Biggest Clothing Companies in the World
Starting a clothing business can be a lucrative entrepreneurial venture. This is especially true since the latest apparel industry statistics show that the sector is set to generate $1.79 trillion in worldwide revenues in 2024, a 3.5% annual increase.
Knowing what strategies work best for this sector brings you one step closer to success. To do that, you need to learn from the best. Here’s a look at the biggest clothing companies in the world.
Biggest clothing companies in the world: Key statistics
- France’s LVMH tops the list ranking the biggest clothing companies in the world by market capitalization, with a value of $359.7 billion in September 2024.
- Half of the top 10 clothing companies are headquartered in Europe.
- The 10 largest clothing companies encompass luxury brands, fast fashion, and athlete wear.
Largest clothing companies worldwide (as of Sep 2024)
|
Top clothing companies |
Market capitalization |
|
1. LVMH |
$359.7 billion |
|
2. Hermès |
$245.3 billion |
|
3. Inditex |
$167.0 billion |
|
4. TJX Companies |
$132.6 billion |
|
5. Nike |
$121.9 billion |
|
6. Dior |
$120.6 billion |
|
7. Fast Retailing |
$96.6 billion |
|
8. Cintas |
$80.6 billion |
|
9. Ross Stores |
$50.6 billion |
|
10. Adidas |
$45.3 billion |
1. LVMH: $359.7 billion
According to a recent ranking of the biggest clothing companies by market capitalization, LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, commonly known as LVMH, tops the list. As of September 2024, the French luxury goods fashion company has a market cap of $359.7 billion.
To put this figure in perspective, it accounts for more than one-fifth (20.1%) of the total market capitalization of the top 119 clothing companies, which totals $1.79 trillion. It is also almost 1.5 times the value of the second-biggest clothing company, Hermès.
2. Hermès: $245.3 billion
Renowned for its iconic Birken and Kelly bags, French luxury brand Hermès is the second-biggest clothing company in terms of market value. The company was founded in 1837 and is known for its high-quality craftsmanship and exclusive products, including leather goods, scarves, fragrances, and ready-to-wear fashion.
3. Inditex: $167 billion
Hermès is followed by Spain’s Inditex, which owns popular fashion brands Zara, Massimo Dutti, and Bershka. As of September 2024, Inditex’s market cap is valued at $167 billion.
Established in 1975 by Amancio Ortega, Inditex is based in Galicia, Spain. It’s recognized for its fast-fashion business model and swift adaptation to new fashion trends. With a presence spanning over 100 countries, Inditex boasts a network of over 7,000 stores globally.
4. TJX Companies: $132.6 billion
Massachusetts-based TJX Companies, which owns brands like T. J. Maxx, Marshalls, and HomeGoods, is the fourth-largest clothing company in the world. It has a market capitalization of $132.6 billion.
5. Nike: $121.9 billion
Nike, the popular US-based sportswear brand, rounds out the five biggest clothing companies in the world. It currently has a market capitalization of $121.9 billion, marking a 26.2% dip from the end of 2023.
The Oregon-headquartered firm has experienced a fall in value in recent years. After tremendous annual increases averaging 31.5% from 2019 to 2021, which brought its market cap to $263.6 billion in 2021, the company’s market cap went on to fall by 30.5% in 2022 and 9.7% in 2023.
6. Dior: $120.6 billion
Dior, an LVMH-owned company, is in sixth place, with a market cap of $120.6 billion. Apart from a 12.1% fall in 2022, Dior’s market value has largely risen year after year since 2016. Since the end of 2023, when its capitalization was recorded at $141.5 billion, the company’s worth has fallen by 14.8%.
7. Fast Retailing: $96.6 billion
Fast Retailing, a Japanese retail company, is the seventh-biggest clothing company, with a market cap of $96.6 billion. Fashion brands Uniqlo and GU are among its portfolio. Fast Retailing is also the only Asian company to feature on this list of the biggest clothing companies in the world.
8. Cintas: $80.6 billion
Cintas, another US-based company, is in eighth place, with $80.6 billion. Founded during the Great Depression in 1929, Cintas specializes in producing and selling workwear and uniforms.
Since 2009, other than a solitary decline of 0.2% in 2022, its corporate worth has steadily increased annually.
9. Ross Stores: $50.6 billion
California-based Ross Stores ranks next in ninth place, with a market cap of $50.6 billion. Established in 1982, Ross Stores operates as a chain of department stores selling branded and designer items at affordable prices. Products like homeware and decor can also often be found in its stores.
10. Adidas: $45.3 billion
Germany’s Adidas completes the list of the largest clothing companies. As of September 2024, the popular sports brand has a market value of $45.3 billion.
Known for its athletic shoes, apparel, and accessories, the brand is recognized by its three-stripe logo and offers products for various sports, including soccer, running, and basketball. Its ambassadors include famous athletes and musicians like Lionel Messi, James Harden, Beyoncé, and Pharrell Williams.
Largest clothing companies worldwide: overview
As of September 2024, the combined market capitalization of these 10 biggest clothing companies adds up to $1.4 trillion, accounting for more than three-quarters of the combined value of the top 119 clothing companies.
Of this top 10 list, five are headquartered in Europe, four are in North America, and one is in Asia.