Market size, share and growth analysis across all major regions and key countries, with forecasts for 2024–2033. The competitive landscape profiles 20 companies, including Hanesbrands Inc., Calvin Klein and Jockey International Inc..
The global mens underwear market was valued at USD 40.5 Bn in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 66.6 Bn by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 5.7%. Europe is the largest regional market and Asia-Pacific is growing fastest.
Global Mens Underwear Market was valued at USD 40.5 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 66.6 Billion by 2033, at a CAGR of 5.7% during the forecast period 2024 - 2033.
Source: Custom Market Insights analysis.
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Men's underpants are garments developed exclusively for men to wear under their clothing to provide support, comfort, and decency in the genital area. Men's underpants are often produced from fabrics such as cotton, spandex or modal and are available in a variety of designs like briefs, boxers, boxer briefs, trunks and more to meet the specifications of each person.
Men’s Underwear Market Growth Factors
Rising preference for high quality fabrics
The demand for high-quality textiles drives the men's pants industry since it has a direct influence on the wearer's comfort, durability, and overall happiness. As customers become more sensitive about the materials they wear, there is an increasing demand for knickers manufactured from high-quality fabrics such as cotton, modal, bamboo and microfiber.
These textiles provide outstanding softness, breathability, moisture-wicking characteristics, and resistance to shrinking and fading, resulting in a comfortable and enduring experience.
Moreover, men's increased knowledge of cleanliness and wellbeing leads them to invest in knickers made from materials that enhance ventilation and moisture management, lowering the risk of skin irritation and bacterial development.
For instance, Modal (sometimes known as micro modal) has recently emerged as a popular men's knickers fabric. It's a natural cloth made from tree cellulose fibres. The result is a set of pants that is as permeable as cotton and as silky as silk. Modal knickers are among the most comfortable knickers on the market.
Silk is a natural fibre derived from insects and silkworms that utilize the material to make cocoons. It's very soft, silky, and thin, with natural moisture-wicking properties. However, it is a very fragile fabric that is difficult to clean; it must be handled with caution while laundry since it might decompose under improper conditions.
Growing millennials population
The expanding number of millennials has a huge impact on the men's knickers business. Millennials, who generally range in age from 25 to 40, are a population that values comfort, style, and originality. This generation values self-expression and lifestyle choices, such as fashion and grooming.
Millennials prioritise comfort and quality in their apparel, thus they look for pants that are both useful and fashionable. Furthermore, the emergence of e-commerce has made it easy for millennials to research and purchase a diverse variety of knickers alternatives online, fuelling market growth.
Furthermore, the impact of social media and celebrities magnifies trends and stimulates demand for certain brands or styles, resulting in a more dynamic and competitive men's knickers market adapted to the tastes of the millennial generation. For instance, by 2026, 64.8% of India's population will be working age, ranging from 15 to 64 years.
Despite a population of over 440 million, Indian millennials are unquestionably the world's biggest demographic. India has immense talent that not only strengthens the expansion of the Indian economy but also serves as a rich talent pool for other nations.
The CIA World Factbook estimates India's median age to be 28 years in 2021. This indicates that half of the overall population is under 28 years old. Millennials grew up with technological advances, thus they are online experts.
Men’s Underwear Market: Restraints
Dominance of established brands
The dominance of existing companies in the men's pants industry can stymie new entrants and smaller firms in a variety of. Established companies frequently have high brand awareness and loyalty among customers, making it difficult for new businesses to compete for market share.
These established businesses also have higher marketing expenditures, allowing them to undertake significant advertising campaigns and promotions, therefore strengthening their market position. Furthermore, recognised companies frequently have well-established distribution networks and ties with retailers, granting them greater chances for shelf space and visibility in stores.
Furthermore, established companies spend on product development and innovation, keeping up with trends and consumer preferences, which can be difficult for new entrants with little resources.
Men’s Underwear Market: Opportunities
Changing consumer lifestyles and preferences
Consumer lifestyle and choice changes have a huge impact on the men's pants industry. As people's lifestyles become busier and more diverse, there is an increased desire for knickers that provide comfort, flexibility, and performance.
This has resulted in a greater interest in moisture-wicking materials, seamless designs, and ergonomic fits, which appeal to men's demand for knickers that can withstand their everyday activities. Furthermore, altering fashion trends and a greater emphasis on personal grooming have fuelled innovation in knicker styles, with customers looking for solutions that represent their personality and sense of style.
Furthermore, the growth of e-commerce has made it simpler for customers to access a diverse selection of pants brands and styles, allowing them to experiment and discover new alternatives based on their tastes. For instance, briefs are popular among males, with 57% opting for them.
Following that, there is a roughly equal preference for loose-fitting boxers (20%) and tighter fitting boxers (17%). Even so, tight-fitting underwear is far preferred among younger generations. Although just one in ten (11%) of Thai males wear tight-fitting boxers a majority of the time, almost three in ten (28%) of those aged 16 to 24.
Men’s Underwear Market: Segmentation Analysis
Global Men’s Underwear market is segmented by product type, fabrics, distribution channel and region. Based on product type, the market is classified into briefs, boxer brief, trunks, boxers, and others.
Boxer briefly dominated the market in 2023 with a market share of 35% and is expected to keep its dominance during the forecast period 2024-2033. Boxer briefs have been a dominant force in the men's underwear business due to their mix of comfort, support, and adaptability.
