# Headwear Market

> Headwear Market Size, Share, Industry Trend & Analysis Research Report Information By Product Type (Caps and Hats, Beanies, Headbands, Others), By Material (Cotton, Wool, Polyester, Leather, Nylon, Others), By End-User (Adult, Kids), By Distribution Channel (Offline Retail Stores, Online Retail Stores), By Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East & Africa) - Forecast Till 2035

- **Forecast Period:** 2026-2035
- **CAGR:** 5.10%
- **2025:** USD 25.80 Billion
- **2035:** USD 42.40 Billion
- **Key Players:** Nike Inc., Adidas AG, Under Armour Inc., Puma SE, Columbia Sportswear, '47 Brand, Carhartt Inc., Kangol

**Report ID:** MRFR/CG/10365-CR · **Pages:** 128 · **Author:** Aarti Dhapte · **Last Updated:** July 20, 2026

**URL:** https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/headwear-market-11886

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## Market Summary

As per Market Research Future analysis, The Global Headwear Market Size was estimated at 20694.88 USD Million in 2024. The headwear industry is projected to grow from 21758.6 USD Million in 2025 to 35917.87 USD Million by 2035, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.14% during the forecast period 2025 - 2035. North America holds the largest share of the global Headwear Market at approximately 35%, driven by strong consumer demand for sports merchandise, fashion-forward accessories, and an established retail culture supporting diverse headwear styles. The United States is the leading country within North America, capturing approximately 30% of the global Headwear Market share, fueled by high sports culture, celebrity endorsements, and strong brand presence across sports leagues such as the MLB, NFL, and NBA. Caps and Hats dominate the Headwear Market as the largest product type segment, accounting for approximately 58% of the global market share, driven by their versatile design, widespread consumer acceptance across all age groups, and dual appeal as both functional and fashion accessories.

## Market Drivers

## Driver Impact Analysis

| Driver | ~% Impact on CAGR | Geographic Relevance | Impact Timeline | Ref |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Athleisure & lifestyle integration | 22% | Global | Short-term (≤2 yr) | [1] |
| E-commerce & DTC channel growth | 18% | Global | Short-term (≤2 yr) | [6] |
| UV-protection & health awareness | 15% | APAC, Europe, Oceania | Medium-term (2–4 yr) | [8] |
| Licensed sports merchandise expansion | 14% | North America, Europe | Long-term (≥4 yr) | [9] |
| Sustainable & recycled material mandates | 13% | Europe, North America | Medium-term (2–4 yr) | [10] |
| Customization & on-demand manufacturing | 10% | Global | Long-term (≥4 yr) | [11] |
| Urbanization in emerging economies | 8% | APAC, South America, MEA | Long-term (≥4 yr) | [12] |

### Athleisure and Lifestyle Integration

The blurring of athletic and casual wardrobes has elevated headwear from a niche accessory to a daily essential. Celebrity endorsements and social-media styling trends on TikTok and Instagram have further compressed the purchase decision cycle, particularly among 18–34-year-old consumers who treat headwear as a key identity marker.

### E-Commerce and DTC Channel Growth

Digital storefronts were the most lucrative segment, accounting for roughly a quarter of all Headwear Market revenue in 2025 and growing. [Apparel](https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/apparel-market-65907)-accessories businesses on Shopify’s platform had a 12.3% rise in average order value during the 2024 holiday season, in part because configurator capabilities allowed buyers to sample embroidered and patch-customized products in real time [[6]](https://shopify.com). Brands like New Era and ’47 have made significant investments in first-party data stacks that cut customer acquisition expenses by as much as 30% compared with selling on the marketplace [[13]](https://fanatics.com).

### UV-Protection and Health Awareness

Australia's SunSmart program — backed by AUD 18 million in annual government funding — has demonstrably increased wide-brim and legionnaire-style hat usage rates among school-age children by 22% since 2020 [[8]](https://cancer.org.au). The EU's Horizon Europe framework signals that health-oriented headwear is transitioning from lifestyle choice to regulated consumer protection product [[10]](https://ec.europa.eu).

