Activewear Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Product (Apparel, Footwear, and Others), By End-user (Male and Female), By Distribution Channel (E-commerce/Online Stores and Offline), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The global activewear market size was valued at USD 298.44 billion in 2023. The market is projected to grow from USD 320.91 billion in 2024 to USD 605.89 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.27% during the forecast period. North America dominated the Activewear Market with a market share of 34.35% in 2023.

The increasing number of fitness-conscious individuals will fuel the market growth. In recent years, there has been a progressive inclination among individuals toward sports and fitness activities to make them a part of their daily routines. This cultural shift in consumer behavior from unhealthy to healthy lifestyles has boosted the demand for athletic wear worldwide. The industry no longer restricts itself to serving athletes and fitness enthusiasts but encompasses a broader set of customers, including all those who seek active lifestyles, thereby contributing significantly to the global activewear market share. The rising popularity of physical activities will accelerate the sportswear market growth throughout the forecast period.

The market is fiercely competitive, with regional and international key market players emphasizing innovative product lines and launches to stay competitive. In recent years, prominent market players have deployed various strategies to stay ahead of the competition. For instance, in January 2024, Tesco's F&F Clothing launched a new athletic performance wear range with a collection covering exclusively from true sportswear to versatile athleisure staples. In January 2024, Alicia Keys, in partnership with Athleta LLC, launched an athletic wear collection featuring sports bras, leggings, sweatshirts, sweatpants, bodysuits, and sweaters, among other athletic performance wear.

The novel COVID-19 pandemic caused significant supply chain disruptions in the global market, given the temporary and permanent closure of recreational centers, such as gyms, playgrounds, and camping areas owing to the government-imposed restrictions to control the spread of the virus. However, the pandemic forced individuals to stay at home, which increased the demand for comfortable and breathable apparel, contributing to an increase in the sales of athletic clothing, such as tracksuits and jeggings through the online/e-commerce platforms.

Activewear Market Trends

Increasing Participation of Women in Sports and Outdoor Activities to Emerge as Key Trend

The global sports industry has seen a rapid increase in women's participation in sports in recent years, causing an increased demand for women's activewear. The rising female participation in sports is attributable to the increasing popularity of global and national women's sports events, including the FIFA Women's World Cup, the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) tour, and the U.S. Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) championships.

There has also been a significant rise of female role models, such as Wilma Rudolph, Serena Williams, and Billie Jean King, encouraging women's participation in sports on a global scale. The rise in digital platforms and social media influence has further contributed to the rising female participation in sports. As per the Women's Sports Foundation (WSF), in the U.S., the number of competing women on teams of NCAA-sponsored institutes accounted for 29,977 in 1971-72, which rose to 215,486 in 2020‐21. Furthermore, as per the WSF, the percentage of competing women athletes on college teams was 15% in 1972 compared to 44% in 2020-21.

Activewear Market Growth Factors

Rising Participation in Sports and Outdoor Activities Among Youth and Elderly to Fuel Market Growth

The rising participation in sports and outdoor activities fuels the global market growth. North America, including the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, has recorded a rising participation of individuals in outdoor sports and recreational activities in recent years, triggering the demand for activewear. Participation in outdoor sports and recreational activities is not specific to a particular age group as individuals of all ages participate. However, the involvement of the geriatric and young age groups aged 65+ and 10-24, respectively has shown significant growth since 2015, driving the North American market's growth. For instance, as per the Outdoor Industry Association, since 2019, the geriatric population in the U.S. has recorded an increase of 2.5 million or 16.8% in participation in outdoor recreational activities.

Increasing Technological Integration and Product Innovation to Fuel Market Expansion

The athletic wear industry is growing significantly due to technological integration. Industry players are launching innovative product ranges, utilizing the rapidly changing technological landscape to its advantage by integrating new and advanced technologies. These new product launches will trigger sales of activewear across retail formats. For instance, in October 2023, Brooks Sports, Inc., a U.S.-based sports equipment company specializing in the designing and marketing of men's and women's clothing, sneakers, and accessories, partnered with Hewlett-Packard Company, a U.S.-based multinational information technology company, to launch the Exhilarate-BL sneaker. The sneaker is incorporated with a 3D printed midsole technology called "3DNA". In another instance, in February 2024, Nike Inc. launched Air Max Dn, its new technologically advanced sneaker, featuring a dynamic airflow design for smooth sensation.

The changing technological landscape and the launch of new innovative fabrics and product ranges positively influence consumer behavior. Consumers are also becoming increasingly inclined toward technologically advanced products owing to the rapidly changing lifestyles and rising urbanization and disposable incomes. These factors are accelerating the product sales worldwide. For instance, in May 2021, Nextile, a smart texture manufacturer, announced the launch of its all-new innovative thread technology, which can capture biometric and biomechanics data, such as stretching, velocity, bending, and force. The technology can be streamed through Bluetooth on an application.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Climate Change Risks Associated with Apparel Sector to Hamper Market Growth

The global fashion industry has grown exponentially in the last 15 years. According to the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), clothing production has doubled over the last 15 years owing to the increasing popularity of fast fashion. Fast fashion is greatly responsible for increasing carbon footprint and is a significant contributor to climate change. According to the World Economic Forum, the fashion industry is the third largest carbon emission sector. Furthermore, as per the Australian Carbon Council, most of the carbon footprint caused by the garment industry is due to synthetic fibres, which account for 65% of all materials in the textile industry.

New reports and articles published by international organizations, such as the United Nations and its subsidiaries have raised awareness of climate change and sustainability, influencing individual consumption patterns. Thus, the market has recorded a high consumer demand for more sustainable products in the apparel industry, including activewear. However, rising consumer concerns regarding the production and consumption of synthetic fabric can hamper the global activewear market growth.

Activewear Market Segmentation Analysis

By Product Analysis

Increasing Demand for Functional Wear Drives Apparel Sales

Based on product, the global activewear market is segmented into apparel, footwear, and others.

The apparel segment dominates the global market due to the rising consumer adoption of functional apparel. Active performance wear is becoming increasingly available in more stylish options, encouraging consumers to buy it not only for physical, but also recreational activities. At a macro level, the increasing adoption of sustainable clothing will contribute to the apparel segment’s growth.

The footwear segment is forecast to grow considerably throughout the forecast period. Novel active performance wear trends will positively influence consumer preferences for innovative and durable athletic footwear. The increasing demand for durable and flexible sports footwear will encourage new players’ entry into the footwear category in the coming years.

By End-user Analysis

Increasing Health Consciousness among Females Triggers Product Sales

Based on end-user, the market is segmented into male and female.

The female segment dominates the global market. Increasing health consciousness, growing interest in sports & physical fitness, and rising popularity of women’s sports encourage industry participants to target female shoppers globally. Realizing the lucrative business opportunities in the female category, market players are emphasizing the incorporation of remarkable details in women’s activewear, ranging from floral patterns to abstract designs.

The male segment is growing rapidly, driven by increasing men’s participation in sports and recreational activities and the rising consumer preference for premium active performance wear. Internationally renowned athletic clothing brands, including Lululemon, which found initial success in the female category, have rapidly penetrated the male category in recent years to capitalize on business opportunities. The blurring lines between athleisure and activewear will contribute to the male segment’s growth in the near term.

By Distribution Channel Analysis

Rising Need to Try On Clothing in Person Boosts Product Sales through Offline Distribution Channels

Based on distribution channel, the market is segmented into offline and e-commerce/online stores.

The offline segment dominates the global market. As has been the trend in the broader apparel industry, offline channels have traditionally been the major distribution platforms for activewear sales. These channels not only allow shoppers to physically verify the product’s quality and fit before making a purchase, but also enable a seamless product return cycle compared to the online/e-commerce channel. Furthermore, industry participants emphasize the offline distribution ecosystem to establish an omnichannel approach.

