Law Enforcement And Military Clothing Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Material (Cotton, Polyester, Nylon), By Function, By End Use, By Region, Competitive Landscape, And Segment Forecasts, 2020 - 2025

Industry Insights

The global law enforcement and military clothing market size was estimated at USD 2.93 billion in 2019 and is expected to register a CAGR of 5.2% over the forecast period. Rising awareness regarding the safety of law enforcement and military personnel are expected to boost market growth over the forecast period.

Law enforcement personnel are responsible for maintaining the internal law and order of a country. Rising awareness among youth regarding serving the country is anticipated to boost the number of recruits in both military and law enforcement services. Furthermore, an increase in the number of field agents, owing to the advanced nature of crimes, is also expected to drive the law enforcement clothing market.

The ability of cotton fiber to be converted into breathable textile makes it an ideal raw material for law enforcement and military clothing. Besides, the low cost of cotton fiber is expected to augment its demand for manufacturing law enforcement clothing over the forecast period.

Rising technological advancements have resulted in boosting the penetration of nanotechnology in law enforcement and military clothing. The application of nanotechnology helps in producing fabrics with superior characteristics. For instance, the nano-finishing technique provides nano-armor, which is responsible for weaving fibers into thin pads. These thin pads can detect the impact of bullet or shrapnel, thus, protecting the personnel.

Military and law enforcement personnel are supplied with the clothing through stores in respective departments such as Army, Navy, Air Force, and Police Force. The presence of online garment stores for military and law enforcement clothing, such as Patrolstore and Arktis Endurance Textiles Ltd., aids in ensuring a continuous supply of clothing for the military personnel in their respective country.

Conflicts such as ongoing wars in countries like Iran, Yemen, Afghanistan, Syria, Libya, Ukraine, and South Sudan are anticipated to boost the number of military personnel being recruited, thereby, positively impacting the market. Also, an increasing number of natural calamities such as flood, cyclone, earthquake, forest fire, and tsunami are anticipated to boost the demand for law enforcement officers and military officers, which are required for disaster management, thereby augmenting the market growth.

Law Enforcement And Military Clothing Market Trends

When operating on the field, law enforcement officials and military personnel must wear a certain uniform in order to ensure their safety and facilitate identification. The clothing is designed according to the personnel’s activity type, service branch, rank, and designation. The uniform is required in the fields of military and law enforcement while personnel are on duty or on the grounds of associated facilities.

The demand for law enforcement and military clothing is expected to increase significantly during the forecast period due to rising military spending around the world. Furthermore, increased public concern about the safety of law enforcement and military personnel is likely to boost market expansion throughout the projection period.

Increased military spending by various countries, combined with an increasing number of military recruits, are expected to drive demand for military clothing throughout the forecast period. In addition, promotion in the ranks of the workforce also necessitates a new set of clothing, which is expected to fuel the market growth over the forecast period.

The rising technical breakthroughs have increased the use of nanotechnology in law enforcement and military clothing. The use of nanotechnology assists in the production of textiles with improved properties. The nano-finishing procedure, for example, offers nano-armor, which is responsible for weaving threads into thin pads. These tiny pads can sense the impact of bullets or shrapnel and automatically harden the material, making the pad impregnable and shielding the troops. The aforementioned benefits of nanotechnology in law enforcement and military clothing are expected to boost market growth.

Rising young interest in serving their country is expected to increase the number of volunteers recruits for both the military and law enforcement. Additionally, it is anticipated that the law enforcement agencies quick expansion of training initiatives would lead to more effective operations, which will increase promotions and boost the market for law enforcement equipment. The market for law enforcement and military clothing is also anticipated to be driven by the rising number of field agents as a result of the advanced nature of crimes.

There are several military forces and law enforcement organizations operating in the Mexico region, including the Mexican Armed Forces, the Federal Ministerial Police, and the Federal Police. These organizations employ a variety of people in a variety of positions, each of whom is given a department-specific uniform. The necessity for uniforms from rising recruiting in the aforementioned organizations is projected to fuel the demand for law enforcement and military clothing.

The market is highly regulated by several government organizations that create, develop, and enforce regulations and standards for military clothing. Manufacturers as well as the personnel that uses the military clothing are mandated to comply with the manufacturing standards and possession laws. Regulations such as EN ISO 11612:2008, ISO 13688:2012, and others specify requirements for garments, performance, and size designation with other standards containing requirements for specific performance.

The existence of several standards relating to military clothing complicates the process. Furthermore, the demand for highly specialized technology for making the delicate patterns or insignias on law enforcement and military clothing provides a hurdle for clothing manufacturers, since the insignia must be perfect.

Material Insights

The cotton fibers segment accounted for 23.65% of the global revenue in 2019, on account of its properties such as absorbency, strength, and durability. Also, increasing penetration of cotton blends like polyamide cotton, polyester-cotton, cotton-nylon, and polyester-cotton rayon for manufacturing defense personnel clothing is anticipated to complement market growth.

Synthetic fibers derived from polyester exhibit higher resistance to wind, water, and environment, when compared to plant-derived fibers. The polyester fiber is exclusively used with natural fibers such as cotton to manufacture fabrics that offer high wrinkle and tear resistance, high strength, and shrink reduction, wherein these blends are further used for weaving defense personnel apparel.

Aramid, short for aromatic polyamide, is a high-performance synthetic fiber. It is available in the form of para-aramid and meta-aramid under the trademark names of Nomex, Teijinconex, Kevlar, Technora, Twaron, and Heracron. These fibers exhibit an extensive range of properties including high strength, resistance to abrasion and organic solvents, and low flammability. The aforementioned properties aid in its application for manufacturing law enforcement and military clothing.

