Protective Clothing Market

The protective clothing market had a global size of USD 8.8 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 12.3 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6.9% from 2023 to 2030. The market is supported by government initiatives in developed economies to ensure the safety of personnel. Both employers and employees are increasingly concerned about workplace safety, which drives the demand for protective clothing. North America is the leading market for protective clothing, followed by Europe and APAC. Protective clothing is designed to ensure the safety of wearers in industrial and domestic settings. The market is primarily driven by strict regulations in developed economies, as well as rising awareness of worker safety and growth in developing economies. However, the high cost of specialized clothing and the need for substantial investment in R&D hinder market growth. On the other hand, the use of Phase Change Materials (PCMs) and the growing demand for multifunctional clothing present opportunities for manufacturers.

Market Dynamics

Drivers: Stringent regulations pertaining to the safety of personnel in developed economies

Government authorities in developed countries prioritize the health and safety of workers. Regulations and standards require industries to provide protective clothing to workers in hazardous conditions. For example, the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandates heat- and flame-resistant clothing for workers in the oil & gas industries and high visibility safety apparel for construction workers. The increased demand for protective clothing is driven by these regulations.

Restraint: High price of specialized clothing

The high price of protective clothing is a major drawback that affects market growth. The manufacturing cost of protective clothing is high due to the use of high-performance fabrics and multiple testing phases. For instance, aramid fiber can cost between USD 20,000 to USD 40,000 per metric ton, significantly increasing the price of protective clothing. Many companies reduce expenses on protective clothing, especially during economic downturns, due to high pricing.

Opportunities: Use of phase change materials

Phase Change Materials (PCMs) have the ability to absorb, accumulate, and release large amounts of energy as latent heat within a specific temperature range. PCMs can absorb heat and change from solid to liquid, or release heat and change from liquid to solid. This property of PCMs creates opportunities for manufacturers of protective clothing to incorporate them. PCMs allow for heat absorption and release as needed, enhancing the functionality of protective clothing.

PBI is expected to be the fastest-growing segment of the overall protective clothing market during the forecast period.

Based on material type, the protective clothing market is segmented into aramid & blends, PBI, polyamide, cotton fibers, polyolefin & blends, laminated polyesters, UHMW PE, and others. The PBI segment is projected to have the highest CAGR in terms of value. Polybenzimidazole (PBI) fiber is widely used in the production of thermal or flame-resistant (FR) clothing. PBI reduces the overall cost of clothing and blends well with other fibers. FR clothing made from PBI finds applications in automotive, aerospace, firefighting, oil & gas, military, and other industries.

The manufacturing segment is projected to be the largest end-use industry of protective clothing during the forecast period.

The manufacturing segment is projected to dominate the protective clothing market. Governments worldwide have implemented safety regulations for the manufacturing industry, requiring the use of protective equipment to reduce accidents and uncertainties. The manufacturing industry involves various risky operations, and protective clothing is used in sectors such as chemicals, electronics, pulp & paper, metal fabrication, steel, wood, and glass.

North America is expected to account for the largest share of the protective clothing market during the forecast period.

This is primarily due to the region's stringent regulations that require the use of durable and high-performance clothing to ensure wearer protection against various threats. In the healthcare/medical industry, there is increasing awareness among professionals about the importance of adopting healthy medical practices, driving the demand for protective clothing. North America is a major exporter of technical textiles and protective clothing to countries such as South Korea, India, China, Japan, and Brazil. The market in North America is mainly driven by safety awareness and regulations mandating the use of protective clothing across different industries. Apart from major producers, smaller companies are also focusing on developing advanced protective clothing, including safety gloves and jackets. Innovation plays a significant role in driving the North American market.

Protective Clothing Market: Ecosystem

Protective Clothing Market Players

The report profiles key market players, including Ansell Limited (US), E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company (US), 3M Company (US), Kimberly Clark Corp (US), Sioen Industries (Belgium), Lakeland Industries, Inc. (US), and Teijin Limited (Japan).

3M Company (US) is expanding its protective clothing segment by launching new products and expanding its global presence through acquisitions. The company acquired Scott Safety (US) from Johnson Controls (US) in 2017, expanding its product portfolio of safety products and solutions. It also acquired Ivera Medical Corp. (US) in 2015, strengthening its presence in the healthcare sector. The company has the opportunity to develop more efficient and durable products for global markets.

E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company (US) focuses on research and development projects to produce protective fabrics and clothing for defense, law enforcement, chemical, industrial, and other applications. Its strong supply chain and distribution network give the company a competitive edge. The company's advanced protective clothing is in high demand in the commercial market. Through various agreements, the company has improved its presence in emerging markets in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region.

Recent Developments

• In October 2017, Teijin Limited launched a cooling vest that provides heat resistance, flame retardance, and body heat reduction through the use of small electric fans. This product launch enables the company to meet the specific needs of its end customers.
• In December 2017, Ansell Protective Solutions AB (APS) signed a distribution agreement with Shigemitsu Works Co. Ltd. (Japan) for marketing, distribution, after-sales service, and maintenance of its products across Japan.
• In October 2017, 3M acquired Scott Safety from Johnson Controls, expanding its product portfolio of safety products and solutions.
• In December 2016, Sioen Industries acquired Ursuit Group, a Finnish manufacturer of dry suits for diving, fishing, and professional use in extreme environments. This acquisition enabled the company to enter the Scandinavian market.
• In May 2016, Sioen Industries introduced innovation w-air for spring and summer monsoon. This protective fabric provides comfort, durability, lightweightness, and flexible design.

Global Protective Clothing Market by Category

By Product Type, Global Protective Clothing Market is segmented as:

• Coveralls
• Vests
• Jackets
• Aprons
• Others (surgical gowns, laboratory coats etc.)

By Material Type, Global Protective Clothing Market is segmented as:

• Non-Woven
• Woven
• Knit

By End Use Industry, Global Protective Clothing Market is segmented as:

• Manufacturing
• Oil & Gas
• Healthcare
• Others (transportation, firefighting etc.)

By Region, Global Protective Clothing Market is segmented as:

• North America
• Latin America
• Europe
• East Asia
• South Asia
• Oceania
• MEA

Key Questions Addressed in the Report

• What are the major developments impacting the market?
• What will be the industry's trajectory in the mid to long term due to these developments?
• What are the upcoming material types for protective clothing?
• What are the emerging applications of protective clothing?
• What are the emerging end-use industries for protective clothing?
• What are the key factors influencing market growth during the forecast period?