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Market Overview

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The global industrial workwear market is projected to reach USD 51.11 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 6.19% during the period of 2021-2027. This growth is driven by increased job opportunities and advancements in end-user industries, particularly manufacturing. Investments in fabric production, product research, and development are also contributing factors. The demand for industrial workwear is rising across various sectors, including pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, biotechnology, and chemicals.

Industrial workwear encompasses a wide range of clothing items, such as coveralls, overalls, bibs, hoodies, vests, t-shirts, shirts, trousers, helmets, hats, shoes, boots, shoe covers, gloves, and more. It plays a crucial role in ensuring worker safety in industries like construction, chemicals, mining, oil & gas, and healthcare. The global market for industrial workwear is diverse, with multiple players offering a variety of products. Mergers and acquisitions are expected to benefit the market, while established vendors may face challenges from local brands in terms of supply and distribution.

The modern workplace has undergone changes in recent decades, and the growth of the industrial workwear market is supported by trends towards product and technological innovation. There is an increasing demand for lighter workwear that provides safety, durability, and comfort. Industry players are incorporating properties like stretch & flex, garment softness, and breathability to enhance wearer comfort.

Sustainable practices are gaining traction in the clothing industry, with manufacturers committed to providing comfortable and eco-friendly workwear. Recycled polyester workwear, made from plastic bottles, is becoming popular. Companies like Loop Workwear are focused on offering corporate workwear that aligns with their brand image and suits the working environment. They have developed a range of workwear solutions that are compostable, biodegradable, or made from 100% recycled materials.

Stringent regulations regarding industrial workwear have long been in place in many countries to ensure worker safety. Government regulations and instructions from local authorities worldwide have further increased the demand for protective clothing, fueling the growth of the industrial workwear market.

However, the lack of enforcement of stringent safety standards across some countries globally poses a challenge to market growth. Safety standards and regulations vary from country to country, and awareness and implementation of these standards may be lacking in certain developing nations. This hinders the industrial workwear industry’s potential expansion in such regions.

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Market Segmentation

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The market is segmented based on various factors, including product, material type, operation, and geography.

Segmentation by Product
Top wear
Bottom wear
Footwear
Headwear
Others

Segmentation by Material Type:
Polyester
Cotton
Nylon
Specialty Fabric
Others

Segmentation by End-Users:
Construction
Oil & Gas
Manufacturing
Chemicals
Automotive
Mining
Others

Segmentation by Geography
North America – US, Canada
Europe – Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain
APAC – China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia
Latin America – Brazil, Mexico, Argentina
Middle East & Africa – South Africa, GCC

The global industrial workwear market is divided into various segments based on product type, material type, end-users, and geographic regions. Among the product types, the top wear segment holds the majority market share, accounting for 37.97% in 2021. This segment includes T-shirts, jackets, vests, shirts, and other types of workwear. Industrial workwear not only provides security but also offers protection against various hazards.

In 2021, the global market value for top wear industrial workwear was USD 13.54 billion. It is projected to reach USD 20.25 billion by 2027, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.94% during the forecast period. Specifically in the construction sector, project managers often wear flannel shirts or polos, with jackets that are appropriately sized, non-bulky, and allow for ease of movement. Industry players are focusing on improving their products to enhance chemical, temperature, electronic, ballistic, and fire resistance, which will positively impact the overall industry development.

In terms of material type, polyester dominates the global industrial workwear market. The polyester segment alone was valued at USD 15.98 billion in 2021. Polyester, also known as PET or microfiber, is a synthetic fabric commonly used in the production of industrial workwear. The global market for polyester industrial workwear is expected to reach USD 23.05 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 6.30% during the forecast period. These polyester fibers can be woven into various materials for different products, including clothing and workwear.

Among the end-users, the construction segment is the largest, estimated to reach USD 13.95 billion by 2027. The construction industry is a highly lucrative vertical market for industrial workwear. As the construction market continues to grow, especially in developing economies across the Asia Pacific (APAC) region, the demand for industrial workwear has experienced a significant surge. Workwear in the construction sector typically includes jackets, T-shirts, craftsman trousers, and more. The hazardous working conditions in construction sites necessitate appropriate and effective workwear to ensure employee safety. Therefore, the increasing construction activities worldwide will drive the demand for industrial workwear and contribute to industry growth.

