Antimicrobial Apparel Market Report 2026

The antimicrobial apparel market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $8.41 billion in 2025 to $8.97 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to rising hygiene awareness among consumers, increased demand for medical and healthcare apparel, expansion of sports and fitness participation, growing adoption of functional textiles, improvements in textile finishing technologies.

The antimicrobial apparel market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $11.58 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing use of sustainable antimicrobial agents, rising demand for reusable healthcare garments, expansion of antimicrobial activewear usage, growing investments in smart textile innovation, increasing regulatory focus on textile safety. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing use of bio-based antimicrobial treatments, rising demand for odor-resistant performance apparel, growing adoption of durable and wash-resistant fabrics, expansion of antimicrobial medical clothing, enhanced focus on long-lasting fabric hygiene.

The increasing prevalence of hospital-acquired infections is expected to drive the growth of the antimicrobial apparel market in the coming years. Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are infections that patients contract during their stay in healthcare facilities and that were neither present nor incubating at the time of admission. The rise in hospital-acquired infections is largely attributed to the overuse or misuse of antibiotics, which contributes to antibiotic resistance and makes infections more difficult to treat while increasing their likelihood of spreading within healthcare environments. Antimicrobial apparel is increasingly required to help prevent hospital-acquired infections by limiting the growth and transmission of harmful bacteria and pathogens on clothing, thereby reducing the risk of cross-contamination between patients and healthcare professionals. For instance, in June 2025, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), an Australia-based national agency, hospital-acquired complications were reported in 150,000 cases out of a possible 12.6 million hospitalisations in 2023-24. In addition, an 8% increase in catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) was observed among inpatient rehabilitation facilities. As a result, rising demand from the healthcare sector is playing a significant role in the expansion of the antimicrobial apparel market.

The antimicrobial apparel market is witnessing advancements in antimicrobial technology aimed at delivering sustainable and high-performance textile solutions. Industry participants are increasingly focused on developing advanced antimicrobial technologies that enhance fabric protection, improve performance, and support sustainability objectives. Antimicrobial technologies in textiles include innovations designed to inhibit microbial growth, reduce odor formation, and extend garment lifespan while maintaining wearer comfort and environmental safety. For example, in March 2023, Noble Biomaterials Inc., a US-based provider of antimicrobial and conductivity solutions, received Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registration for Ionic+ Botanical, an antimicrobial solution derived from bio-based citric acid. This technology is designed to suppress microbial growth and preserve fabric freshness without the use of harmful chemicals, while also supporting longer garment lifecycles. It is suitable for applications in activewear, healthcare apparel, and everyday clothing, aligning with the growing demand for sustainable and safe textile products.

In October 2024, 1888 Mills LLC, a US-based antimicrobial apparel manufacturer, entered into a partnership with FUZE Technologies Ltd. to incorporate FUZE’s sustainable antimicrobial treatment into 1888 Mills’ textile offerings. The collaboration aims to enhance hygiene standards while reducing environmental impact across the commercial and hospitality sectors. This initiative supports 1888 Mills’ strategy of delivering innovative, health-focused textile solutions alongside a strong commitment to environmental responsibility. FUZE Technologies Ltd. is a UK-based manufacturer specializing in antimicrobial apparel.

Major companies operating in the antimicrobial apparel market are Under Armour, Milliken & Company, Ascend Performance Materials Operations LLC, Vardhman Group, Raymond UCO Denim Private Limited, Authentic Brands Group, HeiQ Materials AG, Microban International Ltd., Sciessent LLC, NNT Uniforms, Noble Biomaterials Inc., Vestagen Protective Technologies, PurThread Technologies Inc., Roots Canada, Novel Technologies Holdings Limited, The Frenchie Co, SmartScrubs LLC, Polygiene, HHL Group Limited, Unwind Minds Private Limited, LifeThreads LLC.

North America was the largest region in the antimicrobial apparel market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the antimicrobial apparel market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the antimicrobial apparel market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The antimicrobial apparel market consists of sales of antimicrobial scrubs, activewear, undergarments, lab coats, hospital gowns, sports uniforms, workwear, and casual clothing embedded with antimicrobial treatments. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is, the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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