1. Global Pet Apparel Market Size and Outlook
Pet apparel has become one of the essential pet supplies globally and is taking up an increasingly significant market share in the pet industry. According to a report by Allied Market Research, the global pet apparel market size was valued at $5.19 billion in 2021, with a forecasted CAGR of 4% from 2022 to 2031, reaching a market size of $7.66 billion by 2031.
1.1 Market Distribution
- Core Markets
Regionally, North America leads the global pet apparel market. The large volume of pet adoption, the rising trend of anthropomorphizing pets, high economic capability of pet owners, and increased spending on pets are major drivers for the pet apparel market in North America. Apparel related to dogs represents the highest proportion, accounting for over 70% of the market; the United States is the largest market for pet apparel in North America, representing over 90% of the market share.
According to the latest report by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) in 2023 (click to view), in 2022, 66% of American households owned at least one pet, with spending on pets exceeding $136.8 billion, a 10.8% increase year over year. Additionally, the trend of purchasing premium apparel for pets also contributes to the revenue growth of this market.
- Developing Markets
Compared to the North American market, the pet apparel market in Europe is relatively stable at present. Apparel related to dogs accounts for the highest proportion, exceeding 60%. The United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, and France hold sizable shares in the European pet apparel market.
According to data from the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF), in 2021, 46% of European households (approximately 90 million) owned at least one pet, with the post-1990 generation being the main pet-owning demographic. With the growth in pet ownership rates, the speed of growth for apparel as a category of pet supplies has accelerated, and its market share is also increasing.
- Emerging Markets
During the forecast period, the pet apparel market in the Asia-Pacific region is expected to grow the fastest. The increasing product launches and brand penetration in the region are anticipated to drive this growth. China is the largest pet apparel market in the Asia-Pacific region, with a market share exceeding 50%.
With the support of a growing middle-income population in countries such as India, South Korea, and Australia, the scale of pet ownership is expanding, which is expected to drive the growth of the pet apparel market.
Additionally, the growing trend of outdoor recreational activities in Latin America is driving demand for pet apparel such as protective vests, jackets, and hoodies in the region. The Dubai Pet Festival in the Middle East and the increase in various pet supplies exhibitions in Southeast Asia are also driving order growth for pet apparel in their respective markets.
1.2 Product Types
According to forecasts of the pet apparel market, by product type, pet apparel can be divided into shirts and tops, coats and jackets, sweaters and hoodies, etc., which currently hold a dominant position in the market. According to a report released by SkyQuest, in pet apparel products, coats and jackets are the most popular, accounting for 46% and 34% of the sales revenue for dog and cat apparel, respectively.
We understand that the main challenge in pet apparel lies in product research and development and design. On the one hand, it requires a significant cost, and on the other hand, it necessitates considering how to make the apparel more comfortable for pets to wear.
Many brands also state that flexibility is a key consideration factor in designing the best pet apparel. They use elastic fabrics and straps for the chest and neck that can be adjusted to provide a snug yet comfortable fit. The more a coat is suitable for various pet types, the better its adaptability. Ideally, brands should provide a comprehensive size chart.
Another trend is that with the rapid development of technology, some smart pet apparel has quietly appeared on the market, such as intelligent night-walking gear for pet dogs and reflective clothing. The purpose is safety consideration, aimed at reducing the possibility of safety incidents involving pet dogs at night.
1.3 Consumer Trends
Global pet industry insights reveal that the consumption of pet apparel is being influenced by factors such as the economic capability of pet owners, the type of pets, the occasion for dressing, and changes in weather.
- Pet Owners
Currently, the millennial generation is dominating the market with relatively high purchasing power. A report by SkyQuest indicates that pet owners are willing to spend an average of $15 per month on pet clothing, amounting to an average annual expenditure of $68. Notably, 40% of purchases are for weather protection, such as warmth in winter, waterproofing, and rain shielding.
- Pet Spending
60% of the spending is on dog clothing, 30% on cat apparel, and the remaining is on other pet clothing, which is also gradually growing. It is expected that more products will be introduced in the coming years.
- Weather Conditions
In recent years, regions like Europe have experienced extreme cold weather, leading to a sustained increase in demand for pet sweaters and hoodies.
