Europe Shapewear and Stockings Market Outlook, 2028

Shapewear and stockings are popular in Europe with many people using these products to enhance their appearance and feel more confident. In fact, Europe is one of the largest markets for shapewear and stockings, with a wide variety of brands and styles available for consumers. In many European countries, shapewear and stockings are seen as essential items in a woman's wardrobe, and are worn on a daily basis by many women. These products are often used to create a smoother silhouette under clothing, and to provide additional support and comfort. In terms of style preferences, European consumers tend to favour high-quality, stylish products that are both functional and fashionable. Brands such as Wolford, Spanx, and Triumph are popular in Europe, offering a range of shapewear and stocking products that cater to different body types and preferences. Europe’s shapewear & stockings market continues to grow thanks to technical innovation and sociocultural factors such as the growing participation in sports and the increased attention consumers pay to their physical appearance. The leading consumers of shapewear in Europe are aged between 25 and 54, followed by those aged 65-plus. Shapewear has a long history in Europe, dating back to the 16th century when women wore corsets to achieve a slim waistline. Over the years, shapewear has evolved to become more comfortable and versatile, with a wide range of styles and materials now available.

According to the research report, “Europe Shapewear & Stocking Market Outlook, 2028” the market is anticipated to add USD 561.68 Million market size from 2023-28. Due to the rise in disposable income, and more number of the working population of women, the demand for fashion and luxury items is increasing in the region. The customers in the region are more concerned about their appearance and grooming. Rising urbanization has resulted in modern-class consumers earning more money to spend, thus indulging in a growing passion for current fashion. Changing lifestyles and demographic factors are bringing changes in demand patterns for hosiery. Besides, the European hosiery market is witnessing a gamut of activities such as launching high-quality and comfortable products and developing new textile materials. Polyester material is expected to dominate the market by 2028. These factors signal the promising growth of the European market. For instance, in March 2021, the United Kingdom hosiery brand Elle re-launched a range of footless tights, leggings, above-the-knee, and shaping in more sizes than before. Rapid growth rate of the market is attributed to increasing spending on fitness has facilitated the use of body shapers for looking good and improving posture among female population in countries such as the U.K. and France. In addition, increasing use of body shapers by healthcare settings post-surgery for providing body support and improving posture is expected to boost revenue growth of the market.

The Europe market is segmented into six major countries including Germany, United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, France and Russia. Among them, Germany is leading the market in 2022 and is expected to continue dominance by the end of the forecast period. German women have a reputation for being fashion-conscious, and this extends to their undergarments. Shapewear and stockings are popular items among women in Germany, with many women incorporating these products into their wardrobe. In Germany, shapewear is commonly referred to as figure-shaping underwear or body-forming underwear. It is widely available in department stores, lingerie shops, and online retailers. German hosiery brands such as Falke and Kunert are well-known for their high-quality stockings and tights. These brands offer a wide range of products, from classic sheer stockings to more modern designs featuring patterns and textures. German women often wear stockings with traditional dirndl dresses, which are popular outfits for festivals such as Oktoberfest. These stockings are typically patterned and can feature embroidery or lace detailing. German men are also becoming increasingly interested in shapewear and hosiery products. Brands such as ITEM m6 offer shapewear products specifically designed for men, while hosiery brands such as Falke offer a range of socks and tights for men. Based on the product type, shapewear segment is leading the market.

Europe is expected to be the largest region for shapewear products market. Due to the high incidences of obesity in European countries generate high demand for shapewear products market. Moreover, increasing fitness-conscious population, a number of consumers aged 50 and older is high in Germany and a growing participation in sports are some major factors responsible for the growth of the market in Europe region. Factors like the growing necessity for compressed garments, the rising aging population being affected by muscular problems are predicted to fuel the growth. Also, increasing injuries concerned with sports has augmented the demand for these garments. The surge in online shopping and growing product advertising are enhancing the market. The UK is the next leading market followed after Germany because of flourishing awareness regarding physical fitness, growing adoption of compression garments and stockings by athletes and gymnasts. Advance technologies associated with orthopedic surgeries, increasing profitable advertisings, and surging consciousness relevant to the advantages of compression garments like healing effects, reducing swelling quality are projected to boost the market. Increase in expenses in healthcare as these compression garments are to be replaced 2 to 4 times yearly. Based on the application, body shaping & lifestyle segment is expected to grow with highest CAGR for 2023-28.

