Some Views on the Future Development Trends of the Underwear Industry
📋 Direct Answer: Regionalization of Supply Chains Key Insight: Regionalization of Supply Chains Brands diversify from single-country sourcing.
Five trends shaping the underwear industry through 2028: regionalized supply chains (China + 1 strategy), digital product development (3D sampling reduces timeline by 30-45 days), sustainability as baseline (not differentiator), direct-to-consumer OEM growth, and inclusive sizing becoming standard.
Working in underwear OEM manufacturing since 2009, we have observed patterns that point to the industry’s future direction.
1. Regionalization of Supply Chains
Brands diversify from single-country sourcing. China retains dominance in knitted underwear due to unmatched fabric ecosystem. The trend is China plus one rather than China replacement.
2. Digital Product Development
3D virtual sampling reduces physical iterations from 3-4 rounds to 1-2. Brands adopting digital workflows gain 30-45 day speed advantages. Unitex process includes digital sampling options.
3. Sustainability as Baseline
By 2028, sustainability certifications will be table stakes. EU Digital Product Passport regulations will require full supply chain transparency.
4. Direct-to-Consumer OEM
Small brands launching underwear via Shopify are a growing OEM segment. Contact Unitex to explore low-MOQ launch programs.
Unitex is based in Xiamen, Fujian Province, and develops these programmes with audited partner factories across the Xiamen–Quanzhou–Jinjiang knitwear cluster of south-east China.
· Xiamen Unitex Trade Co., Ltd. — OEM & ODM underwear sourcing partner