Men's Underwear Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (Briefs, Boxer Brief, Trunks, Boxers), By Fabric, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030

Report Overview

The global men’s underwear market size was valued at USD 37.11 billion in 2022 and is expected to register a compound annual growth rate CAGR of 5.4% from 2023 to 2030. Increasing awareness about health, best fit, and personal hygiene coupled with the growing millennial population is expected to drive the growth. The increasing availability of a wide range of products and designs suitable for various purposes including sports, regular wear, and functional wear among others is anticipated to further fuel the product demand.

Improving fashion trends, increasing disposable income, and changing consumer lifestyles along with preferences are the factors expected to boost market growth. Increasing concern regarding the fabric used for manufacturing underwear is one of the major factors driving the market. The availability of products in a variety of fabrics such as cotton, polyester, nylon, rayon, silk, and cotton blends is driving the product demand. Manufacturers focus on intimate product designs and patterns such as thongs, C-string, tanga, and jockstraps among others to cater to a larger consumer base.

Global men’s underwear market has been negatively impacted, due to the unforeseen COVID-19. In the U.S., overall apparel sales witnessed a decline of around 19.0% from 2019 to 2020, with the overall decline amounting to around USD 42.0 billion in 2020, according to an article published in March 2021 in The Under fashion Club, Inc., a non-profit organization supporting the intimate apparel industry.

However, the article also revealed that the sales of men’s undergarments (including underwear bottoms and undershirts) increased by 2.0% in 2020. In countries across the Asia Pacific, there was a decline in men’s underwear sales in 2020. An article by Your Life Choices, Australia’s most established and trusted digital publication, in October 2022 revealed that the sales of men’s underwear in Australia dropped during 2020.

Similarly, in India, Jockey International Inc. witnessed a decline of around 4.0% in its revenue from underwear sales from 2019 to 2020. However, the market is expected to gradually return to pre-pandemic levels as people resume normal life, and the demand for men’s underwear is expected to grow. This is anticipated to impact positively during the forecast period.

Millennials are driving the demand in the men’s underwear market as they are more receptive to new and different products than other generations. The high demand for new and innovative products in terms of color, fabric, print, and style among millennials is creating opportunities for manufacturers. The introduction of products with new color shades by brands such as Jockey, Garçon Model, and N2N among others is anticipated to encourage consumers to choose products other than the conventional hues. The rise in modern retailing stores such as supermarkets, specialty stores, pharmacies, and discounters is projected to propel product visibility and reach.

Companies are focusing on R&D to make products suitable for all shapes and sizes. Innovation in advance tailoring along with new fabric types such as modal, viscose, or merino wool, which help reduce moisture and regulate temperature, is driving the market competition. For Instance, Saxx offers 3D hammock-shaped pouches that prevent friction caused by skin-against-skin with the help of mesh panels and unexposed stitching to avoid chafing. They have also created a 3D shaping around thighs, glutes, hamstring, and quads by using nine panels of fabric for better fit, feel, and functionality.

Type Insights

Boxer brief type segment held the largest market share of around 33.6% in 2022, owing to the factors such as better fit, support, and comfort offered by the product. This type of underwear is designed to imitate tapered boxers with a snug fit while offering the comfort of briefs. The products are also available with numerous pouch options, for example, the contour pouch by Calvin Kelvin. Boxer briefs are available in a wide range of fabrics such as cotton, microfiber blends, and polyamide with the right amount of spandex for correct stretch, which makes them more comfortable.

Trunks are estimated to register the fastest CAGR of 5.8% from 2023 to 2030. Trunks are gaining popularity among millennials and Generation X as they are more versatile and suitable for everyday wear including dressing up and even sportswear. Trunks are lean and shorter than boxer briefs which allow the legs and thighs to look muscular and slimmer. This factor is driving the popularity of these products among the younger generation. Trunks are the best fit for sports, water adventures, as well as everyday wear, which is projected to drive the product demand.

Fabric Insights

Cotton fabric underwear held the largest market share of around 68.6% in 2022. The growth is attributed to the properties of cotton that make the product soft, lightweight, and more breathable. Consumers prefer cotton fabric over others as they provide comfort, high absorbency, and resistance to moisture. Moreover, they are more durable as it withstands heat, detergents, and even bleach, which makes them more economical.

Modal fabric is anticipated to register the fastest CAGR of 5.8% during the forecasted period. It is a type of rayon and second-generation regenerated cellulosic fiber which is around 50.0% more absorbent than cotton. It is the softest fabric in the segment. Shrink resistance, high wet strength, and absorbent properties of the fabric make it more durable during multiple washes and even tumble drying. Modal fabric can be easily dyed in vivid colors, making it more versatile. The softness, lightweight, and top-notch ventilation offered by the product provide a luxury feel, influencing the purchasing decision of consumers.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific is the largest and fastest-growing market for men’s underwear with a market share of approximately 41.5% in 2022 and an estimated CAGR of 6.0% during the forecast period. The high demand can be attributed to the high male population in the region. China and India accounted for a male population of 723 million respectively in 2021. Together these countries hold a regional market share of more than 73.0%. India is expected to register the fastest growth as many international players such as Jockey, Hanes, and Calvin Kelvin are increasing their regional presence to cater to the consumers' demand for comfortable and premium underwear.

Europe and North America markets are majorly driven by the presence of prominent players and high demand for different fabrics, designs, and patterns. Companies are focusing more on innovation and the quality of the designs and fabrics. High preference for premium brands as well as limited editions in North America and Europe has contributed to the significant growth of the global market.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

Companies focus on product innovations to meet the rising product demand and to set trends. Strategic initiatives such as mergers and acquisitions help key players to gain a foothold in developing economies.

• In September 2022, Jockey International Inc.’s official licensee, Page Industries Ltd expanded its retail flagship store in New Delhi, India. The two-storied store is spread across 2,500 square ft. with designated areas for men, women, and kids

• In August 2022, Tommy Hilfiger expanded its retail footprint by opening a new store in Bonn, Germany. The historical building is designed to provide the best in-store experience for its customers and features underwear and other accessories for men

• In August 2022, Calvin Klein revealed the ‘Autumn 2022’ campaign featuring the latest underwear and jeans collections. The collection is designed for everyday wear with a modern style to offer wireless comfort with a blend of recycled materials

• In April 2022, Hanes brand, Inc. launched the new ‘X-Temp Total Support Pouch’ men’s underwear with cooling fabric and breathable mesh panels with quick-drying and moisture-wicking performance

Some of the key companies in the global Men’s Underwear Market include:

• Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation

• Hanesbrands Inc.

• Jockey International Inc.

• Ralph Lauren Corporation

• Levi Strauss & Co.

• American Eagle Outfitters Inc.

• Naked Brand Group Inc.

• Perry Ellis International Inc.

• HUGO BOSS

• Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Fruit of the Loom)

Men’s Underwear Market Report Scope

Global Men’s Underwear Market Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at the global, regional, and country levels along with provides an analysis of the latest industry trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segments from 2017 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global Men’s Underwear Market report based on type, fabric, and region:

• Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

  • Briefs

  • Boxer Brief

  • Trunks

  • Boxers

  • Others

• Fabric Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

  • Cotton

  • Polyester

  • Modal

  • Nylon

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • U.K.

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

  • Central & South America

    • Brazil

  • Middle East & Africa

    • Saudi Arabia