Hosiery Machines Market Size (2024 – 2030)

The Global Hosiery Machines Market was valued at USD 37.70 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach a market size of USD 50.62 billion by 2030. Over the forecast period of 2024-2030, the market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.3%.

Socks and stockings are among the various types of hosiery that are produced by hosiery machines, which are knitting machines. Of the several types of these machines, the most common type—which produces around 95% of all hosiery produced—is the circular knitting machine. The technical specifications for hosiery machines include the gauge, the number of needles in the cylinder, the diameter of the needle cylinder, the number of loop-forming systems, and the presence of special mechanisms. The productivity of laundry machines varies greatly based on the kind of item and the machine. Yarns made of cotton and polyamide are the main base materials used. Women's socks are usually made using single-cylinder machines that have two, four, or eight loop-forming mechanisms.

Key Market Insights:

Approximately 95% of all socks manufactured worldwide are made with circular knitting machines, which are the industry standard. Their efficiency in producing socks and stockings in large quantities will probably allow them to maintain their supremacy. Due to several variables, emerging markets in the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia Pacific are expected to develop at the quickest rates. Customers in these areas are spending more on clothing, especially hosiery, as their disposable incomes rise.  The market for hosiery machines is being impacted by consumer desire for environmentally friendly products. Manufacturers are creating machinery that reduces the amount of energy and water used in production or makes use of recyclable materials. There is a growing need for technical pants made for certain uses, such as sports, labour, or medicinal purposes. Manufacturers of hosiery machines now have the chance to create new models that can produce sophisticated, technologically advanced hosiery that meets these criteria.

Global Hosiery Machines Market Drivers:

The growing demand for hosiery goods is expected to have a significant positive impact on the market for hosiery machines in the future:

The demand for hosiery products is rising for a variety of reasons. With an increasing population comes an increasing need for hosiery goods. With the growing population comes a rise in the need for apparel, particularly hosiery. The market for hosiery items is being driven by customers' increasing disposable income. When customers have more money to spend, they particularly prefer to spend it on apparel, and undergarments. Another element influencing the market for hosiery goods is shifting trends. Customers are apt to purchase new undergarments to stay up to date with shifting fashion trends. The hosiery market is growing due in part to the development of e-commerce platforms that facilitate online hosiery purchases for customers.

The market for hosiery machines is mostly driven by the expansion of the textile sector, which raises consumer demand for a variety of hosiery items:

Growing rapidly is the textile industry, particularly in developing countries like Bangladesh, China, and India. This surge is being driven by a few factors, including changes in design trends, population growth, and rising disposable income. As the textile industry grows, so does the requirement for hosiery items, which in turn drives up demand for hosiery machinery. The increasing production of textiles like cotton and nylon is driving up demand for hosiery machinery. These materials are commonly used in the production of hosiery goods, and as their output increases, so does the need for hosiery equipment. The growing application of cutting-edge technologies, including computer-aided design and manufacturing, in the textile industry is also driving the need for hosiery machinery. These methods require advanced hosiery machinery to produce high-quality hosiery items effectively.

Global Hosiery Machines Market Restraints and Challenges:

New technologies are always being developed to improve the efficiency, productivity, and quality of operation of hosiery machines. As a result, there can be a constant need for upgrades and older technology might become outdated. Manufacturers need to invest in R&D to remain ahead of fashion trends and produce new goods that meet the changing needs of the market. This might be a major barrier for smaller businesses that don't have the resources to invest in R&D. The rapid pace of technological change may also make it difficult for manufacturers to train their employees on the newest tools and technology. This might lead to a labour shortage, which could lower the efficiency and productivity of the machines. Producers need to invest in state-of-the-art technology and remain abreast of the latest developments to overcome these challenges and maintain their competitiveness in the market.

Global Hosiery Machines Market Opportunities:

Like the hosiery sector, the worldwide market for hosiery machines is expected to increase. Growing disposable incomes, a focus on fitness, and fashion trends are driving demand for hosiery, which is driving the development of novel hosiery machines. Technological developments such as electronic knitting are making it possible to produce complex designs more quickly and effectively. Another important factor is sustainability, as manufacturers are creating devices that utilise fewer resources or recycle materials. Because of their robust economies and expanding populations, emerging markets in the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia Pacific region present interesting potential. Manufacturers of hosiery machines might increase their profits by concentrating on technical hosiery for certain applications and satisfying customer requests for customisation.

