GVR Report cover Waterproof Breathable Textiles Market Size, Share & Trends Report

Waterproof Breathable Textiles Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Raw Material (ePTFE, Polyurethane), By Fabric, By Application, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030

  • Report ID: 978-1-68038-316-4
  • Number of Pages: 130
  • Format: Electronic (PDF)

Report Overview

The global waterproof breathable textiles market size was valued at USD 1,835.2 million in 2022 and is anticipated to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.7% from 2023 to 2030. The market is expected to grow proportionally in line with the demand for comfortable and high-performance apparel over the forecast period. The usage of waterproof breathable textiles (WBT) for manufacturing sports goods is also expected to witness growth on account of increasing demand for durable and lightweight products. These fabrics provide higher performance than traditional textiles and are beneficial to consumers, particularly sports enthusiasts.

U.S. waterproof breathable textiles market size and growth rate, 2023 - 2030

Rising demand for sportswear that offers resistance to bacteria and helps reduce odor is further expected to drive the growth of waterproof breathable textiles over the forecast period. A shift in the trend toward maintaining an active lifestyle is also projected to boost the usage of waterproof breathable textiles in the sportswear industry over the forecast period. Consumers are increasingly taking up fitness-related sports, such as running, walking, swimming, and cycling, owing to a rise in health awareness. This has generated a high demand for sports apparel and shoes, which is expected to boost the industry over the forecast period.

Waterproof breathable textiles are designed for use in garments that protect from wind and rain. Additionally, these also limit the loss of body heat. Waterproof textiles completely prevent the penetration and absorption of liquid water. Furthermore, these waterproof breathable textiles are primarily used in manufacturing casual, athletic, ski, or outdoor apparel.

Outdoor recreational activities such as camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, kayaking, and boating are witnessing rising popularity in the U.S. This increasing participation rate is expected to propel the demand for protective clothing and accessories such as raincoats, windbreakers, tents, footwear in the U.S. Additionally, winter sports have become a significant outdoor activity in the U.S. As a result, waterproof breathable textiles winter wear, and protective gear such as gloves, and footwear is also expected to grow at a healthy pace over the forecast period in the country.

Waterproof breathable textile membranes contain pores that are smaller than a water droplet, but larger than a water vapor molecule. As a result, these membranes prevent rain and snow from entering but allow the perspiration vapors to get out. These properties are of immense use while designing uniforms and protective gear for military and law enforcement agencies. Consequently, the growing utilization of waterproof breathable textile membranes in the production of lightweight protective gear is expected to positively influence the demand for waterproof breathable textiles in the market.

The market is characterized by certain risks as it involves companies anticipating consumer preferences. Decisions regarding product designs are often made before consumer acceptance. Manufacturers also face issues pertaining to inventory management as a result of seasonal variations in demand. Therefore, any failure to anticipate or respond to consumer preferences may harm waterproof breathable textile products.

Raw Material Insights

The ePTFE raw material segment for waterproof breathable textiles is expected to grow at a significant rate of 6.4% over the forecast period. A shift in consumer trends toward maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle has led to an increased demand for active sportswear. This is projected to boost the demand for textiles that assure excellent breathability, which is, in turn, is projected to propel the usage of ePTFE for producing waterproof breathable textiles over the forecast period. Furthermore, the growing popularity of winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating is expected to result in further segment growth.

The ePTFE was the second-largest raw material segment in industry, in terms of total valuation. When stretched into a thin film, PTFE can become a thin membrane with pores that are smaller than liquid water droplets. Therefore, it is impermeable to liquid water like snow or rain. ePTFE generates a significant amount of demand from North America and Europe regions as the raw material suits specific requirements for outdoor activities in cold regions. Outdoor snow activities such as skiing and hiking under the sports segment are the largest revenue generators for ePTFE.

Polyurethane material dominated the market in 2022 with a revenue of USD 717.6 million and is further expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.9% over the forecast period. Polyurethane membranes & coatings are widely used to manufacture rainwear, sports garments, and accessories owing to their low cost coupled with breathable properties.

