U.S. Medical Clothing Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Product (Surgical Drapes, Scrubs and Gowns, Gloves, Facial Protection, Sterilization Wraps, Protective Apparel, and Others), By End-user (Hospitals, Outpatient Facilities, Physician’s Offices, and Others), and Country Forecast, 2023-2030

The U.S. medical clothing market size was worth USD 42.26 billion in 2022 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 6.6% during the forecast period.

Medical clothing is the attire worn by healthcare professionals in healthcare settings. It provides a protective barrier, reducing the risk of contamination, and acts as an infection control unit that prevents the transmission of infections in healthcare settings. It is designed with specific features to ensure safety, hygiene, comfort, mobility, and functionality in a medical environment. In addition, wearing standard medical clothing, such as lab coats, scrubs, and others, maintains the professional appearance of the healthcare worker.

Moreover, the rising prevalence of emerging infectious diseases, stringent infection control regulations, advancements in fabric technology, growing innovations by key companies leading to new product introduction, and rising number of surgeries are the key factors contributing to the market growth.

• For instance, according to an article published in April 2023, in the U.S., around 900,000 cardiovascular surgeries are performed annually. Among all, coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) is one of the major procedures costing USD 6.0 billion to the U.S. healthcare system. In addition, the prevalence of cardiovascular disease is anticipated to increase between 2025 and 2060, which is further anticipated to lead to a greater number of surgical procedures.

The demand for medical clothing increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021 due to the increased importance of maintaining safety and hygiene in hospitals and clinics to control the spread of the virus.

U.S. Medical Clothing Market Trends

Preferential Shift Toward Biodegradable Medical Clothing to Reduce Medical Waste

Biodegradable medical clothing is designed to break down naturally and decompose into environmentally friendly components over time. These clothing are made up of natural and synthetic biodegradable raw materials, including cotton, hemp, biopolymers, and others. The growing awareness about green tech and sustainable green healthcare is leading to a preferential shift among users to use biodegradable medical clothing. In addition, the rising concern about the growing medical waste in the U.S. is encouraging market players to develop biodegradable medical clothing.

• For instance, in April 2022, SHOWA Group, a U.S.-based manufacturer of medical hand protection, received FDA 510(k) clearance for its biodegradable nitrile gloves for medical use. The approval was extended to SHOWA M7005PF, a fully biodegradable single-use nitrile glove for medical use.                                                                   

U.S. Medical Clothing Market Growth Factors

Increasing Prevalence of Infectious Diseases to Boost Product Usage, Driving Market Growth

The major factors contributing to the growing prevalence of infectious diseases include antimicrobial resistance, low immunity, and contagious virus variants, among others. The U.S. is witnessing a rising prevalence of infectious diseases, which is imposing a huge burden on the healthcare system due to associated risk factors. Owing to this, the U.S. government issues multiple policies and guidelines regarding the mandated use of protective medical apparel to ensure the safety of patients and healthcare providers. Protective clothing, such as gloves, masks, surgical gowns, face shields, and others, creates a barrier between healthcare workers and infectious agents, leading to the rising use of the product, which is anticipated to propel the U.S. medical clothing market growth.

• For instance, according to the 2021 Viral Hepatitis Surveillance Report published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2021, the U.S. reported approximately 5,728 hepatitis A cases, 2,045 acute hepatitis B cases, and 5,023 acute hepatitis C cases.

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As per the data published by American Hospital Association (AHA), in 2022 there were around 33.68 million hospital admissions in the U.S., experiencing an increase of 1.0% from 2020.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Rising Number of Product Recalls May Limit Market Growth

The high industrial standard for medical clothing and its raw materials are leading to the complex manufacturing of medical clothing. The process requires a regular quality check at each step, from raw materials to final production, which creates a challenge for manufacturers to follow all safety and regulatory compliance. In addition, due to a long supply chain of required material and manual intervention, there are high chances of contamination, damage, or any defect in final products, leading to significant incidences of product recalls, which is anticipated to limit the market growth during the forecast period.