The e-commerce/online stores segment is recording the fastest CAGR globally. From a retail or manufacturing standpoint, online selling facilitates cost reduction, encouraging prospective and new market players to penetrate the athletic clothing category. From a consumption perspective, online merchandising helps customers receive personalized recommendations and detailed product descriptions. The e-commerce platform significantly increases the likelihood of repeat or additional purchases as industry participants focus more on featuring seasonal and trending athletic clothing by developing attractive websites.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

The global activewear market report covers North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, South America, and the Middle East & Africa.

North America dominates the global activewear market share. The increasing emphasis on health & fitness and rising participation in physical and recreational activities is encouraging a culture of active living across the region. Furthermore, millennials and the Gen Z population across North America are becoming more fashion-conscious, fueling the product demand. The blending of athletic wear with casual everyday fashion is emerging as a crucial trend in North America, contributing significantly to the regionwide sales of athletic clothing.

The increasing adoption of sustainable clothing will positively influence the athletic clothing trends across European countries, notably in the U.K., Germany, France, and Italy. Market players will target potential and relatively untapped European markets for sustainable clothing, given the rising consumer awareness regarding the need for sustainability in the apparel industry. Furthermore, new initiatives are emerging across European countries to promote sustainability in the fashion sector, supported by consumers, governments, athletic clothing brands, actors, and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). Such efforts will create a significant demand for athletic clothing across the region.

Asia Pacific will record the highest CAGR during the forecast timeframe. Large population in Asian countries, including China and India, enables manufacturers to target a vast customer pool of fashion-conscious consumers. Asia is also the biggest source of raw materials for athletic performance wear in the world. Asian countries, notably India, Vietnam, and China, have well-developed industry clusters involving raw material suppliers, manufacturers, and other related businesses operating in close proximity to facilitate smooth supply chain & logistics operations.

The South American and Middle Eastern & African markets are poised to witness considerable growth in the forthcoming years due to the availability of favorable infrastructure to boost the sales of athletic performance wear.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Players to Emphasize Product Launches to Stay Competitive

Intense competition characterizes the athletic performance wear industry, with domestic and internationally reputed sportswear companies competing to achieve product differentiation. In recent years, product launches have emerged as the most preferred strategic initiative among prominent industry participants. For instance, in September 2023, ADIDAS AG, a German multinational sportswear company, launched running sneakers under the Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1 brand, weighing approximately 4.9 ounces, significantly lighter than other models.

List of Top Activewear Companies:

• Nike, Inc. (U.S.)


• ASICS Corporation (Japan)


• Under Armour, Inc. (U.S.)


• ADIDAS AG (Germany)


• New Balance (U.S.)


• Skechers USA., Inc. (U.S.)


• Columbia Sportswear Company (U.S.)


• PUMA SE (Germany)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• March 2024: Columbia Sportswear Company, a U.S.-based manufacturer and distributor of footwear, athletic wear, ski apparel, camping equipment, and other outdoor accessories, announced the opening of its new store in Ahmedabad, India.


• September 2023: New Balance, a U.S.-based multinational athletic performance wear company, announced the launch of its new version of the Fresh Foam X series with the latest Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 shoes.


• October 2022: Under Armour, Inc., a U.S.-based manufacturer and marketer of branded athletic performance wear, introduced its running shoe line under the UA HOVER Phantom 3 brand for athletes and trainers.


• October 2022: PUMA SE, a German multinational company specializing in casual and athletic footwear, opened one of the largest stores in Mumbai, India. This experiential store has dedicated sections catering to the needs of women, men, and children, and includes a customization studio for shoppers to choose the designs of their accessories and sneakers.


• January 2022: Under Armour, Inc. launched two unique running shoes under the Flow Like the Wind and Next Level Speed series featuring the UA HOVR technology, which imparts a “zero gravity feel.”

REPORT COVERAGE

The report provides a detailed analysis of the market and focuses on key aspects, such as leading companies, product analysis, end-users, and distribution channels. Besides, it offers insights into the market trends and highlights key industry developments. In addition to the factors mentioned above, the report encompasses several factors that have contributed to the growth of the market in recent years.

Report Scope & Segmentation