Global Knitwear Market to Surpass USD 1.25 Trillion by 2035, Growing at 5.0% CAGR

The global knitwear market was valued at USD 732.5 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 1,255.0 billion by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 5.0% from 2025 to 2035. This growth is driven by rising consumer preference for comfortable, stylish, and sustainable clothing, along with the increasing adoption of advanced knitting technologies and eco-friendly fabrics across fashion and sportswear segments.

The knitwear is an important part of the global apparel market. It deals with designing, production, and selling of garments that are knitted and further appreciated due to their comfortability, elasticity, and flexibility. Global knitwear market has been resilient and flexible due to the broad product range, and the continuous demand and capacity to meet functional and fashion needs among its consumers.

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The knitwear is popular in the two segments: functional and fashion-oriented. It is used as per seasonal demands. When in the colder environment they require warmers such as sweaters made out of wool and thermals and it is used in year round casual wear, sportswear, and higher end fashion-wear due to the neutral nature of cotton and the stretch provided by synthetic fabrics.

🧩 Market Segmentation

The knitwear market's diverse nature is best understood through its key segmentation categories:

By Product Type (Top-Level Segmentation)

The market is broadly categorized into:

Top Wear: (Sweaters, Cardigans, T-shirts, Hoodies, Dresses) - This remains a dominant segment, with high demand for comfort-focused and fashionable pieces.

Bottom Wear: (Trousers, Track Pants, Leggings, Shorts) - Driven by the athleisure trend and the demand for comfortable work-from-home attire.

Innerwear: (Undergarments, Sleepwear) - Valued for its softness, stretch, and breathability.

Others: (Caps, Scarves, Gloves, Socks)

By Material Type

Natural: (Wool, Cotton, Silk) - Highly valued for comfort, sustainability, and luxury.11 Organic cotton and sustainably sourced wool are seeing massive growth.

Synthetic: (Polyester, Nylon, Acrylic) - Essential for performance wear due to properties like moisture-wicking, durability, and cost-effectiveness.

Blends: A combination of natural and synthetic fibers to achieve a balance of comfort, performance, and price.

By End-User (Application)

Apparel/Outerwear: Everyday fashion and seasonal wear.
Sportswear/Athleisure: The fastest-growing segment, demanding high-performance knits with moisture-management and temperature-regulation properties.

Technical Textiles: Specialized knits for medical (compression garments), automotive interiors, and industrial applications.
Innerwear

By Distribution Channel

Online (Non-Store Based): (E-commerce Websites, Company-owned Websites) - Projected to be the fastest-growing segment, driven by convenience, wider product availability, and rising digital adoption.

Offline (Store Based): (Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Specialty Stores, Other Retail Stores) - Remains critical for the 'touch and feel' experience, especially for luxury and premium knitwear.

By Sourcing Type

Domestic Sourcing
Import Sourcing
🌍 Regional Analysis

Asia-Pacific (APAC): Expected to exhibit the highest growth rate during the forecast period. This is driven by rapid urbanization, rising disposable income, and the region's position as a major global manufacturing and consumption hub. Countries like China and India are key contributors.

Europe: A mature market characterized by a strong emphasis on sustainability, ethical fashion, and luxury knitwear. The region drives innovation in eco-friendly materials and circular fashion models.

North America: Leads in the adoption of high-end, seasonal knitwear and the athleisure trend. The market is competitive, with a strong presence of large apparel conglomerates.

🚀 Market Drivers and Challenges

Market Drivers

Growing Preference for Comfort and Casual Wear: The global shift toward flexible work arrangements and a focus on wellness has cemented the demand for versatile, comfortable, and easy-to-maintain knit garments
Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Materials: Consumers are increasingly demanding accountability and transparency from fashion brands. The focus is shifting to knitwear made from natural, organic, recycled, and bio-based fibers.

Rise of Athleisure and Sportswear: Knit fabrics' superior stretch, breathability, and moisture-wicking properties make them ideal for the burgeoning athleisure and performance sportswear sectors.

Technological Advancements in Manufacturing: Innovations like 3D knitting and seamless production are enabling the creation of complex, custom-fit, and zero-waste garments.

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Market Challenges

Fluctuating Raw Material Prices: Volatility in the cost of natural fibers (like cotton and wool) and petroleum-based synthetics can impact profit margins.
High Capital Expenditure: The initial investment required for advanced knitting machinery, such as computerized flat and circular knitting systems, can be a barrier for small and medium-sized manufacturers.

Intense Competition and Market Fragmentation: The presence of numerous small- to mid-sized regional players alongside global fast-fashion and luxury brands creates intense price pressure and competition.

✨ Market Trends and Future Outlook

Integration of Smart Textiles: The knitwear segment is rapidly incorporating technologies like flexible sensors and conductive fibers to create "smart clothing" for health monitoring, fitness tracking, and specialized military/medical applications.

Hyper-Customization and On-Demand Production: 3D knitting and digital design integration will facilitate small-batch, personalized production, minimizing inventory risk and catering to the rising consumer demand for unique products.

Circular Fashion Models: Brands are investing in rental, resale, and recycling programs to address textile waste, making knitwear a core part of the circular economy due to its relatively easy deconstruction and material reuse.

Focus on Technical Knits: Expect substantial growth in engineered knit fabrics for non-apparel uses, including protective gear, geotextiles, and specialized industrial components.

📊 Key Market Study Points

Investment Focus: Companies should prioritize investments in automation-ready, energy-efficient knitting machinery and sourcing sustainable, traceable raw materials.

APAC Dominance: The Asia-Pacific region is the key growth engine, offering both scalable production capabilities and a rapidly expanding consumer base.

E-commerce Strategy: Non-store-based (online) distribution must be a central pillar of the sales strategy to capture the digitally-native consumer.

👥 Competitive Landscape and Recent Developments

The global knitwear market is a battleground between large multinational apparel giants and niche, innovation-driven brands.27 Key players include major fashion houses, sportswear leaders (e.g., Nike, Adidas), and fast-fashion retailers (e.g., H&M, Gap).

Recent Developments (Illustrative):

In March 2025, a major sportswear brand was observed to acquire a specialized KnitTech Lab to accelerate its in-house knitwear capabilities and secure a more resilient, technology-driven supply chain.

An iconic casual wear brand launched a new LifeWear Knit Collection featuring recycled cashmere and responsibly sourced wool in June 2025, highlighting the mainstreaming of sustainable luxury.

Global brands are increasingly leveraging K-pop and social media influencers as brand ambassadors to appeal to younger, trend-conscious consumers in key Asian markets, expanding regional presence and cultural relevance.

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