Wool is estimated to exhibit a CAGR of 5.5%, in terms of revenue, from 2019 to 2025, owing to its ability to form blends with other fibers and provide improved material characteristics such as comfort, durability, maintenance, and protection. The inherent properties of wool are improved by blending it with high-performance fibers. Long-staple wool is spun into worsted yarns with DuPont trademark fibers, Nomex and Kevlar, to obtain durable and flame-resistant fabric.

Function Insights

Flame resistant (FR) clothing refers to apparels designed for protecting the wearer from thermal exposure and potential discontinuous flames. FR apparels are estimated to register a CAGR of 5.3%, in terms of revenue, from 2019 to 2025 on account of the exposure of defense personnel to thermal hazards, coupled with the product’s ability to protect the wearer from high temperatures.

FR apparels are made from fabrics and components that are non-conductive and do not melt on to the skin of the wearer, thereby, preventing any further burn injuries. The clothing needs to fulfill the standards set by protective apparel agencies such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

The production of high-quality apparel for law enforcement and military personnel comprises the implementation of new technologies that allow the apparel to withstand sunlight, rain, and wind. For instance, the patented technology of moisture management allows quick moisture absorption from the skin, faster drying of the fabric, and regulating skin temperature in hot and cold climates.

Military and law enforcement personnel are exposed to severe environmental conditions on duty. As a result, the apparel used by such personnel requires to be made from a fabric that offers protection in harsh external conditions. The fabric is designed to provide a significant amount of water and UV resistance. Furthermore, the apparel offers elasticity, insulation, durability, and comfort to the wearer.

End-use Insights

Non-flame resistant defense clothing is estimated to reach USD 1.5 billion by 2025 in the law enforcement and military clothing market on account of product attributes such as water-repellent, high durability, abrasion resistance, and mildew, petroleum oil, and lubricant resistance. In some cases, these uniforms protect infrared detection, thereby, making them an ideal option in stealth combat situations.

Increasing demand for unique and upgraded clothing by military officers in both combat and other situations is anticipated to boost the military clothing market over the forecast period. The uniforms of military personnel depend on the service branch, rank, and occasion, i.e., if they are deployed, they are required to wear combat uniforms, whereas, for formal functions, the clothing is different.

Combat uniforms are multi-layered, thus protecting soldiers from harsh environmental conditions and help them focus on the mission. The outfits are designed with unique pixel patterns and protect in near-infrared and visual bands, thereby, blending the personnel in their surroundings over both long and short distances. Thus, rising demand for combat uniforms is expected to propel the market growth over the projected period.

The law enforcement segment is expected to register a CAGR of 4.8%, in terms of revenue, from 2019 to 2025 on account of the attributes offered by the apparel. These include the establishment of a visible presence on patrol, unique identification, and also represent authority over civilians. Besides, clothing aids in protecting personnel from various hazards while maintaining durability and comfort.

Regional Insights

North America is the largest growing economy and accounted for 35.13% in terms of revenue in 2019. The demand for more militants is projected to rise as a result of the escalating geopolitical disputes and irregular warfare between and within various economies. As a result, it is projected that over the projection period, demand for uniforms in the military and law enforcement is likely to increase in the North America.

The U.S. is expected to boost its defense budget, which would likely increase the spending on military clothing for various members of the armed forces and law enforcement. As a result, it is anticipated that throughout the projection period, demand for military and law enforcement clothing will rise. With its Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard, the United States Armed Forces are the third-largest military in the world by active personnel. Additionally, with around 18,000 U.S. police agencies, including municipal and state police departments, county sheriffs, and federal law enforcement agencies, law enforcement is one of the main pillars of the nation’s criminal justice system.

The Asia Pacific is the fastest growing economy with a CAGR of 7.5%. The Asia Pacific law enforcement and military clothing market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years due to the increasing threat of terrorism in Asian economies such as Pakistan, India, and China, which is expected to augment the demand for increased military and law enforcement forces to prevent cross-border terrorism.

Factors such as China’s increased anti-piracy efforts, involvement in UN peacekeeping operations, disaster relief, and humanitarian aid are expected to drive market expansion. Furthermore, rising security concerns in the South and East China Seas are expected to increase the number of naval personnel, which is expected to increase the demand for maritime combat apparel in the country.

Law Enforcement and Military Clothing Market Share Insights

Major players in the global market include Elbeco Incorporated; Galls, LLC; Safariland, LLC; Fechheimer; Seyntex; Point Blank Enterprises, Inc.; Propper International; and W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. The competition in the market is intense and is marked by a demand for innovative and reliable clothing solutions.

Leading market players are engaged in continuous R&D and implementation of new designs to manufacture products using innovative and optimum quality materials to comply with rising demand from end-users. Players design, develop and market a wide range of law enforcement and military clothing products such as shirts, pants, polo shirts, blouse coats, base layers, and shorts.

Law Enforcement and Military Clothing Market Report Scope

Global Law Enforcement And Military Clothing Market Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2014 to 2025. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global law enforcement and military clothing market report based on material, function, end-use, and region.

• Material Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

  • Aramid

  • Nylon

  • Cotton Fibers

  • Viscose

  • Modacrylic

  • Polyester

  • Wool

  • FR Rayon

  • FR Cotton

  • Kermel

  • Others

• Function Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

  • Flame-resistant apparel

  • Others

• End-use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

  • Law Enforcement

  • Defense

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

  • North America

    • The U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • U.K.

    • France

    • Spain

    • Russia

    • Italy

    • Turkey

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Japan

    • South Korea

    • Pakistan

    • Indonesia

    • Thailand

    • Australia

    • Malaysia

  • Central & South America

    • Brazil

    • Argentina

    • Colombia

  • Middle East & Africa

    • South Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • UAE

    • Israel