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Versatility, comfort, and sustainability are key trends shaping South Korea's evolving apparel and footwear industry
Apparel and footwear in South Korea is characterised by a shift towards adaptability, with consumers increasingly valuing versatile pieces that blend style, comfort, and functionality. In 2025, retail volume sales grew by 1%, compared to 3% current value growth. The category is expected to continue growing over the next five years, driven by consumers' increasing demand for versatile and sustainable products. Brands that can offer versatility, responsiveness, and sustainability are best positioned for growth, with a focus on innovative materials, production strategies, and omnichannel presence.
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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
Versatility, comfort, and sustainability are key trends shaping South Korea's evolving apparel and footwear industry
Chart 1 Key Trends 2025
Versatile pieces drive sales as traditional norms erode
Chart 2 Performance Meets Fashion – The Rise of Recovery Shoes and Low-Profile Sneakers
Climate-responsive designs gain traction
Chart 3 Climate-Responsive Seasonless Apparel
Resale and rental trends reshape retail channel mix
Chart 4 Department Stores Leverage Circular Fashion with Resale Programmes
Versatility, sustainability, and agility to influence future development of apparel and footwear
Navigating seasonless style and shifting categories
Chart 5 Analyst Insight
Sustainability and technology to help shape the future of sales
Uniqlo strengthens lead of highly fragmented competitive landscape
Emerging brands and collaborations drive innovation
Offline channels lead distribution via specialists but online sales continue to grow
Chart 6 Real GDP Growth and Inflation 2020-2030
Chart 7 PEST Analysis in South Korea 2025
Chart 8 Key Insights on Consumers in South Korea 2025
Chart 9 Consumer Landscape in South Korea 2025
COUNTRY REPORTS DISCLAIMER
Summary 1 Research Sources
Childrenswear in South Korea
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Rising incomes and influencer brands fuel childrenswear expansion in South Korea
Chart 10 Key Trends 2025
Influencer-led brands drive premium sales through innovative retail
Chart 11 Shinsegae Gangnam Department Store’s “Influencer Market” Pop-up
New challenger brands reshaping childrenswear in South Korea
Chart 12 Launch of Covernat Kids, as Challenger Brands Look to Compete with Incumbents
The growing influence of the gifting trend on childrenswear
Chart 13 W Concept’s Childrenswear Category Grows Due to Gifting
How premium and junior styles are set to redefine childrenswear
Polarisation and circular consumption to reshape landscape
Aunty Power and its expanding role in South Korea
Chart 14 Analyst Insight
Top brands consolidate share through strategic expansion, but new brands are emerging
Offline retail remains dominant despite e-commerce growth
Apparel Accessories in South Korea
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Navigating 2025's dip with K-Pop, luxury, and strategic growth
Chart 15 Key Trends 2025
Rising polarisation between mass consumers and those seeking niche designs
Chart 16 Gentle Monster Launches New Headwear Brand, Atiissu, in 2025
International tourists drive demand for essential local brands
Chart 17 Matin Kim Offers Seoul Exclusive Selection Only via its Offline Flagships
K-pop is rising influence on styling trends
Chart 18 Bandanas and Scarves as Expressive Styling Items
Fashion and pop culture to drive demand for hats/caps
Chart 19 Analyst Insight
Easing of formal dress codes to place further pressure on ties and belts
Modern retail innovations to fuel growth in luxury accessories
Luxury brands maintain lead in local apparel accessories
Offline retail remains dominant despite e-commerce growth
Menswear in South Korea
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Leveraging comfort, casual trends, and e-commerce in South Korean menswear
Chart 20 Key Trends 2025
Lightweight fabrics drive versatile outerwear designs
Chart 21 City-Ready Outdoor Outerwear: Lightweight, Functional, and Stylish
Emerging brands drive menswear's shift to casual and hybrid styles
Chart 22 From Workday to Weekend: POTTERY’s Versatile Setup Suits Capture Young Consumers
Understated style and global appeal: The growing impact of Japanese Brands on Korean menswear
Chart 23 From Japan to Seoul: BEAMS’ Debut Pop-Up Creates Buzz
Rising disposable income to fuel demand for quality menswear
Key trends shaping menswear's future
Chart 24 Analyst Insight
Leading Japanese brands capitalise on casualwear trend
Online retail platforms drive menswear sales among younger consumers
Department stores and apparel specialists remain key offline channels
Womenswear in South Korea
