Lingerie and Bra Statistics

The UK lingerie and bra market is evolving rapidly, marked by steady growth and changing consumer demands. As more individuals prioritise comfort, inclusivity, and sustainability in their purchasing decisions, brands are adapting to meet these demands.

This change is driving steady growth in the sector as new designs and sustainable practices become key parts of products. In this analysis, we'll look at the latest bra and underwear market stats, covering revenue trends and the rise of eco-friendly materials.

Revenue Growth and Market Size in the UK

• In 2024, the UK underwear market is set to hit a whopping $471.03 million in revenue, with a steady 4.16% annual growth rate predicted through 2028! (Statista, 2024: Underwear - UK)

The bra segment alone is set to generate $1.45 billion over this period, contributing significantly to the market’s expected growth from $4 billion in 2023 to over $5 billion by 2028 (Statista, 2024: Bras - UK). Women’s bras brought in nearly £1 billion in 2023, with the average price per bra around £15. (Statista, 2024: Underwear and lingerie - UK)

Demographic Trends and Consumer Spending

• Consumers aged 50-64 lead the way in weekly spending on underwear, investing £1.40 on women’s and £0.50 on men’s underwear weekly! (Statista, 2022: Average weekly expenditure...)

This age group’s higher spending habits highlight a trend where older consumers are more likely to prioritise quality and comfort in their choices.

Weekly Expenditure by Income Group

In 2022, the highest income group spent £1.50 on women's undergarments, triple that of the lowest income group at £0.50. 

Men's undergarments showed less variation, with the highest income group spending £0.50 and the lowest £0.10 per week. For children's undergarments, spending was relatively stable, ranging from £0.10 to £0.60 across income groups.

Spending on Bras 

• In 2020, the number of people purchasing bras in France varied by price range: 
• 382,000 spent less than €5
• 4.98 million spent €5-19
•  5.29 million spent €20-29
• 3.76 million spent €30-49
• 1.47 million spent €50-99 
• 313,000 spent more than €100

(Statista, 2020-2023: Number of people purchasing bras...)

Rise of Sustainable and Ethically Produced Lingerie

• UK consumers are becoming more conscious about the environment, increasingly choosing sustainable and ethically-produced lingerie!

This reflects a broader trend, with more buyers seeking brands that champion social and environmental responsibility in the apparel industry. (Statista, 2024: Night & Underwear - UK)

💡Bonus Stats:

The average volume per capita in the 'Night & Underwear for women' segment is expected to decrease slightly, reaching 3.15 pieces in 2029, a total drop of 0.32%. (Statista, 2019-2029: Average volume purchased...)

Materials and Style Preferences

• A striking 90% of US consumers prefer cotton as the material of choice in underwear, marking it as the top preference worldwide! (Statista, 2019: Which materials...)

UK consumers, however, show a taste for premium fabrics like lace and silk, especially for luxurious styles. The country’s diverse imports of intimate apparel, including bras, briefs, panties, corsets, and more reflect varying tastes in comfort and fashion. (Statista, 2008-2022: Imports of women's apparel...)

Social Media Influence on Lingerie Trends

• In 2022, 26% of UK consumers reported that social media influencers shaped their buying choices, with 53% of Gen Z and 42% of Millennials particularly receptive! (Statista, 2022: Share of consumers...)

Instagram is a key platform here, accounting for 46% of total media impact during London Fashion Week 2024, driving trends for lingerie and beyond. (Statista, 2024: Distribution of media...)

E-commerce and Bra Shopping Habits

• As of 2024, online sales make up 27.8% of retail in textiles, clothing, and footwear in the UK! (Statista, 2020-2024: Internet sales as...)

Despite this online boom, 90% of British adults still prefer physical stores for clothing and underwear, valuing the experience of trying on items in person. Even so, 55% research online before making major purchases, and brands are accommodating by offering online fitting guides and flexible return policies. (Statista, 2024: Attitudes towards online...)

💡Bonus Stats:

The majority of people tend to buy the same kind of underwear consistently. A 2016 survey of U.S. citizens revealed that 72% always purchase the same type of underwear. (Statista, 2016: Do you generally...)

Comparison of the UK Market to Global Markets

• The global bra market is valued at $60.10 billion with a modest growth of 2.86%, while the UK market outpaces this with a stronger 4.16% growth rate! (Statista, 2024: Bras - Worldwide)

The UK's market shows impressive growth when compared to Southern Europe’s slower 1.78% (Statista, 2024: Bras - Southern Europe). Eastern Asia leads with a sizable $16.79 billion market growing at 3.01%, followed closely by the United States at $10.57 billion. (Statista, 2024: Bras - Stats)

Bra Statistics

• In 2020, Etam and Dim were the top choices among French women, with approximately 4.1 million and 3.7 million users, respectively. Other notable brands include Aubade, Chantelle, and Playtex. (Statista, 2023: Brands of underwear...)

The French market, known for its luxurious designs, is expected to reach $2.72 billion in 2024 with $41.92 average per capita spending. (Statista, 2024: Night & Underwear - France)

• A 2020 survey found that 37% of French women change their bras daily, while 42% do so twice a week. Interestingly, 18% of young women under 25 reported rarely or never wearing a bra, often citing comfort and societal norms as reasons! (Statista, 2020: How often do you...)

• Men are more likely to purchase certain types of lingerie as gifts, with 80% of lingerie gift card buyers being male. (Statista, 2020: Profile of women's lingerie...)
• In France, 12% of people aged 45-54 planned to buy lingerie for Valentine’s Day in 2021, the highest percentage among age groups. (Statista, 2021: Proportion of people...)
• In Germany, 22% of men and 45% of women reported buying underwear for their partners in 2017. (Statista, 2017: Kaufen Sie regelmäßig...)

Future Outlook

• By 2028, the UK underwear market is projected to reach a market volume of 208.29 million pieces! (Statista, 2024: Underwear - UK)

With ongoing demand for sustainable, stylish, and comfortable lingerie, brands that adapt to these consumer trends will likely secure long-term growth and loyalty.

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As the UK lingerie market grows, it's crucial for brands to understand and meet changing consumer preferences. Focus on sustainability, online shopping convenience, and social media influence are changing retail, allowing brands to connect better with customers. By prioritising these aspects, companies can build loyalty and trust with a diverse group of consumers, driving growth and long-term success.