Global Knitwear Market By Product Type (T-Shirts, Sweart shirts and Others), By Material Type (Natural, Synthetic and Blended), By Application (Outerwear, Innerwear, Sportswear and Others), By Consumer Group (Men, Women and Kids), By Distribution Channel (Online and Offline), By Company and By Geography, Forecast & Opportunities, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 778.14 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	8.18%
Fastest Growing Segment	Outerwear
Largest Market	Asia Pacific
Market Size (2031)	USD 1247.21 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Knitwear Market will grow from USD 778.14 Billion in 2025 to USD 1247.21 Billion by 2031 at a 8.18% CAGR. Knitwear consists of apparel produced by interlocking loops of yarn—typically wool, cotton, or synthetic fibers—to create flexible, elastic garments ranging from sweaters to hosiery and activewear. The primary drivers supporting market growth include the enduring consumer shift toward comfortable, versatile clothing suitable for hybrid work environments and the rising disposable incomes in emerging economies that enable greater discretionary spending. Furthermore, the rapid expansion of digital retail channels has significantly broadened global market access for manufacturers. According to Textile Exchange, in 2024, global fiber production climbed to approximately 132 million tonnes, reflecting the intensifying demand for raw materials essential to this sector.

However, a significant challenge impeding market expansion is the volatility of raw material prices, particularly for natural fibers and fossil-fuel-based synthetics. These fluctuations, often exacerbated by geopolitical instability and climatic events, create unpredictable production costs that can erode profit margins and disrupt supply chain planning. Consequently, manufacturers face difficulties in maintaining competitive pricing while simultaneously attempting to navigate the financial pressures of transitioning to more sustainable, yet often costlier, material sourcing standards.

Key Market Drivers

The escalating demand for sustainable and eco-friendly knitwear is fundamentally reshaping supply chain strategies as manufacturers pivot toward renewable fibers to meet environmental standards. This driver forces brands to reduce their reliance on virgin fossil-fuel-based synthetics and integrate certified organic or recycled alternatives into their product lines. Consequently, the market is witnessing a structural transformation where transparency and raw material provenance are becoming competitive differentiators. According to Textile Exchange, September 2024, in the 'Materials Market Report 2024', approximately 29% of all cotton produced globally was cultivated under sustainability programs, highlighting the significant industrial commitment to responsible sourcing despite broader production challenges.

The adoption of advanced 3D knitting and automated manufacturing technologies is equally critical, enabling on-demand production that minimizes fabric waste and reduces lead times. This technological shift, exemplified by whole-garment knitting, allows manufacturers to produce seamless apparel with higher precision, thereby improving profit margins through operational efficiency. According to Shima Seiki, May 2024, in the 'Financial Results for the Year Ended March 31, 2024', operating income for the company's flat knitting machine segment increased by 64.1% year-on-year, reflecting the high value producers place on modernizing their equipment. These innovations are supporting a broader market recovery; according to the Office of Textiles and Apparel, in December 2024, US apparel imports for the year-to-date October increased by 4.4% in volume compared to the previous year.

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Key Market Challenges

The volatility of raw material prices stands as a formidable barrier to the growth of the Global Knitwear Market. Manufacturers heavily reliant on natural fibers like wool and cotton, as well as fossil-fuel-based synthetics, face constant financial unpredictability due to fluctuating input costs. This instability disrupts cost-structure forecasts, making it exceedingly difficult for companies to secure long-term contracts or maintain competitive pricing without eroding profit margins. Consequently, supply chain planning becomes reactive rather than strategic, forcing businesses to absorb cost spikes or pass them to consumers, which ultimately stifles demand in price-sensitive segments.

This challenging environment has led to tangible contractions in manufacturing output. According to the European Apparel and Textile Confederation (EURATEX), in April 2025, the textile sector reported that production volumes had declined for the 11th consecutive quarter, a trend driven significantly by persistent high input costs and economic instability. Such sustained contractions in production capacity directly hinder the market's ability to expand, as manufacturers are compelled to prioritize financial survival over investment in growth or capacity scaling.

Key Market Trends

The emergence of performance-enhanced luxury knitwear is redefining the market as high-end brands increasingly blend superior natural fibers with functional capabilities. This trend is characterized by the integration of Merino wool and cashmere into active-lifestyle collections, leveraging their inherent moisture-wicking and thermoregulating properties to appeal to consumers seeking versatility beyond traditional winter usage. This shift towards functional opulence is driving significant value growth in raw material supply chains, as manufacturers prioritize fibers that offer both comfort and technical utility. According to Knitting Industry, November 2025, citing data from The Woolmark Company, the global market value of wool is projected to nearly double from its 2022 baseline to reach USD 63.2 billion by 2033, reflecting the intensifying demand for performance-oriented natural fibers in the luxury sector.