### Licensed Sports Merchandise Expansion

Major League Baseball alone has licensed product revenues exceeding USD 3 billion on an annual basis, with on-field caps being the top-selling accessory category [[9]](https://mlb.com). The proliferation of leagues, with Premier League viewership up +14% across Southeast Asia, is helping to drive licensed headgear demand into areas where it was previously non-existent, providing a sustainable long-term development vector for the headgear Market.

## Restraints

## Restraints Impact Analysis

The restraint impacts below are directional, representing potential drag on the headline CAGR. They do not sum to a total subtraction and should be read alongside the drivers in Section 4 for a balanced view.

| Restraint | ~% Impact on CAGR | Geographic Relevance | Impact Timeline | Ref |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Raw-material price volatility | –6% | Global | Short-term (≤2 yr) | [14] |
| Counterfeiting & IP infringement | –5% | APAC, South America | Medium-term (2–4 yr) | [15] |
| Seasonal demand concentration | –4% | North America, Europe | Short-term (≤2 yr) | [16] |
| Supply-chain disruptions | –3% | Global | Medium-term (2–4 yr) | [17] |
| Slow adoption of premium pricing in emerging economies | –3% | APAC, MEA, South America | Long-term (≥4 yr) | [12] |

### Raw-Material Price Volatility

Cotton futures on ICE averaged 66 to 71 cents per pound in 2024, a 9% increase from 2023 levels, squeezing margins for mid-tier manufacturers that lack long-term supply contracts [[14]](https://theice.com). Wool prices have exhibited similar volatility, with the Australian Wool Exchange reporting intermittent 15%+ quarterly swings. This cost unpredictability makes retail price planning difficult and compresses profitability across the Headwear Market value chain.

### Counterfeiting and IP Infringement

The OECD estimated that counterfeit apparel and accessories accounted for USD 449-467 billion in seized goods globally during 2023, with headwear representing a disproportionate share because caps are low-cost, high-margin products easy to replicate [[15]](https://oecd.org). Licensed brands incur substantial enforcement costs — New Era alone filed over 1,200 takedown notices on major e-commerce platforms in 2024. Counterfeit infiltration erodes brand equity and depresses legitimate Headwear Market revenue in price-sensitive regions.

### Seasonal Demand Concentration

Inventory management issues arise due to approximately 40% of yearly unit sales of headgear occurring in North America and Europe in Q2 and Q3 [[16]](https://.com). Retailers that squeeze full-price sell-through rates sometimes use end-of-season markdowns, while manufacturers incur idle-capacity costs in the off-peak quarters. However, brands that successfully expand their product lines to include categories that are year-round, such as winter beanies and rain-resistant styles, can somewhat offset cyclicality.

## Opportunities

## Headwear Market Opportunities

### Customization-as-a-Service Platforms

On-demand embroidery, heat-transfer printing and patch-application kiosks are giving rise to headgear personalization ecosystems that command a 25–40% price premium over off-the-shelf items. Printful and Lids’ in-store Custom Zone are lowering the minimum-order barriers for small businesses, youth sports leagues and event organizers. This also carries over to B2B corporate gifting, with branded headwear being among the top three most-ordered promotional goods by unit volume.

### Sustainable Materials and Circular Business Models

The EU's Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles, finalized in March 2022, will require all textile products sold in the region to meet minimum recycled-content thresholds by 2030 [[10]](https://ec.europa.eu). Brands that pre-invest in certified recycled polyester, organic cotton, and bio-based nylon can capture shelf-space advantages and premium positioning. Take-back and refurbishment programs — where worn caps are cleaned, re-embroidered, and resold — present an untapped revenue loop within the Headwear Market.

### Emerging-Market Urbanization

India's urban population is projected to exceed 600 million by 2031, while sub-Saharan Africa's urban base is growing at 4.1% annually [[12]](https://un.org). Rising middle-class populations in these regions correlate strongly with discretionary spending on fashion accessories. The Headwear Market stands to benefit as organized retail footprints expand — Reliance Retail in India alone added 1800 new stores in fiscal year 2024, many of which carry branded headwear lines.

