According to a new report published by Allied Market Research, titled, “Socks Market by Usage, Material, and Techonology: Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2025–2034,”

The socks market was valued at $12,367.1 million in 2024, and is projected to reach $27,867.0 million by 2034, registering a CAGR of 8.6% from 2025 to 2034.

Socks are a type of soft, close-fitting garment worn on the feet, typically covering the ankle or part of the calf. They provide comfort, absorb moisture, reduce friction between the foot and footwear, and offer warmth and protection. Socks are made from materials such as cotton, wool, nylon, and blends, serving both functional and fashion purposes.

E-commerce expansion is a significant driver for the socks market as it has transformed how consumers purchase apparel, making socks more accessible than ever. Online platforms provide a vast variety of options, from basic everyday wear to premium and specialty socks, catering to diverse customer preferences. With features like personalized recommendations, size guides, competitive pricing, and discounts, e-commerce attracts cost-conscious as well as fashion-focused buyers. The convenience of doorstep delivery, easy returns, and subscription-based models encourages repeat purchases, while global online marketplaces enable brands to reach consumers beyond traditional retail boundaries. Additionally, the growth of digital payment options and mobile shopping has further accelerated online sock sales. This broad digital presence allows brands to engage directly with customers, build loyalty, and adapt quickly to changing fashion trends.

However, limited innovation in basic sock categories hinders the socks market because it hampers differentiation and reduces the perceived value of products, especially in the premium segment. Most consumers view basic socks as utilitarian, leading to price-driven purchasing decisions rather than brand loyalty. Without innovation in materials, designs, or added functionalities, brands struggle to justify higher prices, making it difficult to expand into premium segments where margins are higher. This also limits opportunities for upselling features such as enhanced comfort, performance benefits, or sustainability, which are key drivers in other apparel categories. Consequently, the lack of product evolution in basic categories keeps competition largely focused on cost, increases the dominance of low-cost unorganized players, and slows overall market growth potential in value-added segments.

Moreover, subscription and direct-to-consumer (D2C) models present a significant opportunity in the socks market by offering brands a way to build strong customer relationships and generate recurring revenue. Subscription services allow consumers to receive new socks regularly, ensuring convenience while introducing them to new designs, styles, or functional variants without the need for repeated purchases. This model also supports personalization, enabling customers to select preferences for color, material, or purpose, which enhances customer satisfaction and loyalty. For brands, the D2C approach eliminates middlemen, improving profit margins and enabling direct feedback loops for product development. Combined, these models create consistent demand, foster brand engagement, and open opportunities for cross-selling and upselling premium or limited-edition collections, making them a powerful growth driver in an otherwise highly competitive and fragmented market.

The socks market is segmented into usage, material. technology and country. By usage, the market is segmented into active, casual, compression, business/formal, diabetic, outdoor and others. By material, the market is divided into cotton, wool, polyester/nylon, silk, bamboo and others. By technology, the market is divided into moisture-wicking, anti-odor, thermoregulating, and anti-bacterial/anti-microbial. By Region, it is categorized into Europe, China, U.S., and India.

Based on usage, the casual segment held the major share of the market in 2024 owing to its widespread adoption for daily wear across diverse age groups. The rising preference for comfortable, stylish, and affordable socks, coupled with growing fashion consciousness, drives demand. In addition, the ability of casual socks to be worn in different settings and for various purposes further increases their market share.

Based on material, the cotton segment held the major share of the market in 2024 owing to its superior comfort, breathability, and skin-friendly properties, making it a preferred choice for everyday wear. Its affordability and versatility across casual, athletic, and fashion socks further increases demand.

Based on technology, the moisture wicking segment held the major share of the market in 2024 owing to its ability to keep feet dry and comfortable by efficiently drawing away sweat. This technology is increasingly preferred in athletic, outdoor, and casual wear socks, thus reducing odor and preventing skin issues. Its rising use in premium and performance-focused socks further increased its market share.

The major key players include Nike Inc., Puma S.E, Adidas A.G., Asics Corp, Skechers USA Inc., Hanesbrands Inc., Under Armour Inc., Jockey International Inc., Enovis Corporation, and Orthofeet Inc.

Key findings of study

• By usage, the casual segment was the highest revenue contributor to the market in 2024.
• By material, the cotton segment was the highest revenue contributor to the market in 2024.
• By technology, the moisture-wicking segment was the highest revenue contributor to the market in 2024.
• By region, the Europe segment was the highest revenue contributor to the market in 2024.