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Disposable Hospital Gowns Market

The market for Disposable Hospital Gowns was estimated at $4.3 billion in 2024; it is anticipated to increase to $8.8 billion by 2030, with projections indicating growth to around $15.8 billion by 2035.

Report ID:DS1806031
Author:Debadatta Patel - Senior Consultant
Published Date:
Datatree
Life Science
Other Healthcare
Disposable Hospital Gowns
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Report Summary
Market Data
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Table of Contents

Global Disposable Hospital Gowns Market Outlook

Revenue, 2024

$4.3B

Forecast, 2034

$14.0B

CAGR, 2025 - 2034

12.5%

The Disposable Hospital Gowns industry revenue is expected to be around $4.9 billion in 2025 and expected to showcase growth with 12.5% CAGR between 2025 and 2034. As the healthcare industry focuses on preventing infections hospitals worldwide are putting more emphasis on Disposable Hospital Gowns. By choosing higher quality hospital gowns medical centres are able to better protect patients from infections and upgrade their PPE supplies. Medical facilities such as ambulatory surgery centers and hospitals are accountable for almost 77% of the demand for medical gowns, where high volumes are utilised in high acuity wards and operating theatres. Surgical gowns are the leading sector in the market, generating revenue of approximately $1.96 billion in the year 2024. This is due to a rise in the number of surgical procedures taking place, increased standards for infection control and the trend towards disposable hospital protective wear. A considerable priority for those operating within the market for disposable hospital gowns is developing more resilient supply chains. Along with this, these stakeholders are also concentrating on inventory optimisation and keeping up to date with ever changing standards for the barrier performance of these disposable gowns.

As such disposable hospital gowns remain essential goods used frequently in a medical context. Made from highly advanced synthetic nonwoven fabric or fluid resistant laminate materials, disposable surgical hospital gowns are designed for one use and provide the entire body with complete protection along with comfort. They serve both patients and doctors in different clinical settings. Key features include varying levels of protection suited to different risk profiles, secure closures and knit cuffs which enhance fit, breathable panels that are also impermeable in critical region's, and options for sterile or non sterile use to suit various procedures and infection control policies. In the medical field, surgical gowns are used in a variety of settings such as emergency care, intensive care, ambulatory surgical centres and hospitals where patient care and cross infection control is of the utmost importance. Growing demand for nonwoven disposable hospital gowns is driven by a number of factors, including the increasing adoption of the higher barrier, procedure specific disposable surgical gowns, the growing interest in the use of eco friendly, recyclable materials in disposable hospital gowns, and the inclusion of the gowns in the standard equipment kits for protective clothing.

Disposable Hospital Gowns market outlook with forecast trends, drivers, opportunities, supply chain, and competition 2024-2034
Disposable Hospital Gowns Market Outlook

Market Key Insights

  • The Disposable Hospital Gowns market is projected to grow from $4.3 billion in 2024 to $14.0 billion in 2034. This represents a CAGR of 12.5%, reflecting rising demand across Hospitals, Ambulatory Surgical Centers ASCs, and Diagnostic Laboratories.

  • The competitive landscape of the market is defined by players such as 3M, Cardinal Health and Medline Industries Inc.

  • The United States and China are projected to be major markets within the disposable hospital gowns sector. Their respective growth rates are anticipated to range from 11.3% to 15.0% by 2030, commencing from 2024.

  • Markets in Brazil, South Africa and India are likely to expand at a compound rate of 8.8% 13.1%.

  • The shift towards eco friendly disposable hospital gowns is expected to spur the market for these products through to 2030, with this trend likely to add $1 billion to theindustry'sgrowth.

  • Over the period from 2024 to 2034, the Disposable Hospital Gowns industry is expected to rise by $9.7 billion. It is forecasted that those manufacturing hospital gowns will primarily be targeting use in the ambulatory surgery centres and diagnostic laboratories.

  • Hospitals are becoming increasingly vigilant in regards to hygiene and due to advances in the technology behind nonwovens, there is expected to be a rise of 225% in disposable hospital gowns between 2024 and 2034.

disposable hospital gowns market size with pie charts of major and emerging country share, CAGR, trends for 2025 and 2032
Disposable Hospital Gowns - Country Share Analysis

Opportunities in the Disposable Hospital Gowns

The spread of highly contagious resistant bacterial and viral infections in Indian and Southeast Asian hospitals has led many facilities to move away from reusable hospital gowns made of cotton. The disposable segment for isolation gowns is also currently expanding at the greatest rate of all. They are due to reach $3.11 billion by the year 2030 from $1.37 billion in 2020. There is a considerable market potential in high barrier disposable isolation gowns produced with SMS/SMMS materials, directed at infection control departments and ICU units found in large public hospitals and private healthcare groups in smaller cities.