### Smart and Functional Headwear Integration

Wearable-technology integration — including Bluetooth audio modules, bone-conduction speakers, and solar-powered LED safety lights — is creating an adjacent premium tier. Outdoor-workwear brands have begun embedding NFC-enabled inventory tags for construction-site compliance tracking. The convergence of headwear with IoT functionality opens cross-sell partnerships with electronics and safety-equipment manufacturers.

### Data-Driven Merchandising and Demand Forecasting

Using AI-powered demand-sensing tools from suppliers like EDITED and Trendalytics, headgear brands can now predict trends in style, colour and silhouette up to 8-12 weeks ahead of traditional purchasing cycles. Brands that adopt these platforms can eliminate excess inventory by as much as 20% and accelerate speed-to-market, collecting early-mover margin in trend-sensitive categories such as the Headwear Market.

## Future Outlook

## Headwear Market Future Outlook

### Personalization and On-Demand Manufacturing

Advances in direct-to-garment embroidery, laser-cutting, and AI-driven design software will push the headwear industry toward a made-to-order model by the late 2020s. estimates that personalized fashion products command margins 20–35% higher than standardized equivalents [[18]](https://.com). For the Headwear Market, this shift will reward brands with agile supply chains capable of producing single-unit orders profitably.

### Sustainability Reporting and Compliance

The EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive and California's SB 253 will require transparent Scope 3 emissions disclosure from apparel companies by 2027 [[10]](https://ec.europa.eu). Headwear brands sourcing from vertically integrated mills with certified environmental management systems will gain procurement preference from major retailers. Carbon-neutral product lines may become table stakes for shelf access in Europe and North America within the Headwear Market.

### Digital-First Consumer Engagement

Augmented-reality virtual try-on tools — already deployed by Nike and Warby Parker — will become standard across the Headwear Market by 2030. Social commerce via TikTok Shop, Instagram Checkout, and emerging platforms will compress the discovery-to-purchase funnel to under 60 seconds. Brands that master short-form video content and influencer partnerships will capture disproportionate share among Gen Z and Gen Alpha consumers.

### Functional Performance and Health Integration

The global wearable-technology sector is projected to exceed USD 230 billion by 2030 [[19]](https://.com). Headwear is a natural form factor for bone-conduction audio, biometric sensors, and UV-exposure trackers. Collaborations between [sportswear](https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/sportswear-market-16113) companies and health-tech firms will yield products targeting runners, cyclists, and outdoor workers — expanding the Headwear Market beyond fashion into wellness and occupational safety.

## Segment Insights

## Headwear Market Segmentation

### By Product Type

| Segment | Key Metric | Primary Demand Driver |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Caps and Hats | 65.0% share (2025) | Sports licensing, streetwear, and workwear |
| Beanies | USD 4.12 Billion (2025) | Cold-climate regions and fashion trend cycles |
| Headbands | 5.80% CAGR (2026–2035) | Fitness, athleisure, and yoga participation |
| Others | USD 1.85 Billion (2025) | Visors, turbans, fascinators, and niche formats |

Caps and Hats dominate the Headwear Market because they straddle functional, fashion, and promotional use cases simultaneously. Licensed sports caps — particularly those tied to MLB, NFL, and Premier League clubs — maintain year-round sell-through that few other accessories match. The segment benefits from relatively low price sensitivity, as consumers routinely own multiple caps for different occasions, teams, and outfits.

Headbands represent the fastest-growing product type, driven by the fitness-first lifestyles of millennial and Gen Z consumers. Yoga, running, and CrossFit participation rates have climbed steadily since the pandemic, and moisture-wicking performance headbands have transitioned from gym-only items to everyday athleisure accessories.

### By Material

| Segment | Key Metric | Primary Demand Driver |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Cotton | 46.4% share (2025) | Breathability, comfort, and natural-fibre preference |
| Wool | USD 2.84 Billion (2025) | Premium winter headwear and heritage fashion |
| Polyester | 6.55% CAGR (2026–2035) | Performance wear, recycled content, and durability |
| Leather | 3.8% share (2025) | Luxury and artisanal positioning |
| Nylon | USD 1.22 Billion (2025) | Water-resistant and outdoor applications |
| Others | 4.90% CAGR (2026–2035) | Bamboo, hemp, and emerging bio-based textiles |

Cotton continues to lead the Headwear Market material mix because consumers associate it with comfort and breathability — attributes that matter across climates and use cases. Organic cotton certifications (GOTS, BCI) add a sustainability halo that justifies modest price premiums, particularly in European and North American channels.