1.4 Distribution Channels
During the forecast period, online shopping is expected to grow the fastest. This is attributed to the increasing ubiquity of smartphones and greater access to the internet. According to data from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), about 4.9 billion people globally were using the internet in 2021. For instance, the proactive marketing strategies employed by specialized online platforms dealing in various pet products, such as Petsmart, Petco, and Allivet, are significantly driving the growth of the online channels.
SkyQuest's survey on the pet apparel market also found that from 2019 to 2021, the sales of pet clothing grew by 21%. The majority of the sales were contributed by small independent retailers, accounting for 62% of the industry's total revenue, with the remaining 38% coming from large pet stores and supermarkets.
In terms of purchasing channels, 70% of pet owners prefer to buy from nearby stores, with supermarkets being the most popular destination for pet clothing, accounting for 34% of the sales. This is followed by pet stores, mass merchants, and online retailers, with 24%, 16%, and 14% respectively.
1.5 Competitive Landscape
Currently, the competitive landscape of the pet clothing market is rather fragmented, without a few giants monopolizing the market as seen in other industries.
It is observed that many pet clothing brands have their own unique design styles and philosophies, offering specialized pet clothing and accessories for different breeds and sizes. As the market continues to expand and competition intensifies, emerging brands and enterprises are continually entering the scene, making the competition in the pet clothing market even more fierce in the future.
In addition to the insights on the global pet apparel market mentioned above, it is also particularly important to note that, compared to traditional pet food and supplies, although the competition in pet clothing is relatively less intense, there are certain barriers to entry. Different markets have different policy standards, and enterprises need to conduct the appropriate qualification reviews or certifications according to their target market.
2. Pet Apparel Market Future Development Trends and Opportunities
2.1 Key Directions for Enterprises to Focus on Regarding the Development Trend of the Pet Apparel Market
- Market Size Will Continue to Expand
The popularization of pet ownership and pet owners' increasing attention to their pets will drive the continuous expansion of the pet apparel market. There's significant growth potential, especially for markets catering to large dogs, cats, small pets, etc.
- Personalization, Customization, and Premiumization Are Inevitable
Pet owners are increasingly focusing on the personalization and customization of their pets' apparel. Pet clothing enterprises need to continuously innovate to provide more personalized and customized products.
- The Pet Apparel Market in the Asia-Pacific Region is Growing Fastest
As the pet market in the Asia-Pacific region continues to develop, the pet apparel market is also shifting towards these areas, especially in terms of pet fashion and customization.
2.2 Key Directions for Pet Apparel Enterprises to Focus on
- Strengthen Brand Building
Branding is one of the core competitive strengths of pet apparel enterprises, so it is necessary to strengthen brand building to improve brand awareness and reputation.
- Improve Product Quality and Innovation
Continually launch innovative, functional, and differentiated products to meet pet owners' needs.
- Expand Market Channels
Develop more sales channels, such as e-commerce platforms, physical stores, pet supply shops, etc.
- Pay Attention to Market Trends
Understand the needs of pet owners and the development trends of the pet market, and adjust products and market strategies in a timely manner. For example, in recent years, the rise of street fashion, the popularity of local traditional cultures, and festivals have given birth to many unique pet apparel items. Some enterprises have responded to market trends and have reaped impressive performance results.
2.3 Key Directions for Enterprises to Consider in the Pet Apparel Business
- Diversification of Product Design
Enterprises can explore diversified design styles in pet apparel, catering to different breeds, seasons, and purposes to meet the diverse needs of pet owners.
- Optimization of Production Processes
Enterprises can enhance the efficiency and quality of production processes by introducing advanced production equipment and technology, reducing production costs, and increasing product competitiveness.
- Synergy with Related Pet Products
For instance, collaborate with pet supply stores, pet grooming salons, and other related businesses to launch co-branded styles of pet apparel and pet supplies, expanding the product line and increasing sources of profit.
- Focus on Environmental Protection and Sustainability
The growing consciousness of sustainability and environmental protection is leading the pet apparel market to develop towards organic cotton, renewable fibers, eco-friendly dyes, and other environmentally responsible materials.
