Innovations in Aesthetics Coupled with Functional & Performance Feature Enhancements to Drive Increased Acceptance of Specialized Hosiery Products Among the Middle Class Population

The global market for Hosiery (Women and Men) is projected to reach US$62.8 billion by 2024, driven by expanding consumer base supported by the growing population of affluent middle class, technology innovations and continuous product enhancements in aesthetics and functional performance. Hosiery generally refers to knitted legwear or tight fitting garments, particularly worn on feet and legs to protect from cold, and injuries. Hosiery is one part of the wardrobe which is a regular purchase for a large percentage of consumers. Although worn by both women and men, women dominate as the largest users of hosiery. The category also enjoys year-round demand and there is no seasonality. Hosiery also finds place in the fitness industry, where they are used to prevent the likelihood of muscle damage and to enhance blood circulation.  Besides favorable demographics, innovations in functional features and aesthetics continue to drive market gains. Rising consciousness of personal grooming, increasing focus on quality, style, durability and fashion, are some of the other  factors shaping the market. Rising adoption of hosiery products in the fitness and healthcare industries is also expected to augment market growth.

The hosiery sector has evolved with numerous innovations in the recent years. Growth in the sector is supported by innovations in fabric material, design and manufacturing technologies. New knitting technologies, faster machines, and new materials are making way into the hosiery sector contributing to the industry growth.  Innovative products with enhanced comfort, shaping, fit, and more importantly, at affordable pricing have traditionally witnessed high success rate in the market. In terms of design evolution, usage of colors and patterns remain the dominant trend. Technology advances such as support tights ensuring optimal blood circulation, control tops lifting tummies without narrowing, ergonomic hosiery with weather-adaptive and related supportive features, and silver-based microbial finishes preventing microbial growth are some areas that are currently under focus by manufacturers. With diabetic patients at high risk of being infected with foot infections that have long term implications such as amputation, there exists strong opportunity for development of sensory socks.

As stated by the new market research report on Hosiery (Women and Men), Europe represents the largest market worldwide, followed by the United States. Asia-Pacific ranks as the fastest growing market with volume sales projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% over the analysis period. Growth in the market is led by factors such as expanding base of youth  population, rising  household income levels,  and the rapid urbanization trend.

Key players in the market include CSP International SpA, Golden Lady SpA, Kayser-Roth Corporation, Gildan Activewear Inc., Gold Toe-Moretz, LLC, Hanesbrands, Inc.,  Iconix Brand Group, Inc., L Brands, LVMH, Donna Karan International, Sculptz, Inc., Trerè Innovation s.r.l., and Wolford AG, among others.

The research report titled “Hosiery (Men and Women) -  Market Analysis, Trends, and Forecasts” announced by Global Industry Analysts Inc., provides a comprehensive review of market trends, issues, drivers, mergers, acquisitions and other strategic industry activities of global companies. Market estimates and projections in Units and Dollars are provided for all major geographical markets including the US, Canada, Japan, Europe (France, Germany, Italy, UK, Spain, Russia and Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, India, and Rest of Asia-Pacific), Latin America (Brazil, and Rest of Latin America), and Rest of World. Product segments analyzed in the report include Socks, Sheer Hosiery & Tights.

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