Knitwear Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Product Type, By Material Type, By Application, By Consumer Group, By Distribution Channel, By Region & Competition, 2021-2031F

Description

The Global Knitwear Market is projected to expand from USD 778.14 Billion in 2025 to USD 1247.21 Billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 8.18%. This sector encompasses apparel created by interlocking loops of yarn-typically using cotton, wool, or synthetic fibers-to produce flexible, elastic garments ranging from activewear and hosiery to sweaters. Key factors fueling this market growth include a sustained consumer preference for versatile, comfortable clothing appropriate for hybrid work settings, alongside rising disposable incomes in emerging economies that allow for increased discretionary spending. Additionally, the rapid proliferation of digital retail platforms has substantially widened global market access for manufacturers. Highlighting the growing need for essential raw materials, data from Textile Exchange indicates that global fiber production rose to roughly 132 million tonnes in 2024.

Market Overview
Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size 2025	USD 778.14 Billion
Market Size 2031	USD 1247.21 Billion
CAGR 2026-2031	8.18%
Fastest Growing Segment	Outerwear
Largest Market	Asia Pacific

However, the market faces a substantial hurdle in the form of volatile raw material prices, particularly regarding natural fibers and fossil-fuel-based synthetics. These price fluctuations, frequently aggravated by climatic events and geopolitical instability, result in unpredictable production expenses that can erode profit margins and disrupt supply chain planning. Consequently, manufacturers struggle to sustain competitive pricing structures while simultaneously managing the financial burdens associated with shifting toward more sustainable, yet often more expensive, material sourcing protocols.

Market Driver

The growing consumer appetite for eco-friendly and sustainable knitwear is fundamentally transforming supply chain operations, prompting manufacturers to embrace renewable fibers to satisfy environmental benchmarks. This trend compels brands to decrease their dependence on virgin fossil-fuel-based synthetics and incorporate certified organic or recycled alternatives into their offerings. Consequently, the sector is undergoing a structural shift wherein raw material provenance and transparency are emerging as key competitive advantages. According to the 'Materials Market Report 2024' by Textile Exchange, released in September 2024, nearly 29% of global cotton production was harvested under sustainability initiatives, underscoring a strong industrial dedication to responsible sourcing despite broader manufacturing difficulties.

Equally vital is the integration of automated manufacturing technologies and advanced 3D knitting, which facilitates on-demand production to curtail fabric waste and shorten lead times. This technological evolution, illustrated by whole-garment knitting, permits the creation of seamless apparel with superior precision, thereby boosting profit margins via enhanced operational efficiency. Shima Seiki reported in May 2024, within their 'Financial Results for the Year Ended March 31, 2024', that operating income for their flat knitting machine division rose by 64.1% year-on-year, demonstrating the high value manufacturers place on updating their machinery. These advancements are underpinning a wider market resurgence; as per the Office of Textiles and Apparel in December 2024, year-to-date US apparel imports through October grew by 4.4% in volume relative to the prior year.

Market Challenge

Price volatility regarding raw materials remains a significant obstacle to the expansion of the Global Knitwear Market. Manufacturers that depend heavily on natural fibers such as cotton and wool, as well as fossil-fuel-derived synthetics, encounter persistent financial uncertainty due to wavering input costs. This instability disturbs cost-structure projections, rendering it extremely difficult for firms to establish long-term agreements or sustain competitive pricing without diminishing profit margins. As a result, supply chain management becomes reactive instead of strategic, compelling companies to either absorb cost increases or transfer them to customers, which ultimately suppresses demand in price-sensitive market segments.

This adverse environment has resulted in measurable reductions in manufacturing output. In April 2025, the European Apparel and Textile Confederation (EURATEX) reported that the textile sector experienced a decline in production volumes for the 11th straight quarter, a pattern largely attributed to economic instability and persistently high input costs. Such prolonged contractions in production capacity directly impede market growth, as manufacturers are forced to prioritize financial survival over expanding operations or investing in capacity scaling.

Market Trends

The rise of performance-enhanced luxury knitwear is redefining the sector, as high-end brands increasingly combine premium natural fibers with functional attributes. This trend involves incorporating cashmere and Merino wool into active-lifestyle lines, utilizing their natural thermoregulating and moisture-wicking qualities to attract consumers looking for versatility beyond standard winter wear. This move toward functional luxury is stimulating substantial value growth within raw material supply chains, as producers favor fibers that provide both technical utility and comfort. Citing data from The Woolmark Company, Knitting Industry reported in November 2025 that the global market value of wool is expected to nearly double from 2022 levels to hit USD 63.2 billion by 2033, signaling growing demand for performance-focused natural fibers in the luxury segment.

