Hosiery in Japan is characterised by maturity and slow growth, with a 1% increase in retail current value terms in 2025, reaching JPY403 billion. Despite sluggish growth, the category remains attractive due to its potential for innovation and character collaborations. The dominance of non-sheer hosiery in value terms, and the continued value growth of sheer hosiery driven by innovations and collaborations, indicate opportunities. Brands that focus on functionality, self-expression, and health be

Hosiery in South Korea is experiencing a period of modest growth, driven by changing consumer lifestyles and preferences. The rising popularity of running and athleisure activities has created a strong demand for functional socks that support active lifestyles. With a forecast CAGR of 3% to reach KRW1,280 billion by 2030, the category is expected to continue growing, driven by the increasing demand for functional and fashionable hosiery. Brands should focus on developing products that support ac

Hosiery in Poland demonstrated resilience in 2025, with 4% growth in retail current value terms to reach PLN1.6 billion, driven by consumer demand for affordable and functional products and despite economic pressures. Sales are expected to continue growing, with a CAGR of 5% to reach PLN 2.1 billion in 2030. The focus on affordability and functional innovations is likely to continue, with non-sheer hosiery overtaking sheer hosiery to become the largest category. To succeed, brands are expected t

Hosiery in the Czech Republic is characterised by growing demand for affordable yet quality products, driven by consumers seeking multipack hosiery items at discounted prices. Non-sheer hosiery remains the largest category, driven by its higher replacement rate and appeal to both men and women. Sales are forecast to grow at a CAGR of 4% in current value terms to reach CZK2,098 million in 2030, making it an attractive category due to its growth potential. The expanding influence of e-commerce and

Hosiery in India experienced significant retail value growth in 2025, driven by rising disposable incomes and a shift towards premium products with advanced features. Retail value sales reached INR74.5 billion, representing 10% growth. This growth trend is expected to continue, driven by urbanisation, increasing female participation in the workforce, and rising average gross incomes. Retail e-commerce is gaining traction, particularly among younger consumers and premium brands, although offline

Despite a slight fall in volume sales, hosiery in China experienced low retail value growth in 2025, driven by an increase in the average unit price. The category is characterised by a shift towards emotional value, with brands like Bananain capitalising on this trend through innovative marketing strategies and products that evoke emotional connections with young consumers. Retail e-commerce leads sales of hosiery, thanks to offering convenience and a wide range of product choices to consumers.

Hosiery in the UK was characterised by polarisation in 2025, with consumers seeking affordable, practical products and others willing to invest in premium or differentiated products. The local market was impacted by macroeconomic conditions, including persistent inflationary pressures and cautious wage growth, which constrained household budgets. Despite a decline in retail volume for non-sheer hosiery, the latter continued to dominate demand. The employed female population in the UK reached 16.

Hosiery in Australia experienced steady 3% growth in 2025, driven by Generation Z's demand for sustainable and value-driven products, reaching sales of AUD673 million. This growth, coupled with a more positive outlook for the forecast period, indicates an attractive market. The dominance of non-sheer hosiery and the rapid growth of e-commerce are key trends. Brands that embrace sustainability, inclusivity, and digital engagement are poised for growth. The landscape is expected to consolidate fur

The low replacement rate of hosiery in South Africa, perceived by the majority of consumers as a less essential item in their wardrobes, resulted in falling demand in 2024. Even in terms of merchandising, very limited shelf space is allocated to hosiery items in the local market.

In 2024, hosiery in Sweden saw a retail volume decline of 1% while retail value grew by 4%. The category remained highly mature, with hosiery often purchased as an add-on item, limiting value opportunities. Swedish consumers typically bought hosiery in multi-packs, especially in grocery stores, where it remained a low-margin, supplementary purchase. The wear-and-tear nature of hosiery made it difficult for manufacturers to add significant value to the product, and it struggled to maintain visibi

In 2024, hosiery in Vietnam is set to record growth in both retail volume and current value terms, thanks to the enhanced economic performance. However, the growth rates in 2024 are expected to be slower than those seen the previous year, as due to the uncertain economic situation, some people have been prioritising saving, and cutting back on spending on non-essential products where possible, including fashion items. A number of consumers have become more price-sensitive and less brand-loyal co

In 2024, hosiery in Brazil has demonstrated remarkable resilience, maintaining its status as a fundamental component of daily attire. Hosiery continues to be integral to the everyday wardrobe of the Brazilian population. This enduring relevance underscores the category’s adaptability and its capacity to meet the evolving preferences of consumers.

