Global Bra Market Size, Share, Trends, Growth, Forecast: By Type: Padded, Non-Padded; By Style: Sports Bra, Nursing Bra, Multiway Bra, Adhesive or Stick-On Bra, Others; By Raw Material: Cotton, Chiffon, Silk, Satin, Polyester; By Distribution Channel: Online, Offline; Regional Analysis; Market Dynamics; Competitive Landscape; 2024-2032

Global Bra Market Size

The global bra market reached approximately USD 31.93 billion in 2023. The market is assessed to grow at a CAGR of 5.5% between 2024 and 2032 to attain a value of around USD 51.01 billion by 2032.

Bra refers to a piece of clothing that is worn as a part of women’s underwear. The function of a bra is to support and cover the breasts. In the contemporary world, they have become a quintessential part of women’s wardrobes and prevent the sagging of breasts, enhance their appearance, and improve the comfortability of wearers. Bra is composed of multiple parts, including cups for holding the breasts, straps for shoulder support, a band that wraps around the torso, and often a closure mechanism (like hooks and eyes). Some bras also have underwires for additional support.

There are various types of bras, each serving different needs or preferences. These include sports bras for physical activity, push-up bras for enhancing cleavage, T-shirt bras for a seamless look under tight tops, strapless and convertible bras for different styles of outerwear, and maternity and nursing bras for pregnant women and new mothers. Bras come in a wide range of designs, sizes, and styles to cater to different body types and personal tastes.

Key Trends in the Bra Market

The rising trend of individuality and body positivity through choice of fashion.

The bra market demand is being aided by the evolving fashion movement and the growing focus on individuality and empowerment through fashion. This is driving the emergence of trends such as exposed bras and bra-inspired tops that combine diverse lingerie hues, styles, and materials to support body positivity, individuality, and versatility. Besides, fashion influencers are promoting innovative trends, such as exposed bras, on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, aiding the market expansion.

There is also a growing demand for bras that cater to individual preferences and body shapes. This has led to an increase in customisable options, ranging from adjustable straps and band sizes to choices in cup styles and materials. Brands are also offering more diverse styles, recognising that what works for one person may not work for another.

Designers and manufacturers are increasingly acknowledging the need to cater to all body types. This includes offering a wider range of sizes and designs that accommodate different breast shapes and sizes, ensuring that everyone has access to comfortable and supportive bras.

A transformative shift towards inclusivity and diversity in the bra sector

Inclusivity and diversity in fashion have emerged as major bra market trends in recent times. With customers increasingly becoming aware of such factors, brands are increasingly expanding their size ranges and developing bras designed for diverse body shapes and skin tones, among others.

Traditional bra sizes have often been limited, excluding many women with larger or smaller busts. The market is now expanding size offerings to include a wider range of both band and cup sizes, ensuring that more women find bras that fit well. Bra designed for post-surgery patients, such as mastectomy bras with pockets for breast forms, or bras with front closures for easier access, are also becoming more available.

Brands are increasingly using models of different races, ages, and body types in their marketing, moving away from the one-size-fits-all beauty standard. Furthermore, many bra manufacturers are also offering 'nude' bras in a range of shades to match various skin tones, rather than just a single, light 'nude' colour.

Emergence of sustainability and ethical practices in the fashion and clothing sector

The fashion sector is increasingly striving to become more sustainable, utilise natural fibres and recycled materials, and reduce the environmental impact of fast fashion. Hence, the bra market growth is expected to be fuelled in the forecast period by the increasing preference for bras made from sustainable fabrics such as hemp, organic cotton, linen, and organic bamboo and packaged using sustainable and ethical materials. Many brands are also turning to recycled materials, such as recycled polyester or nylon, which are made from post-consumer waste like plastic bottles for the manufacture of their bras.

Several market players are adopting eco-friendly manufacturing processes such as implementing water-saving techniques in the dyeing and processing of fabrics, utilising renewable energy sources in the production process, and reducing the use of harsh chemicals and dyes to decrease environmental pollution.

Furthermore, the incorporation of fair labour practices ensures that bras are produced in factories with adequate wages, safe working conditions, and reasonable working hours. Some brands focus on artisanal craftsmanship, supporting local communities and preserving traditional textile-making techniques.

Growth of e-commerce and digital marketing is expected to broaden the market reach

The robust growth of the e-commerce sector is positively impacting the bra market value and overall revenue. Online channels offer accurate product descriptions as well as customer reviews, enhancing the shopping experience of customers. Moreover, factors such as convenience, easy returns and exchanges, attractive discounts and offers, as well as wide product assortment enhance the appeal of online platforms among customers for purchasing lingerie.

Online platforms allow customers to browse and purchase bras from the comfort of their homes, making the shopping experience more convenient. Purchasing bras online offers privacy and discretion, which is particularly appealing for certain shoppers. Moreover, some online retailers use technology like AI and 3D modelling to offer virtual fitting services, helping customers find the right size and fit without the need for physical try-ons.

Online marketing tools allow brands to reach specific audiences with targeted ads, increasing the efficiency of marketing campaigns. Influencers and social media platforms play a significant role in promoting brands and new products and driving traffic to e-commerce sites.

Bra Industry Segmentation

Based on type, the bra market segmentation includes padded and non-padded. On the basis of style, the market can be divided into sports bra, nursing bra, multiway bra, and adhesive or stick-on bra, among others. By raw material, the market is categorised into cotton, chiffon, silk, satin, and polyester. The various distribution channels of the product are online and offline. The major regional markets for bra include North America, Europe, the Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa.

