Global hosiery market driven by the fashion conscious

The global hosiery market has been projected to hit a market value of US$25.9 billion by 2018, with changing lifestyles, growing fashion consciousness, dual income sources and the emphasis on the need for shape and structure enhancement transforming the traditional hosiery market.

The need for a fashionable, trendy lifestyle and desire to pamper oneself with the 'best on offer', coupled with greater disposable incomes triggered a series of dramatic changes in the traditional market.

The hosiery market is categorised into well-defined product segments such as socks, pantyhose, sheers, opaques, stockings, tights, leggings and several others. Women's hosiery dominates with over 80% of the hosiery products catering to the fairer sex.

Technology has been one of the major factors resulting in a change in the hosiery business, particularly relating to the women's segment. In recent years, manufacturers have replaced their old machinery with latest, sophisticated machines. Mechanical knitting machines have given way to smaller, faster electronic knitting machines that are capable of equal or greater production.

The largest performing segment of the hosiery industry, socks, is steering ahead and expected to retain its lead. The segment accounts for the single largest share of the market at more than 60%. Tube socks, the dark horse of the lot ventured into the industry with a bang and are likely to outperform predecessors present in the market.

Hosiery has become an integral part of today's fashion apparel. Although the hosiery market manufactures products for both men and women, majority share of the hosiery is focused on women. Manufacturers and designers are continuously innovating product ranges at par with latest trends and fads ruling the fashion world. Players are focused on introducing hosiery collections based a wide range of classic and modern trends in attractive colours.

The hosiery market is characterised by stiff competition. Key players currently dominating the industry include CSP International SpA, Golden Lady SpA, Kayser-Roth Corp., Gold Toe-Moretz LLC, Grupo Synkro, Hanesbrands Inc., Sculpz Inc., Donna Karan International, and Wolford.

For more information on the global hosiery market, see the latest research: Global Hosiery Market

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