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Apparel and footwear in 2024: The big picture
Apparel and footwear in South Korea is seeing positive value and volume growth in 2024, across both mass and premium segments. In the past, notable brands in South Korea were predominantly international names, however, many local brands are now emerging in both segments.
2024 key trends
The sustainability trend is paving its way in South Korea, mostly by upcycling. That is, reproducing new products through the recycling of old products, which is seen as an efficient way to utilise old inventory, meaning it can be an efficient business strategy as well as being eco-friendly.
Competitive landscape
Apparel and footwear is an extremely fragmented category overall in South Korea, with Nike (Nike Korea Ltd) and Uniqlo (Frl Korea Co Ltd) neck-to-neck in shared top brand place. These are followed by The North Face (North Face Inc), New Balance (New Balance Korea), and adidas (adidas Korea LTD).
Retailing developments
Retail e-commerce is achieving 50% of all distribution share in 2024, making it the most important channel for apparel and footwear in South Korea. The online channel has gradually cannibalised share from apparel and footwear specialists over the years, with this latter channel now holding less than half the share of retail e-commerce.
What next for apparel and footwear?
Polarisation trends are expected to continue over the forecast period, with private label maintaining its share, and premium and luxury brands attracting attention due to their “must-have” status. However, it is worthy to note that, in South Korea, private label brands tend to not be positioned at mass/budget, but more somewhere between mass and mid-range.
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Overview:
Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Apparel and Footwear industry in South Korea with research from Euromonitor International's team of in-country analysts – experts by industry and geographic specialisation.
Key trends are clearly and succinctly summarised alongside the most current research data available. Understand and assess competitive threats and plan corporate strategy with our qualitative analysis, insight and confident growth projections.
Data and analysis in this report provides further detailed coverage dedicated to the following key categories, where applicable:
- Childrenswear
- Apparel and Accessories
- Menswear
- Womenswear
- Jeans
- Hosiery
- Footwear
- Sportswear
If you're in the Apparel and Footwear industry in South Korea, our research will help you to make informed, intelligent decisions; to recognise and profit from opportunity, or to offer resilience amidst market uncertainty.
The Apparel and Footwear in South Korea report includes:
- Analysis of key supply-side and demand trends
- Detailed segmentation of international and local products
- Historic volume and value sizes, company and brand market shares
- Five year forecasts of market trends and market growth
- Robust and transparent research methodology, conducted in-country
This report answers:
- What is the market size of Apparel and Footwear in South Korea?
- Which are the leading brands in South Korea?
- How are products distributed in South Korea?
- How is the rise of e-commerce shaping demand?
- What % of apparel and footwear sales are made via grocery retailers?
- Do consumers want premium quality or fast fashion?
- How will COVID-19 and recession impact demand?
- How important is sustainability in Apparel and Footwear in South Korea?
- Where is future growth expected to be most dynamic?
Apparel and Footwear in South Korea
Apparel and footwear in 2024: The big picture
2024 key trends
Competitive landscape
Retailing developments
What next for apparel and footwear?
Table 1 Sales of Apparel and Footwear by Category: Volume 2019-2024
Table 2 Sales of Apparel and Footwear by Category: Value 2019-2024
Table 3 Sales of Apparel and Footwear by Category: % Volume Growth 2019-2024
Table 4 Sales of Apparel and Footwear by Category: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 5 NBO Company Shares of Apparel and Footwear: % Value 2020-2024
Table 6 LBN Brand Shares of Apparel and Footwear: % Value 2021-2024
Table 7 Distribution of Apparel and Footwear by Format: % Value 2019-2024
Table 8 Distribution of Apparel and Footwear by Format and Category: % Value 2024
Table 9 Forecast Sales of Apparel and Footwear by Category: Volume 2024-2029
Table 10 Forecast Sales of Apparel and Footwear by Category: Value 2024-2029
