Consumer Desire to Keep Pace with Changing Fashion Trends Drives the Global Hosiery (Women and Men) Market, According to New Report by Global Industry Analysts, Inc.
San Jose, California (PRWEB) October 03, 2013 -- Follow us on LinkedIn – As important complements to the apparel industry, hosiery comprises socks, tights and pantyhose worn directly on the legs and feet. Women constitute the dominant user segment. Changing lifestyles and demographic factors are influencing demand patterns in the market. The desire to keep pace with fashion trends coupled with rising income levels particularly in developing countries are helping drive growth. Given that expenditure on accessories such as hosiery is largely determined by factors such as income, family size and education, the rapidly expanding affluent base of middle class population in developing countries bodes well for the market. Growing incidence and awareness over venous disorders is generating increased demand for specialized hosiery such as, compression stockings. In addition, the craze for body shape enhancement is creating strong demand for shapewear compression hosiery especially among women.
Innovation in aesthetics as well as functional product features will help boost market prospects for hosiery in the coming years. Manufacturers are increasingly focusing on developing products with technologically advanced fabrics and materials. Currently witnessing healthy demand are products with features such as stronger elastics to create appropriate compression to increase blood circulation, anti-cellulite hosiery that helps impart sculpted body shape, hosiery with weather-adaptive and supportive features such as silver-based microbial finishes for greater hygiene, and comfort. Demand for hosiery products for older and plus-size consumer categories is also expected to witness sturdy growth encouraged by rapidly aging population and increased incidence of obesity worldwide.
As stated by the new market research report on Hosiery (Women and Men), Europe represents the largest market worldwide. Asia-Pacific is forecast to emerge as the fastest growing market with volume sales projected to grow at a CAGR of 5% over the analysis period. Growth in the region will be supported by the relatively lower product penetration and higher untapped market potential, large population base, rapid urbanization and westernization of lifestyles, and increased spending on intimate apparel as a result of greater awareness over the importance of personal hygiene. Apart from influencing demand dynamics, emerging markets are also expected to control a greater share of hosiery production in the future. China represents the largest producer of hosiery in the world with a strong presence in the manufacture of synthetic hosiery products. However, when it comes to products made from natural fibers like cotton, other countries such as Turkey command significant presence.
Socks represents the largest segment in the hosiery market both in terms of value and volume sales. Socks are graduating from a simple accessory to a more sophisticated product largely supported by continued innovations. Manufacturers are increasingly experimenting with fabric, color, designs, and patterns, in line with the consumers’ willingness to try out unconventional, innovative, and often quirky designs. Sheer hosiery segment, which faced difficult times due to the shift towards bare legs and trousers, is being revived by the comeback of retro fashion among celebrities. Sheer hosiery is also finding greater acceptance driven by innovations in product offerings. Some of the latest innovations include figure/body shaper products, anti-cellulite and moisturizing pantyhose, footless and Capri-styles, and low-rise hosiery, among others.
Major players covered in the report include CSP International SpA, Golden Lady SpA, Kayser-Roth Corporation, Gildan Activewear Inc., Gold Toe-Moretz LLC, Hanesbrands Inc., Iconix Brand Group Inc., LVMH, Sculptz Inc., Tefron USA, and Wolford AG, among others.
The research report titled “Hosiery (Men and Women): A Global Strategic Business Report” announced by Global Industry Analysts Inc., provides a comprehensive review of market trends, issues, drivers, mergers, acquisitions and other strategic industry activities. The report provides market estimates and projections for all major geographic markets such as the US, Canada, Japan, Europe (France, Germany, Italy, UK, Spain, Russia and Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Rest of World. Product segments analyzed include Socks, Sheer Hosiery, and Tights/Opaques.
For more details about this comprehensive market research report, please visit – http://www.strategyr.com/Women_and_Men_Hosiery_Market_Report.asp
About Global Industry Analysts, Inc.
Global Industry Analysts, Inc., (GIA) is a leading publisher of off-the-shelf market research. Founded in 1987, the company currently employs over 800 people worldwide. Annually, GIA publishes more than 1300 full-scale research reports and analyzes 40,000+ market and technology trends while monitoring more than 126,000 Companies worldwide. Serving over 9500 clients in 27 countries, GIA is recognized today, as one of the world's largest and reputed market research firms.
Global Industry Analysts, Inc.
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Public Relations, Global Industry Analysts, Inc., http://www.StrategyR.com/, 408-528-9966, [email protected]
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