-based dyes or non-toxic pigments. Brands are also embracing innovative techniques like waterless dyeing to reduce water usage and eliminate harmful chemicals. Key brands adopting sustainability in their manufacturing processes in South Korea clothes market include ul:kin, RE:CODE, and PARTsPARTs.

Key Trends and Developments

South Korea clothes market development is driven by widespread adoption of luxury apparel, popularity of sustainable fashion, expansion of the e-commerce sector, and rising demand for protective clothing.

November 2024

Jacquemus, a French fashion house expanded its presence in South Korea with the opening of its fifth store at Shinsegae Department Store Gangnam. The store showcased its Fall/Winter 2024 collections. Samsung C&T Fashion Group operates this brand in South Korea through its concept store called 10 Corso Como Seoul.

August 2024

Spanish fashion brand Loewe brought fresh retail concept to Seoul by launching a new Casa Loewe flagship store, marking the brand’s first “Casa” location in the country and its 13th overall. The storefront features men’s and women’s ready-to-wear, accessories, eyewear, art and exclusive furniture pieces.

June 2024

The Chinese online fashion and lifestyle retailer SHEIN had officially announced its entry into the Korean market. Industry analysts predicted that SHEIN's entry would impact domestic SPA brands like SPAO and Top Ten, as well as fashion platforms including Musinsa, Ablely, Zigzag, and W Concept. E-commerce companies such as Coupang, which offered a considerable volume of Chinese fashion products, were also anticipated to experience significant effects.

February 2023

Plan C introduced its first golf product in Korea, a key global market for golf apparel. The Italian luxury brand, operated by Samsung C&T Fashion Group, announced on the 22nd the launch of a Korean-exclusive golf capsule collection, reflecting the market’s growth. The collection featured sweatshirts, sweat vests, Boston bags, bottle bags, and pouches. Clothing was priced at 600,000-700,000 won, and accessories ranged from 500,000 to 1 million won.

South Koreans are fond of luxury goods, including apparel

South Koreans are the world’s biggest spenders on luxury goods. In 2022, total spending on personal luxury goods by South Koreans year-on-year grew around 24% to USD 16.8 billion, amounting to USD 325 per capita.

The rise of sustainable fashion drives the growth of the South Korea clothes market

The sustainable fashion movement in South Korea is gaining traction as consumers and brands such as UL:KIN and PARTSPARTs prioritise reducing the environmental and social impact of traditional practices. Clothing materials such as hemp, bamboo, and organic cotton are increasingly being used to produce clothing.

The rising popularity of e-commerce supports the demand of the South Korea clothes market

High smartphone penetration rate coupled with technological advancements such as virtual try-ons and personalised shopping experiences, aids the market. In 2022, domestic online purchases were USD 180.4 billion compared to USD 168.5 billion in 2021.

Rising demand for safety wear to protect industrial workers

Safety wear is essential protective clothing designed to safeguard individuals, such as firefighters and factory workers, from a range of hazards including heat, flames, chemicals, and other potential dangers. As reported by the Korea Institute of Public Administration, the total number of firefighters in South Korea reached 66,659 in 2022. Additionally, data from 2023 highlights that South Korea’s chemical industry accounts for 14.3% of the nation’s manufacturing output and 17% of its exports.

South Korea Clothes Market Trends

South Koreans are among the world’s biggest spenders on luxury goods. The rising disposable income is further driving the demand for luxury clothing, in turn, boosting the South Korea clothes market expansion. The median income based on disposable income rose 42.9% to USD 2.23 thousand in 2022 from USD 1.56 thousand in 2011, outpacing the 17% increase in the middle-class population during the same period. In 2022, South Koreans spent D 325 per capita on personal luxury items, an increase of around 24% over the previous year. In 2022, the combined revenue of the top four luxury brands, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Christian Dior, and Hermès, in South Korea's luxury market reached USD 3.78 billion.

South Korea Clothes Market Opportunities

South Korean brands are adopting sustainability to grab a larger customer share. Increasing demand for eco-friendly, sustainable, and ethically produced clothing offers opportunities for brands to tap into a more conscious consumer base, thus increasing the South Korea clothes market share. Korean fashion brands are prioritizing sustainability, using eco-friendly materials and ethical production. For instance, large brands like UL:KIN and PARTsPARTs combine style with low environmental impact, while smaller brands like Pado of Seoul and Eclatto focus on upcycled and circular fashion. Collaborations with local artisans and fair-trade practices further highlight their commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly alternatives.