Concurrently, there is a strong resurgence of textured, artisanal, and heritage aesthetics, with consumers favoring "grandmacore" styles, tactile surfaces, and crochet elements that communicate craftsmanship and authenticity. This shift moves away from the sleek minimalism of prior seasons to embrace character-filled, nostalgic garments that highlight vintage influences and distinct knitting structures. Fashion labels that effectively tap into this retro-eclectic demand are seeing superior financial results relative to the wider industry. For instance, the Prada Group's 'Consolidated Revenues - 9 Months 2025' report from October 2025 revealed that Miu Miu, a brand featuring heritage-inspired knitwear in recent collections, secured an impressive 41% year-on-year rise in retail sales, underscoring the commercial strength of this aesthetic trend.

Key Market Players

Nike Inc.
Adidas AG
Gap Inc.
Fast Retailing Co., Ltd.
Marks and Spencer Group plc
Gildan Activewear Inc.
Hackett Ltd
Abercrombie & Fitch Co.
Loro Piana S.P.A.
Ralph Lauren Corp.

Report Scope

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

Knitwear Market, By Product Type

T-Shirts
Sweart shirts and Others

Knitwear Market, By Material Type

Natural
Synthetic and Blended

Knitwear Market, By Application

Outerwear
Innerwear
Sportswear and Others

Knitwear Market, By Consumer Group

Men
Women and Kids

Knitwear Market, By Distribution Channel

Online and Offline

Knitwear 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

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Knitwear Market.

Available Customizations:

Global Knitwear Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

1. Product Overview

1.1. Market Definition
1.2. Scope of the Market
- 1.2.1. Markets Covered
- 1.2.2. Years Considered for Study
- 1.2.3. Key Market Segmentations

2. Research Methodology

2.1. Objective of the Study
2.2. Baseline Methodology
2.3. Key Industry Partners
2.4. Major Association and Secondary Sources
2.5. Forecasting Methodology
2.6. Data Triangulation & Validation
2.7. Assumptions and Limitations

3. Executive Summary

3.1. Overview of the Market
3.2. Overview of Key Market Segmentations
3.3. Overview of Key Market Players
3.4. Overview of Key Regions/Countries
3.5. Overview of Market Drivers, Challenges, Trends

4. Voice of Customer

5. Global Knitwear Market Outlook

5.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 5.1.1. By Value
5.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 5.2.1. By Product Type (T-Shirts, Sweart shirts and Others)
- 5.2.2. By Material Type (Natural, Synthetic and Blended)
- 5.2.3. By Application (Outerwear, Innerwear, Sportswear and Others)
- 5.2.4. By Consumer Group (Men, Women and Kids)
- 5.2.5. By Distribution Channel (Online and Offline)
- 5.2.6. By Region
- 5.2.7. By Company (2025)
5.3. Market Map

6. North America Knitwear Market Outlook

6.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 6.1.1. By Value
6.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 6.2.1. By Product Type
- 6.2.2. By Material Type
- 6.2.3. By Application
- 6.2.4. By Consumer Group
- 6.2.5. By Distribution Channel
- 6.2.6. By Country
6.3. North America: Country Analysis
- 6.3.1. United States Knitwear Market Outlook
  - 6.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 6.3.1.1.1. By Value
  - 6.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 6.3.1.2.1. By Product Type
    - 6.3.1.2.2. By Material Type
    - 6.3.1.2.3. By Application
    - 6.3.1.2.4. By Consumer Group
    - 6.3.1.2.5. By Distribution Channel
- 6.3.2. Canada Knitwear Market Outlook
  - 6.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 6.3.2.1.1. By Value
  - 6.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 6.3.2.2.1. By Product Type
    - 6.3.2.2.2. By Material Type
    - 6.3.2.2.3. By Application
    - 6.3.2.2.4. By Consumer Group
    - 6.3.2.2.5. By Distribution Channel
- 6.3.3. Mexico Knitwear Market Outlook
  - 6.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 6.3.3.1.1. By Value
  - 6.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 6.3.3.2.1. By Product Type
    - 6.3.3.2.2. By Material Type
    - 6.3.3.2.3. By Application
    - 6.3.3.2.4. By Consumer Group
    - 6.3.3.2.5. By Distribution Channel

