United States Apparel and Footwear Market By Type (Apparel, Footwear), By End-User (Women, Men, and Kids), By Distribution Channel (Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Exclusive Stores, Multi-Branded Stores, Specialty Stores, Online, and Others (Direct Sales, etc.)), By Region, Competition, Forecast and Opportunities, 2028F

United States apparel and footwear market’s growth is increasing by variety of factors such as rising demand for comfortable clothes & footwear among the younger generation and increasing availability of premium apparel & footwear in the country.

United States Apparel and Footwear Market Scope

Apparel refers to clothes, and footwear is what an individual wears on their feet. Footwear helps in protecting the feet from external environmental factors, such as abrasive materials & extreme weather conditions. Socks or stockings can be worn between feet for enhanced comfort. Materials used in the production of apparel & footwear include leather, rubber, plastics, and fabrics. The apparel & footwear sector includes a broad selection of products such as mass and premium. The apparel & footwear market is ever-changing and is influenced by a variety of design trends, retail strategies, and consumer preferences. The apparel & footwear industry is composed of a variety of manufacturing processes, including the cutting & sewing of fabrics, and the assembly of these materials into apparel & accessories. These products may include footwear & outerwear, as well as pants & tops. The production industry of clothing has changed in recent years with companies outsourcing production to lower-cost regions around the world.

United States Apparel and Footwear Market Overview

The U.S. apparel & footwear market is growing at a rapid pace during the forecast period due to the factors such as brand recognition & preferences for imported products, increasing disposable income, development of well-organized retail and online channels & strong supply chain networks, the growth of the population within the U.S., and the emergence of regional and foreign companies. The apparel, footwear and accessories industries support the fashion sector. Therefore, the U.S. apparel and shoes are among the most well-organized and developed markets.

The apparel market is driven by a variety of factors, including the rapid evolution of fashion trends, the ascendancy of iconic figures in the fashion industry, the expansion of the internet, and the continual introduction of new fashions at reduced cost, underpinned by promotional campaigns. Additionally, the distribution channel of the U.S. apparel and footwear market has been classified into specialty retail, supermarket/hypermarket, online, and other channels.

United States Apparel and Footwear Market Drivers

A major driver in the United States apparel & footwear market is shifting consumer preferences which drives the market’s expansion during the forecast period. Fashion trends, consumer preferences, and lifestyle choices, all have a significant impact on the need for apparel and footwear. In recent years, consumers have expressed a preference for products that are sustainably and ethically produced, such as athleisure wear and casual clothing.

Additionally, technological upgradations in the apparel & footwear industry also fuels the United States apparel & footwear market's growth during the forecast period. Research & development of materials, manufacturing techniques, and wearable technologies can stimulate product innovation and differentiate products that appeal to consumers seeking innovative and practical solutions.

Furthermore, seasonal fluctuations in the sales of apparel & footwear drive the growth of the United States apparel & footwear market during the forecast period. The demand for apparel & footwear varies from season to season, particularly during the holiday season in the country. Sales are on the rise during national holidays such as Christmas and New Year due to the demand of customers for purchasing new clothing and footwear during the festive season is high.

United States Apparel and Footwear Market Trends

A major trend in the United States apparel and footwear market is the growing popularity of ethical & sustainable fashion among consumers in the country, which is fueling the market’s expansion during the forecast period. The need for clothing and footwear that are sustainably and ethically produced has been on the rise in recent years. As consumers become increasingly aware of the ecological and social implications of their purchases, they are increasingly looking for brands that focus on sustainability, use environmentally friendly materials, and employ fair labor practices.

Additionally, rising demand for athleisure and casual wear among the younger generation in the country also drives the growth of United States apparel and footwear market during the forecast period. The popularity of athleisure and casual wear has been on the rise in recent years, reflecting a shift in consumer behavior towards a more laid-back lifestyle and a heightened emphasis on health and wellbeing.

In addition, growing popularity of social media marketing in the nation also fuels the United States apparel and footwear market’s growth during the forecast period. The use of social media platforms, particularly Instagram, has become a major marketing tool for clothing and footwear companies. Popular figures such as influencers and celebrities have a major influence on consumer decisions when it comes to advertising products and trends.

