Which channels of distribution are most popular for the different components of the men's underwear market?

In what ways are changes in men's outerwear fashions affecting the underwear market?

Do population demographics point to a rosy future for this intriguingly intricate market?

The men's underwear market appears to have stagnated over recent years, with little activity overall, although there has been some movement between product types, especially with regard to underpants. Estimated to be worth £684 million in 2001, underwear sales show a value growth of just 4.4% between 1996 and 2001. Nearly all of this occurred in 1997 and 1998, which can be attributed to many retailers, such as Tesco, introducing their own underwear labels at competitive prices. By individual sector, socks make up the largest portion, accounting for £367 million, with underpants worth £266 million and vests and T-shirts just £48 million.

Which channels of distribution are most popular for the different components of the men's underwear market?

In what ways are changes in men's outerwear fashions affecting the underwear market?

Do population demographics point to a rosy future for this intriguingly intricate market?

The men's underwear market appears to have stagnated over recent years, with little activity overall, although there has been some movement between product types, especially with regard to underpants. Estimated to be worth £684 million in 2001, underwear sales show a value growth of just 4.4% between 1996 and 2001. Nearly all of this occurred in 1997 and 1998, which can be attributed to many retailers, such as Tesco, introducing their own underwear labels at competitive prices. By individual sector, socks make up the largest portion, accounting for £367 million, with underpants worth £266 million and vests and T-shirts just £48 million.

The men's underpants sector is the only segment to show any significant growth on an annual basis, rising from sales of £245 million in 1997. Within this sector, there has been a movement away from woven boxer shorts towards knitted boxers and trunks, reflecting the trend in men's outerwear towards tighter fitting trousers. Tangas and G-strings are also proving popular, especially among younger consumers. Developments in fabric type, with more inclusion of Lycra within cotton fabrics and Meryl elastane within man-made fibres, has provided the consumer with a wider choice and stretch fabric has become increasingly popular as a result.

One of the main features of the market is the polarisation between designer labels at one extreme and value-for-money mass-market products at the other end of the market, leaving less demand for the middle ground. Retailer own-label brands have served to intensify competition within a sluggish market to the advantage of the consumer, who is able to buy underwear in a rising number of retail stores at competitive prices to suit their own convenience.

This reports considers the hypothesis that: "The men's underwear market continues to be characterised by a polarisation within the marketplace, between value-for-money multipacks at one end, and premium-priced designer labels at the other".

Mintel last reported on the UK market for men's underwear in Market Intelligence, April 2000.

Other Mintel reports of relevance include:

- Underwear Retailing, Retail Intelligence - UK Report, October 2001

- Bras and Pants, Market Intelligence - UK Report, September 2001

- Menswear Retailing, Retail Intelligence - UK Report, April 2000.