Table 11 Forecast Sales of Apparel and Footwear by Category: % Volume Growth 2024-2029
Table 12 Forecast Sales of Apparel and Footwear by Category: % Value Growth 2024-2029
DISCLAIMER
Summary 1 Research Sources
Childrenswear in South Korea
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Childrenswear benefits from the ‘VIB’ trend in value, while volume is more sluggish due to low birth rates
Sports-inspired brands fare well, while child-specific brands are prone to struggle
The second-hand trend is strong in childrenswear, suppressing potential sales of new apparel
Polarisation expected to increase more strongly in childrenswear over the forecast period
Namdaemun Market shops switch to online platforms to help boost sales
Luxury childrenswear for teenagers attracts women who wear smaller sizes
Table 13 Sales of Childrenswear by Category: Volume 2019-2024
Table 14 Sales of Childrenswear by Category: Value 2019-2024
Table 15 Sales of Childrenswear by Category: % Volume Growth 2019-2024
Table 16 Sales of Childrenswear by Category: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 17 NBO Company Shares of Childrenswear: % Value 2020-2024
Table 18 LBN Brand Shares of Childrenswear: % Value 2021-2024
Table 19 Forecast Sales of Childrenswear by Category: Volume 2024-2029
Table 20 Forecast Sales of Childrenswear by Category: Value 2024-2029
Table 21 Forecast Sales of Childrenswear by Category: % Volume Growth 2024-2029
Table 22 Forecast Sales of Childrenswear by Category: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Apparel Accessories in South Korea
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Luxury brands remain popular in apparel accessories
Ties suffers from a decline in formalwear, with casual styles in offices and suit hire services on the rise
Sporting affiliations can boost sports-inspired apparel accessories
Modern retail innovations expand to include luxury accessories
Emis tipped as a brand to watch in caps
Variety stores could boost mass apparel accessories among price-sensitive consumers
Table 23 Sales of Apparel Accessories by Category: Volume 2019-2024
Table 24 Sales of Apparel Accessories by Category: Value 2019-2024
Table 25 Sales of Apparel Accessories by Category: % Volume Growth 2019-2024
Table 26 Sales of Apparel Accessories by Category: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 27 NBO Company Shares of Apparel Accessories: % Value 2020-2024
Table 28 LBN Brand Shares of Apparel Accessories: % Value 2021-2024
Table 29 Forecast Sales of Apparel Accessories by Category: Volume 2024-2029
Table 30 Forecast Sales of Apparel Accessories by Category: Value 2024-2029
Table 31 Forecast Sales of Apparel Accessories by Category: % Volume Growth 2024-2029
Table 32 Forecast Sales of Apparel Accessories by Category: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Menswear in South Korea
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Local menswear brands see ongoing expansion, both in South Korea and on the global stage
Polarisation seen between high-end labels for display and affordable options
Musina online platform benefits from sporting collaborations
Further growth prospects ahead for luxury menswear
K-trends set to continue strongly and inspire ongoing innovations
Brands increasingly need to embrace platforms such as Musina, which offers more than just retail
Table 33 Sales of Menswear by Category: Volume 2019-2024
Table 34 Sales of Menswear by Category: Value 2019-2024
Table 35 Sales of Menswear by Category: % Volume Growth 2019-2024
Table 36 Sales of Menswear by Category: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 37 NBO Company Shares of Menswear: % Value 2020-2024
Table 38 LBN Brand Shares of Menswear: % Value 2021-2024
Table 39 NBO Company Shares of Men’s Nightwear: % Value 2020-2024
Table 40 LBN Brand Shares of Men’s Nightwear: % Value 2021-2024
Table 41 NBO Company Shares of Men’s Outerwear: % Value 2020-2024
Table 42 LBN Brand Shares of Men’s Outerwear: % Value 2021-2024
Table 43 NBO Company Shares of Men’s Swimwear: % Value 2020-2024
Table 44 LBN Brand Shares of Men’s Swimwear: % Value 2021-2024
Table 45 NBO Company Shares of Men’s Underwear: % Value 2020-2024
Table 46 LBN Brand Shares of Men’s Underwear: % Value 2021-2024
Table 47 Forecast Sales of Menswear by Category: Volume 2024-2029
Table 48 Forecast Sales of Menswear by Category: Value 2024-2029
Table 49 Forecast Sales of Menswear by Category: % Volume Growth 2024-2029
Table 50 Forecast Sales of Menswear by Category: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Womenswear in South Korea