South Korean per capita retail e-commerce sales were by far the highest in Asia in 2022, at USD 3,028 per person. The three most popular categories of products for e-commerce are food (20.6%), appliances and electronics (12.7%), and fashion (11.1%). E-commerce grew 8.8% year-over-year in 2021 to 2022 to reach USD 157.0 billion. E-commerce is forecasted to see 4.2% current value CAGR through 2027, outpacing offline sales. Prominent online stores selling clothes in South Korea include DINT Inc, Gmarket Inc, and SSG.com.

South Korea Clothes Market Restraints

The presence of counterfeit products can impact the sales of market players in the South Korea clothes market. The proliferation of counterfeit fashion products, particularly in the fast fashion sector, poses a significant challenge to both local and international brands, as consumers can easily access knockoffs at lower prices. Counterfeit goods are widely available through street vendors across major cities in South Korea, making them easily accessible to consumers. The continued availability of these counterfeit items may negatively impact the sales of legitimate brands, potentially shifting consumer preferences toward imitation products.

South Korea Clothes Industry Segmentation

“South Korea Clothes Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

On the basis of type, the market can be divided into the following:

• Inner Clothing
• Outer Clothing

On the basis of fabric type, the market is segmented into the following:

• Knit
• Woven
• Non-Woven

By application, the market is segmented into the following:

• Formal Wear
• Casual Wear
• Sports Wear
• Safety Wear
• Others

By end use, the market is segmented into the following:

• Women
• Men
• Kids

By distribution channel, the market is segmented into the following:

• Retail Stores
• Online Stores

Market Analysis by Type

Innerwear brands in Korea are actively engaged in innovation and development significantly contributing to South Korea clothes market growth. Some of the major innerwear companies in Korea are Ssangbangwool and Shinyoung Wacoal. Ssangbangwool operates brands such as Viviene, and Try, whereas Shinyoung Wacoal operates the underwear brand Venus. Innerwear companies such as Ssangbangwool are aiming to expand their market share by raising sales through distribution diversification including online shopping and home shopping, reducing costs, and improving production process efficiency.

Developments in the Korean outer clothing fashion market significantly contribute to South Korea clothes market development. There is a growing consumption of outer clothing in enhanced designs and materials among Koreans, due to the economic development and expansion of travel among adults. In October 2024, the Activewear brand 'XEXYMIX', expanded its portfolio with its 24FW outerwear collection. The outerwear collection has a total of 192 products in several materials and designs. In February 2023, Andar, an athleisure brand, released the denim pants collection Air Denim, which combines the style of jeans with the functionality of sportswear.

Market Analysis by Fabric Type

The increasing inclination towards comfortable and breathable clothing, growing awareness about the benefits of cool fabric, and technological advancements in fabric manufacturing are catering to an increased demand for knitted cool fabric. Popular knitwear brands in Korea are Canmart, Dainty Knit, and Umamung. In September 2024, Wide Angle, a Korean brand, launched a new knitwear collection for the fall golf season.

Further, developments in the textile sector in Korea stimulate the clothes demand growth. In June 2023, South Korean textile giant Youngone Corporation conducted the ground-breaking ceremony for the establishment of 11 factories as a part of its Evertop Textile & Apparel Complex Pvt Ltd. In August 2024, South Korea launched the Fashion Industry Competitiveness Strategy that aims to increase Korea’s global market share in industrial and eco-friendly textiles from 2-3% to 10% by 2030, while also raising digital transformation levels in product planning, manufacturing, and logistics, from 35% to 60%.

Market Analysis by Application

Growing popularity of casual clothes due to K-pop influence and remote working, aids the South Korea clothes market. The rise of K-pop and K-pop aesthetics has pushed the population to favour more neutral colours and casual attire in everyday wear. Moreover, the rise of social media is popularising Korean streetwear brands such as Emis and Insilence, which offer plenty of t-shirts, plain sweaters, and jackets, among others.

As per the South Korea clothes market analysis, in October 2024, the Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG) collaborated with COVERNAT, a popular casual fashion brand to launch limited edition fashion goods. The presence of remote working across South Korea has pushed workwear to become more casual, significantly increasing the demand for casual clothes. In 2022, Korea had about 956,000 people working remotely.

Rising outdoor activities among the population are increasing the adoption of sportswear. Korea is witnessing a rise in outdoor activities due to increased health consciousness, further creating a heightened demand for clothing suitable for activities such as mountaineering, camping, and tennis. Some of the major outdoor wear brands in Korea are North face, Nepa and K2.

