Men’s Underwear Market By Product Type (Briefs, Boxer Brief, Trunks, Boxers), By Material Type (Nylon, Cotton, Polyester, Others), By Sales Channel (Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Specialty Stores, Multi Branded Stores, Others (Distributors, etc.) By Region, By Competition Forecast & Opportunities 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 41.91 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	7.96%
Fastest Growing Segment	Boxer Brief
Largest Market	Asia Pacific
Market Size (2031)	USD 66.36 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Men's Underwear Market will grow from USD 41.91 Billion in 2025 to USD 66.36 Billion by 2031 at a 7.96% CAGR. Men's underwear encompasses a range of intimate apparel, including briefs, boxers, and trunks, designed to provide physical support and maintain personal hygiene. The global market is primarily propelled by increasing consumer awareness regarding health standards and a distinct shift toward products offering enhanced comfort and breathability. This focus on material quality is a quantifiable consumer priority that shapes manufacturing decisions. According to Cotton Incorporated, in 2025, 75 percent of global consumers indicated a preference for clothing made from cotton and cotton blends, reinforcing the necessity for natural fibers in the essential daily wear sector.

However, the industry faces a substantial challenge regarding the fluctuation of raw material prices and supply chain consistency. Volatility in the global cost of primary inputs, such as quality natural fibers and specialized synthetics, complicates production planning and exerts upward pressure on retail pricing, which can potentially stifle volume growth in price-sensitive market segments.

Key Market Drivers

Expansion of e-commerce and direct-to-consumer retail channels is fundamentally reshaping market accessibility and profitability within the global men's underwear sector. Brands are increasingly leveraging digital platforms to bypass intermediaries, allowing for personalized marketing and higher profit margins while gathering direct feedback on fit and style preferences. This digital shift is particularly effective for newer entrants focusing on niche requirements such as anti-chafing designs and pouch support, enabling them to scale rapidly against established incumbents. According to Step One Clothing Limited, August 2024, in the 'Annual Report 2024', the firm achieved a revenue increase of 29.7 percent to AUD 84.5 million, largely driven by its online customer acquisition strategy in the United Kingdom and United States. This trajectory highlights the efficacy of digital-first models in capturing volume from traditional retail environments.

Advancements in fabric technology and moisture-wicking materials act as a critical catalyst for product differentiation and premiumization. Modern consumers demand functional benefits originally derived from sportswear, such as temperature regulation and rapid drying, in their daily essential wear. Consequently, manufacturers are integrating performance fibers like modal, lyocell, and advanced synthetic blends to meet this expectation for superior physical comfort and hygiene. According to Lululemon Athletica Inc., March 2024, in the '2023 Annual Report', the brand recorded a 15 percent increase in net revenue for men's products, reflecting the broader consumer appetite for performance-oriented apparel designs. This trend forces traditional innerwear giants to innovate to maintain relevance. According to HanesBrands Inc., in 2024, the corporation generated USD 2.35 billion in net sales within its U.S. Innerwear segment for the prior fiscal year, highlighting the massive operational scale required to compete in this evolving landscape.

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Key Market Challenges

The fluctuation of raw material prices and supply chain consistency presents a critical barrier to the stability of the global men's underwear market. Volatility in the cost of primary inputs, such as premium cotton and specialized synthetics, creates an unpredictable manufacturing environment that complicates inventory management and production scheduling. Manufacturers are frequently compelled to adjust their pricing models to protect margins against these sudden cost spikes, which disrupts the continuity required for maintaining long-term retail partnerships and steady supply levels.

This financial instability directly restricts market expansion by forcing an increase in retail pricing, which disproportionately affects price-sensitive consumer segments. As the cost of essential goods rises, consumers often delay replenishment purchases of intimate apparel, thereby stalling volume growth in the mass-market sector. According to the United States Fashion Industry Association, in 2025, over 70 percent of surveyed executives reported that supply chain pressures and rising trade costs had directly increased their sourcing expenses, resulting in unavoidable price hikes for consumers. Consequently, this persistent upward pressure on costs limits the industry's ability to drive sales volume through competitive pricing strategies.

Key Market Trends

The mainstreaming of men’s shapewear and compression garments represents a pivotal evolution in the market, transitioning these products from niche medical necessities to essential daily wear for aesthetic enhancement. This trend is fueled by shifting cultural norms regarding male body image and the growing consumer desire for immediate physique-sculpting solutions under standard clothing. Retailers are responding by expanding inventories to include high-compression undershirts and trunks that offer posture support and slimming effects, validating the category's mass-market potential. According to The Guardian, December 2025, in the article 'I feel shrink-wrapped: the reluctant rise of shapewear for men', online searches for male shapewear increased 40 percent from 2024 to 2025, highlighting the rapid acceleration of consumer interest in this emerging category.