7. Europe Knitwear Market Outlook

7.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 7.1.1. By Value
7.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 7.2.1. By Product Type
- 7.2.2. By Material Type
- 7.2.3. By Application
- 7.2.4. By Consumer Group
- 7.2.5. By Distribution Channel
- 7.2.6. By Country
7.3. Europe: Country Analysis
- 7.3.1. Germany Knitwear Market Outlook
  - 7.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 7.3.1.1.1. By Value
  - 7.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 7.3.1.2.1. By Product Type
    - 7.3.1.2.2. By Material Type
    - 7.3.1.2.3. By Application
    - 7.3.1.2.4. By Consumer Group
    - 7.3.1.2.5. By Distribution Channel
- 7.3.2. France Knitwear Market Outlook
  - 7.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 7.3.2.1.1. By Value
  - 7.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 7.3.2.2.1. By Product Type
    - 7.3.2.2.2. By Material Type
    - 7.3.2.2.3. By Application
    - 7.3.2.2.4. By Consumer Group
    - 7.3.2.2.5. By Distribution Channel
- 7.3.3. United Kingdom Knitwear Market Outlook
  - 7.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 7.3.3.1.1. By Value
  - 7.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 7.3.3.2.1. By Product Type
    - 7.3.3.2.2. By Material Type
    - 7.3.3.2.3. By Application
    - 7.3.3.2.4. By Consumer Group
    - 7.3.3.2.5. By Distribution Channel
- 7.3.4. Italy Knitwear Market Outlook
  - 7.3.4.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 7.3.4.1.1. By Value
  - 7.3.4.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 7.3.4.2.1. By Product Type
    - 7.3.4.2.2. By Material Type
    - 7.3.4.2.3. By Application
    - 7.3.4.2.4. By Consumer Group
    - 7.3.4.2.5. By Distribution Channel
- 7.3.5. Spain Knitwear Market Outlook
  - 7.3.5.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 7.3.5.1.1. By Value
  - 7.3.5.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 7.3.5.2.1. By Product Type
    - 7.3.5.2.2. By Material Type
    - 7.3.5.2.3. By Application
    - 7.3.5.2.4. By Consumer Group
    - 7.3.5.2.5. By Distribution Channel

8. Asia Pacific Knitwear Market Outlook

8.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 8.1.1. By Value
8.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 8.2.1. By Product Type
- 8.2.2. By Material Type
- 8.2.3. By Application
- 8.2.4. By Consumer Group
- 8.2.5. By Distribution Channel
- 8.2.6. By Country
8.3. Asia Pacific: Country Analysis
- 8.3.1. China Knitwear Market Outlook
  - 8.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 8.3.1.1.1. By Value
  - 8.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 8.3.1.2.1. By Product Type
    - 8.3.1.2.2. By Material Type
    - 8.3.1.2.3. By Application
    - 8.3.1.2.4. By Consumer Group
    - 8.3.1.2.5. By Distribution Channel
- 8.3.2. India Knitwear Market Outlook
  - 8.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 8.3.2.1.1. By Value
  - 8.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 8.3.2.2.1. By Product Type
    - 8.3.2.2.2. By Material Type
    - 8.3.2.2.3. By Application
    - 8.3.2.2.4. By Consumer Group
    - 8.3.2.2.5. By Distribution Channel
- 8.3.3. Japan Knitwear Market Outlook
  - 8.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 8.3.3.1.1. By Value
  - 8.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 8.3.3.2.1. By Product Type
    - 8.3.3.2.2. By Material Type
    - 8.3.3.2.3. By Application
    - 8.3.3.2.4. By Consumer Group
    - 8.3.3.2.5. By Distribution Channel
- 8.3.4. South Korea Knitwear Market Outlook
  - 8.3.4.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 8.3.4.1.1. By Value
  - 8.3.4.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 8.3.4.2.1. By Product Type
    - 8.3.4.2.2. By Material Type
    - 8.3.4.2.3. By Application
    - 8.3.4.2.4. By Consumer Group
    - 8.3.4.2.5. By Distribution Channel
- 8.3.5. Australia Knitwear Market Outlook
  - 8.3.5.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 8.3.5.1.1. By Value
  - 8.3.5.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 8.3.5.2.1. By Product Type
    - 8.3.5.2.2. By Material Type
    - 8.3.5.2.3. By Application
    - 8.3.5.2.4. By Consumer Group
    - 8.3.5.2.5. By Distribution Channel