Growth Opportunities in North America and Asia-Pacific

Healthcare establishments in North America are the principal consumers of disposable hospital gowns due to a high volume of surgery. This is largely because of surgical procedures which are complicated and rigorous hygiene precautions taken to prevent the spread of infection. These precautions include both surgical gowns and the gowns that are worn by patients to prevent cross infection. Regional factors driving the market include the demand for premium nonwoven fabrics used in medical clothing, hospital policies and regulations regarding the use of nonwoven fabrics in medical clothing and the shift in preference from medical textiles that can be reused to disposable ones. In the market, several factors contribute to the fierce competition for medical gloves. This competition involves established multinational manufacturers, local market companies and private label hospital suppliers. These businesses compete based on factors including quality and innovative products, not only price. This makes it more difficult for companies to enter this industry, yet it also provides an opportunity for businesses to specialise in high performance gloves. Key opportunities exist in disposable hospital gowns that are tailored to the patients risk category, made to either standard, reinforced or high fluid procedures, and also in sustainable hospital supplies that address the hospitals environmental impact without reducing patient safety. Additionally, producing the gowns domestically increases the supply chain resilience and secures long term contracts with integrated delivery networks and the group purchasing organisations. Prioritisation should be given to collaboration with the infection control departments and operating theatre teams in hospitals. The company should focus on the benefits of surgical garments which provide comfort in addition to protection. Ambulatory surgical centres, a growing market with cost constraints, need to be specifically targeted.
The primary and fastest growing application sector for disposable hospital robes in Asia Pacific is the hospitals. This expansion is largely due to rising volumes of surgery, faster growth in medical facilities and also the governments focus on preventing hospital acquired infections. Diagnostic laboratories and those who use the service at home are also now beginning to use disposable robes for isolation. The factors driving the market for healthcare infection control products include increasing awareness of infectious diseases, investments by government bodies to improve the standards for use of infection control clothing and PPE, growth in medical tourism, and the need to extend healthcare cover to the general population. The market for surgical apparel is much more fragmented than it is in North America where the majority of surgical gowns are produced. Countries with theses of facilities have local companies producing inexpensive gowns, along with global businesses manufacturing surgical apparel which meets rigorous global quality control standards. This produces a two tier market where products are priced and differentiated on the basis of price against quality. The key market opportunities are found in the mid range disposable hospital gowns that offer a balance of price and protection, local production taking advantage of the current capacity in non woven fabrics and standardising the product range to meet international classifications which facilitates international purchases. Businesses should focus on forming alliances with the countrys leading hospital groups and medical purchasing cooperatives. They should upgrade from supplying basic gowns to selling tiered performance portfolios. Customers should be provided with information about the long term cost benefits of reusing gowns. Additionally, companies should design and make gowns in a range of sizes tailored to suit the clinical needs of different region's. It would be beneficial to supply these with other medical items used by operating theatres and other high risk departments to prevent other companies from selling these products.

Market Dynamics and Supply Chain

01

Driver: Increasing Healthcare-Associated Infection Concerns and Rising Hospitalization Rates Globally

The market for disposable hospital gowns is also strongly driven by the growing awareness of healthcare-associated infections and the rising number of hospitalizations worldwide. HAIs, including surgical site infections, bloodstream infections, and respiratory infections, pose serious risks to patients and increase healthcare costs, prompting hospitals to adopt single-use protective apparel like disposable gowns. These gowns reduce cross-contamination and ensure compliance with strict infection control protocols. Simultaneously, increasing hospital admissions due to aging populations, chronic diseases, and the rise of outpatient procedures are also boosting demand for protective disposable garments. High patient turnover in both inpatient and outpatient settings requires frequent gown replacement, further driving market growth. Manufacturers are also responding with innovations such as SMS fabric gowns, reinforced barrier layers, and breathable materials that enhance comfort and protection. Together, infection control imperatives and higher patient volumes create sustained demand across hospitals, ASCs, and diagnostic laboratories, ensuring ongoing market expansion and adoption of advanced disposable gown solutions.
A key driver of the disposable hospital gown market is also the development of advanced fabrics and barrier technologies. Innovations such as SMS (spunbond-meltblown-spunbond) nonwoven fabrics, reinforced fluid-resistant layers, and antimicrobial coatings improve protection against blood, bodily fluids, and pathogens. These advancements enhance wearer comfort, increase gown durability, and meet evolving regulatory standards, making gowns more effective in infection prevention and highly preferred in hospitals, ASCs, and diagnostic laboratories.
02

