Scarves & Shawls Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Material (Wool, Silk, Cotton, and Others), By Product (Scarves and Shawls), By End-user (Men and Women), By Distribution Channel (Offline Stores and Online Stores), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The global scarves & shawls market size was valued at USD 23.35 billion in 2023. The market is projected to grow from USD 24.72 billion in 2024 to USD 45.88 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.04% during the forecast period.

Scarves are long, rectangular, or square pieces of fabric typically worn around the neck, offering warmth and style to an individual's attire. Shawls are larger pieces of fabric, usually triangular or rectangular, primarily used for providing warmth and comfort, especially in cooler weather. Scarves, shawls & wraps are made from various materials, such as silk, wool, pashmina, cashmere, cotton, and synthetic fabrics.

The growing economy, increasing disposable incomes, and rising consumer spending on fashion accessories drive market growth.  Industry players focus on partnerships to expand their reach and diversify their product portfolio. For instance,

• In December 2021, Al Darwish Jewellery, a Doha, Qatar-based jewelry brand, partnered with Hamza Luxury Shawls, an India-based shawl manufacturer, to launch a new collection of Kashmir shawls. 

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 had a negative impact on various industries globally, including the scarves & shawls market. The lockdowns and restrictions across countries resulted in severe supply chain disruptions, hampering the production and distribution of scarves, shawls, and shrugs caused by the temporary and permanent closure of offline retail formats globally. Moreover, the closure of production facilities & textile mills and reduced capacity led to manufacturing delays.

Amid economic uncertainty in 2020 caused by the pandemic, consumers were more focused on essential items, decreasing discretionary spending, such as fashion accessories, including scarves & shawls. Furthermore, the lockdowns imposed by governments across countries led to event cancellations and reduced social gatherings, which decreased the need for formal or decorative shawls and scarves. The impact of the pandemic varied by region, depending on the severity of the outbreak, government responses, and economic conditions.

Scarves & Shawls Market Trends

Rising Popularity of Innovative Materials to Propel Product Demand

The growing popularity of performance and microfiber fabrics offering more breathability, ultraviolet (UV) protection, moisture-wicking, and temperature regulations fuel the demand for active-wear scarves for outdoor activities. Moreover, transitional fabrics that adapt to changing weather conditions are gaining significant popularity as versatile accessories among consumers globally. Furthermore, the growing trend of handcrafted and artisanal scarves made using cashmere, silk, and pashmina fuels the demand for luxurious scarves & shawls.

Scarves & Shawls Market Growth Factors

Growing Popularity of Customized and Personalized Products to Propel Market Growth

The growing popularity of personalization and customization is increasing consumer engagement and brand loyalty, triggering the adoption of unique, tailor-made products propelling the global scarves & shawls market growth. As individuals typically prefer apparel accessories that align with their style, the increasing need for personalization and customization positively influences the global scarves & shawls market trends, allowing users to choose colors, patterns, sizes, and even monogramming. Furthermore, personalized scarves & shawls as gifts are gaining significant traction among individuals across countries.

Rising Government Support and Initiatives to Fuel Market Growth

The increasing government support and initiatives to foster the growth of the fashion and textile industry across countries favor global market expansion. Scarves & shawls often hold cultural significance, and governments usually support preserving and promoting indigenous textile traditions, including funding for exhibitions and cultural events that promote these products. Moreover, governments recognize the economic potential of the market. As a result, they also provide financial incentives and subsidies to encourage a skilled workforce. For instance,

• In August 2021, to preserve the traditional techniques and revive the art of handmade pashmina shawls, the Government of India doubled the wages for women manufacturing pashmina shawls. It also announced the minimum support price (MSP) for geographical indication (GI)-certified handmade Pashmina shawls.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Increasing Number of Counterfeit Products to Hamper Market Growth

The increasing circulation of counterfeit products is a key factor restraining market growth. Counterfeit apparel accessories lack the craftsmanship, quality, and attention to detail compared to genuine products. These unauthorized and counterfeit products are usually sold at lower prices than the original products, leading to lost sales for legitimate brands and manufacturers. Furthermore, counterfeit products are often manufactured without adhering to safety regulations and standards. Most of these products contain harmful dyes, allergens, and chemicals that risk consumers' health. These factors usually lead to authenticity concerns and limit global market expansion.

Scarves & Shawls Market Segmentation Analysis

By Material Analysis

Increasing Demand for Elegant Apparel Accessories Fuels Silk Segment Growth

Based on material, the market is segmented into wool, silk, cotton, and others. The silk segment dominated the global market in 2023 owing to evolving fashion trends and growing preferences for elegant and luxurious accessories.

The wool segment is also expected to grow significantly during the forecast period due to increasing product demand from European and North American regions characterized by cold seasons.

Wool shawls and scarves have deep-seated cultural significance and are integral to various cultures, contributing to their popularity as ceremonial and cultural attire. Furthermore, wool's insulation and warmth make it a popular choice among consumers residing in low-temperature areas.

Cotton-based scarves & shawls are becoming increasingly popular among consumers across countries owing to benefits such as comfort and natural breathability. These accessories are also preferred for their lightweight and airy characteristics. Cotton’s hypoallergenic and skin-friendly properties make it a preferred choice of material among individuals with allergies and sensitivities.

By Product Analysis

Rising Consumer Awareness Regarding Benefits of Scarves to Propel Scarves Segment Expansion

Based on product, the global market is segmented into scarves and shawls.

