Why Workwear is the Next Big Thing in Fashion: A Deep Dive into Blackyak, Kolon, and Daehan Steel’s Latest Innovations

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Safety took center stage after the Serious Accidents Punishment Act — and workwear sales have climbed every year
Blackyak, Kolon, Daehan Steel and others roll out brands and new products

Since the Serious Accidents Punishment Act took effect in 2022, safety at industrial sites has become a top priority, and workwear has emerged as a blue ocean for the fashion industry. Brands are moving in, designing high-quality work clothing tailored to specific job sites and worker needs.

On the 20th, market research firm Allied Market Research estimated last year’s global workwear market at $17.75 billion (about 25.796 trillion KRW). It expects the market to grow to $27.87 billion by 2031 (about 40.5034 trillion KRW).

In Korea, firms aggressively expanding into workwear include Blackyak I&C, Kolon Industries FnC (Kolon FnC), and Daehan Steel’s label Akord.

Blackyak I&C, an affiliate of the BYN Blackyak Group, now offers 236 items, from safety boots to high-performance apparel and accessories. Founded in 2013 as an industrial safety-goods maker, the company has averaged 27% sales growth over the past three years. Its best seller is the S-heating vest, which uses an auxiliary battery to deliver warmth. While the company built its business mainly through dealer-focused B2B channels, it has been expanding into B2C—entering Lotte Mart last year and moving into Costco and Traders this year to reach everyday consumers.

Blackyak I&C runs a two-track brand strategy: premium Blackyak Workwear and mid-to-upper tier Works One, targeting different price points. The company aims for sales of 43 billion KRW and operating profit of 10.2 billion KRW this year (approximately $32.25 million and $7.65 million, respectively).

Kolon FnC launched the workwear brand Boldist in 2020. Boldist offers specialized lines such as the Mechanic Line for auto and motorcycle technicians, the Aramid Line for carpenters working on interiors and exteriors, and the FR Shield Line for welders.

Unlike legacy workwear labels that prioritized B2B, Boldist started out targeting consumers and has been expanding into B2B since last year. To support that shift, Boldist set up an internal B2B task force focused on high-performance safety shoes and custom workwear built from customer feedback. The brand also partnered with Hyundai Motor to release a functional impact-protection hat, the Safety Cap, for workers at its High-Tech Center.

Hyungji Elite is also stepping up, promoting durable, functional pieces across both B2B and B2C under its Willbe Workwear line. Once known mainly for uniforms, Willbe refreshed its brand identity in 2023 and is broadening its market reach.

Even a steelmaker has jumped into the space. Daehan Steel launched a workwear production task force as a new business project and now runs the Akord brand independently. Akord makes flame-retardant clothing, uniforms, and safety boots, customizing all products to reflect site conditions and worker input.

Akord initially focused on outfitting Daehan Steel, but as it grew its customer base, external orders now account for about 90% of total output. The brand has expanded beyond steel into construction, shipbuilding, mobility, chemicals, and other industries.

An industry insider said, “Demand for better-looking, more functional workwear is rising even in hazardous industrial environments, so this market is likely to keep growing.”