Buy the full study
Summary
The global workwear market, as of the knowledge cutoff in 2023, has been experiencing varying trends with a slight overall increase in demand, particularly influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic which pushed companies to provide more or renew work clothes to protect employees against health risks. The French workwear market, which saw a 4% growth, has been estimated to be worth between 1.2 and 1.5 billion euros, with the overall market being slightly on the rise. In terms of market structure, the industry is highly concentrated with a few leading companies holding substantial market shares.
Demand has largely been driven by heightened workwear standards, especially in the European Regulation 2016/425, and an increase in employment across relevant sectors. While France specializes in technical textiles, much of the industrial production has been outsourced, with Asia, particularly China, dominating global production. Trends also indicate a shift towards workwear that balances functionality with a strong brand image, personalization, and the introduction of more inclusive options for women.
Additionally, the market is adapting to sustainability trends with the rise in recycled workwear, and technical innovations in materials used in workwear production. Regulations in France ensure the safety of workers by stipulating the provision and maintenance of workwear by employers, with specific codes and standards guiding the market.
Demand Dynamics and Trends in the Work-Wear Market
The work-wear market in France demonstrates a complex interplay of demand influenced by both cyclical and structural factors. Growth in national economic indicators tends to spur demand as growth correlates with increased employment and thus a greater need for work-wear. This is particularly evident within the industrial and construction sectors, which together drive the bulk of the demand, collectively accounting for approximately three-quarters of the total demand for work-wear.
In recent years, an upward trend in employee numbers has been observed across various sectors including industry, construction, hospitality, and health services. This swell in employment is inextricably linked to heightened demand for work-wear, as more workers require the appropriate attire that adheres to workplace safety standards. Industry and construction, for instance, experienced a rise of several hundred thousand employees from the period, with the building and public works sector alone witnessing a 2.3% increase in salaried employment.
The market for personalized clothing within the service sector is also burgeoning, signifying an evolving market landscape where image and brand communication become increasingly significant. The French work-wear market enjoys modest yet consistent growth, potentially ranging between 5.1% and 7.45% average annual growth over a decade, placing the market value at approximately between 1.2 and 1.5 billion euros. The public sector, encompassing law enforcement, healthcare personnel, and public service workers, also constitutes a substantial segment of the market demand.
A surge in demand was particularly noted, primarily due to stringent European regulations which necessitated companies to refresh their workforce's work-wear more frequently, inducing innovation in the work-wear offerings. With this trend, personalized work-wear is carving out a significant market segment, with large organizations such as SNCF and La Poste investing heavily in work-wear contracts worth millions of euros annually.
In response to the growing demand, the work-wear market in France reflects a high degree of market concentration with a limited number of companies commanding significant market shares, while also observing a decrease in the overall number of employees within the sector. Competitive differentiation strategies, including specialization in niche markets, strategic acquisitions, and the development of proprietary brands, are prevalent among the leading companies.
In summary, the work-wear market in France exhibits steady growth propelled by increased employment in key sectors, a higher rate of regulations, and a shift towards personalized and image-conscious work attire.
Dynamic Landscape of Prime Workwear Market Players
The French workwear market is distinguished by several commanding entities that exhibit substantial dominance and have established themselves as major contributors to the industry. Companies like Cepovett, Marck Group, Paul Boyé Technologies, and the globally recognized Honeywell stand out as market leaders.
- Cepovett is an eminent figure in the workwear arena, mainly focusing on crafting professional attire that champions safety and comfort. With a strong presence in the Maghreb and Madagascar through their own manufacturing facilities, Cepovett has emphasized overseas production to stay competitive and meet the growing demands of the industry.
- Marck Group is another pivotal player, and its reputation is bolstered by a comprehensive portfolio of uniforms and workwear designed for various sectors. Their products are known not only for their robustness but also for the sophistication that meets strict professional standards.