The scarves segment dominated the global market in 2023 due to prominent key players offering a wide availability of products and designs. Scarves are gaining increasing popularity for sports and outdoor activities due to their versatility. Furthermore, scarves also offer the advantage of safeguarding against inclement weather conditions, including protection from dust and harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.

The shawls segment is expected to grow steadily during the forecast period. Across many diverse cultures, shawls carry profound cultural significance and are worn in ceremonies, rituals, and traditional events. Moreover, traditionally crafted shawls are gaining popularity among tourists as souvenirs and cherished mementoes of their journeys, driving the segment’s growth. At a macro level, the rising demand for complementing scarf shawls for dresses boosts the global market growth.

By End-user Analysis

Rising Trend of Traditional & Handmade Products to Boost Demand for Women’s Scarves & Shawls

Based on end-user, the market is segmented into men and women.

The women segment is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period owing to the increasing product availability across distribution platforms and the rising consumer disposable incomes. Improving financial conditions and increasing social working women population propels the demand for women's shawls and scarves. Furthermore, the rising trend of traditional and handmade products among women accelerates product sales. 

The men’s segment is expected to grow steadily during the forecast period owing to rising purchasing power and growing fashion consciousness among men. The rising availability of shawls with features, such as built-in pockets and diverse patterns, range, including classic solids, striped prints, and geometric designs, fuels product demand among men.

By Distribution Channel Analysis

Exchange Offers & Expanding Product Availability to Boost Offline Stores Segment Growth

By distribution channel, the market is segmented into offline stores and online stores.

The offline stores segment held the largest scarves & shawls market share in 2023 due to the wide availability of various brands, freedom of selection, exchange offers, and festive offers. Moreover, the escalating proliferation of counterfeit products via online stores, intensifying product authenticity concerns among consumers globally, favors product sales through offline stores. 

The online segment is expected to grow significantly during the forecast period owing to the growing number of smartphone and internet users globally. The emerging trend of presenting exclusive collections and enticing promotions and discounts via apps and websites drives product demand through online stores globally.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

Geographically, the global market for scarves & shawls is studied across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and the Middle East & Africa. 

Asia Pacific dominated the market share in 2023 owing to the growing disposable income and rapidly expanding population in India, South Korea, China, and Japan. Additionally, shawls and scarves hold cultural significance across various countries, including India and Pakistan, as these products are often used as traditional attire or as gifts during special occasions. Furthermore, the increasing demand for cultural and local shawls as souvenirs and gifts among travelers is due to the rapidly expanding tourism sector within this region. 

North America is expected to grow significantly during the forecast period owing to the growing awareness of appearance and rising availability of products featuring advancements in innovative materials with wrinkle resistance, ultraviolet protection, and moisture-wicking features. Moreover, the rising trend of gender-neutral fashion across the region propels the demand for unisex products and designs.

Europe is expected to grow considerably during the forecast period owing to the rising trend of shawls and scarves with ethnic and handmade designs among consumers looking for unique, artisanal, and traditional products reflecting cultural heritage. Moreover, increasing consumer purchasing power and luxurious lifestyles drive the regional market growth. In addition, the growing popularity of cross-culture fusion products with elements and designs from different cultures boost product demand across the region. 

Scarves & shawls sales across the South American and the Middle Eastern & African markets are expected to witness positive growth in the foreseeable future owing to increased local & international spending, good economic situations, and increased accessibility to luxury brands. The growing demand for traditional and artistic shawls and scarves in Saudi Arabia, UAE, and South Africa fuels market growth. Moreover, the trend of wearing scarves among men and women across the Muslim community owing to religious customs drives product demand across the Middle Eastern countries.   

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Players Focus on Collaborations and Partnerships to Stay Competitive Driving Market Expansion

The shawls & scarves market is highly competitive, with local and international players competing in terms of designs and product patterns. Manufacturers focus on research & development activities to develop new products using innovative materials to cater to consumers' growing demand. Industry participants also focus on new launches, partnerships, and collaborations to stay ahead in a highly competitive landscape.

List of Top Scarves & Shawls Companies:

• Dolce & Gabbana (Italy)


• Himalayan Weavers (India)


• Elvang (Denmark)


• Louis Vuitton (France)


• Chanel (U.K.)


• Pashmina.com (India)


• The Kashmir Company (India)


• EZSilk (U.S.)


• Shahkaar (India)


• Prada (Italy)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• July 2023: Cartier, a subsidiary of Richemont Group, launched a new collection of silk scarves and headbands. According to the company, the new collection is designed around the company’s emblematic panther.


• June 2023: Zida Kalu, a Nigeria-based artist, launched a new label of silk scarves, adii. The company believes that fashion is a powerful means of self-expression, and the company assists individuals to showcase personal style and individuality with its products.


• October 2022: Carmelita, a Malaysia-based apparel brand, launched a new range of Tudung shawl collections. According to the company, the collection is available in over 100 colors.


• February 2022: Pasha Fabrics, a Pakistan-based fabric house, launched a new collection of cashmere shawls. According to the company, the collection is manufactured using 100% pure cashmere.


• December 2021: Angad Creations, a Jammu, India-based fashion brand, launched a new collection of shawls, Janavar. According to the company, the collection features paper mashie and hand Sucha Kashmiri tills.

REPORT COVERAGE

The global scarves & shawls market forecast analyzes the market in-depth and highlights crucial aspects, such as prominent companies. Besides this, the research report provides insights into the market trends and highlights significant industry developments. In addition to the aspects mentioned earlier, the report encompasses several factors contributing to the market's growth.

Report Scope & Segmentation