Simultaneously, there is a robust revival of heritage, artisanal, and textured aesthetics, where consumers are gravitating towards "grandmacore" styles, crochet details, and tactile surfaces that convey authenticity and craftsmanship. This movement rejects the sleek minimalism of previous seasons in favor of nostalgic, character-rich garments that emphasize unique knitting structures and vintage inspirations. Fashion houses successfully capitalizing on this retro-eclectic demand are witnessing exceptional financial performance compared to the broader industry. According to Prada Group, October 2025, in the 'Consolidated Revenues - 9 Months 2025' report, the Miu Miu brand—whose recent collections heavily feature heritage-inspired knitwear—achieved a remarkable 41% year-on-year increase in retail sales, highlighting the commercial potency of this aesthetic shift.

Segmental Insights

The Outerwear segment is currently positioning itself as the fastest-growing category within the Global Knitwear Market, propelled by a distinct shift toward functional and versatile fashion. This growth is largely underpinned by the athleisure trend, which has normalized the use of knitted jackets and coats in both corporate and casual settings. Additionally, manufacturers are utilizing advanced material blends to create lightweight, weather-resistant garments that provide essential thermal comfort without bulk. Consequently, the rising consumer preference for travel-friendly, adaptable clothing continues to drive significant momentum in this sector.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific maintains a dominant position in the global knitwear market, driven primarily by its established manufacturing infrastructure and access to abundant raw materials such as cotton and synthetic fibers. Major production hubs in China, India, and Bangladesh benefit from competitive labor costs and integrated supply chains that support large-scale export operations. Additionally, rapid urbanization and rising disposable incomes across the region have fueled significant growth in domestic consumption. This dual strength in high-volume production and expanding consumer markets ensures the region remains the focal point of the industry.

Recent Developments

• In December 2024, Puma announced a multi-year partnership with the Finnish textile material innovation company Spinnova to develop sustainable products for future collections. This collaboration aimed to utilize wood-based Spinnova fiber, produced by the joint venture Woodspin Oy, to create proof-of-concept garments, particularly within Puma's Sportstyle category. The agreement secured fiber production capacity and represented a significant step in scaling the industrial adoption of this chemical-free, man-made cellulosic fiber. Puma’s management highlighted that the initiative aligns with their strategy to incorporate innovative, sustainable materials into their apparel lines, complementing existing textile-to-textile recycling programs.
• In October 2024, Shima Seiki Mfg., Ltd. showcased the mass-production version of its next-generation flagship flat knitting machine at the ITMA Asia + CITME exhibition in Shanghai. The company introduced the SWG-XR under its "Shima Seiki Reborn" concept, positioning it as the spiritual successor to the original WHOLEGARMENT technology debuted in 1995. This new machine features four needle beds and the company’s proprietary SlideNeedle technology, capable of producing high-quality, fine-gauge seamless knitwear with 25 percent higher productivity than previous models. The launch demonstrated the company’s renewed commitment to innovation in the global knitwear manufacturing sector.
• In August 2024, Uniqlo launched its updated Fall/Winter 2024 Women’s Knitwear collection, featuring significant enhancements to its popular Soufflé Yarn and 3D Knit product lines. The retailer introduced new designs, including a ribbed high-neck sweater and a seamless 3D Knit skirt created using WHOLEGARMENT technology for improved comfort and silhouette. The company emphasized that the updated Soufflé Yarn fabric was developed to be non-itchy and exceptionally soft, addressing common consumer concerns regarding wool-blend textures. This launch reflected the brand's ongoing strategy to integrate advanced knitting techniques with functional, everyday life-wear.
• In June 2024, the flat knitting machine manufacturer Stoll launched a new trend collection titled "Nocturno," developed by its Fashion & Technology department. This collection was designed to demonstrate the versatility of the company's latest knitting machinery, showcasing gauges ranging from the coarse E1.5.2 to the ultra-fine E20. The "Nocturno" series incorporated advanced techniques such as FlexPly to create novel textures and lace-like optics, while also utilizing knit-and-wear technology for seamless garment construction. The release aimed to inspire designers and manufacturers by highlighting the potential for both creative expression and technical precision in modern knitwear production.

Key Market Players

• 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.

By Product Type	By Material Type	By Application	By Consumer Group	By Distribution Channel	By Region
T-Shirts Sweart shirts and Others	Natural Synthetic and Blended	Outerwear Innerwear Sportswear and Others	Men Women and Kids	Online and Offline	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

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

• 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
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE