Knitwear Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2021-2031

The Global Knitwear Market is projected to expand from USD 778.14 Billion in 2025 to USD 1.24 trillion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 8.18%. This sector encompasses apparel created by interlocking loops of yarn - typically using cotton, wool, or synthetic fibers - to produce flexible, elastic garments ranging from activewear and hosiery to sweaters. Key factors fueling this market growth include a sustained consumer preference for versatile, comfortable clothing appropriate for hybrid work settings, alongside rising disposable incomes in emerging economies that allow for increased discretionary spending. Additionally, the rapid proliferation of digital retail platforms has substantially widened global market access for manufacturers. Highlighting the growing need for essential raw materials, data from Textile Exchange indicates that global fiber production rose to roughly 132 million tonnes in 2024.

However, the market faces a substantial hurdle in the form of volatile raw material prices, particularly regarding natural fibers and fossil-fuel-based synthetics. These price fluctuations, frequently aggravated by climatic events and geopolitical instability, result in unpredictable production expenses that can erode profit margins and disrupt supply chain planning. Consequently, manufacturers struggle to sustain competitive pricing structures while simultaneously managing the financial burdens associated with shifting toward more sustainable, yet often more expensive, material sourcing protocols.

Market Drivers

The growing consumer appetite for eco-friendly and sustainable knitwear is fundamentally transforming supply chain operations, prompting manufacturers to embrace renewable fibers to satisfy environmental benchmarks. This trend compels brands to decrease their dependence on virgin fossil-fuel-based synthetics and incorporate certified organic or recycled alternatives into their offerings. Consequently, the sector is undergoing a structural shift wherein raw material provenance and transparency are emerging as key competitive advantages. According to the 'Materials Market Report 2024' by Textile Exchange, released in September 2024, nearly 29% of global cotton production was harvested under sustainability initiatives, underscoring a strong industrial dedication to responsible sourcing despite broader manufacturing difficulties.

Equally vital is the integration of automated manufacturing technologies and advanced 3D knitting, which facilitates on-demand production to curtail fabric waste and shorten lead times. This technological evolution, illustrated by whole-garment knitting, permits the creation of seamless apparel with superior precision, thereby boosting profit margins via enhanced operational efficiency. Shima Seiki reported in May 2024, within their 'Financial Results for the Year Ended March 31, 2024', that operating income for their flat knitting machine division rose by 64.1% year-on-year, demonstrating the high value manufacturers place on updating their machinery. These advancements are underpinning a wider market resurgence; as per the Office of Textiles and Apparel in December 2024, year-to-date US apparel imports through October grew by 4.4% in volume relative to the prior year.

Market Challenges

Price volatility regarding raw materials remains a significant obstacle to the expansion of the Global Knitwear Market. Manufacturers that depend heavily on natural fibers such as cotton and wool, as well as fossil-fuel-derived synthetics, encounter persistent financial uncertainty due to wavering input costs. This instability disturbs cost-structure projections, rendering it extremely difficult for firms to establish long-term agreements or sustain competitive pricing without diminishing profit margins. As a result, supply chain management becomes reactive instead of strategic, compelling companies to either absorb cost increases or transfer them to customers, which ultimately suppresses demand in price-sensitive market segments.

This adverse environment has resulted in measurable reductions in manufacturing output. In April 2025, the European Apparel and Textile Confederation (EURATEX) reported that the textile sector experienced a decline in production volumes for the 11th straight quarter, a pattern largely attributed to economic instability and persistently high input costs. Such prolonged contractions in production capacity directly impede market growth, as manufacturers are forced to prioritize financial survival over expanding operations or investing in capacity scaling.

Market Trends

The rise of performance-enhanced luxury knitwear is redefining the sector, as high-end brands increasingly combine premium natural fibers with functional attributes. This trend involves incorporating cashmere and Merino wool into active-lifestyle lines, utilizing their natural thermoregulating and moisture-wicking qualities to attract consumers looking for versatility beyond standard winter wear. This move toward functional luxury is stimulating substantial value growth within raw material supply chains, as producers favor fibers that provide both technical utility and comfort. Citing data from The Woolmark Company, Knitting Industry reported in November 2025 that the global market value of wool is expected to nearly double from 2022 levels to hit USD 63.2 billion by 2033, signaling growing demand for performance-focused natural fibers in the luxury segment.

Concurrently, there is a strong resurgence of textured, artisanal, and heritage aesthetics, with consumers favoring "grandmacore" styles, tactile surfaces, and crochet elements that communicate craftsmanship and authenticity. This shift moves away from the sleek minimalism of prior seasons to embrace character-filled, nostalgic garments that highlight vintage influences and distinct knitting structures. Fashion labels that effectively tap into this retro-eclectic demand are seeing superior financial results relative to the wider industry. For instance, the Prada Group's 'Consolidated Revenues - 9 Months 2025' report from October 2025 revealed that Miu Miu, a brand featuring heritage-inspired knitwear in recent collections, secured an impressive 41% year-on-year rise in retail sales, underscoring the commercial strength of this aesthetic trend.

Key Players Profiled in the Knitwear Market

• Nike Inc.
• Adidas AG
• Gap Inc.
• Fast Retailing Co., Ltd.
• Marks and Spencer Group PLC
• Gildan Activewear Inc.
• Hackett Ltd.
• Abercrombie & Fitch Co.
• Loro Piana S.P.A.
• Ralph Lauren Corp.

Report Scope

In this report, the Global Knitwear Market has been segmented into the following categories:

Knitwear Market, by Product Type:

• T-Shirts
• Sweart shirts and Others

Knitwear Market, by Material Type:

• Natural
• Synthetic and Blended

Knitwear Market, by Application:

• Outerwear
• Innerwear
• Sportswear and Others

Knitwear Market, by Consumer Group:

• Men
• Women and Kids

Knitwear Market, by Distribution Channel:

• Online and Offline

Knitwear 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 Knitwear Market.

Available Customization

The analyst offers customization according to your specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

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

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