Restraint: High Raw Material Costs and Supply Chain Disruptions Increase Product Prices and Limit Adoption

Fluctuating prices of polypropylene, polyethylene, and SMS nonwoven fabrics directly impact the cost of disposable hospital gowns, squeezing profit margins for manufacturers and increasing procurement costs for hospitals and clinics. Supply chain disruptions, such as those seen during recent global outbreaks and logistics constraints, lead to stock shortages and delayed deliveries. These challenges reduce purchasing volumes, especially for price‑sensitive ambulatory surgical centers and smaller diagnostic laboratories, restraining overall market growth and slowing revenue expansion.
03

Opportunity: Rising demand for comfort-focused disposable patient gowns among elderly and bariatric inpatients in Japan and Northern Europe and Expanding utilization of disposable surgical gowns in high-throughput outpatient and ambulatory surgery centers across United States

Patients in Japan, Germany and the Nordic countries are requiring increasing lengths of hospital and convalescent stay. Surgeons are undertaking more operations due to the ageing populations of these countries. Payments to healthcare providers are tied to patient satisfaction ratings. The growing need for patient care leads to a call for hospital gowns which cater to infection control, patient dignity, comfort and cater to plus sized patients. Worldwide, patient gowns will expand from $0.68 billion in the year 2024 to $1.28 billion by the year 2030 at a compound annual growth rate of 11.2%. The fastest expansion will be in disposable gowns with a soft touch for the elderly and obese in both acute and non acute care.
Outpatient and surgical centres which perform operations outside of hospital are witnessing a rapid growth due to numerous operations moving from in patient hospital environments to these centres. This movement has led to hospitals having a higher turnover of patients and implementing more strict infection controls. This product is especially ideal for disposable surgical gowns, particularly those with AAMI Level 3 or 4 ratings. Between 2024 and 2030, surgical gowns are forecast to expand from $1.96 billion to $3.85 billion at a 11.9% CAGR. Disposable surgical gowns with advanced qualities that meet the requirements of ASCs are presently the fastest growing region in the field of these products. This is particularly true for procedure specific packs.
04

Challenge: Environmental Sustainability Concerns and Regulatory Pressure on Single‑Use Medical Products

Growing concerns about plastic waste, environmental pollution, and landfill burden place pressure on healthcare facilities and regulators to reduce single‑use products. Disposable hospital gowns contribute significant medical waste, prompting some institutions to reconsider usage levels or seek reusable alternatives. This trend can dampen demand for traditional disposable gowns, slow adoption rates, and necessitate investment in recycling or sustainable material development, adding cost and complexity for suppliers and end users alike.

Supply Chain Landscape

1

Raw Materials

DuPontBerry Global
2

Disposable Hospital Gowns

Cardinal Health3M
3

Healthcare Distribution

Medline Industries Inc.Standard Textile Co. Inc.Angelica
4

Clinical End Users

HospitalsSurgical CentersDiagnostic Laboratories
Disposable Hospital Gowns - Supply Chain

Use Cases of Disposable Hospital Gowns in Hospitals & Ambulatory Surgical Centers ASCs