HOSIERY MACHINES MARKET REPORT COVERAGE:

Global Hosiery Machines Market Segmentation: By Type

• Circular knitting machines

• Flat knitting machines

• Sock knitting machines

Globally, circular knitting machines are the most used type of hosiery machinery. This is because socks and stockings are mostly made using circular knitting machines. They are versatile and able to create a wide range of hosiery products, from simple socks to ones with more complex designs. In addition to being very efficient, circular knitting machines can produce hosiery goods faster than other kinds of machinery. The type of hosiery machinery that is growing at the fastest pace is sock knitting machines. This is a result of the increased demand for socks, particularly in the fitness and sports industries. Specialised equipment called sock knitting machines is used to produce socks with the highest precision and quality. Anything from basic athletic socks to customised compression socks,

Global Hosiery Machines Market Segmentation: By Application

• Socks

• Stockings

• Tights

• Leggings

Out of all the applications, the socks sector controls most of the hosiery machine market. This is because socks are the hosiery item that is manufactured the most often and is in high demand globally. Socks are used for many purposes, including sports, fashion, and medicine. As a result, there is a big need for hosiery machines that can produce high-quality socks rapidly. The type of undergarments that is expanding the fastest in the globe is leggings. This is a result of leggings becoming a more stylish addition to clothing, particularly for ladies. The need for hosiery machines that can efficiently produce leggings of superior quality is growing since leggings are versatile and may be used in a range of settings.

Global Hosiery Machines Market Segmentation: By End-use Industry

• Fashion

• Healthcare

• Sports

The fashion industry dominates the global market for this equipment. This is because hosiery products are used so often as fashion accessories and because there is a high demand for products like tights, socks, stockings, and leggings all over the world. The fashion industry is always seeing new trends and styles, which raises the need for hosiery machines that can produce high-quality hosiery products quickly. The market segment for hosiery machines that is expanding the fastest is the healthcare industry. This is due to the growing demand for specialised undergarments such as compression stockings, which are used to treat a range of illnesses including deep vein thrombosis and varicose veins.

Global Hosiery Machines Market Segmentation: By Sales Channel

• Direct sales

• Online sales

Among the various sales channels, direct sales account for the largest portion of the global market for hosiery machines. This is because hosiery machines are often pricey products requiring certain operational knowledge and expertise. Through direct sales, manufacturers may provide customers with the technical support and guidance required to use the devices effectively. The area of the hosiery machine market that is growing the fastest is online sales. This is due to the growing popularity of e-commerce platforms, which make it easier for customers to purchase hosiery machines online. By embracing online sales, manufacturers may also save money on distribution costs and reach a wider customer base.

Global Hosiery Machines Market Segmentation: By Region

• North America 

• Asia-Pacific 

• Europe 

• South America 

• Middle East and Africa

Asia Pacific is the largest region in the globe when it comes to the hosiery machine market. This is because there are several major textile-producing countries in the area, such as Bangladesh, China, and India, which are all important producers of hosiery products. The region’s expanding population increased disposable income, and changing fashion trends all contribute to the need for hosiery items, which in turn increases the need for hosiery machines. The segment of the hosiery machine market with the quickest rate of growth is the Middle East & Africa. This is a result of the increased demand for hosiery products in the area, particularly in the medical sector. The need for speciality footwear, such as compression stockings, which are used to treat a range of medical conditions, is growing as the local population ages.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis on the Global Hosiery Machines Market:

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been significant. Due to the epidemic's disruption of international supply chains, there are now insufficient raw materials and parts needed to produce hosiery machines. As a result, delivery of bakery equipment has been delayed, and manufacturing expenses have increased. In addition, the pandemic has resulted in consumers spending less on non-essential items, which has impacted demand for hosiery products. The necessity for hosiery machines has diminished because manufacturers reducing their output to match the decline in demand. However, the pandemic has also raised demand for hosiery products in the healthcare sector as medical staff members require specific hosiery items to protect themselves from infection. This has led to a rise in the necessity for hosiery machines that can produce specialist hosiery items for the healthcare sector.
Recent Trends and Developments in the Global Hosiery Machines Market:

Leading manufacturer of seamless hosiery items Lonati unveiled a new range of computerised circular knitting machines. These devices have smart control systems, low energy consumption, and quick speeds. A new type of single-cylinder sock knitting machine with a Rimaglio system that allows automatic toe-closing of the socks without any human help was recently presented by Busi Giovanni, a well-known maker of hosiery equipment.

Key Players:

1. Busi Giovanni Srl

2. Fukuhara Industrial & Trading Co., Ltd.

3. Karl Mayer Textilmaschinenfabrik GmbH

4. Lonati S.p.A.

5. Nagata Seiki Co., Ltd.

6. Rimoldi & CF Srl

7. Santoni S.p.A.

8. Shaoxing Jinhao Machinery Co., Ltd.

9. Zhe Weihuan Machinery Co., Ltd.