Polyester is gaining ground rapidly as recycled-PET variants achieve near-parity with virgin fibre in hand-feel and dye uptake. Major brands including Nike, Adidas, and Patagonia have committed to 100% recycled polyester across their accessory lines by 2030, which will further accelerate polyester's share in the Headwear Market through the forecast period.

### By End-User

| Segment | Key Metric | Primary Demand Driver |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Adult | 86.5% share (2025) | Broad application across fashion, sports, and workwear |
| Kids | 6.45% CAGR (2026–2035) | Character licensing, school sun-safety policies, and gifting |

Adults account for the overwhelming majority of Headwear Market revenue, spanning professional workwear, casual fashion, and performance-sport end uses. The kids segment, while smaller, is expanding faster thanks to school-mandated sun-protection policies in Australia and parts of Europe, plus strong character-licensing demand from properties like Disney, Marvel, and Pokémon.

### By Distribution Channel

| Segment | Key Metric | Primary Demand Driver |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Offline Retail Stores | 75.1% share (2025) | Try-on experience, impulse purchase, and brand immersion |
| Online Retail Stores | 6.75% CAGR (2026–2035) | Convenience, configurators, and social commerce |

Offline retail retains its dominance in the Headwear Market because fit, fabric feel, and visual styling remain tactile decisions for most consumers. Department stores, sporting-goods chains, and branded concept stores deliver experiential engagement that digital channels struggle to replicate. Online channels are closing the gap swiftly, however, powered by AR try-on tools, influencer-driven social commerce, and subscription-box models that reduce purchase friction.

## Regional Market Share Analysis

## Regional Market Share Analysis

| Region | Key Metric | Primary Investment Themes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| North America | 38.0% share (2025) | Licensed sports, DTC e-commerce, customization |
| Europe | USD 6.58 Billion (2025) | Luxury fashion, sustainability compliance, outdoor sports |
| Asia-Pacific | 6.55% CAGR (2026–2035) | Urbanization, fast fashion, digital commerce |
| South America | USD 2.06 Billion (2025) | Retail modernization, streetwear culture |
| Middle East & Africa | 5.25% CAGR (2026–2035) | Youth demographics, sports tourism, e-commerce infrastructure |
| Total | USD 25.80 Billion (2025) | — |

The Headwear Market spans five major regions, each shaped by distinct consumer preferences, distribution maturity, and regulatory environments. North America remains the revenue leader, though Asia-Pacific's growth trajectory positions it as the primary engine of incremental volume through 2035.

### North America

| Country | Key Metric | Key Driver |
| --- | --- | --- |
| United States | 72.5% of regional share | MLB/NFL licensed merchandise ecosystem |
| Canada | USD 1.45 Billion (2025) | Outdoor recreation and winter sports |
| Mexico | 5.20% CAGR (2026–2035) | Expanding organized retail and streetwear adoption |

The United States anchors North American demand through a unique confluence of professional sports culture, celebrity-driven streetwear, and a well-developed DTC infrastructure. MLB's exclusive on-field cap partnership with New Era generates hundreds of millions in retail revenue annually [[9]](https://mlb.com). Canada's headwear consumption is closely tied to its outdoor-recreation economy, with wide-brim sun hats gaining traction alongside traditional winter beanie purchases.

### Europe

| Country | Key Metric | Key Driver |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Germany | 19.8% of regional share | Outdoor activity culture and workwear standards |
| United Kingdom | USD 1.15 Billion (2025) | Fashion retail and Premier League merchandising |
| France | 4.95% CAGR (2026–2035) | Luxury headwear and haute couture influence |
| Italy | 14.2% of regional share | Artisan craftsmanship and luxury export |
| Spain | USD 0.52 Billion (2025) | Tourism-driven seasonal demand |
| Nordic Countries | 4.80% CAGR (2026–2035) | Sustainable-textile leadership |
| Russia | 8.5% of regional share | Cold-climate functional headwear demand |
| Rest of Europe | USD 0.68 Billion (2025) | Diverse fashion preferences |

Europe's Headwear Market benefits from both luxury heritage brands and mass-market sportswear giants. The EU's circular-textiles directive is accelerating investment in recycled materials, with major retailers committing to 30%+ recycled-content sourcing by 2028 [[10]](https://ec.europa.eu). The United Kingdom's robust football merchandise sector and Germany's workwear standards add structural demand beyond fashion cycles.