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Resilience in 2025 driven by comfort, premiumisation, and online engagement
Chart 25 Key Trends 2025
Women's underwear remains strong sales driver, driven by comfort and premiumisation
Chart 26 Comfort-Centric Innerwear
Fitness-driven trend boosts swimwear sales through social media
Chart 27 Swimwear Beyond Basics: Performance with Pattern and Style
Casualwear evolves to meet modern women's lifestyle needs
Chart 28 Evolving Casualwear for Women’s Daily Lives
Future growth driven by comfort, premiumisation, and personal expression
Chart 29 Analyst Insight
Navigating rapid trend cycles: The imperative for brand agility in Korean womenswear
Building brand loyalty through integrated online and experiential strategies
Frl Korea maintains lead of fragmented landscape with comfort-driven products
Vertical commerce platforms drive online sales by age group
Jeans in South Korea
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Pop culture and digital engagement propel jeans in South Korea to continued growth
Chart 30 Key Trends 2025
Guess leverages K-pop to refresh brand image and target Generation Z
Chart 31 Guess Selected Popular K-Pop Group NMIXX as its New Ambassador for Asia
Agile product planning fuels growth in economy jeans
Chart 32 Musinsa Standard – Fast Fashion, Faster Denim Planning
Emerging brands drive innovation with experimental denim
Chart 33 Denim as a Sensitive, Transformative Fabric
Redefining denim: How consumer preferences and brand innovation will drive sales
Chart 34 Analyst Insight
Economy jeans to gain further traction with improved quality and affordability
Functional fabrics to reshape Korean denim for longer summers
Frl Korea Co Ltd leads fragmented competitive landscape with Uniqlo
Offline apparel specialists lead distribution but omnichannel strategy is important
Hosiery in South Korea
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Active lifestyles and fashionable functionality propel sales of hosiery
Chart 35 Key Trends 2025
Hosiery sales driven by lifestyle changes
Chart 36 Legacy Brand Enters South Korea with a Strategy to Capture Younger Generations
Running trend drives innovation in functionality
Chart 37 Performance First: Functional Socks Designed for Running
Private label expansion drives interest in quality but affordable alternatives
Chart 38 Convenience Meets Fashion: 7-Eleven’s Private Label Fashion Strategy
Consumers to increasingly seek functional and fashionable hosiery
Chart 39 Analyst Insight
Non-sheer hosiery to remain dominant, sheer hosiery to decline
Online platforms to drive sales of everyday basics
Fragmented landscape with private label growth and brand loyalty
Online platforms drive sales of everyday hosiery basics
Footwear in South Korea
KEY DATA FINDINGS
How e-commerce and comfort-driven choices are realigning footwear
Chart 40 Key Trends 2025
Weather-responsive design drives adaptive footwear solutions
Chart 41 Rockfish Weatherwear Goes Public in April 2025
Travel and tourism inspires versatile footwear designs
Chart 42 Cueren Launches 2025 Summer Campaign Using Slogan “Everyday Voyage”
Le Mouton drives growth with online-first and D2C strategy
Chart 43 Le Mouton Drives Growth with Online-First and D2C Strategy
Local consumers to prioritise comfort and versatility
Chart 44 Analyst Insight
Navigating economic headwinds: How value-for-money can redefines footwear purchases
Online channels and D2C strategies to remain key drivers
Leading sportswear brands maintain strength through multifunctional designs and activities
E-commerce leads footwear sales with convenience and flexibility
Sportswear in South Korea
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Bridging fitness and fashion: How versatility and integrated retail are driving sportswear’s growth
Chart 45 Key Trends 2025
How lifestyle, social media, and premium brands propel Korean athleisure
Chart 46 Alo Yoga Opens First Asia Flagship Store in Seoul’s Dosan Park
Authentic technical performance elevates premium sportswear
Chart 47 Arc’teryx – From Alpine Gear to Urban Icon
Emerging trends and strategies present opportunities for growth
Chart 48 Hoka – Building Influence Through Micro-Communities
Versatility and athleisure to drive growth amidst evolving consumer lifestyles
Chart 49 Analyst Insight
Community-based fitness fuels demand and brand loyalty
Authenticity and technical performance to influence consumer preferences
Nike and adidas maintain popularity through performance and lifestyle appeal
Sports goods stores lead distribution, while e-commerce makes further gains
COUNTRY REPORTS DISCLAIMER
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
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- Nightwear
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- 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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