Knitted Underwear Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Product Type (Boxers, Briefs, Thongs, Boyshorts, Performance Underwear), By Material (Cotton, Modal, Bamboo Fiber, Wool, Blends ), By Age Group (Children (0-12 years), Teenagers (13-19 years), Adults (20-40 years), Middle-aged (41-60 years), Seniors), By Region & Competition, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 25.92 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	5.61%
Fastest Growing Segment	Teenagers (13-19 years)
Largest Market	North America
Market Size (2031)	USD 35.96 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Knitted Underwear Market is projected to grow from USD 25.92 Billion in 2025 to USD 35.96 Billion by 2031 at a 5.61% CAGR. Knitted underwear refers to undergarments fabricated using the knitting technique, where yarn is looped to create a flexible, breathable, and comfortable fabric. The global market for this product segment is primarily driven by escalating consumer demand for enhanced comfort and improved fit in intimate apparel. Further market expansion is supported by growing health and wellness consciousness, which prioritizes breathable materials, alongside an increasing consumer preference for sustainable and eco-friendly products. Advances in textile technology, particularly in seamless construction and performance-driven fabrics, also contribute significantly to this growth by offering innovative designs and superior functionality.

While precise global market value data specifically for knitted underwear from industrial associations for 2025 is not publicly available, the International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) reported that garment producers demonstrated stable performance during early 2025, and the global textile order backlog had risen to 2.5 months. A notable challenge impeding market expansion is the persistent volatility in raw material prices, particularly for natural fibers such as cotton, which directly impacts production costs and profit margins across the industry.

Key Market Drivers

The Global Knitted Underwear Market is significantly influenced by the growing demand for comfort and enhanced fit. Consumers increasingly prioritize intimate apparel that offers superior comfort and a perfect ergonomic fit, moving away from restrictive designs. This trend drives innovation in textile manufacturing, leading to the development of seamless knitting technologies and advanced fabric blends that provide softness, breathability, and flexibility. According to the 2025 Global Lifestyle Monitor™ Survey by Cotton Incorporated, in October 2025, 67 percent of consumers globally rate cotton clothing, a primary material for knitted underwear, as the most comfortable. This strong preference underpins manufacturers' focus on materials and construction techniques that meet these evolving consumer expectations for daily wear and active lifestyles.

Another pivotal factor is the increasing consumer preference for sustainable and eco-friendly underwear. There is a discernible shift towards products made from environmentally responsible materials and produced through ethical manufacturing processes. This includes a rising demand for organic fibers and recycled materials, with consumers actively seeking transparent supply chains and certified products. For instance, according to OEKO-TEX, in its September 2025 report, Oeko-tex Organic Cotton certification experienced a 127 percent acceleration in the 2024/25 season, highlighting the industry's response to this demand for sustainable options. Overall market performance reflects this dynamism, as according to Lenzing Group, in March 2025, its revenue grew by 5.7 percent year-on-year to EUR 2.66 billion in 2024, primarily due to increased fiber sales.

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Key Market Challenges

A significant challenging factor impacting the global knitted underwear market is the persistent volatility in raw material prices. This directly hampers market expansion by elevating production costs for manufacturers and subsequently narrowing profit margins across the industry. Such instability in input costs creates considerable uncertainty for businesses, complicating inventory management and strategic pricing decisions for finished goods.

For instance, according to the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC), the Cotlook A Index, a key benchmark for cotton prices, averaged 79.6 cents per pound in the 2024/2025 season, which represented a notable 13.4% decline from the previous season. While this specific period saw a decrease, sudden shifts in either direction compel producers to absorb higher expenses or pass them on to consumers. This can lead to increased retail prices for knitted underwear, potentially reducing consumer affordability and demand, thereby stifling overall market growth. Furthermore, unpredictable raw material costs can deter investment in product development and technological advancements, impeding innovation within the sector.

Key Market Trends

The growing influence of digital commerce and direct-to-consumer models represents a significant shift in the global knitted underwear market, fundamentally altering traditional retail landscapes. Brands are increasingly leveraging online platforms to reach consumers directly, offering enhanced personalization, broader product assortments, and seamless shopping experiences without the intermediaries of wholesale distribution. This strategy allows companies to cultivate stronger brand loyalty and gather valuable customer data, which in turn informs product development and marketing efforts. Victoria's Secret, for instance, reported that its direct channels accounted for 31.2% of its total revenue, amounting to $2,042 million, in fiscal year 2025, demonstrating the considerable revenue generated through these digital avenues. This trend highlights the market's evolution towards a digitally-centric environment where online presence and efficient e-commerce operations are critical for competitive advantage.