The comprehensive EMR report provides an in-depth assessment of the market based on the Porter's five forces model along with giving a SWOT analysis. The report gives a detailed analysis of the following key players in the global bra market, covering their competitive landscape and latest developments like mergers, acquisitions, investments and expansion plans.

• JOCKEY International Inc. 

• PVH Corp. (Calvin Klein) 

• Hanesbrands Inc. 

• Triumph Intertrade AG 

• H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB 

• Gap Inc. 

• Chantelle 

• Wolf Lingerie S.A.S. 

• INTIMI India Limited (Amante) 

• V.O.V.A. 

• Others

Global Bra Market Analysis

A bra is primarily designed to support, cover, and shape a person's breasts. Over the years, the design and purpose of bras have evolved, reflecting changes in societal norms, fashion trends, and advancements in textile technology. The earliest forms of breast support can be traced back to ancient civilisations like Greece and Rome, where women often wore simple cloth bands, known as "apodesmos" in Greece, to bind their breasts during athletic activities.

In the present times, there is a growing focus on a broader range of bra sizes to accommodate diverse body types. Some brands now offer custom-fitted bras, using algorithms and 3D modelling to ensure a perfect fit. The evolution of bras in the present era reflects a blend of fashion innovation, cultural shifts, and an increasing focus on individual needs and inclusivity.

Bra Market Share by Type

As per the market analysis, padded bras enjoy substantial popularity among women as they feature extra support and provide a fuller look and extra volume to breasts.  Such bras prevent breast movement, which boosts their preference for use during workouts. In addition, the removable padding of these bras makes them customisable, boosting their popularity among women.

They can also help in creating a more symmetrical look, especially for those with uneven breast sizes. The padding can provide a smooth and seamless outline under clothing by concealing nipples. Padded bras can be particularly beneficial for those with smaller busts who wish to enhance their silhouette as well as those with uneven breast sizes.

Meanwhile, the demand for non-padded bras is likely to surge in the forecast period due to their enhanced comfortability and breathability, which make them ideal for everyday usage. These bras offer full breast coverage and are ideal for larger busts, focusing on support rather than enhancement. With less material and no extra layers, they are more breathable, making them comfortable, especially in warmer weather. Common materials include cotton, silk, lace, and mesh. The choice of fabric affects the bra's comfort, look, and suitability for different activities or climates.

Market Share by Style

Sports bra represents a significant portion of the bra market share due to the surging emphasis on comfortability. The primary function of a sports bra is to reduce breast movement and provide support during physical activities, which can range from low-impact exercises like yoga to high-impact activities like running. By limiting movement, sports bras help to reduce discomfort and potential pain that can occur during exercise.

The growing trend of athleisure and the increasing focus on health and fitness are further increasing the popularity of sports bras. The development of high-support sports bras has made it easier for women to participate in high-impact sports and fitness activities, leading to increased participation in these areas. The emergence of sports bras as a fashion trend among women seeking a blend of comfort and style is also aiding the segment’s growth. With diverse styles and designs, sports bras offer ways for individuals to express their personal style and embrace body positivity.

Key players are also initiating research and development activities to enhance the inclusivity of sports bras and develop sports bras with improved lift, support, and breathability.

Competitive Landscape

JOCKEY International Inc. was founded in 1876 and since has emerged as a prominent marketer and manufacturer of comfort apparel. With its headquarters in Wisconsin, the United States, the company’s products are sold in over 140 countries. Through its commitment to fashion, quality, innovation, value, and comfort, Jockey has emerged as a pioneer in innerwear. The brand has been recognised for its innovative approach to underwear design, often incorporating new materials and technologies to enhance comfort and fit.

H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB is a leading design and fashion company that is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden. The company owns more than 4,000 stores in over 70 countries and sells its products online in 60 countries. Some of its offerings include accessories, footwear, home textiles, clothing, footwear, cosmetics, and homewear. H&M has further been investing heavily in its online platforms, responding to the shift in consumer shopping habits towards e-commerce.

Gap Inc., headquartered in California, the United States, is a leading accessories and clothing retailer. Some of its famous brands are Athleta, Gap, Old Navy, and Banana Republic, and the company offers individuality to modern and responsibly made essentials. The company has been increasingly focusing on sustainability, including the use of environmentally friendly materials and ethical manufacturing practices.

PVH Corp. (Calvin Klein), founded in 1881 and headquartered in New York, the United States, is recognised as one of the largest global apparel companies. PVH Corp. operates globally, with products sold in over 40 countries through a combination of direct sales, franchisees, and licensing agreements. Apart from Calvin Klein, PVH Corp. owns several other notable brands, including Tommy Hilfiger, and heritage brands like Van Heusen, IZOD, ARROW, and Warner’s.

Other bra market players include PVH Corp. (Calvin Klein), Hanesbrands Inc., Triumph Intertrade AG, Chantelle, Wolf Lingerie S.A.S., INTIMI India Limited (Amante), and V.O.V.A., among others.

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*While we strive to always give you current and accurate information, the numbers depicted on the website are indicative and may differ from the actual numbers in the main report. At Expert Market Research, we aim to bring you the latest insights and trends in the market. Using our analyses and forecasts, stakeholders can understand the market dynamics, navigate challenges, and capitalize on opportunities to make data-driven strategic decisions.