Summary of our market study

The global swimwear market, valued at $21.34 billion in 2020, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.25% and reach $32.62 billion by 2027, driven by an increasing population engaging in water activities and demand for sophisticated products. The UK market, forming part of the "Manufacture of other wearing apparel and accessories" subclass, had a turnover of £496.4 million in 2020, capturing almost 3% of the global share. Despite the health crisis leading to a downturn in clothing expenditures by British households and a decrease in swimwear searches and swimming activities in 2020, the market has remained resilient.

The UK imports primarily from China, Bangladesh, and Italy, while its exports mainly go to Germany and Ireland. Production is largely outsourced to Asia due to lower costs. Online sales have surged, especially during the health crisis, though there's been a decline with the reopening of physical stores. Nike and JD Sports are significant players in the sports brand category with turnovers of £27.65 billion and £5.25 billion respectively in 2020, while Amazon and ASOS dominate as digital pure-players, with Amazon generating £22.18 billion in the same year.

Fluctuations and Trends in the UK Swimwear Market Amidst Evolving Consumer Habits

In recent years, the swimwear market in the United Kingdom has been subject to a series of notable trends, fluctuations, and demographic preferences that have shaped the landscape of demand. With an increasing number of the British population taking up swimming, both for leisure and as a sport, the market has seen an overall growth trajectory. This upward trend is partly fueled by rising recreational expenditures and a growing interest in swimming as a hobby. Despite this, there has been a noticeable decrease in swimwear demand due to the impact of the health crisis from 2020 onward, with household spending on clothing dipping by around 5%. The UK swimwear market demonstrates a significant seasonality, with search interest and sales peaking during the summer months of June, July, and August. It also showcases a demographic inclination towards female consumers who report swimming more than twice a week. The market accommodates a myriad of swimming preferences, from outdoor pools to open water, each with its particular choice of swimwear styles. Concerning the supply side, the UK faces a substantial trade deficit in swimwear, importing more than it exports. Key suppliers hail from countries like China, Bangladesh, and Italy, with Germany and Ireland being the prime recipients of British swimwear exports. The domestic landscape is highly fragmented, with production largely outsourced to reap cost benefits and leverage foreign expertise, especially from Asia. The onset of the health crisis has also accelerated the digitalization of the swimwear market.

Online sales, which had been increasing even prior to 2020, saw a significant jump during the first half of the year due to lockdown measures and the temporary closure of physical retail stores. While online sales have since experienced a slight decline with the reopening of stores, the influence of the internet and social media remains a powerful force in shaping consumer behavior and preferences. Price points for swimwear vary widely, depending on the type of product and retail outlet. While specialized swimwear retailers offer bikini tops and bottoms in the range of approximately £30-£70, sports brands and ready-to-wear generalists present more affordable options. Digital platforms also provide a significant variety in swimwear pricing, making it an increasingly popular choice among shoppers. The segmentation of the market shows the plurality of players involved, ranging from sports brands like Nike to digital pure-players such as Amazon and Asos. Each segment contributes to a vibrant and competitive market environment. In summary, while.

Key Players in the Dynamic Swimwear Market Landscape

In the diverse ecosystem of the swimwear market, several major players stand out, each bringing unique offerings and catering to different segments of consumers.

Sports Brands Making Waves Nike, a global behemoth in the sports apparel industry, is a significant player in the swimwear domain as well. With a strong emphasis on performance and innovation, Nike swimwear is designed to cater to athletes and fitness enthusiasts who demand high-quality, durable swimwear for training and competition. JD Sports is another sports retail giant that offers a wide array of swimwear products, from performance-focused pieces to more fashion-forward beachwear. They cater to a broad customer base with their extensive selection of brands and styles.
Digital Retailers: The New Tide in Swimwear Shopping Amazon, with its colossal online presence, offers convenience and a vast selection, turning it into a one-stop-shop for swimwear ranging from high-end designer pieces to more budget-friendly options. Their robust platform makes them a formidable force in online retail. Asos is a digital fashion-forward retailer known for its trendy and affordable swimwear selections. They are particularly appealing to the younger demographic that values ease of access, variety, and fast fashion trends.
Specialists in Elegance and Comfort Calvin Klein stands as a premier name in the realm of swimwear with its luxury and designer lines. The brand is synonymous with timeless style and high-quality materials, resonating with consumers who look for sophistication even when heading to the beach or pool. Etam is recognized for its lingerie and swimwear that blends comfort, elegance, and a touch of French chic. Their collections often reflect the latest fashion trends and cater to women who seek a combination of style and comfort.
Generalist Brands Catering to All Argos is renowned for its extensive range of products, including a selection of swimwear for men, women, and children. As a generalist retailer, they offer a variety of choices to accommodate the preferences and needs of the entire family. Next Retail also stands out as a multi-faceted retailer that provides a broad assortment of apparel, including swimwear. With a focus on quality and value, they serve a wide customer base looking for fashionable and functional swimwear options.
Boutique Brands: Exclusive and Unique While not as widely known as their colossal counterparts, boutique swimwear brands like Hunza G, Faithfull The Brand, and Fisch have carved out their niche markets.

the swimwear market - United Kingdom

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Last update : 15/02/2022

Summary and extracts

1 Market overview

1.1 Definition and scope of the study

The swimwear market can be divided into two broad categories:

Technical swimwear used by swimmers in the pool or in a sporting context;
Leisure swimwear, which is a more fashionable type of swimwear used for example at the beach.

In particular, swimwear is made primarily of nylon, polyester and spandex, with polyester being the most common material. Although Covid has had an effect on swimwear purchases, the swimwear market is globally growing and is expected to continue to grow at a rapid pace. Among the key drivers:

More people are learning to swim;
Swimming is becoming more popular;
Spending on recreation is increasing.

The Asia Pacific region, in particular, is expected to grow the fastest due to the increase in swimming activity. The global market is highly fragmented, with no single player holding more than 1.5% of the total market share in 2019. Some of the largest companies include the Pentland Group, Inditex, Calzedonia, and Adidas.

According to edited, the UK market will continue to grow by 2.3% through 2023, driven by increased public interest in sports, both in a leisure and sports context. The rate of people who can swim in the UK is high, but there is a gap in the age distribution, where the ability to swim decreases with age. In other words, swimwear retailers must keep this demographic factor in mind when implementing marketing strategies.

In particular, retailers are stocking stores in 2020 with what they believe will be fashionable in the future, including comfortable swimsuits, wide waist bikinis and animal prints.

2 Analysis of the demand

3 Market structure

4 Analysis of the offer

5 Regulation

6 Positioning of the actors

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