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Summary of our market study
French socks market estimated at €800 million
The European market for knitted footwear, including socks, has seen stable growth, with an average market value of €1.292 billion.
Germany dominates European production with a 40% share, followed by France with 16%, with the top five countries producing 72% of the total.
French domestic consumption is around 800 million euros. France relies heavily on imports, mainly from Turkey, China and Italy, to meet demand, reflecting a high level of dependence and a trade deficit.
The number of French companies in the sector has fallen from 43 in 2012 to 31.
Every Frenchman buys 7 new pairs of socks a year, compared with 17 for Italians, and owns 17 pairs.
Comfort is the main purchasing criterion, and consumers show no marked preference for any particular sock brand.
Online ready-to-wear sales account for 19.5% of the budget of under-35s, versus 10% for seniors, with total sales of around 3 billion euros.
REACH regulations govern the use of chemicals. The Hamon law regulates e-commerce and product labeling obligations.
The French socks market
Traditionally focused on the male population, this market has gradually diversified to cater for the whole population. This evolution is reflected in the variety of socks available today, which vary in design, color and material, marking the transition of socks to a fashion statement rather than a simple clothing necessity.
The growing popularity of socks made in France, underlining consumers' inclination for products that guarantee superior quality and local manufacturing.
Socks made from natural materials such as cotton, wool and silk are particularly popular.
Sock purchases are closely linked to comfort, style and durability. Color preferences lean towards classic shades, with black and blue the colors of choice for almost half of consumers.
Brand loyalty appears low.
The dynamic growth of the national socks market is evidenced by the annual market size of between 180 and 210 million euros. Nevertheless, per capita consumption of socks is modest compared to some European countries, with the French buying on average between 5 and 9 new pairs a year and owning between 15 and 20 pairs of socks in total. This is in stark contrast to countries like Italy, where individuals buy more than 15 pairs a year.
The online segment of the market has seen particularly strong growth, especially among younger consumers, and represents a significant proportion of the annual clothing budget. E-commerce has become an essential channel, with online clothing sales accounting for 15% of the national clothing market. Brands such as Kindy have recognized this trend and are actively leveraging online retailing.
Finally, the country's regulatory environment is adapted to guarantee customer safety.
Players in the socks market
The dynamic socks market a is made up of a multitude of players. Some names stand out:
- Dim: a well-known name in hosiery
- Uniqlo: This global clothing retailer has been steadily gaining in popularity, and its entry into the socks market is welcomed with the same practical, minimalist approach that characterizes its brand. Uniqlo's offering is a blend of affordability, quality and timeless design.
- Archiduchesse: This brand is aimed at a niche audience who appreciate the French touch in their clothing choices.
- Bleu Forêt: Positioned as an environmentally-friendly choice, Bleu Forêt uses natural fibers and production processes that respect the environment.
- Royalties is for those seeking a blend of craftsmanship and originality.
- Kindy: Taking advantage of the boom in e-commerce, Kindy has turned to online sales.
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Summary and extracts
1 Market overview
1.1 Market definition and presentation
Long mainly dedicated to men, the sock market has evolved enormously over the last few decades, and now targets the entire French population. We are witnessing new fashion trends that have made the sock a real fashion accessory [ Huffington Post ]
Thus, the offer on the market continues to grow and evolve to meet the new expectations of consumers. For example, we are witnessing the development of Made In France, which is becoming increasingly popular, or the significant increase in demand for so-called "fancy" socks, with ever more original designs
Many types of socks exist today, in different shapes, colours and materials used in their production
However, as the new generations are an increasingly important player in the demand for ready-to-wear clothing, in recent years there has been a decline in the sale of socks in "physical" points of sale, i.e. supermarkets and hypermarkets, which tends to slow down sales of traditional brands, in favour of those of start-ups with innovative sales strategies
List of charts presented in this market study
- Value of knitted and crocheted footwear production
- Breakdown of sales of knitted and crocheted footwear
- Global Sock Market
- Valeur de la production d'articles chaussants à maille
- Commerce extérieur de la fabrication d'articles chaussants à maille
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Latest news
Le Slip Français, the daring bet of made in France - 09/11/2023
- Le Slip Français was founded 12 years ago.
- Le Slip Français has sales of 20 million euros.
- On the French market, 3% of garments are made in France.
- Le Slip Français achieves 40% of its sales during the Christmas period.
- The company supports 300 jobs, 85 of them directly.
Dim brings back production of German Nur Die pantyhose | German production of Nur Die pantyhose back on track - 21/07/2023
- Dim Brands International (DBI) pantyhose knitting production is grouped together in Autun
- 20 to 30 million pairs of Dim tights are produced every year
- In addition, 19 million pairs of the Nur Die brand are produced
- DBI has 3,000 employees, including 1,000 in France.
- DBI has three plants located in Autun, Slovakia and Romania.
- Dim employs 600 staff and 100 temporary workers in Autun.
- Dim was launched in 1953 and was sold to Hanesbrand in 2014, then to Regent at the end of 2021.
- Group sales are €500 million, with the Dim brand accounting for 40% of sales.
- Dim has launched a new range of menstrual panties, which account for 30% of French sales in this emerging market.
Montlimart, eco-friendly clothing and footwear brand for men - 15/05/2023
- Montlimart sells eco-responsible men's clothing and footwear 80% made in France
- The brand sold 16,000 pieces in 2022.
- Montlimart achieved sales of one million euros in 2022.
- 90% of Montlimart's sales are made via its website.
- Montlimart has 7 employees.
Labonal dons Alsatian motifs from T'heim - 09/07/2022
- T'heim is a brand launched a year ago to promote local clothing with Alsatian motifs.
- Since June, T'heim designs have been featured on socks manufactured by Labonal in Dambach-la-Ville (Bas-Rhin).
- T'heim, managed by Jérôme Seeholtz, outsources its production and works with subcontractors.
- T'heim's T-shirts and sweatshirts are made in a social integration workshop in Strasbourg, and other partners are located in France.
- Labonal, a sock manufacturer, achieved sales of 7 million euros in 2021 and produces 1.5 million pairs of socks.
- Labonal employs 80 people.
Broussaud Textiles: rebirth made in France. - 21/05/2022
- Year Broussaud Textiles went into liquidation: 2006
- Workforce at time of liquidation: 70 employees
- Sock production in 2022: 1.4 million pairs
- Sales in 2022: 8 million euros
- Target growth in 2023: 25%
- Investment in robotization: 1.4 million euros
- Year Textis, an import company, became a shareholder: 2014
- Number of knitting machines: 80
- Share of French customers: 95%
- Market share of French sock manufacturers: 15 million pairs for a national market of 400 million
Hummel takes up the running challenge - 22/01/2020
- Hummel takes over the majority of Performance Group Scandinavia's activities
- Hummel acquires Danish brands Newline and Halo
- Hummel A/S posted sales of 107 million euros in 2018
- Hummel established subsidiaries in China, USA, India and key European countries
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the sock market | France
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