Knitted Fabric Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Product (Weft-knit, Warp-knit), By Application (Technical, Household, Fashion & Clothing), By Region & Competition, 2020-2030F

Market Overview

Global knitted fabric market was valued at USD 34.54 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 51.26 Billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period. The global knitted fabric market has witnessed significant growth, driven by increasing demand from the fashion & clothing industry, expanding technical textile applications, and rising household textile consumption. Knitted fabrics, known for their elasticity, comfort, and versatility, are widely used across technical textiles (medical, automotive, sports), household textiles (bedding, upholstery), and fashion & clothing (activewear, casualwear, lingerie). 

Market Drivers

Rising Demand for Comfortable and Versatile Apparel

The growing preference for comfortable, lightweight, and stretchable clothing is a major driver for the knitted fabric market. With increasing urbanization and changing lifestyles, consumers are prioritizing comfort and functionality in their apparel choices. Knitted fabrics, particularly weft-knit varieties, are widely used in activewear, sportswear, loungewear, and casual clothing due to their flexibility, breathability, and soft texture. The rise of athleisure trends—where clothing blends fashion with athletic functionality—has further boosted demand. Additionally, innovations in fabric blends, such as moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating knits, cater to the needs of fitness-conscious consumers. As fashion brands and retailers continue to emphasize comfort-driven designs, the demand for knitted fabrics in the fashion and clothing segment is expected to grow significantly.

Expansion of Technical Textiles in Industrial and Medical Applications

The increasing use of knitted fabrics in technical textiles is another key driver for market growth. Warp-knit fabrics, known for their durability and dimensional stability, are widely used in automotive interiors, geotextiles, medical textiles, and protective clothing. In the healthcare sector, knitted fabrics are essential for producing compression garments, surgical mesh, and bandages due to their elasticity and strength. The automotive industry also relies on knitted materials for seat covers, headliners, and insulation, driven by the demand for lightweight and high-performance textiles. Furthermore, advancements in smart textiles—such as conductive knitted fabrics for wearable technology—are opening new opportunities. As industries prioritize functional and high-performance materials, the demand for knitted fabrics in technical applications is set to rise.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Knitted Fabric Innovations

Sustainability is a critical factor shaping the knitted fabric market, as consumers and manufacturers increasingly adopt eco-friendly materials. The textile industry faces growing scrutiny over its environmental impact, leading to a shift toward recycled and biodegradable knitted fabrics. Brands are investing in organic cotton knits, recycled polyester, and biodegradable fibers to meet sustainability goals. Additionally, innovations in dyeing and finishing processes—such as waterless dyeing and digital printing—reduce water consumption and chemical waste. In 2024, at the Gartex Texprocess India exhibition in New Delhi, more than a dozen new products were launched by both Indian and international textile companies. The event emphasized innovations in knitting, sewing machinery, and sustainable textile production, featuring over 600 brands from seven countries. Governments and regulatory bodies are also promoting sustainable textile production through policies and certifications, further encouraging market growth. In 2025, the Indian government's Union Budget 2025 revised the Basic Customs Duty rates on knitted fabrics, aiming to boost the competitiveness of the textile sector. Additionally, increased funding for schemes like RoDTEP and the Production-Linked Incentive Scheme is expected to enhance export potential. As eco-consciousness rises among consumers, the demand for sustainable knitted fabrics in fashion, home textiles, and technical applications will continue to expand, driving long-term market growth.

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Key Market Challenges

Fluctuating Raw Material Prices

One of the most significant challenges facing the knitted fabric market is the volatility in raw material costs, particularly for natural fibers like cotton and wool, as well as synthetic fibers such as polyester and nylon. These price fluctuations are influenced by factors like geopolitical tensions, trade restrictions, climate change affecting crop yields, and shifts in crude oil prices (since synthetic fibers are petroleum-based). For manufacturers, unpredictable input costs make pricing strategies difficult, squeezing profit margins and forcing companies to either absorb costs or pass them on to consumers, risking reduced demand. Additionally, the growing demand for sustainable and recycled fibers adds complexity, as these materials often come at a premium, further straining production budgets.

