Mintel last examined the market for bras and pants in September 2001. At that time, the market had begun to boom and trading has continued to be buoyant ever since. Consumers, inspired by celebrity style, are buying more bras and pants and showing a tendency to trade up. Major retailers, especially Marks & Spencer, have improved their segmentation of bras and pants with more premium ranges under sub-brands, adding to the overall choice for consumers. At the same time prices are dropping. This is due to cheaper imports, especially influenced by bras and pants coming in from Eastern Europe and the Far East. This has helped the discounters to serve an even wider range of bras and pants at low prices. These two factors have both been influential in helping to stimulate demand.

This report has been designed to offer you a revenue-driving understanding of the UK bras and pants market, providing the level of information you need to focus your marketing activity towards real demand and real opportunity. It provides a major overview of the developments that have shaped the market over the last two years, examining the category and its sectors in great detail. In addition, this report also contains exclusive insight into the consumer needs that underpin and determine the market dynamics, further bolstering your market knowledge.

Key findings include:

Consumer research carried out by Mintel throughout this report highlights just how an evolving interest in fashion is creating numerous opportunities for manufacturers and retailers. Women are more likely to have a 'wardrobe' of underwear, buying different styles and types for different occasions. Necessity may well drive the market but fashion influences are creating a "must have culture" and stimulating demand. When Mintel asked consumers what made them buy a bra and pants in the last 12 months, 62 and 60% respectively indicated replacement reasons. But 29 and 26% of respondents indicating they bought bras and then pants 'to treat' themselves. This is an important factor that both suppliers and retailers can take into their marketing.

The report covers all bras including teenage bras, sports bras and maternity bras as well as women's briefs/pants including light control pants, but not foundation garments. The term briefs is taking over from pants in womenswear retailing and includes all types of styling, such as tangas, thongs, strings, hipsters, boxers, hot pants and French knickers. The terms briefs and pants are used interchangeably in this report. Following these definitions, this report offers you new insight into:

Market drivers/ Market size and trends/ Market segmentation/ The supply structure/ Advertising and promotion/ Distribution/ Consumer attitudes and trends/ Future trends/ Sales forecasts

Other related reports include:

- Underwear Retailing - UK, Retail Intelligence, April 2003

- Women's Outerwear - UK, Market Intelligence, July 2000

- Designerwear - UK, Market Intelligence, July 2002

- Stockings and Tights - UK, Market Intelligence, February 2002

- Womenswear UK, Consumer Goods Intelligence, November 2001

- Women's Designerwear Retailing - UK, Retail Intelligence, June 2001

- Womenswear Mainstream Retailing - UK, Retail Intelligence, May 2001.