- Paul Boyé Technologies gears its offerings towards specialized segments, including uniforms and combat gear, addressing the nuanced needs of military and law enforcement personnel. By focusing on high-risk occupations, they've secured a niche that values performance and reliability at its core.
- Honeywell, a behemoth in the international landscape, extends its reach into the French market with a diverse array of personal protective equipment (PPE) that serves a wide spectrum of industrial applications. Honeywell's global footprint underscores the interconnectedness of the workwear market and the influence of international conglomerates.
These titans of the workwear industry, through unique growth strategies and product specialization, have carved out significant market shares for themselves. Each is known for tailoring their business models to cater to the evolving demands of the market, whether through strategic acquisitions like Kiplay's move to incorporate laundry service Lingrielle de Normandie (L.I.N.), or by cultivating in-house brands that propel recognition and credibility.
These companies not only exemplify the consolidation trend within the market but also reflect the industry's drive toward innovation and customer-focused evolution, which is evident in their high-quality, diverse offerings that span the wide spectrum of workwear needs.
to understand this market
Detailed content
Inforamtion
- Number of pages : 30 pages
- Format : Digital and PDF versions
- Last update : 14/11/2022
Summary and extracts
1 Market overview
1.1 Market overview and definition
Work clothes are items of clothing designed to be worn in the course of a professional activity, often with the aim of protecting the worker against one or more safety hazards.
There are 4 main categories of workwear:
-
Technical clothing ;
-
Image clothing ;
-
Uniforms;
-
Personal protective equipment (PPE).
However, the distinction between these categories is gradually becoming blurred, as many PPE and technical garments are becoming increasingly personalized, including the notion of image.
note that the workwear sector does not include footwear (such as safety shoes).
The Covid-19 pandemic had an overall positive to very positive impact on this market(see 1.3). This increase in results can be explained by companies' desire to reassure their employees by providing them with more work clothes, or by renewing old clothes to protect them against the health risk. But also to the manufacture of workwear during the health crisis to help combat the pandemic.
Generally speaking, the workwear market is closely linked to the dynamism of the industrial, construction, certain commercial services (hotels/restaurants, transport), healthcare and public service sectors. Their main functions include worker protection, brand or service communication, and employee identification.
List of charts
- Size of the global workwear market
- Sales trends for NAF code 14.12Z - Manufacture of workwear
- Payroll employment by sector - Q4 2021
- Change in salaried employment by sector since 2014
- Salaried jobs in industry (private)
All our studies are available online in PDF format
Take a look at an example of our research on another market!
Latest news
Centenarian Atelier Tuffery has become an ecommerce whiz - 13/11/2023
- Atelier Tuffery was founded in Lozère in 1892.
- The digital component now accounts for 50% of the company's sales.
- The company's sales total 4 million euros.
- In 2015, Julien Tuffery took over the company.
- The company employs 35 people, three of whom are dedicated to the web.
- According to Julien Tuffery, an e-tailer should invest 15% of its sales in digital.
- Atelier Tuffery sells its products both in its factory outlet in Florac, in a new boutique in Montpellier and on the web.
Birkenstock sandals debut in New York this Wednesday - 11/10/2023
- Birkenstock valuation: $8.6 billion.
- Birkenstock began to be controlled by investment fund L Catterton in 2021.
- L Catterton is associated with LVMH, the world leader in luxury goods.
- Birkenstock was founded in 1774 and is based in Germany.
- Birkenstock's sales grew at an average rate of 20% over the next few years after the arrival of external management in 2013.
Birkenstock intends to raise up to $1.58 billion for its IPO - 03/10/2023
- Birkenstock is headquartered in Linz am Rhein, Germany.
- Birkenstock was founded in 1774 and began selling sandals in 1963.
- The company was valued at around 4 billion euros in 2021 following the acquisition of a majority stake by investment company L Catterton.
- Birkenstock employs around 6,200 people and produces its shoes in Germany.
