Market Analysis

The lingerie market is expected to grow steadily during the forecast period. This growth trajectory reflects a fundamental shift in consumer preferences for lingerie beyond mere aesthetics toward comfort, inclusivity, and sustainability. The market's expansion is outpacing previous industry trends, driven by technological innovations in fabric development and digital retail experiences that are reshaping how consumers discover and purchase intimate apparel. The industry has witnessed a notable shift toward body positivity and inclusivity, with brands increasingly featuring diverse body types in their marketing campaigns and product offerings. Product innovation and sustainability have emerged as critical differentiators in the lingerie market, with manufacturers focusing on eco-friendly materials and production processes. The increasing demand and interest for stylish and comfortable undergarments among ladies across the globe, inferable from the rising mindfulness towards the style, best fit, comfort of underwear is driving the growth for the lingerie market. Increasing numbers of working women and their high spending capacity are developing a great path for the global lingerie market and also for the key players of the market by attracting their consumers with creative lingerie wear for women. For instance, by 2031, the number of women in the labor force was around 73.5 million comprising 46.8 percent of the overall labor force. According to BLS projections, the number of women in the labor force is expected to increase to 77.2 million in 2019 for a 47.2 percent share. According to the research report "Global Lingerie Market Research Report, 2031," published by Actual Market Research, the Global Lingerie market was valued at more than USD 93.77 Billion in 2025, and expected to reach a market size of more than USD 130.01 Billion by 2031 with the CAGR of 5.74% from 2026-2031.The market encompasses various aspects, from pattern cutting and supply chain management to sales strategies and design aesthetics.

Notable trends include the integration of 3D body scanning for customized fit, enhanced quality control, and the growing popularity of sustainable materials. Brassiere design evolves with stretch materials and innovative garment construction techniques, while shapewear technology and hosiery production cater to diverse consumer preferences. In terms of sales, specialty stores dominate the retail landscape, with prominent players like Jockey International Inc And Victoria's Secret Stores and Co. Selling their products through this channel. The World Economic Forum estimates that fashion production accounts for 10% of human carbon emissions, dries up water sources, and pollutes rivers and streams. Approximately 85% of all textiles wind up in dump each year (UNECE, 2018), and washing certain clothes leads to a substantial amount of microplastics into the ocean. In March 2024, Eicher Goodearth Private Limited launched Mahina which is India’s premier supplier of bonded leak-prood absorbent underwear. Companies are continuously increasing their investments on research and developments to get know about all the shapes and sizes required in the global lingerie market. In 2018, a Spanish company named Women’s Secret entered India and set up their stores in Bengaluru and Mumbai with Tablez Group.

And, they are further planning to make its reach to Delhi as well as East and South India. .

Market Dynamic

Segmentation

Brassieres dominate the global lingerie market because they fulfill essential daily support comfort and confidence needs across all age groups lifestyles and usage occasions more consistently than any other lingerie product.

Unlike other lingerie products that are often purchased for specific occasions or fashion driven needs bras are worn regularly by a vast majority of women for comfort support posture and mobility throughout the day. This everyday usage creates high replacement frequency as bras wear out faster due to frequent washing and continuous use which directly drives higher sales volumes. The wide availability of types such as non-padded and padded bras further strengthens this dominance because they address diverse consumer needs ranging from natural comfort and breathability to enhanced shaping and appearance under clothing. Non padded bras are preferred for daily wear comfort especially in warm climates and among consumers seeking a natural look while padded bras appeal to those wanting added shape support or confidence making the category relevant across age groups and body types. Additionally the extensive variety of styles within the brassiere category significantly expands its consumer base. Sports bras have seen strong growth due to rising health awareness participation in fitness activities and the adoption of athleisure as everyday wear making them essential beyond workouts. Nursing bras play a crucial role among new mothers by providing functional support comfort and ease of use during breastfeeding which creates consistent demand in this life stage driven segment. Convertible and multi way bras offer versatility allowing wearers to adapt a single bra to multiple outfits which appeals strongly to modern consumers seeking value convenience and minimal wardrobes.

the economy pricing range dominates the global lingerie market because affordability accessibility and everyday usability drive the highest purchase frequency among the largest consumer base.