9. Middle East & Africa Knitwear Market Outlook

9.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 9.1.1. By Value
9.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 9.2.1. By Product Type
- 9.2.2. By Material Type
- 9.2.3. By Application
- 9.2.4. By Consumer Group
- 9.2.5. By Distribution Channel
- 9.2.6. By Country
9.3. Middle East & Africa: Country Analysis
- 9.3.1. Saudi Arabia Knitwear Market Outlook
  - 9.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 9.3.1.1.1. By Value
  - 9.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 9.3.1.2.1. By Product Type
    - 9.3.1.2.2. By Material Type
    - 9.3.1.2.3. By Application
    - 9.3.1.2.4. By Consumer Group
    - 9.3.1.2.5. By Distribution Channel
- 9.3.2. UAE Knitwear Market Outlook
  - 9.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 9.3.2.1.1. By Value
  - 9.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 9.3.2.2.1. By Product Type
    - 9.3.2.2.2. By Material Type
    - 9.3.2.2.3. By Application
    - 9.3.2.2.4. By Consumer Group
    - 9.3.2.2.5. By Distribution Channel
- 9.3.3. South Africa Knitwear Market Outlook
  - 9.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 9.3.3.1.1. By Value
  - 9.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 9.3.3.2.1. By Product Type
    - 9.3.3.2.2. By Material Type
    - 9.3.3.2.3. By Application
    - 9.3.3.2.4. By Consumer Group
    - 9.3.3.2.5. By Distribution Channel

10. South America Knitwear Market Outlook

10.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 10.1.1. By Value
10.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 10.2.1. By Product Type
- 10.2.2. By Material Type
- 10.2.3. By Application
- 10.2.4. By Consumer Group
- 10.2.5. By Distribution Channel
- 10.2.6. By Country
10.3. South America: Country Analysis
- 10.3.1. Brazil Knitwear Market Outlook
  - 10.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 10.3.1.1.1. By Value
  - 10.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 10.3.1.2.1. By Product Type
    - 10.3.1.2.2. By Material Type
    - 10.3.1.2.3. By Application
    - 10.3.1.2.4. By Consumer Group
    - 10.3.1.2.5. By Distribution Channel
- 10.3.2. Colombia Knitwear Market Outlook
  - 10.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 10.3.2.1.1. By Value
  - 10.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 10.3.2.2.1. By Product Type
    - 10.3.2.2.2. By Material Type
    - 10.3.2.2.3. By Application
    - 10.3.2.2.4. By Consumer Group
    - 10.3.2.2.5. By Distribution Channel
- 10.3.3. Argentina Knitwear Market Outlook
  - 10.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 10.3.3.1.1. By Value
  - 10.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 10.3.3.2.1. By Product Type
    - 10.3.3.2.2. By Material Type
    - 10.3.3.2.3. By Application
    - 10.3.3.2.4. By Consumer Group
    - 10.3.3.2.5. By Distribution Channel

11. Market Dynamics

11.1. Drivers
11.2. Challenges

12. Market Trends & Developments

12.1. Merger & Acquisition (If Any)
12.2. Product Launches (If Any)
12.3. Recent Developments

13. Global Knitwear Market: SWOT Analysis

14. Porter's Five Forces Analysis

14.1. Competition in the Industry
14.2. Potential of New Entrants
14.3. Power of Suppliers
14.4. Power of Customers
14.5. Threat of Substitute Products

15. Competitive Landscape

15.1. Nike Inc.
- 15.1.1. Business Overview
- 15.1.2. Products & Services
- 15.1.3. Recent Developments
- 15.1.4. Key Personnel
- 15.1.5. SWOT Analysis
15.2. Adidas AG
15.3. Gap Inc.
15.4. Fast Retailing Co., Ltd.
15.5. Marks and Spencer Group plc
15.6. Gildan Activewear Inc.
15.7. Hackett Ltd
15.8. Abercrombie & Fitch Co.
15.9. Loro Piana S.P.A.
15.10. Ralph Lauren Corp.