Geographically, the APAC region dominates the global industrial workwear market, accounting for 44.02% of the industry share. Countries like China and India are expected to further boost the demand for industrial workwear in the APAC region during the forecast period. The Asia Pacific region is home to numerous industries, including manufacturing, services, automobiles, and electrical, which leads to a higher demand for industrial workwear. While Japan and South Korea are well-known manufacturers and exporters of electrical appliances and automobiles, Singapore stands out with its excellent construction facilities.

In North America, the industrial workwear market holds a 21.39% market share in 2021. The region is expected to witness steady growth, driven by strict regulations and guidelines imposed by governments and local authorities. However, there has been a decline in the use of industrial workwear in manufacturing, construction, mining, and other sectors due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Temporary shutdowns of regional industries occurred in 2020 and 2021. Nevertheless, the industry is projected to rebound with increased demand from healthcare, chemical, and other sectors during the forecast period.

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Competitive Landscape

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The industrial workwear market exhibits a high level of fragmentation, with numerous medium and large enterprises operating within the industry. However, it is anticipated that the more prominent players will assert their dominance in the global industrial workwear market due to their extensive product lines, which enable them to mitigate cost variations effectively. This industry is characterized by a diverse mix of international and regional vendors. As international players expand their presence in the market, regional vendors may encounter challenges related to catering to a vast customer base and providing clothing solutions that meet the requirements of various global industrial sectors. It is expected that competition within the industry will intensify as companies pursue product/service expansions and engage in mergers and acquisitions (M&As).

Key companies profiled in this report include 3M, Milwaukee Tool, Carhartt, Bulwark Protection, Sellstrom, NSA-National Safety Apparel, Pyramex, Ergodyne, ERB Safety, Cintas, LH Workwear, Delta Plus, Ballyclare, Bennett Safetywear, Asatex, Alexandra, Sanctum Work Wear, Wenaas, DEWALT, Mallory, Global Glove and Safety, Sioen, Robert Bosch, Makita, MSA, Hultafors Group, Benchmark, Kolossus.

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Recent Industry Developments

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In May 2018, National Safety Apparel (NSA) completed the acquisition of Rubin Brothers, a safety clothing producer based in Chicago. This acquisition included the Union Line brand owned by Rubin Brothers.

In November 2021, Sentinel Capital Partners, a private equity firm specializing in the lower midmarket, made an investment in RefrigiWear. RefrigiWear, headquartered in Dahlonega, GA, US, is a manufacturer of protective industrial workwear designed for use in sub-freezing temperatures and inclement weather conditions. Their product portfolio includes outerwear, coveralls, bibs, pants, as well as protective handwear and footwear.

In December 2021, BaltCap, a private equity fund manager operating in the Baltic states, made an investment in Weekend. Weekend, based in Tormi, Estonia, is an omnichannel platform focused on apparel and footwear.

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Key Questions Answered

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What is the size of the industrial workwear market globally?

The global industrial workwear market was valued at USD 35.65 billion in 2021. The market is expected to experience growth due to increasing job prospects and advancements in end-user industries like manufacturing.

What is the projected market size of the global industrial workwear market by 2027?

It is projected that the global industrial workwear market will reach a size of USD 51.11 billion by 2027.

What is the growth rate of the global industrial workwear market?

The global industrial workwear market is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.19% from 2022 to 2027.

Which region dominates the global industrial workwear market?

The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region dominates the global industrial workwear market. In 2021, the APAC market accounted for 44.02% of the industry share, and it is expected to maintain its dominance during the forecast period. The region benefits from growing job prospects and developments in end-user industries, particularly manufacturing.

What are the main trends in the industrial workwear market?

The primary trends driving the industrial workwear market include increasing demand from emerging economies, the rise of sustainable workwear, and the adoption of product innovation incorporating the latest technologies.

Who are the key players in the global industrial workwear market?

Some key players in the global industrial workwear market include 3M, Milwaukee Tool, Carhartt, Bulwark Protection, Sellstrom, NSA-National Safety Apparel, Pyramex, Ergodyne, ERB Safety, Cintas, LH Workwear, Delta Plus, Ballyclare, and Bennett Safetywear.