Labor-Intensive Production and Rising Labor Costs

Knitted fabric manufacturing remains a labor-intensive process, particularly in regions like South Asia, where manual labor is heavily relied upon for tasks such as stitching, dyeing, and finishing. However, rising wages, stricter labor regulations, and worker shortages in key manufacturing hubs (e.g., China, India, Bangladesh) are increasing operational costs. Many brands are under pressure to ensure ethical labor practices, which adds compliance costs. Automation presents a potential solution, but high capital investment in advanced knitting machines and the need for skilled technicians to operate them create barriers, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). As a result, manufacturers face a dilemma—balancing cost efficiency with ethical production while remaining competitive in a price-sensitive market.

Environmental and Regulatory Pressures

The textile industry is under increasing scrutiny for its environmental impact, particularly concerning water consumption, chemical pollution, and textile waste. Knitted fabric production involves energy-intensive processes, dyeing, and finishing, which contribute to carbon emissions and water contamination. Governments and regulatory bodies are imposing stricter environmental standards, such as restrictions on hazardous chemicals (e.g., EU’s REACH regulations) and mandates for sustainable production practices. While sustainability is a growing market trend, transitioning to eco-friendly materials (like organic cotton or recycled polyester) and adopting cleaner production technologies requires significant investment. India's imports of synthetic knitted fabrics under non-Minimum Import Price (MIP) codes totalled 119.17 million kg, valued at USD 205.22 million in July-September 2024, with an average price of USD 1.72 per kg. The diversion of imports under non-MIP codes indicates concerns over trade practices affecting domestic manufacturers. Additionally, fast fashion’s high turnover rate leads to excessive waste, with many knitted garments ending up in landfills. Brands must now invest in circular economy models—such as recycling programs and biodegradable fabrics—but scaling these solutions remains costly and technologically challenging. Meeting these sustainability demands without compromising affordability is a key hurdle for the industry.

Key Market Trends

Growth of Seamless and 3D-Knitted Apparel

Seamless knitting technology is gaining traction due to its ability to produce garments with minimal stitching, enhancing comfort, fit, and aesthetic appeal. 3D-knitted apparel, made using whole-garment knitting machines, eliminates fabric waste by creating complete garments in a single process. Activewear, intimate wear, and athleisure brands are increasingly adopting seamless designs for their ergonomic benefits and sleek appearance. Major sportswear companies, such as Under Armour and Lululemon, leverage this technology to produce high-performance, body-hugging apparel. The trend is also expanding into medical textiles, where seamless compression garments improve patient comfort. As consumer demand for form-fitting, lightweight, and sustainable clothing grows, seamless and 3D knitting will continue to reshape the industry.

Rise of Bio-Based and Recycled Knitted Fabrics

Sustainability remains a dominant trend, with bio-based and recycled knitted fabrics gaining prominence. Brands are shifting from conventional synthetic fibers (like polyester and nylon) to alternatives such as recycled PET, Tencel™ lyocell, and biodegradable knits made from algae or mushroom-based materials. Circular fashion initiatives are pushing for closed-loop production, where post-consumer textile waste is reprocessed into new yarns. Companies like Patagonia and H&M are investing in recycled knitted fabrics to meet eco-conscious consumer demands. Additionally, certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) and OEKO-TEX® ensure environmentally friendly production. As regulatory pressures and consumer awareness increase, the adoption of bio-based and recycled knitted fabrics will accelerate, influencing both fashion and technical textile sectors.

Personalization and On-Demand Knitwear Production

Customization is becoming a key differentiator in the knitted fabric market, driven by digital printing, AI-driven design tools, and small-batch manufacturing. Consumers increasingly seek personalized knitwear, from custom-fit sweaters to monogrammed accessories. Digital platforms enable brands to offer made-to-order knit products, reducing overproduction and inventory waste. Startups like Unmade and Knitwise use software to allow customers to design their own patterns, colors, and sizes before production begins. This trend aligns with the broader shift toward slow fashion, where quality and individuality take precedence over mass-produced fast fashion. As knitting technology becomes more agile, on-demand and bespoke knitwear will expand, particularly in luxury and niche fashion markets.