In contrast to regular boxers or briefs, boxer briefs combine the snug fit of briefs with the extended leg coverage of boxers to provide both support and flexibility of movement. This hybrid shape appeals to men who want to strike a balance between comfort and style, making boxer briefs a popular choice for everyday wear, sports, and formal events.
Furthermore, advances in fabric technology have improved the moisture-wicking and breathability properties of boxer briefs, enhancing their popularity. Boxer Briefs' ability to shift effortlessly from casual to active use has expanded its client base, increasing its importance in the men's underwear industry.
Based on fabrics, the market is classified into cotton, polyester, modal, nylon and others. The cotton segment dominated the market in 2023 with a market share of 40% and is expected to keep its dominance during the forecast period 2024-2033.
Cotton's remarkable attributes and vast appeal contribute significantly to the men's knickers market's growth. Cotton is a natural fibre that provides breathability, moisture-wicking characteristics, and suppleness, making it an excellent choice for underwear. Comfort is essential in men's pants, and cotton offers the warmth and breathability that consumers demand for everyday use.
Furthermore, cotton is allergenic and mild on the skin, making it ideal for people who have sensitive skin or allergies. Cotton's adaptability enables the manufacturing of a variety of knickers styles, from boxers to briefs, offering a diverse selection of alternatives to suit varied preferences.
Based on distribution channels, the market is classified into retail stores and online stores. The retail store segment dominated the market in 2023 with a market share of 45% and is expected to keep its dominance during the forecast period 2024-2033. Retail establishments play an important role in driving the men's pants industry by implementing various tactics based on consumer preferences and purchasing habits.
Retail storefronts provide a tangible area for shoppers to see, touch, and try on knickers, offering a tactile experience that online platforms sometimes lack. Furthermore, shop employees may provide personalised guidance and recommendations based on individual needs, assisting consumers in finding the ideal fit and style.
Furthermore, retailers frequently use smart product placement, eye-catching displays, and special offers to pique buyers' interest and promote impulse purchases. Retail establishments build brand loyalty and repeat business by making their shopping environments friendly and interesting.
Report Scope
| Feature of the Report | Details |
| Market Size in 2024 | USD 40.5 Billion |
| Projected Market Size in 2033 | USD 66.6 Billion |
| Market Size in 2023 | USD 39.3 Billion |
| CAGR Growth Rate | 5.7% CAGR |
| Base Year | 2023 |
| Forecast Period | 2024-2033 |
| Key Segment | By Product Type, Fabrics, Distribution Channel and Region |
| Report Coverage | Revenue Estimation and Forecast, Company Profile, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors and Recent Trends |
| Regional Scope | North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and South & Central America |
| Buying Options | Request tailored purchasing options to fulfil your requirements for research. |
Men’s Underwear Market: Regional Insight
By region, Men’s Underwear market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa. The Asia-Pacific dominated the global Men’s Underwear market in 2023 with a market share of 40% and is expected to keep its dominance during the forecast period 2024-2033.
The Asia-Pacific area has a huge and diversified population, including fast increasing metropolitan centres, which provide a significant customer base. Increasing disposable incomes and changing lifestyles drive up garment purchasing, particularly pants.
Furthermore, societal shifts towards Western design trends, as well as increased awareness of personal care and cleanliness, are driving demand for fashionable and high-quality men's pants. This transition is accelerated by the power of social media and celebrity endorsements, which push certain companies and designs.
Moreover, producers in the Asia-Pacific area frequently provide cheap prices and new designs adapted to local preferences and body shapes. This localization method enables them to acquire a sizable portion of the market.
Men’s Underwear Market: Recent Developments
List of the prominent players in the Men’s Underwear Market:
These key players are adopting various growth strategies such as mergers & acquisitions, joint ventures, expansion, strategic alliances, new product launches, etc. to enhance their business operations and revenues.
The Men’s Underwear Market is segmented as follows:
By Product Type
By Fabrics
By Distribution Channel
Regional Coverage:
North America
Europe
Asia Pacific
The Middle East & Africa
Latin America
Updated: January 2026 · Formats: PDF, Excel, PPT
The restraints of the Men’s Underwear market is dominance of established brands.
The major driver for the Men’s Underwear market is rising preference for high quality fabrics and growing millennials population.
The "Briefs" category dominated the market in 2023.
The key players in the market are Hanesbrands Inc., Calvin Klein , Jockey International Inc., Berkshire Hathaway Inc., Tommy Hilfiger , Under Armour Inc., Levi Strauss & Co., American Eagle Outfitters Inc., Ralph Lauren Corporation, Perry Ellis International Inc., Giorgio Armani S.p.A., Diesel S.p.A., Hugo Boss AG, SAXX Underwear Co., The Moret Group, Bonds Inc., Mack Weldon, Ethika Inc., MeUndies, Hanro AG, Others.
"Asia-Pacific" had the largest share in the Men’s Underwear Market.
The global market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.7% during the forecast period, 2024-2033.
The Men’s Underwear Market size was valued at USD 40.5 Billion in 2024.
Author · Sr. Research Analyst
Ayush Kadam is a Senior Market Research Analyst at Custom Market Insights, with over seven years of experience in syndicated and custom market research. He specializes in market sizing, competitive intelligence, industry trends, forecasting, and strategic insights, helping clients turn complex data into actionable business decisions.
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