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Shein’s pop-up store fails to score significant sales due to concerns over quality – despite low prices
Leggings and yoga wear players expand their apparel lines across different sports
TV home shopping channels launch their own brands to revitalise sales
‘Dupes’ expand from beauty and personal care into apparel
Second-hand and sustainability trends will pose a challenge to new apparel sales
Exclusivity and experiential satisfaction are becoming increasingly important
Table 51 Sales of Womenswear by Category: Volume 2019-2024
Table 52 Sales of Womenswear by Category: Value 2019-2024
Table 53 Sales of Womenswear by Category: % Volume Growth 2019-2024
Table 54 Sales of Womenswear by Category: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 55 NBO Company Shares of Womenswear: % Value 2020-2024
Table 56 LBN Brand Shares of Womenswear: % Value 2021-2024
Table 57 NBO Company Shares of Women's Nightwear: % Value 2020-2024
Table 58 LBN Brand Shares of Women's Nightwear: % Value 2021-2024
Table 59 NBO Company Shares of Women's Outerwear: % Value 2020-2024
Table 60 LBN Brand Shares of Women's Outerwear: % Value 2021-2024
Table 61 NBO Company Shares of Women’s Swimwear: % Value 2020-2024
Table 62 LBN Brand Shares of Women’s Swimwear: % Value 2021-2024
Table 63 NBO Company Shares of Women's Underwear: % Value 2020-2024
Table 64 LBN Brand Shares of Women's Underwear: % Value 2021-2024
Table 65 Forecast Sales of Womenswear by Category: Volume 2024-2029
Table 66 Forecast Sales of Womenswear by Category: Value 2024-2029
Table 67 Forecast Sales of Womenswear by Category: % Volume Growth 2024-2029
Table 68 Forecast Sales of Womenswear by Category: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Jeans in South Korea
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Jeans maintains positive growth, with economy options popular and high-end brands driven by influencer endorsements
Levi’s and Andersson Bell launch reconstructed ADSB line
Sustainability trends continue in jeans
Economy jeans expected to remain a winner, thanks to improved quality available at affordable prices
Non-branded economy jeans set to be a threat to established names
Fit preferences to become increasingly diversified as jeans styles change
Table 69 Sales of Jeans by Category: Volume 2019-2024
Table 70 Sales of Jeans by Category: Value 2019-2024
Table 71 Sales of Jeans by Category: % Volume Growth 2019-2024
Table 72 Sales of Jeans by Category: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 73 Sales of Men’s Jeans by Category: Volume 2019-2024
Table 74 Sales of Men’s Jeans by Category: Value 2019-2024
Table 75 Sales of Men’s Jeans by Category: % Volume Growth 2019-2024
Table 76 Sales of Men’s Jeans by Category: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 77 Sales of Women’s Jeans by Category: Volume 2019-2024
Table 78 Sales of Women’s Jeans by Category: Value 2019-2024
Table 79 Sales of Women’s Jeans by Category: % Volume Growth 2019-2024
Table 80 Sales of Women’s Jeans by Category: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 81 NBO Company Shares of Jeans: % Value 2020-2024
Table 82 LBN Brand Shares of Jeans: % Value 2021-2024
Table 83 Forecast Sales of Jeans by Category: Volume 2024-2029
Table 84 Forecast Sales of Jeans by Category: Value 2024-2029
Table 85 Forecast Sales of Jeans by Category: % Volume Growth 2024-2029
Table 86 Forecast Sales of Jeans by Category: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Table 87 Forecast Sales of Men’s Jeans by Category: Volume 2024-2029
Table 88 Forecast Sales of Men’s Jeans by Category: Value 2024-2029
Table 89 Forecast Sales of Men’s Jeans by Category: % Volume Growth 2024-2029
Table 90 Forecast Sales of Men’s Jeans by Category: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Table 91 Forecast Sales of Women’s Jeans by Category: Volume 2024-2029
Table 92 Forecast Sales of Women’s Jeans by Category: Value 2024-2029
Table 93 Forecast Sales of Women’s Jeans by Category: % Volume Growth 2024-2029
Table 94 Forecast Sales of Women’s Jeans by Category: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Hosiery in South Korea
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Small positive volume gains achieved as hosiery is positioned more as a fashion item
Online players innovate to stand out from the crowd, while offline stores use promotional events
Sheer hosiery is facing some challenges due to the rise of less formal styles
Could hosiery evolve into a “small luxury” item?
