Key Insights
Essential data points from our research
The global swimwear market was valued at USD 20.98 billion in 2022
The swimwear market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2023 to 2030
Women's swimwear accounted for over 60% of the global market share in 2022
North America held over 35% share of the global swimwear market in 2021
Online distribution channels for swimwear sales grew by 19% in 2021
The U.S. swimwear market was valued at USD 6.5 billion in 2021
70% of U.S. women consider fit more important than price when purchasing swimwear
Sustainable swimwear grew by 22% year-over-year in 2022
28% of swimwear shoppers consider sustainability an important factor
Asia Pacific is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the swimwear market through 2030
Competitive swimwear segment is expected to reach USD 7 billion by 2030
Over 55% of consumers use social media to discover new swimwear brands
Instagram is the most influential platform for swimwear marketing at 47%
Distribution Channels
- Online distribution channels for swimwear sales grew by 19% in 2021
- Instagram is the most influential platform for swimwear marketing at 47%
- About 43% of swimwear revenue in the U.S. comes from department stores
- E-commerce accounted for 32% of swimwear sales worldwide in 2022
- 41% of consumers bought swimwear online in 2022, up from 34% in 2021
Interpretation
As bikinis flood Instagram feeds and online carts alike, the swimwear industry is making a stylish dive from department store racks to digital clicks—proving that sun, surf, and scroll are the new retail trifecta.
Market Size and Growth
- The global swimwear market was valued at USD 20.98 billion in 2022
- The swimwear market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2023 to 2030
- The U.S. swimwear market was valued at USD 6.5 billion in 2021
- Sustainable swimwear grew by 22% year-over-year in 2022
- Competitive swimwear segment is expected to reach USD 7 billion by 2030
- High-waisted bikini sales increased by 15% in 2022
- Global men's swimwear market reached USD 5.6 billion in 2022
- Digital swimwear brands like Summersalt saw a 50% increase in online sales in 2023
- Plus-size swimwear sales grew by 18% in 2022
- The children’s swimwear market reached USD 4.2 billion in 2022
- Swimwear exports from China dropped by 7% in 2022 due to inflationary pressure
- Swimwear market saw a 38% rebound in 2021 post-COVID
- Swimwear for competitive sports like triathlon is expected to increase 9% annually
- Sales of men's swim trunks were up 12% year-over-year in 2022
- Tankini sales decreased 8% in 2022 compared to previous years
- UV-protective swimwear sees 13% annual growth
- “Slow fashion” swimwear brands grew 25% in popularity in 2022
- Global swimwear market expected to reach USD 29.1 billion by 2028
- The market for smart swimwear with embedded tech is estimated to grow 18% CAGR
- Designer swimwear segment expected to reach USD 5 billion valuation by 2026
- Swimwear rental platforms grew 60% in 2022
- The Middle East swimwear market is expected to grow at 5.8% CAGR to 2030
- Functional swimwear with compression features grew by 14% in 2022
- Swimwear resale platforms see 40% year-over-year growth
- French swimwear manufacturers saw 11% export growth in 2022
- Swimwear designed for post-mastectomy use grew 20% in 2022
- Bralette-style bikini tops saw a 19% boost in 2022 sales
Interpretation
As bikinis go high-waisted, rentals rise, and sustainability makes a splash, the $29 billion swimwear industry proves it's not just about showing skin—it's about showing foresight, function, and fashion-forward thinking.
Product Segmentation
- Women's swimwear accounted for over 60% of the global market share in 2022
- 70% of U.S. women consider fit more important than price when purchasing swimwear
- The average price of women's designer swimwear is $120
- Swimwear makes up 14% of the total U.S. women’s activewear market
- Chlorine-resistant materials now constitute 21% of swimwear fabric sales
- Rash guards represent 12% of total swimwear sales globally
- Nearly 50% of Gen Z consumers prefer minimalist swimwear designs
- Black is the most popular swimwear color, chosen by 37% of consumers
- Branded swimwear constitutes 65% of global sales
- Bikinis dominate two-piece swimwear with a 75% market share
- Swimwear returns online are 30% higher than average apparel
- Seamless swimwear designs rose 17% in market share from 2020 to 2022
- The average consumer owns 3.2 pieces of swimwear
- Swimwear brand loyalty is higher among Gen Z (67%) than Boomers (45%)
- Average swimwear purchase frequency is once every 18 months
- Swimwear sold in sets had 22% more sales than individual pieces in 2022
- Influencer-led swimwear brands contributed 15% of new product launches in 2022
- In Australia, swimwear accounts for 25% of annual beachwear sales
Interpretation
In a market where bikinis reign, black is queen, and Gen Z sets the trends, the swimwear industry is making serious waves—proving that fit, fabric, and influencer flair matter more than price tags when it comes to making a splash.
Regional Insights
- North America held over 35% share of the global swimwear market in 2021
- Asia Pacific is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the swimwear market through 2030
- The U.S. leads the world in per capita swimwear consumption
- Brazil ranks second globally in swimwear consumption
- Germany is the fourth-largest swimwear market in Europe
Interpretation
While North America currently makes the biggest splash in swimwear sales, Asia Pacific is paddling fast into the lead, as the U.S. lounges in first place per person, Brazil sunbathes in second, and Germany dips its toes as Europe's fourth-largest bikini buyer.
Trends and Innovations
- 28% of swimwear shoppers consider sustainability an important factor
- Over 55% of consumers use social media to discover new swimwear brands
- 92% of swimwear brands increased digital ad spending in 2022
- High-tech fabrics in swimwear are driving innovation with 10% CAGR
- Swimwear purchases peak during late spring and early summer each year
- 48% of U.S. consumers are influenced by celebrity endorsements in choosing swimwear
- Around 65% of women feel anxious about swimwear shopping
- 54% of online swimwear shoppers base their purchase decision on reviews
- 74% of luxury swimwear labels are female-founded
- 39% of consumers are willing to pay more for ethically made swimwear
- 59% of consumers seek diversity in swimwear advertising
- Eco-friendly material usage in swimwear production rose by 30% in 2022
- 31% of millennial consumers seek local brands for swimwear
- Swimwear is worn as outerwear by 21% of consumers in warmer climates
- 90% of Gen Z shoppers consider brand ethics when buying swimwear
- Swimwear showing modesty trends increased 11% in demand in 2022
- Swimwear fabric innovations focusing on recycled plastic rose 33% in 2022
- Swimwear as resort wear concept helped increase per-ticket spending by 10% in luxury hotels
Interpretation
In an age where recycled plastic meets Instagram aesthetics, the swimwear industry is riding a stylish wave of sustainability, inclusivity, tech innovation, and digital persuasion—proving that what you wear to the beach says as much about your values as it does your vacation.