Korea's workwear market is growing fast. Beyond simple work clothes, workwear that combines style and function is rolling out one after another.
On the 3rd, according to U.S. market research firm SkyQuest, Korea's workwear market was estimated at 1.5 trillion won as of last year. In the past it was functional clothing used like consumables on-site, but the enforcement of the Serious Accidents Punishment Act, stronger industrial safety regulations, and the spread of business-casual trends after the COVID-19 endemic have combined to expand the market.
Industry officials say the influx of Millennials and Gen Z (born in the 1980s–2000s) into frontline roles has driven market growth. As younger workers take pride in their jobs and choose distinctive workwear, it is becoming a universal fashion across generations and job categories.
The global trend is similar. Market research firm Allied Market Research projected the global workwear market at $17.75 billion (about 24 trillion won) this year, growing to $27.87 billion (about 40 trillion won) by 2031. That is an average annual growth rate of 6%–7%.
Large domestic fashion and outdoor brands are also jumping into the market. K2 Safety, a leading player, started in 1994 with safety shoes and expanded its lineup to cooling and flame-resistant apparel, recording 145.6 billion won in sales last year. It has been growing about 13% on average annually. In 2023, it launched Iider Safety to target younger frontline workers.
Kolon FnC's Boldest has applied nonflammable Heracron and high-strength Cordura fabrics since its 2020 launch, posting near-doubling growth each year. Some products have a repurchase rate as high as 49%. This year's sales target is 20 billion won, and by 2030 it aims for 150 billion won while expanding into aerospace and defense.
Black Yak I&C operates Black Yak Workwear and the mechanics line Worksone, building a B2B-centered supply chain through about 90 multi-shops nationwide. Hyungji Elite's Will Be Workwear is targeting Millennials and Gen Z and general consumers by entering online platforms such as Musinsa, Kream, and Lotte ON.
New brands are also making notable strides. Daehan Steel Co., Ltd.'s Accurd, unveiled in 2022, differentiated itself with custom production tailored to industry and work environment. Last year's sales grew more than threefold from the previous year. Dedicated workwear retail has also emerged. Trading Post's Workup, an outlet that began operations in February last year, benchmarks Japan's Workman to offer reasonably priced products. The ultimate goal is 500 stores nationwide and 1 trillion won in sales.
CNTUS's Aerworks, launched in June this year, became the exclusive distributor in Korea for a leading Japanese workwear brand and sold out three weeks after opening its first store in Busan. It targets 50 billion won in sales by 2027. Coversummon's tech brand KEEK supplies lightweight uniforms using its AirTech textile technology to Woowa Youths (Baemin) rider uniforms and SK Securities, among others.
Multiple factors are behind workwear's rapid rise as fashion. After COVID-19, with remote work and the endemic phase, demand grew for comfortable yet practical clothing, and relaxed fits with fewer gender and body-type constraints gained traction, especially among Gen Z. Coupled with a consumer trend that values functionality and durability, the sturdy fabrics and multi-purpose pockets typical of workwear have spread into everyday wear. Global celebrities frequently wearing work jackets and cargo pants has further boosted mainstream popularity.
Workwear is emerging as a new blue ocean for the sports fashion and outdoor industry, which has been hit by sluggish domestic demand. A fashion industry official said, "Workwear is evolving from safety gear for workers into everyday fashion items," adding, "Beyond showy fashion, the market will continue to grow in line with a democratic fashion trend that simultaneously pursues comfort, practicality, and individuality."