Furthermore, the rising popularity of online shopping among the younger generation of the country drives the expansion of the United States apparel and footwear market during the forecast period. The e-commerce revolution has had a significant impact on the retail industry, particularly in the apparel and footwear sector. Consumers have increasingly shifted their shopping habits to online channels due to the advantages of convenience, a wider range of products, and competitive prices. As a result, retailers and brands have made significant investments in their e-commerce and omnichannel capabilities to meet the evolving needs of consumers.

United States Apparel and Footwear Market Challenges

A major challenge in the United States apparel & footwear market is rising e-commerce competition which may hinder the market’s expansion during the forecast period. The emergence of e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, as well as the increasing prevalence of online shopping platforms, present a significant challenge to traditional apparel & footwear retailers. Many traditional retailers found it difficult to adjust to a digital environment and compete effectively with online players.

Additionally, fast fashion & overconsumption may impede the growth of the United States apparel and footwear market during the forecast period. The fast fashion model has become increasingly popular among consumers due to its ability to produce clothing quickly and cheaply. However, it has been associated with excessive consumption and waste, thus contributing to environmental concerns.

Higher apparel & footwear prices may impede the growth of the U.S. apparel & footwear market over the forecast period. The apparel & footwear industry is highly dependent on global supply chains, which are prone to disruptions due to pandemics worldwide, natural disasters, trade disputes, and geopolitical tensions. These disruptions can lead to delays, shortages, and higher costs.

Furthermore, export & import policies may hinder the growth of the United States apparel & footwear market during the forecast period. Trade policies and import & export tariffs imposed by the United States government and other countries may influence the cost of apparel and footwear imports and exports, which impacts the profitability & pricing of businesses.

Recent Developments

• In 2023, Arne, a direct-to-consumer (DTC) fashion brand based in the United Kingdom, is expanding its collection of minimalist fashion to the United States market. The brand, which has been active in the fashion industry for five years, has launched its United States website in the country, with plans to launch physical locations in Los Angeles, New York, and other cities.
• In 2023, Hari Mari, a footwear brand based in Dallas, has unveiled its inaugural collection of apparel for women, beginning with the casual shorts range.
• In 2023, Lululemon has announced the launch of their first-ever women's running shoe, Blissfeel, in the market of the United States. This marks a significant development for the brand, as it marks the beginning of a new line of footwear, as well as a new category of products, which includes leggings, sports bras, and other apparel.
• In 2023, Uniqlo has announced plans to increase the number of stores in its North American portfolio by 10%. The expansion will involve the opening of six stores, four out of which will be in the United States, and two will be situated in Canada.

United States Apparel and Footwear Market Opportunities

The apparel & footwear industry is undergoing a transformation period due to the emergence of online shopping which provides the opportunity for manufacturers to offer products on online platforms to have a competitive edge in the market. The growth of e-commerce presence could be a major opportunity for companies, as consumers are shifting to online shopping platforms for purchasing products.

Consumers are increasingly concerned about environmental & social concerns. There is a growing demand for clothing & footwear that are sustainably & ethically manufactured. Companies that adopt eco-friendly policies and implement transparent supply chains are able to draw in a growing number of environmentally conscious customers.

As the popularity of athleisure continues to grow, the distinction between athletic apparel & casual apparel is becoming increasingly blurred. Providing fashionable and comfortable apparel and activewear solutions could be an effective way to capitalize on this expanding market segment.

Market Segmentation

The United States apparel and footwear market is segmented based on type, end-user, distribution channel, and region. Based on type, the United States apparel and footwear market is segmented into apparel and footwear. Based on end-user, the United States apparel and footwear market is segmented into women, men, and kids. Based on distribution channel, the United States apparel and footwear market is segmented into supermarkets/hypermarkets, exclusive retailers, multi-branded retailers, specialty retailers, online, and others such as direct sales, etc. Based on region, the United States apparel and footwear market is segmented into South, West, Midwest, And Northeast.

Company Profiles

Nike, Inc., adidas America, Inc., Under Armour®, Inc., Tommy Hilfiger U.S.A Inc., H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB, VF Corporation, ZARA USA, Inc., Levi Strauss & Company, PUMA North America, Inc., and Skechers USA, Inc., etc. are among the major market players in the United States apparel and footwear market.