Apparel & Shoes

The apparel and shoes industry is vast, comprising many product categories, ranging from basic to luxury options. The market can be unpredictable and subject to changes in design, consumer demand, and shifting retail strategies. In recent years, there have also been changes in the dynamics of the clothing manufacturing industry, with many companies choosing to outsource production to cheaper locations across the world. As a result, countries such as China, Bangladesh, Turkey, India, and Cambodia, now rank as the leading exporters of clothing.

Despite the current global economic downturn, there has been increased demand in some segments of the apparel market. Specifically, the increased demand for leisure and sportswear throughout the pandemic has aided the industry. The market for second-hand apparel is also expanding, as consumers are becoming more conscious of their environmental footprint and making more sustainable purchases.

Revenue of the apparel market
1.5tr USD
Leading exporter of apparel
China
Top footwear-consuming region
Asia

Market size

Global revenues set to rise

Revenue of the apparel market worldwide from 2018 to 2028 (in trillion U.S. dollars)

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Further details: Visit original statistic Revenue of the apparel market worldwide from 2018 to 2028 (in trillion U.S. dollars)

In 2022, retail sales of apparel and footwear worldwide amounted to over 1.5 trillion U.S. dollars worldwide. This figure is forecast to increase to almost two trillion dollars by 2027.

Apparel and footwear can be broken down into sub-segments including menswear, womenswear, accessories, bags, and shoes. Within this breakdown there are numerous price categories and styles available to consumers.

Apparel market worldwide
Footwear market worldwide
Apparel market in India

Market segments

The sportswear market is forecast to see steady growth

Size of the activewear market worldwide from 2021 to 2028 (in billion U.S. dollars)

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Further details: Visit original statistic Size of the activewear market worldwide from 2021 to 2028 (in billion U.S. dollars)

The global sportswear market was estimated to be worth almost 380 billion U.S. dollars in 2022. This figure was forecast to grow to an estimated 455 billion U.S. dollars by 2026. Similarly, the global athletic footwear market is expected to see strong growth, resulting in revenues close to 77 billion U.S. dollars by 2026. The general footwear market is comprised of shoes, sneakers, luxury footwear, athletic footwear, and sporting shoes.

Nike
Sporting goods industry in the U.S.
Sporting goods industry in the UK

Industry trends

Younger generations are more likely to buy secondhand apparel

Share of female consumers who bought secondhand apparel, footwear, or accessories in the United States as of 2021, by age

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Further details: Visit original statistic Share of female consumers who bought secondhand apparel, footwear, or accessories in the United States as of 2021, by age

When looking at the share of women worldwide who bought secondhand apparel, footwear, or accessories, Generation Z (ages 18 to 24) and millenials (ages 25-37) led the way. 46 percent of these generational cohorts stated that they had bought secondhand apparel, footwear, or accessories.
Boomers lagged behind their younger counterparts with 20 percent having purchased used apparel items.

Apparel and footwear resale in the U.S.
Apparel and footwear consumer behavior in the U.S.
Second-hand retail in the UK

Industry leaders

Nike takes the top spot for the most valuable global apparel brand

Brand value of the leading 10 apparel brands worldwide in 2023 (in million U.S. dollars)

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Further details: Visit original statistic Brand value of the leading 10 apparel brands worldwide in 2023 (in million U.S. dollars)

With a brand value of around 109.6 billion U.S. dollars in 2022, Nike was the most valuable clothing brand worldwide. Zara was the second most valuable clothing brand with a value of about 25.4 billion U.S. dollars that year.

Nike, Inc. is an American multinational corporation and the the world's largest supplier and manufacturer of athletic shoes, apparel, and other sports equipment. Nike is famous for its 'Swoosh' logo as well as its "Just Do It" slogan.

Nike
Adidas
Inditex and the fashion industry in Spain

Regional overview

U.S. has the largest apparel market in the world

Revenue of the apparel market worldwide by country in 2023 (in billion U.S. dollars)

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Further details: Visit original statistic Revenue of the apparel market worldwide by country in 2023 (in billion U.S. dollars)

In the United States, the total revenue of the apparel market reached almost 318 billion U.S. dollars in 2021. China followed closely behind, with revenues of around 303 billion U.S. dollars. In third place was the United Kingdom, bringing in significantly less, with a total value of 76.4 billion U.S. dollars.

Within Asia, Japan and India were other key players in the market. Other European countries bringing in substantial revenues were Germany and Italy.

Apparel market in the U.S.
Clothing & apparel market in Europe
Apparel market in the UK

State of the industry

  • Apparel market in the U.S.
  • Apparel market in the United Kingdom (UK)
  • Apparel market in Europe
  • Apparel market worldwide
  • U.S. apparel and footwear consumer behavior
  • Apparel and footwear resale market in the U.S.
  • Women's inclusive sizing apparel market in the United States
  • Apparel market in India
  • Apparel market in Canada
  • Women's Apparel: market data & analysis
  • Coronavirus: impact on apparel and textiles in Europe

Industry definition

The apparel industry is of great importance to the economy in terms of trade, employment, investment, and revenue all over the world. This industry has short product life cycles, vast product differentiation, and is characterized by rapid change in demand coupled with rather long and inflexible supply processes. Key suppliers in this industry are clothing manufacturers and wholesalers, with retailers able to source from both.

The most obvious segmentation within the clothing and apparel industry is between womenswear, menswear, and clothing produced for babies and children. The industry can be further broken down into more specialist sub-industries, including accessories, jewelry, watches, shoes, leather goods, and bags. Some of the most valuable apparel brands in world include Nike, Zara, Adidas, lululemon, and Uniqlo.

More interesting topics from the industry "Apparel & Shoes"

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