Birkenstock sandals take their place on Wall Street - 17/09/2023
- Birkenstock is targeting a valuation of $8 billion for its initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange.
- This valuation is twice as high as two years ago.
- The company is majority-owned by private equity firm L Catterton.
- Christian Birkenstock, one of the two direct heirs, holds 12% of the shares.
- The company's sales have quadrupled over the past eight years, rising from 292 million euros in 2014 to 1.2 billion in 2022.
- Birkenstock made a net profit of 187 million euros in its last financial year, ending September 2022.
- The company produces around 30 million pairs of shoes a year.
- More than half of its customers (54%) are in the USA, compared with 36% in Europe.
- The company plans to inaugurate its largest factory in Germany in December.
MACC: when the Tupperware method works for craftsmen - 05/06/2023
- MACC was set up in 1946, targeting the building trade.
- The company has sales of 52 million euros and employs 200 people
- 75 independent salespeople visit these craftsmen every day to give demonstrations.
- 40,000 demonstrations are given every year.
- MACC products are available exclusively through direct sales.
- MACC counts two-thirds of the 300,000 building professionals in its customer portfolio. 70% of MACC products are manufactured in the Châtellerault or Vienne plants, and 98% in France.
- MACC also has an international presence, accounting for 20% of sales.
Birkenstock and its Boston clogs take luxury up a notch - 30/05/2023
- New Birkenstock factory to open in Pasewalk, near the Polish border.
- The new factory will employ around 1,000 people.
- 50% of Boston clog orders will not be filled this year.
- The Group employs a total of 5,500 people.
- 38 subsidiaries
- 55 directly-operated boutiques
- Two Dior models for 960 euros.
- L Catterton (LVMH and Financière Agache) acquired Birkenstock for around 4 billion euros.
- Sales forecast for 2022: over 750 million euros.
- Annual production: 30 million pairs
- Number of factories in Germany: 5.
Companies quoted in this study
This study contains a complete overview of the companies in the market, with the latest figures and news for each company. :
Choosing this study means :
Access to more than 35 hours of work
Our studies are the result of over 35 hours of research and analysis. Using our studies allows you to devote more time and added value to your projects.
Benefit from 6 years' experience and over 1,500 industry reports already produced
Our expertise enables us to produce comprehensive studies in all sectors, including niche and emerging markets.
Our know-how and methodology enable us to produce reports that offer unique value for money.
Access to several thousand articles and paid-for data
Businesscoot has access to all the paid economic press as well as exclusive databases to carry out its market research (over 30,000 articles and private sources).
To enhance our research, our analysts also use web indicators (semrush, trends, etc.) to identify market trends and company strategies. (Consult our paying sources)
Guaranteed support after your purchase
A team dedicated to after-sales service, to guarantee you a high level of satisfaction. +44 238 097 0676
A digital format designed for our users
Not only do you have access to a PDF, but also to a digital version designed for our customers. This version gives you access to sources, data in Excel format and graphics. The content of the study can therefore be easily retrieved and adapted for your specific needs.
Our offers :
the workwear market | France
- What are the figures on the size and growth of the market?
- What is driving the growth of the market and its evolution?
- What is the positioning of companies in the value chain?
- Data from several dozen databases
Pack 5 études (-15%) France
- 5 études au prix de 75,6€HT par étude à choisir parmi nos 800 titres sur le catalogue France pendant 12 mois
- Conservez -15% sur les études supplémentaires achetées
- Choisissez le remboursement des crédits non consommés au terme des 12 mois (durée du pack)
Consultez les conditions du pack et de remboursement des crédits non consommés.
Our customer references
They have consulted our studies
Discover the opinions (+500)
Malcolm Vincent
Astoria Finance
Gregoire de Castelnau
Stags Participations
Timothé Huignard
PWC
Paul-Alexis Kebabtchieff
BCG
Aymeric Granet
Publicis Consultant
interviews & case studies
All interviews and case studies (45)