Hosiery will remain dependent on fashions and seasonal factors
Sporty lifestyles will drive demand for sports-specific socks
Table 95 Sales of Hosiery by Category: Volume 2019-2024
Table 96 Sales of Hosiery by Category: Value 2019-2024
Table 97 Sales of Hosiery by Category: % Volume Growth 2019-2024
Table 98 Sales of Hosiery by Category: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 99 NBO Company Shares of Hosiery: % Value 2020-2024
Table 100 LBN Brand Shares of Hosiery: % Value 2021-2024
Table 101 Forecast Sales of Hosiery by Category: Volume 2024-2029
Table 102 Forecast Sales of Hosiery by Category: Value 2024-2029
Table 103 Forecast Sales of Hosiery by Category: % Volume Growth 2024-2029
Table 104 Forecast Sales of Hosiery by Category: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Footwear in South Korea
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Footwear sales supported by the running trend in South Korea
Sports brands remain popular in footwear, with Nike in the lead
Department stores upgrade their running-related areas to keep up with the trend
Counterfeit shoes becoming increasingly sophisticated
New Balance opens its flagship store and promotes it with a special exhibition
Brands enter South Korea directly, in order to better engage with local consumers
Table 105 Sales of Footwear by Category: Volume 2019-2024
Table 106 Sales of Footwear by Category: Value 2019-2024
Table 107 Sales of Footwear by Category: % Volume Growth 2019-2024
Table 108 Sales of Footwear by Category: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 109 NBO Company Shares of Footwear: % Value 2020-2024
Table 110 LBN Brand Shares of Footwear: % Value 2021-2024
Table 111 Distribution of Footwear by Format: % Value 2019-2024
Table 112 Forecast Sales of Footwear by Category: Volume 2024-2029
Table 113 Forecast Sales of Footwear by Category: Value 2024-2029
Table 114 Forecast Sales of Footwear by Category: % Volume Growth 2024-2029
Table 115 Forecast Sales of Footwear by Category: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Sportswear in South Korea
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Sportswear maintains healthy growth, thanks to sports-inspired fashion trends and consumers’ love of running
Nike maintains its lead, despite rising competition
Pure sportswear brands face rising competition from other brands who are expanding their portfolios
Greater segmentation expected in sportswear as new brands appear
Brand ambassadors become increasingly important to attract the attention of younger consumers
Alo Yoga set to launch in South Korea and disrupt the competitive status quo
Table 116 Sales of Sportswear by Category: Value 2019-2024
Table 117 Sales of Sportswear by Category: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 118 NBO Company Shares of Sportswear: % Value 2020-2024
Table 119 LBN Brand Shares of Sportswear: % Value 2021-2024
Table 120 Distribution of Sportswear by Format: % Value 2019-2024
Table 121 Forecast Sales of Sportswear by Category: Value 2024-2029
Table 122 Forecast Sales of Sportswear by Category: % Value Growth 2024-2029
The following categories and subcategories are included:
Apparel and Footwear
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-
- Baby and Toddler Wear
- Boys' Apparel
- Girls' Apparel
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- Belts
- Gloves
- Hats/Caps
- Scarves
- Ties
- Other Apparel Accessories
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-
- Men's Nightwear
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- Economy Men's Jeans
- Standard Men's Jeans
- Premium Men's Jeans
- Super Premium Men's Jeans
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- Men's Jackets and Coats
- Men's Jumpers
- Men's Shirts
- Men's Shorts and Trousers
- Men's Suits
- Men's Tops
- Other Men's Outerwear
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- Men's Swimwear
- Men's Underwear
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- Women's Nightwear
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-
- Economy Women's Jeans
- Standard Women's Jeans
- Premium Women's Jeans
- Super Premium Women's Jeans
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- Women's Dresses
- Women's Jackets and Coats
- Women's Jumpers
- Women's Leggings
- Women's Shirts and Blouses
- Women's Shorts and Trousers
- Women's Skirts
- Women's Suits
- Women's Tops
- Other Women's Outerwear
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- Women's Swimwear
- Women's Underwear
-
-
- Nightwear
-
-
- Economy Jeans
- Standard Jeans
- Premium Jeans
- Super Premium Jeans
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- Dresses
- Jackets and Coats
- Jumpers
- Leggings
- Shirts and Blouses
- Shorts and Trousers
- Skirts
- Suits
- Tops
- Other Outerwear
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- Swimwear
- Underwear
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- Sheer Hosiery
- Non-Sheer Hosiery
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- Children's Footwear
- Men's Footwear
- Women's Footwear
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- Performance Apparel
- Outdoor Apparel
- Sports-inspired Apparel
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- Performance Footwear
- Outdoor Footwear
- Sports-inspired Footwear
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Apparel and Footwear
Apparel is the aggregation of clothing and footwear. This dataset covers retail sales of apparel through both store-based retailers and non-store retailers. Excludes black market sales (i.e. untaxed, generated within informal retailing)and duty free sales (travel retail). Items must be new when sold to the consumer; second-hand/used items are excluded. Antique and/or vintage clothing and footwear is also excluded.
See all of our definitions
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This report originates from Passport, our Apparel and Footwear research and analysis database.
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