Market Analysis by End Use

Increasing outdoor activities by men and women in South Korea is pushing the adoption of activewear. Women in Korea are actively participating in sports and outdoor activities, such as baseball and soccer, swimming and kayaking, significantly expanding the uptake of sports and activewear. Popular athleisure brands offering clothes for both men and women in Korea are Xexymix, Andar, Nerdy, and FCMM.

Developments in men's fashion stores aid the South Korea clothes market growth. In May 2024, Songzio, known for its menswear opened its first-ever flagship store in Seoul. In July 2023, Deps, a men’s fashion platform launched by South Korean fashion brand incubator Hago L&F launched an offline store. The store offers clothes of Deps brands to men in their 20s and 30s, their key customer base. Some of the popular Korean brands among men are What it isNt (Wiisnt), THISISNEVERTHAT, LMC, and CODEGRAPHY, among others.

Market Analysis by Distribution Channel

South Korea is becoming a major fashion hub on a global scale and has the presence of a large number of brands and stores. Dongdaemun, widely known as the fashion town, is home to approximately 32 shopping malls and 30,000 stores, according to a 2024 report. As per the South Korea clothes market report, popular clothing brands in offline retail segment in Korea are 8 seconds, Ader Error, and We11done, among others. In June 2024, H&M opened an innovative store offering an elevated shopping experience in Myeongdong, Seoul. The store spanning about 1,580 square meters offers both womenswear and menswear.

As per 2024 records, fashion accounts for 18% of eCommerce revenues in South Korea, making it the second-largest category after electronics. The major online fashion stores in Korea are coupang.com, nike.com, musinsa.com, ssg.com, and gmarket.co.kr. In April 2024, Shein, a fast fashion online retailer, launched its Korea-dedicated platform, aiming to attract cost-sensitive fashion enthusiasts in the country.

Competitive Landscape

The South Korea clothes market is marked by intense competition and a high level of fragmentation. Key factors driving competition include quality, innovation, and significant investments in marketing. Successfully sourcing and distributing products, along with creating appealing merchandising and presentations - both in-store and on digital platforms, plays a crucial role in attracting customers.

87MM Co., Ltd.

Established in 1987, 87MM Co., Ltd. is a South Korean fashion brand established by Park Ji Woon and Kim Won Joong. The company operates under the brand name 87MM_SEOUL, known for its clean-cut and versatile apparel that reflects diverse environments and experiences. The brand offers a wide range of products, including outerwear, tops, bottoms, and accessories, catering to both men and women.

FRL Korea Co., LTD.

Founded in 1949, UNIQLO Korea, officially known as FRL Korea Co., Ltd., is a joint venture between Fast Retailing and Lotte Shopping. UNIQLO Korea imports and sells clothing under the UNIQLO and GU brands within South Korea. Globally, UNIQLO is renowned for its innovative products, such as HEATTECH, which provides warmth without bulk, and AIRism, offering breathable comfort. The brand emphasizes simplicity, quality materials, and modern design, catering to a diverse customer base.

Acme de la vie Co., Ltd.

Acmé de la vie (ADLV), established in 2017, is a South Korean streetwear brand that has gained significant popularity among young adults. ADLV's collaborations with popular K-pop artists and influencers have further enhanced its appeal within the Korean region. The brand's focus on affordability and quality has contributed to its widespread acceptance among fashion-conscious consumers in the country.

Five Space Co.,Ltd

ADERERROR, officially known as Five Space Co., Ltd., is a prominent South Korean fashion brand celebrated for its distinctive and groundbreaking designs that seamlessly merge art, fashion, and culture. This collective of talented designers and creatives collaborates to craft unisex clothing and accessories that boldly defy conventional fashion norms. The brand has gained international recognition through collaborations with global companies like Converse and Maison Kitsuné, further establishing its presence in the global fashion scene.

Beyond Closet Co., Ltd.

Founded in 2008, Beyond Closet Co., Ltd. is a South Korean fashion brand established by designer Ko Tae Yong. The brand's name reflects the concept of exploring personal identity through clothing, viewing the closet as a space that reveals one's personality, emotions, and lifestyle. Beyond Closet draws inspiration from American classic and preppy styles, offering fresh reinterpretations each season through witty graphics and vibrant colors. The brand presents two main lines: N.Archive and Beyond Closet.