The global decorated apparel market was valued at USD 29.4 billion in 2023. It is estimated to reach USD 87.61 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 12.9% during the forecast period (2024–2032). The projected increase in consumer interest in personalized apparel, particularly among millennials and Gen Z, who prefer customized products, is expected to propel the overall growth of the decorated apparel market over the forecast period. Furthermore, technological advancements in printing technology are anticipated to create opportunities for the growth of the global decorated apparel market.
Decorated apparel refers to clothing items that have been enhanced or embellished with various forms of decorative elements. These enhancements can include embroidery, screen printing, digital printing, heat transfers, appliqué, and other artistic techniques. The primary purpose of decorated apparel is to add visual appeal, personalization, and branding to standard garments, making them unique and customized. This type of apparel is widely used in various sectors, including fashion, sports, corporate branding, promotional events, and personalized gifts.
Companies and individuals often utilize decorated apparel to showcase logos, team names, special designs, or messages. The market for decorated apparel is growing, driven by advancements in printing and embroidery technologies, increasing consumer demand for personalized products, and the rising trend of athleisure and streetwear fashion. Decorated apparel offers endless possibilities for creativity, allowing brands and individuals to express their identities and stand out in a crowded marketplace.
The surge in consumer preference for personalized apparel is a major driver for the decorated apparel market. Social media platforms and influencers have heightened the demand for unique, custom-designed clothing, particularly among millennials and Gen Z. Consumers seek apparel that reflects their individual styles and personalities, leading to a rise in custom t-shirts, hoodies, jackets, and more.
Advanced printing technologies, such as direct-to-garment (DTG) printing, enable manufacturers to produce personalized apparel efficiently and cost-effectively in small batches. This trend is further supported by the proliferation of online customization tools, allowing customers to design their apparel with ease. As a result, the market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the desire for unique fashion statements and the availability of advanced customization options.
The decorated apparel market has significantly benefited from the rapid expansion of the e-commerce sector. Online retail platforms offer consumers convenient access to a vast array of personalized clothing options, driving demand. E-commerce giants such as Amazon, Etsy, and Alibaba have integrated customized apparel into their offerings, providing a diverse selection that caters to individual preferences. The ease of online shopping, coupled with tools that allow customers to design their garments, enhances the appeal of personalized apparel. This accessibility has also enabled smaller businesses and independent designers to reach a broader audience, promoting market growth.
Furthermore, the ability to compare prices, read reviews, and access international designs has made online platforms a preferred choice for many consumers. Moreover, according to Statista, global retail e-commerce sales were estimated to have exceeded 5.8 trillion U.S. dollars in 2023. It is anticipated that this figure will increase by 39 percent in the years ahead, with a goal of surpassing eight trillion dollars by 2027. Thus, the continuous growth of e-commerce is expected to further stimulate the decorated apparel market by making customized clothing more accessible and appealing to a global customer base.
Despite the growing demand for personalized apparel, the high costs associated with customization pose a significant challenge for the decorated apparel market. Custom-designed clothing requires additional resources, such as specialized printing equipment, higher-quality materials, and skilled labor, leading to increased production costs. These costs are often passed on to consumers, making custom apparel more expensive compared to mass-produced garments.
Price-sensitive markets may find these higher prices prohibitive, limiting the market's reach. Moreover, small businesses and startups may struggle to invest in the necessary technology and infrastructure to offer customized products, hindering their ability to compete with larger, established companies. Consequently, the high costs of customization remain a significant barrier to the widespread adoption of personalized apparel.
Technological advancements in printing techniques are unlocking new opportunities in the decorated apparel market. Innovations such as direct-to-garment (DTG) printing, sublimation printing, and 3D printing enable high-quality, detailed designs on various fabrics quickly and cost-effectively. DTG printing allows for vibrant, full-color prints directly onto garments, making it ideal for small batches and complex designs. Sublimation printing, suitable for polyester fabrics, offers long-lasting, fade-resistant prints. 3D printing, although still emerging, promises unique, textured designs that traditional methods cannot achieve.
These technologies enhance production efficiency, reduce waste, and lower costs, making personalized apparel more accessible. Continuous advancements are expected to improve printing speed, color accuracy, and material compatibility, broadening the scope for customization. The adoption of these cutting-edge printing methods not only boosts market growth but also encourages innovation in apparel design, meeting the increasing consumer demand for unique and personalized clothing.
| Study Period | 2020-2032 | CAGR | 12.9% |
| Historical Period | 2020-2022 | Forecast Period | 2024-2032 |
| Base Year | 2023 | Base Year Market Size | USD 29.4 Billion |
| Forecast Year | 2032 | Forecast Year Market Size | USD 87.61 Billion |
| Largest Market | Asia-Pacific | Fastest Growing Market | Europe |
Based on region, the global market is bifurcated into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa.