Hospitals : In hospitals, disposable hospital gowns play a critical role in infection prevention and patient safety by providing sterile, single‑use protective barriers for healthcare workers and patients. Surgical gowns, isolation gowns, and procedure gowns made from non‑woven polypropylene materials are predominantly used due to their fluid resistance and breathability. These gowns help reduce cross‑contamination in high‑risk environments such as operating rooms, emergency departments, and intensive care units. Leading suppliers like Medline Industries, Cardinal Health, 3M, and Kimberly‑Clark Professional hold strong positions in the hospital segment by offering broad portfolios with variable protection levels meeting ASTM and AAMI standards. Their strengths include consistent quality, wide distribution channels, and strong regulatory compliance, which support large hospital purchasing agreements and ongoing demand for disposable protective apparel.
Ambulatory Surgical Centers ASCs : In ambulatory surgical centers, disposable surgical gowns and perioperative gowns are preferred for their convenience and rapid turnover during outpatient procedures. These lightweight yet protective gowns help maintain sterile fields and streamline workflow between successive surgeries. ASCs favor products that balance high fluid resistance with comfort, as they cater to a growing number of same‑day procedures. Major manufacturers such as Cardinal Health, Medline Industries, Ansell Healthcare, and Kimberly‑Clark Professional supply ASCs with tailored gown options designed for easy donning and secure fit. Their strength lies in meeting diverse procedural requirements and offering cost‑effective solutions that support efficient inventory management and regulatory compliance in outpatient settings.
Diagnostic Laboratories : Diagnostic laboratories utilize disposable lab gowns and coats to safeguard personnel from exposure to biological specimens, reagents, and chemical splashes. Lightweight, lint‑free disposable gowns made from polyethylene or SMS fabrics are common, often paired with additional PPE like gloves and face shields. These gowns support biosafety levels and help prevent sample contamination, critical for accurate testing outcomes. Top market players including Kimberly‑Clark Professional, Medline Industries, Honeywell Safety Products, and Cardinal Health offer gowns with barrier performance suited for lab workflows. Their strengths include specialization in protective apparel that meets industry standards, strong brand recognition, and established supply chains that ensure consistent availability for high‑volume diagnostic and research environments.

Recent Developments

Recent developments in the disposable hospital gown market highlight a strong shift toward antimicrobial fabrics, fluid-resistant materials, and RFID-enabled inventory management. Manufacturers are innovating to provide gowns that enhance infection control, patient safety, and operational efficiency across hospitals, ASCs, and diagnostic laboratories. A key trend is the growing adoption of sustainable and single-use gowns to reduce cross-contamination risks while supporting workflow optimization. These advancements are driving competitive differentiation among leading suppliers like Medline Industries, Cardinal Health, and Kimberly‑Clark Professional, expanding market reach and improving healthcare facility compliance with safety standards.

November 2025 : Cardinal Health introduced its SmartGown EDGE breathable surgical gown featuring built‑in ASSIST instrument pockets designed to enhance surgical team efficiency and instrument accessibility during operations.
March 2024 : Medline Industries Inc. secured FDA 510(k) regulatory clearance for its Open‑Back Level 3 Protective Gown, a disposable hospital gown meeting AAMI Level 3 barrier standards for moderate‑risk clinical tasks.

Impact of Industry Transitions on the Disposable Hospital Gowns Market

As a core segment of the Other Healthcare industry, the Disposable Hospital Gowns market develops in line with broader industry shifts. Over recent years, transitions such as Shift Towards Eco-friendly Options and Implementation of Advanced Technologies have redefined priorities across the Other Healthcare sector, influencing how the Disposable Hospital Gowns market evolves in terms of demand, applications and competitive dynamics. These transitions highlight the structural changes shaping long-term growth opportunities.
01

Shift Towards Eco-friendly Options

Compliance is increasingly being driven by a trend towards environmentally friendly disposable hospital gowns which will contribute to an extra $1 billion in market growth by 2030. The increasing strictness of healthcare systems environmental regulations is driving up the demand for medical gowns and medical textiles which decompose more easily. These decompose more easily medical gowns and textiles help in minimising the quantities of hospital waste without impacting protection against infection or the barrier function. Companies that shift their product lines to the production of gowns from the biodegradable materials and recyclable materials, which have been certified by the recognised green schemes, should be rewarded with premium pricing, longer term contracts and improved regulatory compliance. This shift is affecting product requirements, supply chain planning and the way companies differentiate themselves from competitors, making sustainable disposable hospital gowns a factor in future business success and value creation.
02

Implementation of Advanced Technologies

The implementation of advanced technologies is reshaping the disposable hospital gown market by improving both patient safety and operational efficiency. Innovations such as RFID-enabled inventory tracking allow hospitals and ASCs to monitor gown usage, optimize stock levels, and reduce wastage, while antimicrobial gown materials help minimize the risk of healthcare-associated infections. These advancements also impact supply chain management and hospital logistics, enabling faster restocking and cost savings. For example, major hospitals adopting RFID tracking systems have reported more accurate inventory management and reduced gown shortages during peak surgical periods. Similarly, laboratories and diagnostic centers benefit from antimicrobial gowns, which protect staff handling infectious specimens, enhancing safety protocols. The integration of technology in gown design and management not only strengthens infection control practices but also encourages collaborations between textile manufacturers, healthcare technology providers, and medical supply companies, driving innovation and efficiency across the healthcare PPE ecosystem.