Additionally, outstanding waterproofing performance and environment-friendly characteristics are the key factors driving the growth of the polyurethane segment. Growing investments in research & development, marketing, and production of polyurethane-based waterproof breathable textiles are expected to provide an additional boost to market growth.

Fabric Insights

The densely woven waterproof breathable fabrics segment accounted for a volume of 48.0 million square meters in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.8% on a volume basis. The fabric is comprised of synthetic or cotton microfilament yarns with a compact weave structure. The fabric is highly resistant to tear and wear, on account of which the densely woven fabrics are highly preferred in heavy-duty applications including industrial work wear and military.

Ventile, a popular waterproof breathable densely woven fabric originally designed in the U.K., is manufactured from long staple cotton with very less inter-fiber spaces. Ventile fabrics are used in several applications including military, medical, and work wear. In the manufacturing process, combed yarns are weaved parallel to each other with no pores for water to penetrate. Furthermore, several manufacturers of breathable textiles, such as Claymore Jackets, Howies, Rainmac, Hilltrek, and Country Innovation, use Ventile in their products, thus giving growth opportunities to densely woven fabric in the market.

The membrane fabric segment accounted for revenue of USD 1,363.9 million in 2022 and is expected to grow at a significant rate over the forecast period. Membranes are thin films that are produced using polymeric material. They allow the passing of water vapor but are highly resistant to water penetration. Additionally, membrane-based textiles are highly efficient in maintaining the optimum body temperature thereby delivering superior comfort to consumers.

Several methods are used for incorporating membrane into the textile, the method selected depends upon the processing and cost required. Furthermore, membranes are bonded to the underside of a garment's face fabric, resembling the application of wallpaper on a wall.

Application Insights

The general clothing and accessories application segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.5% over the forecast period. Clothing made from waterproof breathable textiles includes jackets, t-shirts, trousers, shorts, and waders. The growing usage of waterproof breathable textiles in footwear and clothing segments is projected to drive the market over the forecast period.

Global Waterproof breathable textiles market share and size, 2022

The rising disposable income of consumers and breathability properties offered by waterproof breathable textiles are factors expected to contribute to the increasing preference for WBT in clothing and accessories over the forecast period. Additionally, the growth can be attributed to the lightweight, high-strength, and insulating properties of these fabrics.

The sports goods application segment dominated the market in 2022 with a revenue of USD 1,019.8 million. The market is further expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.1% over the forecast period on account of rising awareness of various fitness activities such as cycling, aerobics, and yoga among customers.

Waterproof breathable textiles are highly used in the production of various sports goods as they are durable and lightweight. The material also aids in managing sweat. Furthermore, the product is used in various sports goods and active wear such as trekking boots, sports jackets, running shoes, gloves, and joggers.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific dominated the market in 2022 with a revenue of USD 730.8 million and is expected to grow at the highest CAGR of 6.4% over the forecast period. The rising popularity of indoor and outdoor sports in the region is creating a huge demand for sports apparel and goods, which in turn is increasing the demand for waterproof breathable textiles in the Asia Pacific.

Waterproof Breathable Textiles Market Trends, by Region, 2023 - 2030

China holds the largest revenue share in Asia Pacific for waterproof breathable textiles owing to the presence of a large population coupled with the rising per capita income of consumers. Additionally, the country is witnessing increased demand for sports products on account of rising health concerns. This is expected to boost the sports products production thus resulting in the growth of the product demand in the country.

North America waterproof breathable textiles industry is expected to grow at a significant rate of 5.7% over the forecast period. Growing demand for protective gear for military and law enforcement agencies is projected to boost the market in the North America region. Additionally, there are a significant number of recreational boats and boating clubs in the region resulting in huge usage of high-performance, waterproof, and breathable protective apparel, and shoes. Therefore, waterproof breathable textile shoes and protective apparel are expected to witness higher demand over the forecast period in the region.