### Asia-Pacific

| Country | Key Metric | Key Driver |
| --- | --- | --- |
| China | 34.0% of regional share | Manufacturing scale and domestic consumption growth |
| India | 7.10% CAGR (2026–2035) | Rapid urbanization and cricket merchandise |
| Japan | USD 0.82 Billion (2025) | Streetwear culture and premium functional wear |
| South Korea | 5.90% CAGR (2026–2035) | K-fashion influence and youth demographics |
| ASEAN | 18.5% of regional share | Fast fashion and tropical-climate functional wear |
| Rest of Asia-Pacific | USD 0.38 Billion (2025) | Emerging retail modernization |

The Headwear Market in Asia-Pacific is powered by China's dual role as both the world's largest manufacturer and an increasingly influential consumer base. India's cricket-mad population sustains year-round demand for branded caps, while K-pop and K-fashion trends from South Korea are reshaping youth headwear preferences across Southeast Asia.

### South America

| Country | Key Metric | Key Driver |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Brazil | 58.0% of regional share | Football culture and carnival-season demand |
| Argentina | USD 0.38 Billion (2025) | Gaucho heritage and outdoor lifestyle |
| Rest of South America | 5.40% CAGR (2026–2035) | Growing organized retail |

Brazil's football culture — spanning club merchandise from Flamengo to Palmeiras — underpins regional Headwear Market demand. The expansion of shopping-mall anchor tenants and e-commerce platforms like Mercado Livre into Tier-2 cities is broadening distribution reach across the continent.

### Middle East & Africa

| Country | Key Metric | Key Driver |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Saudi Arabia | 28.0% of regional share | Vision 2030 sports investment |
| UAE | USD 0.31 Billion (2025) | Tourism, retail and luxury shopping |
| South Africa | 5.60% CAGR (2026–2035) | Cricket and rugby merchandise |
| Egypt | 15.0% of regional share | Youth population and textile manufacturing |
| Rest of MEA | USD 0.42 Billion (2025) | Infrastructure-led retail expansion |

Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative has funnelled significant investment into sports infrastructure, including new football stadiums and entertainment districts that amplify licensed merchandise sales. The region's young demographic profile — with median ages below 30 in most markets — creates a fertile consumer base for trend-driven headwear across the Headwear Market.

## Competitive Benchmarking

## Competitive Benchmarking

The Headwear Market exhibits low concentration, with the top five companies holding an estimated 28–35% combined share. The Herfindahl-Hirschman Index falls below 1,000, confirming a fragmented competitive structure where regional specialists, licensed-merchandise producers, and vertically integrated sportswear giants coexist. Competition centers on brand equity, licensing relationships, material innovation, and omnichannel distribution rather than price alone.

| Company | Est. Revenue Share Range | Key Offerings for Headwear Market | Strategic Positioning |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| New Era Cap Company | ~8–11% | On-field MLB/NFL caps, lifestyle collections, custom programs | Dominant licensed-sports cap manufacturer |
| Nike Inc. | ~6–9% | Performance running caps, ACG outdoor hats, Dri-FIT headbands | Global sportswear leader with DTC scale |
| Adidas AG | ~5–8% | Originals trefoil caps, Terrex outdoor hats, recycled-material lines | Sustainability-forward multi-sport brand |
| Under Armour Inc. | ~3–5% | UA Iso-Chill caps, storm-proof beanies, performance headbands | Technology-centric athletic positioning |
| Puma SE | ~3–5% | Motorsport caps, lifestyle snapbacks, collaboration capsules | Fashion-sport crossover and F1 licensing |
| Columbia Sportswear | ~2–4% | Bora Bora Booney, Omni-Shade sun hats, thermal beanies | Outdoor-recreation and UV-protection focus |
| '47 Brand | ~2–4% | Clean Up caps, franchise collections, vintage-wash styles | Heritage sports licensing and nostalgia appeal |
| Carhartt Inc. | ~2–3% | Acrylic watch beanies, canvas caps, workwear headwear | Workwear authenticity and blue-collar brand loyalty |
| Kangol | ~1–3% | 504 ventair berets, bucket hats, wool-blend styles | British heritage and cultural iconography |
| Stetson (Hatco Inc.) | ~1–3% | Western felt hats, straw ranchers, outdoor crushable styles | Western Americana and premium craftsmanship |