Segmental Insights

Product Insights

The knitted fabric market is broadly segmented into weft-knit and warp-knit fabrics, each serving distinct applications based on their structural properties. Weft-knit fabrics currently lead the market due to their extensive use in apparel and the booming demand for comfortable, stretchable clothing. The rise of athleisure and casualization of fashion has further strengthened this segment. Weft-knit fabrics are produced by interlooping yarns in a horizontal direction, making them highly elastic, soft, and comfortable. These fabrics dominate the fashion and apparel sector due to their stretchability and adaptability to body movements. Common applications include T-shirts, sweaters, sportswear, and casual wear. Weft knits are also preferred for seamless garments and athleisure due to their ability to conform to complex shapes without excessive cutting or sewing.

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Regional Insights

Asia-Pacific was the largest and most dominant region in the global knitted fabric market, accounting for the highest production and consumption share. Countries like China, India, Bangladesh, and Vietnam are key hubs due to their well-established textile industries, low labor costs, and strong export-oriented manufacturing. China remains the top producer, leveraging advanced knitting technologies and large-scale production capacities, while India benefits from a robust cotton supply and growing domestic demand. Bangladesh and Vietnam have emerged as competitive players, particularly in apparel exports, due to preferential trade agreements and cost advantages. The region’s dominance is further reinforced by increasing investments in textile infrastructure, rising disposable incomes, and expanding fast-fashion markets. However, challenges such as rising labor costs and environmental regulations are pushing manufacturers toward automation and sustainable practices to maintain their competitive edge.

Recent Developments

• In 2024, Inditex, the parent company of Zara, launched a USD 54.63 million fund to support startups focusing on sustainable textile innovations. This initiative aims to reduce supply chain emissions by 50% by 2030 and promote the use of innovative fibers in garment production.
• In 2025, The North Face unveiled two advanced fabric technologies—DOTKNIT™ and FUTUREFLEECE™—as part of its Advanced Mountain Kit™. These knitted fabrics are engineered to enhance thermal regulation and moisture management, catering to high-performance outdoor apparel.
• Cotton Incorporated released its 2025 FABRICAST™ collection, featuring innovative knitted fabrics with nature-derived colorations from minerals and indigo. The collection emphasizes textural complexity through the integration of yarn and stitch structures, colorful jacquard constructions, and quilted fabrics with recycled cotton batting.
• Huiliang Textile's eco-friendly knit fabric, NL24GD5122, made from pineapple leaf fiber and recycled polyester, was selected for the ISPO Textrends Award for Spring/Summer 2025. This sustainable fabric offers a natural appearance and feel, minimizing agricultural waste.

Key Market Players

• Baltex
• Jong Stit Co., Ltd.
• Georg and Otto Friedrich GmbH
• Zhejiang Chaoda Warp Knitting Co., Ltd.
• Abhinandan Knits Pvt. Ltd.
• Haining Jinmao Warp Knitting Co., Ltd.
• Lear Corporation
• Loyal Textile Mills Ltd.
• Toray Industries, Inc.
• Pacific Textiles Holdings Limited

Report Scope:

In this report, the global knitted fabric market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

·          Knitted Fabric Market, By Product:

o   Weft-knit

o   Warp-knit  

·         Knitted Fabric Market, By Application:

o   Technical

o   Household

o   Fashion & Clothing

·         Knitted Fabric Market, By Region:

o   North America

§  United States

§  Canada

§  Mexico

o   Europe

§  France

§  Germany

§  Spain

§  Italy

§  United Kingdom

o   Asia-Pacific

§  China

§  Japan

§  India

§  Vietnam

§  South Korea

o   Middle East & Africa

§  South Africa

§  Saudi Arabia

§  UAE

§  Turkey

§  Kuwait

§  Egypt

o   South America

§  Brazil

§  Argentina

§  Colombia

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies presents in the global knitted fabric market.

Available Customizations:

Global Knitted Fabric market report with the given market data, TechSci Research 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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