• For instance, in September 2021, O&M Halyard Inc. announced a voluntary recall of all lots of its Sterling Zero Nitrile Powder-Free Exam Gloves, a patient examination glove. The recall was announced for the U.S., Canada, and European countries due to compromised quality of the product, including discoloration and loss of elasticity upon aging.     

U.S. Medical Clothing Market Segmentation Analysis

By Product Analysis

Based on product, the market is segmented into surgical drapes, scrubs and gowns, gloves, facial protection, sterilization wraps, protective apparel, and others.

The surgical drapes, scrubs and gowns segment accounted for the largest U.S. medical clothing market share in 2022. The segment’s high share is attributed to the rapidly growing usage due to the rising number of hospitalizations, increasing trauma cases, increasing number of surgeries, and rising incidence of infectious disease in the U.S. In addition, stringent regulations and mandated policies regarding the use of surgical drapes, scrubs and gowns are anticipated to contribute to the segment’s growth during the forecast period.

• For instance, according to a news article published in December 2022 in Los Angeles, the hospitalization rate witnessed a triple-fold increase from September to November 2021 owing to the increased cases of COVID-19. In addition, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health announced the mandate to wear masks upon reaching the threshold cases.

By End-user Analysis

Based on end-user, the market is segmented into hospitals, outpatient facilities, physician’s offices, and others.

In the U.S., the hospitals segment accounted for the largest share of the medical clothing market in 2022, owing to the increase in the number of hospitals and a high proportion of medical staff employed in hospitals compared to acute care settings.

• For instance, according to a report published by the U.S. Census Bureau in 2022, around 7 million healthcare professionals work at hospitals, including specialty, surgical, and general medical. In addition, around 2 million healthcare professionals work at outpatient care centers, and around 1.8 million are employed in nursing care facilities.

List of Key Companies in U.S. Medical Clothing Market

O&M Halyard, ANSELL LTD., Medline Industries, and Cardinal Health are the major players that accounted for significant market share in 2022. The wide product portfolio, reputed brand name, accessibility and product availability, and affordable products are the few key factors contributing to the dominance of these players in the market. In addition, the growing strategic initiatives by these players further enhance their presence in the U.S. market.

• For instance, in January 2021, ANSELL LTD. announced the acquisition of Primus Brand's life sciences business, including medical gloves. The acquisition aimed to expand its presence and supply chain networks.

Moreover, other market players, including 3M, BARCO UNIFORMS, Landau Uniforms, FIGS, INC., and Superior Group of Companies, Inc., are focusing on developing innovative products that are contributing to market expansion and are anticipated to build a stronger market position in the coming years.

An Infographic Representation of U.S. Medical Clothing Market

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LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• O&M Halyard (U.S.)


• ANSELL LTD. (Australia)


• Medline Industries (U.S.)


• Cardinal Health (U.S.)


• BARCO UNIFORMS (U.S.)


• Landau Uniforms (Kindthread) (U.S.)


• FIGS, INC. (U.S.)


• Superior Group of Companies, Inc. (U.S.)


• 3M (U.S.)


• Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. (U.S.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• August 2023: Kindthread announced the launch of the CRFT collection of medical scrubs with an aim to improve medical professionals' experience. The product was launched under its White Cross brand in the U.S.


• April 2023: Cardinal Health announced the launch of Stray Away Hair Management Drape. The surgical drape aimed to improve patient preparation time by minimizing the hair from obstructing the surgical area.


• January 2021: Amdrecor announced the launch of the Angel Shield Series, a face shield that provides the essential function of eye and face protection. The product is designed as personal protective equipment (PPE) and is disposable, lightweight, and easy to use.

REPORT COVERAGE

The report provides a detailed analysis of the U.S. medical clothing market. It focuses on key aspects such as regulatory scenarios, market trends, and technological advancements. In addition, it includes new product launches, key industry developments such as mergers, partnerships, and acquisitions, and the impact of COVID-19 on the market. Besides this, the report also highlights key industry dynamics.

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