Retail volume sales of hosiery in Germany are rising in 2024, as local consumers continue to spend greater time outside of the home socialising, travelling, and working in the office more regularly. Both sheer and non-sheer hosiery are performing positively in volume terms, regardless of seasonality. However, value sales are surging in 2024, mainly due to inflation and the increasing cost of production, especially for high-quality materials, prompting manufacturers to adjust prices accordingly.

Hosiery sales in Austria recorded a 1% retail value uplift in 2024, while retail volume declined by a significant 3%. This downward shift is due to economic challenges that have led shoppers to reassess their purchasing habits. Despite a slight slowdown in inflation compared to 2023, the cost of living crisis remained a persistent issue for Austrian consumers, forcing many to prioritise essential spending over discretionary items.

Hosiery witnessed a relatively challenging year in 2024 due to the very hot temperatures experienced in Israel. By April 2024, temperatures were verging on the extreme with temperatures in May 2024 hitting over 40°C. Given the hot weather, many consumers avoided wearing sheer hosiery as it was uncomfortable. The Israeli Meteorological Service reported heavy heat stress throughout the summer of 2024 with hot weather predicted up to November 2024. The hot weather has taken its toll on sales of she

Hosiery saw dynamic current value growth in Ukraine in 2024. Hosiery, especially non-sheer hosiery, is considered to be an essential type of apparel, which also has a relatively short lifespan and is relatively inexpensive, so that consumers’ efforts to economise have not had as pronounced an effect on the category as they have in areas such as coats. However, demand was significantly affected by the considerable reduction in the consumer base because of emigration due to the war. Nonetheless, s

Hosiery is another apparel category which has been affected by the limited growth in consumption in Mexico. Following the inflation of 2023, Mexican households have taken certain actions to be resilient in the face of rising prices, maintaining their spending on mass consumption, while sacrificing certain categories where possible; this has particularly been seen amongst the lower socioeconomic levels. Within that same economic group, there has also been a tendency to move towards informal comme

Despite the overall weak performance of hosiery in Hong Kong, a growing interest in sports is supporting some demand for non-sheer hosiery in 2024, as athletes and fitness enthusiasts seek functional yet stylish options for their apparel. Non-sheer hosiery offers essential benefits such as durability, moisture-wicking properties, and support, making it an ideal choice for various sporting activities.

Hosiery is managing a positive performance in value terms in Hungary in 2024, with sheer hosiery seeing the strongest value growth. However, in volume terms, sheer hosiery is in a negative figure slump and non-sheer hosiery is only managing small positive growth.

Compared to European countries, per capita consumption of hosiery is still low in Turkey, with much potential for growth. After several years of strong growth post-pandemic, volume sales declined over 2024, with consumers reigning in expenditure. Rising health-awareness in Turkey has made consumers more aware of poor foot hygiene and its link to toenail fungus. Locals are realising this condition can be prevented by changing hosiery frequently and wearing proper footwear. Nonetheless, changing l

Retail volume sales of hosiery in Chile are rising strongly in 2024, following a marginal drop the previous year when the category was impacted by unfavourable weather conditions and low consumer spending. The improved performance in 2024 is being driven by a lower comparative base and signs of a rebound in consumer spending.

In line with the broader trend, hosiery sales posted strong declines in 2024, as consumers limited expenditure and chose not to replace hosiery as often. Both sheer and non-sheer hosiery saw notable decline in current value sales as consumers switched to cheaper products. The limited differentiation between most hosiery products and lack of innovation means consumers are more than happy to switch to more affordable products. Portuguese consumers have turned to cheaper private label products, inc

In 2024, retail sales of hosiery in Taiwan were primarily driven by sales of non-sheer hosiery while sheer hosiery showed slight growth due to a shift away from formal work attire. Although traditional sheer hosiery is worn during the very warm summer, consumers are replacing functional sheer tights with sunscreen, elastic or ice silk materials. The product’s image is perceived to be outdated among young generations. Nevertheless, consumers who need a quick fix to any imperfections on their legs

Hosiery volume sales have weakened in Norway following the relatively strong growth post-pandemic, especially in sheer hosiery. Inflation and rising unit prices have resulted in a tougher environment for apparel and footwear overall, which has naturally impacted hosiery as well, since it is primarily purchased as an add-on item. Hosiery is already a very mature category with limited volume growth. Hosiery has a lower visibility compared to other apparel categories, which has posed challenges for