UK Lingerie Industry

The UK lingerie market size was estimated at USD 4.28 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.3% from 2024 to 2030. In terms of regional market for lingerie, the Europe is believed to have a strong fashion sense and particular emphasis on trends and styles. However, owing to the shift in cultural norms and attitude towards lingerie in societies across the region, including UK, there is greater acceptance and openness about body positivity, and acknowledging diverse nature of the beauty. The projected growth in UK lingerie market can be attributed to fashion conscious customers, high quality products offered by domestic as well as international companies that are also equipped by appealing aesthetics, change in attitude towards use of lingerie in users, rise in disposable income levels across communities and population, and influence of aspects such as social media, web and reality shows.

The UK lingerie market accounted for 4.70% of the global lingerie market revenue in 2023. Often, customers buying a lingerie, consider factors such as breathability, style, fabric used in the making of the product and brand that has brought the product to market. The quality of the lingerie as generally measured on the basis of quality of fabric and other materials used in production, the elasticity offered by the elements such as lycra or popularly known as spandex, elegance and luxurious feel it offers, softness of material, aesthetic charm of the product. Common fabrics used in the development of intimate wear, especially lingerie are silk, cotton, lycra, lyocell, lace, organza, polyamide and more. The manufacturers and customers often prefer these fabrics as they provide characteristics such as resilience, capacity to hold shape, ability to draw off moisture, seamless blend between elegance and delicacy, and decorative details.

Gather more insights about the market drivers, restrains and growth of the UK Lingerie market

As the customers in UK value aspects such as innovative design, attention to details, aesthetic allure, the companies that are manufacturing lingerie are concentrating on the development of products that will be characterised by such liking and preferences of the customers. In addition, the increased availability of the data that provides improved insights regarding the factors such as customer behaviour, buying preferences is assisting designers and manufacturers to develop products aligned with the specific needs and inclinations of the customers.

Innovation in the industry has been at higher level where companies are constantly exploring novel opportunities in terms of product distinction and linked factors, which in turn supports them in creating larger demand. Specialty store, shopping centres, company outlets provide yet another aspect, which tend to lure the greater number of customers, assisted shopping experience. Moreover, availability of lingerie through online distribution channels has been attracting large pool of customers.

Entirely private and convenient buying experience provided the online stores and e-commerce websites, which is further assisted by efficient delivery channels, unwavering customer support, and policies such as return and replace have also been attracting younger customers who are part of technology driven world for more than a few decades now. Customers who tend to use online platforms for shopping, transactions, travel and more, mainly drive the segment of the UK lingerie market.

Key UK lingerie Company Insights

The UK lingerie market is fragmented and mainly shared by a lot companies who are in the business since a few decades. In addition, some of the companies cater to specific requirements of the customers and act as specialists in particular types and styles of intimate wear. For instance, Royce Lingerie has 30 years of experience in making wirefree bras and now they provide the same product for every customer including women in pregnancy and women who have undergone breast surgeries. The presence of market leaders such Victoria’s Secret & Co. adds spice to competitive dashboard of this industry in the country. Some of the emerging players of the industry are all undone, and Emma Harris Lingerie.

  • Pour Moi, British multinational fashion brand, mainly operating in lingerie and womenswear, in its latest strategic initiative, formed a partnership with Wunderkind, a company that provides marketing performance solutions. This initiative is primarily regarding improved first-party data acquisition and performance enhancement objectives regarding company’s direct-to-customers’ business.
  • In 2022, Victoria's Secret launched Love Cloud collection with 18 women from different backgrounds including Sofía Jirau, 25 years old popular face of new collection, who made history to become first model with Down syndrome that appeared in Victoria’s Secret Campaign.

Key UK lingerie Companies:

  • Aura Lingerie
  • Inspire
  • All Undone
  • Sulis
  • Emma Harris Lingerie
  • Rigby & Peller
  • Pour Moi
  • Royce Lingerie
  • Victoria’s Secret
  • Wacoal Company

Recent Developments 

  • Parade, intimate wear brand known for its assurance of diversity and inclusivity, expanded its business the UK market after securing USD 20 million in Series B funding led by Stripes in 2021.
  • In November 2023, Victoria’s Secret launched adaptive bras and panties, to extend support for Women with Disabilities. Prior to this, the company was not catering to this large demographic.

Order a free sample PDF of the UK Lingerie Market Intelligence Study, published by Grand View Research.