Underwear/Legwear Market in Japan: Key Research Findings 2015
Research Outline
- Research period: From July to September, 2015
- Research targets: Underwear/legwear manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers
- Research methodologies: Face-to-face interviews and mail-in questionnaire, and literature search
Summary of Research Findings
- Without Any Hot-Seller Products or Market Drivers, Women’s Underwear Market in 2014 Marked 644.0 Billion Yen, 97.1% on Y-o-Y Basis
The women’s underwear market in 2014 marked 644.0 billion yen, 97.1% of the size of the previous year to record three consecutive years of decline, based on the retail amount. The manufacturers have had difficult times due to lack of hot-seller products and to continuous vague vision in individual consumer spending stemming from the consumption tax increase.
- Men’s Underwear Market in 2014 Fell to 265.0 Billion Yen, 98.1% on Y-o-Y Basis, Yet to See Differentiation Effects
The men’s underwear market in 2014 declined for the two consecutive years to 265.0 billion yen, 98.1% of the size of the previous year based on the retail amount. The efforts to differentiate the products in designs, trends, texture, and comfortability at each of manufacturers failed to retrieve the loss of decreased functional-innerwear sales.
- The Legwear Market in 2014 Attained 628.0 Billion yen, 101.0% on Y-o-Y Basis, Favorable Sales Continues for Panty Hoses and Socks Items
Such items as panty hoses and socks, especially cover-socks and short-length socks, continued good sales from the previous year. This market preference, in part, is caused by favorable sales of casual sneakers accompanied by the sales of socks to go with them. The legwear market attained 628.0 billion yen in 2014, 101.0% of the size in the previous year in retail amount.
- Figure 1: Transition of Size of Women’s Underwear Market
- Figure 2: Transition of Size of Men’s Underwear Market
- Figure 3: Transition of Leg Wear Market