Lingerie is a daily use product and for most consumers functionality comfort and price are more important than luxury aesthetics which strongly favors economy priced products. A significant portion of the global female population resides in developing and price sensitive markets where disposable income levels are limited and spending on non-essential fashion items is carefully controlled. In these regions economy lingerie offers basic support coverage and durability at prices that align with household budgets ensuring consistent and repeat purchases. High population density in countries across Asia Pacific Latin America and parts of Africa further amplifies demand for economy lingerie as mass consumption directly translates into larger market volume. Additionally lingerie items such as bras and panties require frequent replacement due to regular wear and washing which encourages consumers to choose lower priced options that reduce long term spending. Economy lingerie is also widely available through multiple distribution channels including supermarkets local retailers discount stores and online marketplaces which increases visibility and convenience and drives higher sales volumes. Retailers often prioritize stocking economy products because they sell faster and appeal to walk in customers looking for immediate practical solutions. Another important factor supporting the dominance of the economy segment is the growing participation of women in the workforce particularly in emerging economies where income growth is gradual and spending remains value oriented.

Nylon dominates the global lingerie market because it offers the best combination of comfort durability stretch and cost efficiency for mass production and everyday wear.

Lingerie is worn for long hours and comes into direct contact with sensitive skin which makes softness lightweight feel and breathability extremely important and nylon meets these needs effectively. Its smooth texture provides a comfortable fit while reducing friction making it suitable for daily wear across different climates. One of the most important advantages of nylon is its excellent elasticity especially when blended with elastane or spandex which allows lingerie items such as bras panties and shapewear to adapt to body movements while maintaining shape and support. This stretch recovery ensures consistent fit over time which is highly valued by consumers and reduces product deformation after repeated use and washing. Durability is another key factor contributing to nylon dominance as it is resistant to abrasion tearing and wear which extends product lifespan and increases perceived value especially in economy and mid-range lingerie segments. From a manufacturing perspective nylon is highly efficient as it is easy to dye mold and weave into various textures including lace mesh and seamless fabrics allowing brands to offer a wide variety of styles and designs using the same base material. This flexibility supports both basic everyday lingerie and fashion oriented collections without significantly increasing production complexity or cost. Cost efficiency plays a critical role in nylon adoption because it is less expensive than natural fibers like silk while offering superior strength and longevity compared to cotton in many lingerie applications.

Online retail stores lead and grow fastest in the global lingerie market because they provide unmatched convenience privacy wide product choice and price transparency for a highly personal purchase category.

Online platforms eliminate this discomfort by allowing shoppers to browse select and purchase lingerie privately at their own pace which significantly increases purchase confidence and frequency. Another major factor driving online dominance is convenience as consumers can shop anytime and anywhere without the need to visit multiple stores to find the right size or style. This is particularly important for working women students and consumers in remote or underserved areas where access to specialty lingerie stores is limited. Online retail stores also offer a much wider range of products compared to physical outlets including extensive size ranges multiple price tiers and diverse styles which is critical in a market where fit and personal preference varies greatly. Advanced digital tools such as size calculators fit quizzes virtual try on features and customer reviews help consumers make informed decisions and reduce uncertainty which further boosts online sales. Competitive pricing and frequent discounts play a strong role as online platforms enable easy price comparison and often provide better deals through flash sales subscription models and exclusive online offers which appeal strongly to price sensitive shoppers. The growth of smartphones digital payment systems and improved internet penetration especially in emerging economies has expanded the online customer base and accelerated adoption of ecommerce lingerie shopping. Brands also benefit from online retail by gaining direct access to consumer data which allows personalized recommendations targeted marketing and faster response to changing trends enhancing customer loyalty and repeat purchases.

Market Regional Insights

Asia Pacific dominates and grows fastest in the global lingerie market due to its large female population rising disposable incomes rapid urbanization and accelerating adoption of modern fashion and digital retail.

As economic growth improves across emerging APAC economies, disposable income levels among women are steadily rising, allowing increased spending on personal care, apparel, and lifestyle products including lingerie. Urbanization plays a critical role as more women migrate to cities, join the workforce, and adopt modern lifestyles that prioritize comfort, hygiene, and appearance, all of which increase demand for everyday lingerie products such as bras and panties. Cultural attitudes toward lingerie are also evolving, with younger consumers becoming more open to experimenting with styles, colors, and designs rather than limiting purchases to basic functional items. This shift is further amplified by growing awareness of body positivity, fit, and comfort, encouraging frequent replacement and trial of new brands. The strong presence of economy and mid-priced lingerie products in APAC aligns well with the region’s price sensitive yet volume driven consumer behavior, enabling high sales throughput. Additionally, APAC serves as a major global manufacturing hub for lingerie due to lower production costs, skilled labor availability, and well established textile supply chains, which supports competitive pricing and rapid product availability within the region. The rapid expansion of ecommerce and mobile commerce has significantly accelerated lingerie market growth, as online platforms provide privacy, convenience, wide product variety, and affordable pricing, which are particularly appealing in culturally conservative markets.