• In April 2022, Centric Brands expanded its foothold in legwear by acquiring a subsidiary of Daytona Apparel Group, strengthening its lineup with new hosiery and complementary apparel offerings.

• In November 2024, L’eggs relaunched its classic pantyhose with an eco‑friendly shapewear line, fueling an 18 % sales boost and a notable 76 % surge in purchases by Gen Z consumers.

In this report, the Hosiery Market has been segmented by Product Type, Material, Distribution Channel, and Geography.

Hosiery Market, Segmentation by Product Type

The Hosiery Market has been segmented by Product Type into Body Stockings, Socks, Knee Highs, Hold-Ups, and Others.

Body Stockings
Body stockings are gaining popularity for their seamless design and full-body coverage, especially in the fashion and intimate wear segments. They offer a combination of style and comfort, appealing to younger consumers. This sub-segment is expected to witness consistent growth, contributing around 12% of the global hosiery market share.
Socks
Socks dominate the hosiery market due to their universal utility and demand across age groups and genders. The increasing popularity of athletic and compression socks has driven innovation in materials and designs. This segment accounts for over 40% of the total hosiery sales globally.
Knee Highs
Knee highs are widely used for both casual and formal wear, particularly among women and older adults. Their versatility and comfort have maintained steady demand, especially in colder regions. They contribute approximately 15% to the overall hosiery market.
Hold-Ups
Hold-ups offer a stylish alternative to traditional stockings with the added convenience of staying in place without suspenders. Often made with elegant lace and silicone bands, this product type appeals to fashion-forward customers. The segment represents about 8% of the market.
Others
This category includes leggings, tights, and other innovative hosiery products catering to niche fashion and performance needs. Growth in this sub-segment is driven by athleisure trends and rising demand for sustainable materials. Combined, these products account for around 25% of the hosiery market.

Hosiery Market, Segmentation by Material

The Hosiery Market has been segmented by Material into Nylon, Cotton, Wool, Silk, and Polyester.

Nylon
Nylon remains a preferred material in the hosiery industry for its durability, elasticity, and sheer appearance. It is widely used in products like tights and pantyhose for a smooth finish. The segment contributes to nearly 30% of the overall hosiery material usage.
Cotton
Cotton-based hosiery is favored for its breathability and comfort, making it ideal for daily wear and sensitive skin. It dominates the casual socks market and appeals to eco-conscious consumers. This material accounts for approximately 35% of the market share.
Wool
Wool is extensively used in hosiery for its insulating properties, especially in colder regions. Products made from wool are popular during winters for providing warmth and softness. Wool hosiery makes up about 10% of the total market.
Silk
Silk offers a luxurious texture and natural sheen, making it a premium choice for upscale hosiery items. Although niche, silk-based hosiery is preferred for formal and intimate wear. It holds a smaller but high-value share, contributing around 5% to the market.
Polyester
Polyester is popular for its moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties. It is commonly used in performance socks and activewear-focused hosiery. This segment represents nearly 20% of the global hosiery market.

Hosiery Market, Segmentation by Distribution Channel

The Hosiery Market has been segmented by Distribution Channel into Offline and Online.

Offline
Offline channels continue to dominate hosiery sales due to the advantage of physical inspection and instant purchases. Department stores, specialty outlets, and supermarkets drive this segment. Offline distribution contributes approximately 65% to the global hosiery market revenue.
Online
Online platforms are rapidly gaining traction, fueled by the rise of e-commerce and digital shopping trends. Consumers are drawn to product variety, discounts, and home delivery. The online segment now accounts for nearly 35% of overall hosiery sales and is expected to grow further.

Hosiery Market, Segmentation by Geography

In this report, the Hosiery Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.

Hosiery Market Share (%), by Geographical Region

North America
North America holds a significant share in the hosiery market due to its high consumer spending and demand for premium hosiery products. Fashion-conscious consumers in the U.S. and Canada drive the growth. The region contributes approximately 25% to the global revenue.
Europe
Europe remains a mature market with a strong preference for quality fabrics and luxury hosiery. Countries like Germany, the UK, and France are major contributors. The region represents around 30% of the hosiery market share.
Asia Pacific
Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing region, led by countries such as China, India, and Japan. Rising urbanization, increased fashion awareness, and e-commerce penetration fuel the demand. This region accounts for about 28% of the market.
Middle East and Africa
The Middle East and Africa are emerging markets for hosiery, with growing interest in modest fashion and premium product lines. Economic development and rising retail networks are supporting steady growth. The region holds a market share of nearly 7%.
Latin America
Latin America shows potential for expansion due to increasing demand for affordable hosiery and expanding retail infrastructure. Brazil and Mexico are the major contributors. The region contributes roughly 10% to hosiery sales.

