The global work wear market is projected to reach $47.4 billion by 2020, driven by rapid consumption in emerging markets and technological advances in fabrics and functionality.

Work wear comprises various categories including basic work wear, technical wear, corporate wear and protective wear. The gradually reviving construction industry, steady growth in food service industry and the expanding healthcare sector along with subsequent rise in employment in these sectors are all contributor to the growth of global work wear market. Rising emphasis on worker health and safety issues, stricter government mandates, technology innovations, and increasing pressure to reduce costs associated with workplace related injuries, disability and death will drive future growth in the market. Encouraging gains in global manufacturing are also signaling an optimistic outlook for work wear given its use in diverse manufacturing industries.

Work wear fabric innovation is an important focus area among manufacturers. Recent fabric innovations poised to benefit the market include Tencel, a fabric made of eucalyptus pulp, and Synergo, a soft-shell stretch fabric. Also, the preference for green and environment-friendly apparels is expected to grow in the long-run. Supported by technological advances in manufacturing and product designing, performance apparel with features such as moisture-wicking, anti-bacterial and anti-infection properties is expected to witness steady growth over the next few years.