Shapewear Market in India: Growing Demand and Opportunities

INTIMASIA | south asia's largest trade show
01/11/2023

With body-positivity slogans around the corner, shapewear has made a huge comeback after 2020! The market is expected to witness a CAGR of 8.0% in the coming years. This data distinctly applies to a diverse array of products including bodysuits, corsets, tummy tuckers, half slips, saree shapewear, and control camisoles. 

Be it India or worldwide, shapewear is redefining fashion in a completely new sense. With the growing desire to achieve the ideal body shape, the demand for different shapewear options is set to soar!

What Comes Under Shapewear?
Shapewear is a broad category, it includes diverse product collections tailored for different body parts. Be it the waist, belly, lower abdomen, hips, or thighs, there’s a product for every area. As shapewear is mostly made of Lycra or Spandex, it offers a seamless fit and retains its shape after each use, making it a top choice under every clothing, especially while wearing sarees. 

Another market that is simultaneously booming with shapewear is the compression wear market. This includes form-fitted garments usually ideal for gymming and sports activities. This industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.7% and is a profitable option after shapewear. If your brand is already into shapewear, incorporating a separate compression wear collection can prove to be beneficial!

While the male shapewear market is increasingly guided by youngsters adopting a healthy lifestyle, the female shapewear market is driven by millennials aged between 35 to 50 years. 

Contributing Factors to the Growth of Shapewear
The shapewear industry is solving major customer problems like maintaining diets, appearing slimmer, and going to gyms, with a single product. This swift solution to various body image issues is significantly driving its success!

As semi-urban cities are growing economically and individuals’ disposable income is increasing, there is a steep mindset shift towards looking fit and approachable. Both men and women are readily investing in their appearance without hesitation. Shapewear has helped both men and women gain confidence, allowing them to finally wear those outfits hanging in their wardrobes forever!

Another factor contributing to its growth is the body-positivity movement. Shapewear designs cater both fuller and slimmer figures to appear attractive without changing their natural form. They distribute body fat in specific areas, elevating the overall shape of the body.

Improvements in technology and the use of breathable fabric have further elevated shapewear’s demand. New production techniques like bonding and laser cutting have led to the creation of lightweight shapewear, eliminating hems, seams, and bulky fastenings. As a result, shapewear has evolved into versatile innerwear for women.

Opportunities for Shapewear in India 
India serves as a prime hub for both the sale and production of shapewear. 

As a manufacturing hub, India offers a huge cost benefit over other countries. In the realm of sales, India holds a distinct advantage due to its continuously increasing population and purchasing power. 

Today more and more Indian consumers are struggling with body image issues. In this scenario, shapewear serves as a best friend, fostering both a positive body image and self-confidence. Shapewear trends, including saree shapewear, tummy tuckers, and thigh shapers are already skyrocketing!

Brands like Dermawear, Smilzo, Swee, Triumph, Zivame, and Adorna, have already aced their shapewear game in India. Hence, if you have a vision, this is the time to shape it!