This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Hosiery Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.

Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis

Drivers

• Growing demand for comfort and compression wear
• Rising fashion consciousness among all genders
• Increased adoption of athleisure and shapewear

• Expansion of e-commerce in fashion retail - The Hosiery Market is experiencing significant growth through the expansion of e-commerce in fashion retail. Digital platforms have become critical sales channels, offering convenience, variety, and personalization to consumers worldwide. With changing shopping behaviors and increased smartphone penetration, online hosiery sales are gaining traction among all demographics.

  E-commerce platforms provide detailed size guides, customer reviews, and virtual try-on technologies, reducing the hesitation often associated with buying intimate apparel online. Brands are now optimizing their digital presence with mobile-first designs, AI-driven recommendations, and seamless checkout processes to enhance the user experience and drive conversions.

  Social media integration, influencer marketing, and targeted ads allow hosiery brands to reach niche audiences with precision. Additionally, subscription models, seasonal promotions, and loyalty programs offer recurring engagement opportunities. These strategies are helping companies build direct-to-consumer relationships, expand global reach, and bypass traditional retail limitations.

  As online shopping continues to dominate the fashion space, brands that invest in omnichannel strategies, supply chain optimization, and customer-centric platforms are better positioned to scale. The shift toward digital commerce is not only reshaping how hosiery is sold but also how it is discovered, evaluated, and repurchased.

Restraints

• Fluctuating raw material and manufacturing costs
• Short product lifecycle and changing trends
• Price competition from unorganized local players

• Sustainability concerns in synthetic fiber production - The Hosiery Market is facing growing scrutiny due to sustainability concerns in synthetic fiber production. Most hosiery products rely on materials like nylon, spandex, and polyester—fibers that are not biodegradable and contribute to environmental pollution throughout their lifecycle. This raises concerns among eco-conscious consumers and advocacy groups.

  From petroleum-based sourcing to energy-intensive manufacturing, the production of synthetic hosiery creates a high environmental footprint. Microfiber shedding during washing adds to the problem, as microplastics enter water systems and ecosystems. These sustainability issues are prompting consumers to seek more ethical and eco-friendly alternatives in their wardrobe.

  Despite increased demand for greener fashion, many brands struggle to balance cost-efficiency with environmental responsibility. Recycled fiber technologies and bio-based alternatives remain costly, leading to limited adoption, especially among mass-market brands. The absence of clear sustainability certifications or regulatory pressure further complicates efforts to shift to cleaner production methods.

  Unless hosiery brands prioritize innovation in sustainable materials and educate consumers about eco-impact, they risk alienating a growing segment of value-driven shoppers. Addressing fiber sustainability is now essential not only for compliance but also for long-term brand credibility and consumer trust.

Opportunities

• Innovation in eco-friendly and recycled materials
• Rising demand for plus-size and inclusive designs
• Growth in health-oriented compression hosiery

• Collaborations with influencers and fashion brands - The Hosiery Market is gaining momentum through collaborations with influencers and fashion brands that enhance visibility, trend relevance, and brand appeal. These strategic partnerships allow hosiery companies to tap into loyal follower bases, introduce style-forward collections, and reshape consumer perceptions about the category from basic to fashionable.

  Influencers play a vital role in showcasing hosiery as part of modern, versatile wardrobes. Through content such as styling reels, tutorials, and outfit inspirations, they increase product discoverability and create aspirational value. Micro-influencers, in particular, offer high engagement rates and localized appeal, making them ideal partners for targeted campaigns.

  Collaborations with established fashion brands or designers also help reposition hosiery as a fashion statement rather than a functional staple. Limited-edition releases, co-branded capsule collections, and themed seasonal drops create buzz and drive demand among style-conscious consumers, especially younger demographics looking for uniqueness.

  As fashion and lifestyle content dominate digital platforms, hosiery brands that invest in influencer partnerships and cross-industry collaborations can unlock new customer segments. These initiatives not only boost brand relevance but also elevate market positioning by aligning with creativity, trend cycles, and cultural conversations.

Key players in Hosiery Market include:

• CSP International Fashion Group S.P.A
• Lanvin Group (Wolford AG)
• Gilfin S.P.A. (Golden Lady Company S.P.A)
• Hanesbrands Inc
• Jockey International, Inc.
• Spanx Inc
• Carolina Hosiery Inc
• G‑III Apparel Group
• Iconix Brand Group, Inc.
• Heist Studios
• Falke KGaA
• Calzedonia (Oniverse Holding S.p.A.)
• Lux Industries Limited
• Interloop Limited

In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:

• Company Overview and Product Portfolio
• Market Share Analysis
• Key Developments
• Financial Overview
• Strategies
• Company SWOT Analysis