## Recent News & Developments

## Recent News & Developments

- Nike Inc. (January 2025): Expanded its Dri-FIT ADV headwear range with integrated UPF 50+ fabric, backed by a USD 15 million marketing campaign focused on outdoor running communities [[20]](https://nike.com).
- Lids (Fanatics) (July 2024): Acquired 45 additional retail locations across Canada, expanding its in-store customization footprint and strengthening its licensed Headwear Market presence [[13]](https://fanatics.com).
- [Carhartt Inc](https://www.carhartt.com). (September 2023): Introduced a rain-defender technology across its workwear beanie line, combining waterproof membranes with insulated fleece for construction and logistics workers [[21]](https://carhartt.com).
- Puma SE (June 2023): Signed a multi-year headwear licensing deal with Formula 1, securing cap design and distribution rights for Scuderia Ferrari and Red Bull Racing [[22]](https://puma.com).

## Report Scope

## Headwear Market Report Scope

| Parameter | Detail |
| --- | --- |
| Market Scope | Global Headwear Market covering caps, hats, beanies, headbands, and other head-worn accessories |
| Study Period | 2021–2035 |
| CAGR (Forecast) | 5.10% (2026–2035) |
| Market Size (2025) | USD 25.80 Billion |
| Market Size (2035) | USD 42.40 Billion |
| Fastest Growing Segment | Online Retail Stores (by distribution channel); Headbands (by product type) |
| Companies Profiled | 10 major players |
| Valuation Currency | USD Billion |

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: How do tariff fluctuations on textile imports affect headwear pricing?**
A: Tariff changes — particularly U.S. Section 301 duties on Chinese-manufactured goods — directly raise landed costs for imported headwear. Brands typically absorb 30–40% of the increase and pass the remainder to consumers through modest retail price adjustments [15].

**Q: What role does 3D knitting technology play in reshaping headwear production?**
A: 3D knitting machines produce seamless beanies and caps with near-zero fabric waste, cutting material costs by up to 15%. This technology also enables rapid prototyping, compressing design-to-shelf timelines from weeks to days [11].

**Q: How are headwear brands addressing size-inclusivity challenges?**
A: Adjustable closures, stretch-fit fabrics, and expanded size-run production now cover head circumferences from 52 cm to 65 cm. Brands investing in inclusive sizing report 10–15% higher repeat-purchase rates [18].

**Q: What intellectual-property strategies protect custom headwear designs?**
A: Companies register trademarks on logos, design patents on unique silhouettes, and copyright on original artwork. Enforcement relies on platform takedown mechanisms and customs-recordation programs [15].

**Q: How does the Headwear Market respond to fast-fashion cycle compression?**
A: Lead times have shrunk from 12 weeks to under 4 weeks through nearshoring and digital-print techniques. Brands that master rapid replenishment capture trend-driven demand before styles peak [6].

**Q: What procurement factors should retailers prioritize when sourcing headwear?**
A: Retailers should evaluate minimum-order flexibility, compliance certifications (OEKO-TEX, GOTS), and vendor lead-time reliability. Dual-sourcing from both Asian and nearshore suppliers mitigates disruption risk [17].

**Q: How does the Headwear Market integrate with corporate wellness programs?**
A: Rising global temperatures push industrial firms to implement strict sun-safety protocols. To shield field workers from UV radiation and heat exhaustion, outdoor employers are aggressively purchasing bulk quantities of high-UPF wide-brim hats and protective neck-shades.


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