The men's underwear market is currently estimated to be worth £680 million. Even in what used to be called a commodity product group, there seems to be an opportunity to woo consumers who want to make a fashion statement - even if in private! There is no doubt that designer labels have continued to gain market share in terms of manufacture, although supermarkets have benefited from the inverse - thanks to those consumers who have no interest in putting designer labels upon briefs and socks that few will see. The development of lifestyle segmentation and the brands associated with it has stimulated purchases of underwear, although many purchases for men are made by women. It is therefore important to understand by whom and why purchases are made.

The men's underwear market is currently estimated to be worth £680 million. Even in what used to be called a commodity product group, there seems to be an opportunity to woo consumers who want to make a fashion statement - even if in private! There is no doubt that designer labels have continued to gain market share in terms of manufacture, although supermarkets have benefited from the inverse - thanks to those consumers who have no interest in putting designer labels upon briefs and socks that few will see. The development of lifestyle segmentation and the brands associated with it has stimulated purchases of underwear, although many purchases for men are made by women. It is therefore important to understand by whom and why purchases are made.

· Men are spending more on their underwear.

· With the further development of fibre technology and product innovation, what will the impact be on the market as a whole?

· Will merger and acquisition activity result in the rationalisation of some brands?

This report highlights the major changes in the men's underwear market over the past two years and determines how the changing face of clothing retailing is likely to impact upon sales in the future. As the middle market endures fierce competition and the retail clothing industry polarises, those benefiting would appear to be discount outlets or value-for-money supermarkets. Will women still play a major part in men's underwear purchases in the future? How will the developing transformations in consumers' purchasing habits - regarding how they spend their disposable income - affect the sector? Men's Underwear analyses the leading players and determines likely future developments.

Other Mintel reports of relevance include:

- Menswear Retailing, Retail Intelligence, April 2000

- Special Report, The UK Clothing Market, 2000

- Underwear Retailing, Retail Intelligence, February 2000

- Bras and Pants, Market Intelligence, November 1999.