Another prominent trend shaping the knitted underwear market is the widespread acceptance of inclusive sizing and body diversity. Consumers are increasingly demanding intimate apparel that caters to a wider range of body shapes and sizes, moving away from conventional, limited sizing options. This shift is driven by a powerful cultural movement emphasizing body positivity and authentic representation, compelling brands to expand their offerings and marketing strategies to reflect diverse consumer needs. Companies that embrace this inclusivity through extended size ranges and varied fits are gaining traction among a broader customer base. American Eagle Outfitters' Aerie brand, recognized for its commitment to body diversity, achieved a 23% comparable sales growth in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025. This performance underscores the market demand for brands that champion inclusivity, influencing product design, marketing campaigns, and ultimately, market share.

Segmental Insights

The Teenagers (13-19 years) segment is currently the fastest-growing demographic within the Global Knitted Underwear Market. This rapid expansion is primarily driven by their evolving fashion consciousness and significant influence from social media trends, which collectively shape their purchasing decisions. Teenagers prioritize comfort, functionality, and personal style, leading to increased demand for knitted underwear crafted from breathable fabrics and featuring seamless designs. Furthermore, innovations such as specialized period underwear cater directly to this demographic's specific needs, offering enhanced comfort and discretion, thereby fueling segmental growth. This blend of style, comfort, and targeted product development makes teenagers a pivotal segment.

Regional Insights

North America stands as the leading region in the global knitted underwear market, primarily due to strong consumer demand emphasizing comfort, quality, and sustainable materials. The region's influential fashion sector and high disposable income drive preferences for innovative designs and advanced fabric technologies, setting global trends. Furthermore, a robust retail infrastructure, encompassing both extensive online platforms and established physical stores, ensures broad product accessibility for a diverse consumer base. The significant presence of major international brands and a focus on product innovation further solidify North America’s prominent market position.

Recent Developments

• In November 2025, Knix, an intimate apparel company, introduced its first men's brand, MNTD. The new line includes essential items such as underwear, socks, and tops, featuring an innovative Mint Condition Anti-Odor Technology. This textile innovation provides breathable, moisture-wicking, and soft-on-skin properties, enhancing comfort and functionality within the knitted underwear segment. The expansion into men's undergarments followed extensive requests and prototyping, representing a strategic move to capitalize on opportunities within the men's basics market and extend its expertise in performance fabrics.
• In September 2025, Calvin Klein launched its autumn 2025 underwear campaign, highlighting the new Icon Cotton Modal line. This collection features modern innovations designed to enhance comfort and fit. Key advancements included a seamless Infinity Bond waistband and bonded hook and eye closures, which together contribute to a smoother silhouette and improved breathability. This product introduction represented Calvin Klein's continuous effort to innovate within the knitted underwear sector, offering consumers advanced designs that merge iconic branding with enhanced fabric technology and construction.
• In August 2025, Knobby, an underwear brand, announced a multi-year partnership with the Australian Olympic Committee, becoming the Official Underwear Supplier for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games and the 2026 Youth Olympic Games. This collaboration marked Knobby's initial involvement with an Olympic team, reinforcing its presence in global markets and sporting apparel. As part of this alliance, Knobby planned to launch a limited-edition Green and Gold underwear and base apparel collection in January 2026, ahead of the Winter Games, further expanding its product offerings in the knitted underwear market.
• In March 2025, Hanky Panky, an intimate apparel company, unveiled a new leak-proof panty collection, developed in collaboration with Saalt. This partnership integrated lace designs with Saalt's advanced gusset technology, which is recognized for being exceptionally thin, dry, and absorbent, notably without the inclusion of PFAS. This product launch reflected a growing industry trend towards combining aesthetic appeal with functional innovation in knitted intimate wear, addressing increasing consumer demand for sustainable and technologically enhanced solutions within the global underwear market.

Key Market Players

• HanesBrands Inc.
• adidas AG
• Macy’s Inc.
• PVH Corp.
• Jockey International Inc.
• Giorgio Armani S.p.A.
• ExOfficio LLC
• Fruit of the Loom Inc.
• Rupa & Company Limited
• Wolford AG

By Product Type	By Material	By Age Group	By Region
Boxers Briefs Thongs Boyshorts Performance Underwear	Cotton Modal Bamboo Fiber Wool Blends	Children (0-12 years) Teenagers (13-19 years) Adults (20-40 years) Middle-aged (41-60 years) Seniors	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

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

• Knitted Underwear Market , By Product Type:

• Boxers
• Briefs
• Thongs
• Boyshorts
• Performance Underwear

• Knitted Underwear Market , By Material:

• Cotton
• Modal
• Bamboo Fiber
• Wool
• Blends

• Knitted Underwear Market , By Age Group:

• Children (0-12 years)
• Teenagers (13-19 years)
• Adults (20-40 years)
• Middle-aged (41-60 years)
• Seniors

• Knitted Underwear 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