The U.S. accounted for the highest revenue share of 72.7% in the North America market in 2022. Outdoor recreational activities such as camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, kayaking, and boating are witnessing rising popularity in the U.S. This increasing participation rate is expected to propel the demand for protective clothing and accessories such as raincoats, windbreakers, tents, and footwear. Thus, resulting in increased demand for waterproof breathable textiles in the country.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

Leading players in the market are focusing on research and development activities to produce breathable and waterproof sportswear with specified attributes. Furthermore, manufacturers are opting for an environment-friendly process on account of the rising demand for sustainable clothes. Some prominent players in the global waterproof breathable textiles market include:

  • Aclimatise

  • eVent Fabrics

  • HeiQ Materials AG

  • Helly Hansen

  • Jack Wolfskin Retail GmbH

  • Marmot Mountain LLC.

  • Mountain Hardwear

  • Nextec Applications

  • Polartec, LLC

  • Rudolf GmbH

  • schoeller Switzerland

  • SympaTex Technologies GmbH

  • Tanatex Chemicals B.V.

  • The North Face

  • Toray Industries, Inc.

  • W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.

  • Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc.

  • Alpex Protection

  • Taiwan Dyeing & Fabric Co., Ltd.

  • Fibro Laminates

  • Derekduck Industries Corp.   

Waterproof Breathable Textiles Market Report Scope

Report Attribute

Details

Market size value in 2023

USD 1,930.8 million

Revenue forecast in 2030

USD 2,859.3 million

Growth rate

CAGR of 5.7% from 2023 to 2030

Base year for estimation

2022

Actual estimates/Historical data

2018 - 2021

Forecast period

2023 - 2030

Quantitative units

Volume in million square meters, revenue in USD million, CAGR from 2023 to 2030

Report coverage

Revenue forecast, company ranking, competitive landscape, growth factors, trends

Segments covered

Raw material, fabric, application, region

Regional scope

North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Latin America; Middle East & Africa

Country scope

U.S.; Canada; Mexico; U.K.; Germany; France; Italy; Spain; India; China; Japan; South Korea; Bangladesh; Vietnam; Brazil; Saudi Arabia; South Africa

Key companies profiled

Aclimatise; eVent Fabrics; HeiQ Materials AG; Helly Hansen; Jack Wolfskin Retail GmbH; Marmot Mountain LLC.; Mountain Hardwear; Nextec Applications; Polartec, LLC; Rudolf GmbH; Schoeller Switzerland; SympaTex Technologies GmbH; Tanatex Chemicals B.V.; The North Face; Toray Industries, Inc.; W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.; Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc.; Alpex Protection; Taiwan Dyeing & Fabric Co., Ltd.; Fibro Laminates; Derekduck Industries Corp.

Customization scope

Free report customization (equivalent up to 8 analysts' working days) with purchase. Addition or alteration to country, regional & segment scope.

Pricing and purchase options

Avail customized purchase options to meet your exact research needs. Explore purchase options

 

Global Waterproof Breathable Textiles Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts volume & revenue growth at global, regional & country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For the purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global waterproof breathable textile market report based on raw materials, fabric, application, and region:

Global Waterproof Breathable Textiles Market Report Segmentation

  • Raw Material Outlook (Volume, Million Square Meters; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

    • ePTFE

    • Polyurethane

    • Polyester

    • Others

  • Fabric Outlook (Volume, Million Square Meters; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

    • Densely Woven

    • Membrane

    • Coated

  • Application Outlook (Volume, Million Square Meters; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

    • General Clothing & Accessories

    • Sports Goods

    • Protective Clothing

    • Others

  • Regional Outlook (Volume, Million Square Meters; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

    • North America

      • U.S.

      • Canada

      • Mexico

    • Europe

      • U.K.

      • Germany

      • France

      • Italy

      • Spain

    • Asia Pacific

      • China

      • India

      • Japan

      • South Korea

      • Bangladesh

      • Vietnam

    • Central & South America

      • Brazil

    • Middle East & Africa

      • Saudi Arabia

      • South Africa

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