One major trend in the European shapewear and stockings market is a focus on sustainability. Consumers are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of their purchases, and are looking for products that are made from eco-friendly materials and have a minimal carbon footprint. As a result, many brands are now offering shapewear and stockings made from recycled materials, and are adopting sustainable production practices to reduce waste and emissions. In addition to that, technology is playing an increasingly important role in the shapewear and stockings market in Europe. Brands are using innovative materials and production techniques to create products that are more comfortable, effective, and durable. For example, some shapewear brands are now using high-tech fabrics that are designed to wick away moisture, provide better support, and resist wear and tear. Also, there is a growing trend towards inclusivity in the shapewear and stockings market in Europe, with brands catering to a wider range of body types and sizes. Many brands are now offering shapewear and stockings in extended sizes, and are using diverse models in their advertising and marketing campaigns to promote body positivity and inclusivity.

Shapewear and stockings are no longer just functional undergarments; they are increasingly becoming a fashion statement in their own right. Brands are offering products with bold prints, colors, and patterns, and are incorporating design elements such as lace and embroidery to make their products more stylish and visually appealing. Another trend in the European shapewear and stockings market is a focus on personalization. Brands are offering products that can be customized to fit an individual's body shape and preferences, such as adjustable straps and waistbands, or shapewear that can be tailored to specific areas of the body. While shapewear and stockings are often associated with women, there is a growing market for men's shapewear and hosiery products in Europe as well. Brands such as Spanx and ITEM m6 offer shapewear products specifically designed for men, while hosiery brands such as Falke offer a range of socks and tights for men. Based on the end user, women segment is leading the market in 2022 and is expected to dominate the market by 2028.

Shapewear and stockings can be found in many department stores, lingerie shops, and specialty stores across Europe. These stores offer a wide range of products from a variety of brands, and customers can try on items before purchasing. Also, there are many direct-to-consumer shapewear and stockings brands based in Europe, including Spanx, Calzedonia, Chantelle, ITEM m6, Wolford, and Falke. These brands often offer high-quality products with innovative features, such as moisture-wicking fabrics and seamless designs. Also, there are several specialty stores in Europe that cater to plus-size customers and offer a wide selection of shapewear and stockings in larger sizes. Some of them are Ulla Popken, Curvy Kate, Yours Clothing, Simply Be and Hunkemöller etc. Some companies in Europe offer subscription services for shapewear and stockings, allowing customers to receive new products on a regular basis. For example, the company Gambettes Box sends subscribers a monthly box of two pairs of tights, while the company Shapeez sends subscribers a quarterly box of shapewear products. However, online retailers such as Amazon, Zalando, and ASOS offer a large selection of shapewear and stockings from a variety of brands.

Start-up Scenario:

• Heist Studios is a UK-based start-up that offers a range of innovative shapewear products, including seamless, high-waisted tights, bodysuits, and shaping shorts. The brand has gained a following for its focus on comfort and fit, and has been praised for its inclusive sizing options.
• Swedish Stockings is a Swedish start-up that offers a range of sustainable hosiery products, including stockings, tights, and socks made from recycled materials. The brand has gained a following for its commitment to sustainability and has been recognized as a leader in sustainable fashion.
• Snag Tights is a UK-based start-up that offers a range of inclusive hosiery products, including tights and leggings in sizes up to 6XL (UK size). The brand has gained a following for its commitment to inclusivity and has been praised for its comfortable and durable products.
• Shapeheart is a French start-up that offers a range of smart leggings with a built-in pocket for smartphones. The brand has gained a following for its innovative product design and has been recognized for its focus on functionality and convenience.

Major Companies present in the market:

Jocky International, Inc., Victoria's Secret, Triumph International, Spanx Llc, Hanesbrand Inc, Miraclesuit, Adidas Inc, Leonisa S.A., Wacoal Ltd, Ann Chery, 2XU Corporation, Belly Bandit, Under Armour Inc., Solidea Medical Srl, Chantelle Group.

Considered in this report

• Geography: Europe
• Historic year: 2017
• Base year: 2022
• Estimated year: 2023
• Forecast year: 2028

Aspects covered in this report

• Europe Shapewear & Stockings market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Country-wise Shapewear & Stockings market analysis
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

Countries covered in the report:

• Germany
• United Kingdom
• France
• Italy
• Spain
• Russia

By Product Type:

• Shapwear
• Stockings

By Application:

• Body Shaping and Lifestyle
• Performance and lifestyle

By Material:

• Polyester
• Nylon
• Cotton
• Others

By Distribution channel:

• Hypermarket/Supermarket
• Specialty Stores
• Online
• Others

By End User:

• Men
• Women

The approach of the report:

This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, and annual reports of companies, analyzing the government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers into regional aspects, tier aspects, age groups, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience

This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to the Shapewear & Stockings industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.