Concurrently, the industry is undergoing a technical transformation through the shift towards seamless and 3D-knitted construction, which eliminates traditional stitching to minimize skin irritation and enhance garment durability. This manufacturing innovation allows brands to produce ergonomically contoured underwear with variable compression zones directly woven into the fabric, significantly reducing production waste compared to cut-and-sew methods. The operational efficiency and premium positioning of this construction technique are driving superior financial performance for key manufacturers. According to Delta Galil Industries Ltd., February 2025, in the 'Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results', the company reported a record annual gross margin of 41.9 percent, a profitability milestone supported by the robust performance of its diversified portfolio which includes innovative seamless apparel and men's underwear lines.

Segmental Insights

The boxer brief segment currently stands as the fastest-growing category within the global men's underwear market, attributed to a distinctive shift in consumer preference regarding fit and functionality. Leading market research suggests this growth stems from the design's ability to offer the essential support of traditional briefs combined with the extended coverage of boxers. This hybrid structure appeals to consumers seeking versatility for both athletic and daily activities. Furthermore, the integration of advanced moisture-management fabrics has enhanced the segment's popularity, compelling manufacturers to expand their portfolios to meet this rising demand.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific commands the leading position in the Global Men's Underwear Market, supported by distinct demographic and economic drivers. Data from prominent market research firms indicates that the region’s dominance is anchored by a vast male population in China and India, creating an extensive consumer base. Concurrently, rising disposable incomes and rapid urbanization are transitioning demand from basic garments to premium, branded options. The region also benefits from a well-established textile manufacturing infrastructure, which provides cost advantages and supply chain efficiency. These factors collectively sustain Asia Pacific's supremacy in the global sector.

Recent Developments

• In July 2024, Tommy John announced the launch of its first activewear line for both men and women, titled the "Medalist Collection," which expanded its portfolio within the performance underwear market. This capsule collection featured the "360 Sport" hammock pouch underwear for men, which utilized an interior air mesh pouch for support and separation. The range was designed with a custom fashion waistband and employed proprietary fabrics known for their functionality and stability during physical activity. The launch targeted consumers seeking premium athletic essentials and was distributed through the company's online platform and select retail partners.
• In May 2024, SAXX Underwear announced the development of a proprietary innovation known as "Stop Drop Technology," designed to address specific consumer hygiene concerns regarding moisture management. This new feature was integrated into the brand's Vibe Xtra and Multi Sport Mesh product families, which were previewed for a subsequent market release. The technology utilized a specialized mesh structure to rapidly wick moisture away from the skin, preventing visible wetness and enhancing overall comfort. This breakthrough represented a significant investment in functional apparel engineering, aiming to solve common user pain points through advanced material science and thoughtful product construction.
• In February 2024, Skims collaborated with a prominent R&B artist to release a limited-edition men's underwear collection. This partnership involved the artist serving as the face of the brand's latest menswear campaign, which coincided with the launch of his new album and a major sports halftime performance. The collaboration featured the brand’s signature stretch boxer briefs in exclusive colorways, including Midnight Blue, Stone, and Oxblood. By aligning with a high-profile entertainment figure, the company aimed to bridge the gap between music culture and intimate apparel, driving consumer engagement through a digital-first retail strategy.
• In January 2024, Calvin Klein launched its Spring 2024 men’s underwear collection, featuring a high-profile campaign centered on updated classic designs. The release introduced new product lines such as Intense Power, Micro Stretch, and Micro Mesh, which incorporated bold logo treatments and innovative fabrication materials designed for everyday comfort. This collection emphasized a minimalist aesthetic combined with modern sensuality, aiming to refresh the brand's core offerings. The launch was supported by a global marketing strategy that utilized high-impact out-of-home placements and digital content to showcase the brand's latest styles, reinforcing its dominance in the premium underwear segment.

Key Market Players

• Hanesbrands Inc.
• Naked Brand Group Inc.
• Jockey
• Levi Strauss & Co.
• Perry Ellis International Inc.
• Iconix Brand Group Inc.
• Penney IP LLC
• Under Armour, Inc.
• Fibre2Fashion Pvt. Ltd.
• PVH Corp

By Product Type	By Material Type	By Sales Channel	By Region
Briefs Boxer Brief Trunks Boxers	Nylon Cotton Polyester Others	Supermarkets/Hypermarkets Specialty Stores Multi Branded Stores Others (Distributors, etc.)	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

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

• Men's Underwear Market, By Product Type:

• Briefs
• Boxer Brief
• Trunks
• Boxers

• Men's Underwear Market, By Material Type:

• Nylon
• Cotton
• Polyester
• Others

• Men's Underwear Market, By Sales Channel:

• Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
• Specialty Stores
• Multi Branded Stores
• Others (Distributors, etc.)

• Men's 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