Asia Pacific is the most significant global market shareholder and is expected to expand substantially during the forecast period. The Asia-Pacific region is poised for significant growth in the decorated apparel market, driven by several key factors. The rising disposable incomes and expanding middle-class population in countries such as China, India, and Japan are major contributors to this trend. For instance, China's middle-class population is expected to reach 1.2 billion by 2027, representing a substantial market for personalized apparel. Urbanization is another critical driver. As more people move to urban areas, their exposure to global fashion trends increases, boosting the demand for customized clothing. In India, urbanization is progressing rapidly, with the urban population projected to reach 600 million by 2031. This urban demographic is increasingly seeking unique and personalized apparel to express their individuality.
Additionally, the adoption of e-commerce and mobile shopping platforms is also accelerating market growth. Asia-Pacific leads the world in e-commerce adoption, with China accounting for over 50% of global e-commerce sales. Platforms like Alibaba and Flipkart offer extensive customization options, making it easier for consumers to purchase personalized apparel online. Furthermore, technological advancements in printing technologies, such as direct-to-garment (DTG) and sublimation printing, are further enhancing the market. These technologies allow manufacturers in the region to produce high-quality, customized apparel efficiently and cost-effectively. For example, companies like Printrove in India utilize DTG printing to offer on-demand custom apparel services. Moreover, the region's cost-effective production capabilities make it a hub for manufacturing customized apparel. Countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam are emerging as key players due to their competitive labor costs and advancements in textile technology. This production advantage not only supports local markets but also enables these countries to export customized apparel globally, further boosting the region's market growth.
Europe is a key market for decorated apparel, driven by a strong fashion industry and growing consumer demand for personalized and sustainable clothing. The region's emphasis on high-quality craftsmanship and innovative designs makes it a significant player in the global market. Germany, the U.K., and France are at the forefront, with a robust network of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) specializing in bespoke apparel. For instance, the U.K. brand "Teemill" offers eco-friendly custom t-shirts using organic cotton and a circular economy model, where customers can return old t-shirts for recycling. The demand for sustainable fashion is rising, with 75% of European consumers stating they consider sustainability when making purchase decisions.
Moreover, Europe hosts numerous fashion events, such as London Fashion Week and Paris Fashion Week, which showcase custom and decorated apparel, influencing consumer preferences. The region's advanced textile printing technology and supportive regulatory environment for sustainable practices further bolster market growth. For example, Kornit Digital, an Israeli company with a strong presence in Europe, offers cutting-edge digital printing solutions that cater to the rising demand for customized apparel, highlighting the region's role as a leader in this market.
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The global decorated apparel market is bifurcated into product and end-user.
Based on the product, the global decorated apparel market is bifurcated into embroidery, screen printing, dye sublimation, digital printing, and others.
The embroidery segment dominated the global market over the forecast period. The expanding popularity of embroidery done in a variety of shapes without regard for gender is offering considerable development potential for embroidered-based adorned garments. The use of threads that vary in thickness, color, and finish, as well as the addition of trimmings ranging from little beads to large patches, offers a diverse functionality that appeals to customers. Clothes with embroidery decorations are becoming increasingly popular since they offer superior quality, value addition, and a striking finish.
Custom-decorated apparel has been a prime reason for the rising demand for embroidery-decorated apparel. For instance, men's and women's polo and embroidered t-shirts offered at Printful Inc. have gained popularity for custom embroidery among shoppers. Embroidery is widely applied to woven shirts, jackets, hats, and sweaters. Moreover, advancing techniques such as puff and sequin embroidery contribute to the growing demand for embroidery-decorated apparel products.
Based on end-users, the global decorated apparel market is divided into men, women, and children.
The women's segment is the most significant contributor to the market over the forecast period. The rising number of working women is generating higher demand for different varieties of clothing, thereby increasing traction for decorated apparel such as trousers, shirts, and kurtas, among others. Rising social gatherings among the younger population, as well as the impact of social media, have given the masses access to knowledge on numerous sorts of clothes for various situations based on season, utility, and fashion trends. This scenario is expected to fuel demand for women's decorative clothes, like printed t-shirts for everyday use, embroidered shorts and dresses for vacations, and dye sublimation for formal wear.
Furthermore, new advancements in the women's clothing sector are boosting demand for items such as graphic t-shirts, which have acquired appeal as semi-formal and casual clothes. Apparel like free-flowing, light dresses and fuss-free clothing are in high demand. Moreover, graphic-printed leisurewear and patterns that are more daring, louder, and brasher are much sought after. These factors will drive women's demand for decorated apparel over the forecast period.
