Knitted Underwear Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2021-2031F

The Global Knitted Underwear Market is forecast to expand from USD 25.92 billion in 2025 to USD 35.96 billion by 2031, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.61%. Knitted underwear consists of intimate apparel crafted through a looping yarn technique that yields a breathable, flexible, and comfortable material. This sector's worldwide growth is heavily fueled by rising consumer desires for superior fit and enhanced comfort in their undergarments. Additionally, the market benefits from a rising focus on health and wellness that favors breathable fabrics, coupled with a surging demand for eco-friendly and sustainable merchandise. Technological advancements in textiles, especially the development of seamless designs and performance-enhancing fabrics, further propel this expansion by delivering exceptional functionality and modern aesthetics.

Although exact 2025 market valuations for knitted underwear from industry associations remain unpublished, the International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) indicated that apparel manufacturers experienced steady operations in early 2025, with global textile order backlogs increasing to 2.5 months. However, the market faces a significant hurdle due to ongoing fluctuations in raw material costs, especially regarding natural fibers like cotton. This price instability directly affects overall production expenses, thereby squeezing profit margins for businesses operating within this industry.

Market Driver

A major catalyst for the Global Knitted Underwear Market is the surging consumer desire for enhanced fit and optimal comfort. Shoppers are shifting away from constricting styles, instead prioritizing intimate wear that delivers a flawless ergonomic fit alongside exceptional comfort. This behavioral shift is prompting innovations in textile production, resulting in the creation of seamless knitting methods and sophisticated fabric mixtures that guarantee breathability, flexibility, and softness. Reflecting this trend, the October 2025 Global Lifestyle Monitor™ Survey by Cotton Incorporated revealed that 67 percent of global consumers consider cotton clothing - a foundational material for knitted undergarments - to be the most comfortable. Such strong preferences encourage producers to concentrate on construction methods and materials that satisfy these modern demands for both active and everyday wear.

Another crucial growth driver is the escalating shopper preference for eco-conscious and sustainable intimate apparel. There is a clear transition toward items crafted from environmentally sound materials via ethical manufacturing practices, driving up the need for recycled materials and organic fibers among consumers who value certified goods and transparent supply chains. Illustrating this shift, OEKO-TEX's September 2025 report noted a 127 percent surge in Oeko-tex Organic Cotton certifications during the 2024/25 season, emphasizing how the sector is adapting to sustainability demands. This dynamic landscape is further evidenced by broader market performance; for example, the Lenzing Group reported in March 2025 that its 2024 revenue increased by 5.7 percent year-over-year to reach EUR 2.66 billion, largely driven by a boost in fiber sales.

Market Challenge

A major obstacle facing the global knitted underwear market is the continuous fluctuation in raw material costs. This volatility directly restricts market growth by driving up manufacturing expenses, which in turn squeezes profit margins throughout the sector. The unpredictability of these input costs generates substantial uncertainty for companies, making it difficult to manage inventory effectively and establish strategic retail prices for their finalized products.

As an illustration, the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) noted that the Cotlook A Index - a major gauge for cotton pricing - averaged 79.6 cents per pound during the 2024/2025 season, marking a significant 13.4% drop from the prior season. Despite this temporary decrease, abrupt price movements in any direction force manufacturers to either swallow the added costs or transfer them to buyers. Consequently, the retail prices of knitted undergarments may rise, which could lower affordability, dampen consumer demand, and ultimately hinder broader market expansion. Additionally, the unreliability of raw material pricing can discourage financial commitments to technological upgrades and product development, thereby slowing down industry-wide innovation.

Market Trends

The rising prominence of direct-to-consumer models and digital commerce marks a pivotal transformation in the global knitted underwear market, deeply reshaping conventional retail structures. Companies are progressively utilizing online channels to connect with shoppers directly, providing greater personalization, wider product varieties, and frictionless purchasing journeys while bypassing wholesale middlemen.

This approach empowers brands to build deeper customer loyalty and collect essential data that guides future marketing and product creation strategies. For example, Victoria's Secret revealed that in fiscal year 2025, its direct-to-consumer channels generated $2.04 billion, representing 31.2% of its overall revenue and proving the immense financial potential of digital sales. This shift underscores the industry's transition into a digital-first landscape, making streamlined e-commerce operations and a robust online presence essential for maintaining a competitive edge.

A further major trend influencing the knitted underwear sector is the broad embrace of body diversity and inclusive sizing. Shoppers are increasingly seeking intimate wear that accommodates a vast spectrum of body types and sizes, actively rejecting traditional and restrictive size ranges. Propelled by a strong cultural push for authentic representation and body positivity, this evolution is urging labels to broaden their product lines and marketing tactics to mirror varied consumer realities. Brands that champion this inclusivity by providing diverse fits and expanded size options are successfully capturing a wider audience. Highlighting this demand, American Eagle Outfitters' Aerie brand - well-known for its dedication to body diversity - recorded a 23% increase in comparable sales during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025. Such achievements emphasize the strong consumer appetite for inclusive brands, a factor that is profoundly shaping market share, advertising campaigns, and product design.

Key Market Players

• HanesBrands Inc.
• adidas AG
• Macy’s Inc.
• PVH Corp.
• Jockey International Inc.
• Giorgio Armani S.p.A.
• ExOfficio LLC
• Fruit of the Loom Inc.
• Rupa & Company Limited
• Wolford AG

Report Scope

In this report, the Global Knitted Underwear Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

Knitted Underwear Market, By Product Type:

• Boxers
• Briefs
• Thongs
• Boyshorts
• Performance Underwear

Knitted Underwear Market, By Material:

• Cotton
• Modal
• Bamboo Fiber
• Wool
• Blends

Knitted Underwear Market, By Age Group:

• Children (0-12 years)
• Teenagers (13-19 years)
• Adults (20-40 years)
• Middle-aged (41-60 years)
• Seniors

Knitted Underwear Market, By Region:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• South America
• Middle East & Africa

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Knitted Underwear Market .

Available Customizations

With the given market data, the publisher offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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