Activewear Market Size, Share, Forecast, & Trends Analysis by End User (Men, Women, Kids), Sales Channel (In-store, Online), Material (Natural, Synthetic), and Geography - Global Forecast to 2031

The Activewear Market was valued at $419.5 billion in 2023. This market is expected to reach $746.3 billion by 2031 from an estimated $447.1 billion in 2024, at a CAGR of 7.6% during the forecast period of 2024-2031.

Activewear Market Size & Forecast

The growth of this market is driven by increased shift towards health and wellness, increased participation of women in sports and outdoor activities, and technological advancement in fabric design. Furthermore, rising participation in sports and outdoor activities among youth and elderly, technology integration and innovation are expected to generate growth opportunities for the stakeholders in this market.

Key Findings in the Activewear Market

• By End User: The Women Segment to Dominate the Activewear Market in 2024
• By Sales Channel: The Online Segment to Dominate the Activewear Market in 2024
• By Material: The Synthetic Segment to Dominate the Activewear Market in 2024
• By Geography: North America Dominates the Activewear Market in 2024

Activewear Market Drivers

Increased Shift Towards Health and Wellness

Around the world, people are becoming increasingly mindful of their personal health and wellness. The rising shift towards health and wellness is reshaping consumer lifestyles, with an increasing number of individuals prioritizing both physical and mental well-being. As people become more aware of the benefits of regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and stress management, there has been a significant surge in health-conscious behaviors.

The demand for activewear has skyrocketed, as consumers seek comfortable, functional, and stylish clothing to support their active lives. Beyond fitness, this broader focus on wellness encompasses a holistic approach to health, including mental health awareness, self-care, and sustainable living. Activewear plays a crucial role in supporting the health and wellness movement by providing the right combination of comfort, functionality, and performance for individuals engaged in physical activity and well-being practices. Thus, the rising shift towards healthier lifestyles, the activewear market is anticipated to grow during the forecasted period.

Activewear Market Trends

Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Activewear

Sustainable activewear involves using eco-friendly materials like organic cotton, recycled polyester, and other innovative fabrics. Sustainability and eco-friendly activewear have become major trends in the fashion and fitness industries as consumers grow increasingly conscious of the environmental and ethical impacts of their purchasing decisions. Activewear, once considered a category mainly driven by performance and style, is now embracing sustainability through the use of eco-friendly materials, ethical manufacturing practices, and environmentally responsible business operations. Several players operating in the market are focused on launching sustainable and ecofriendly activewear. Some of the recent developments in the marketspace:

• In December 2023, VeroWear LLC (Italy) launched a sportswear brand dedicated to redefining fashion as a force for good, creating products that are not only innovative but also resonate with the values of eco-conscious consumers.
• In June 2023, Good Indian (India) expanded its product range with the launch of a sustainable activewear line for the monsoons. The brand claims that the collection is designed with functionality in mind using innovative fabrics that are engineered for quick drying and longevity.

Activewear Market Analysis: Top Market Opportunity

The Synthetic Segment is Expected to Dominate the Activewear Market in 2024

Based on material, the global activewear market is segmented natural and synthetic. In 2024, the synthetic segment is estimated to account for the largest share of the global activewear market. Synthetic activewear refers to athletic clothing made from man-made fibers such as polyester, nylon, spandex (Lycra/Elastane), and polyamide, as opposed to natural fibers like cotton, wool, or silk. The large share of this segment is attributed due to their performance advantages, lightweight and comfort nature, and ability to meet the demands of intense physical activities.

The synthetic segment is also expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period of 2024 to 2031. Rising demand for synthetic activewear due to their performance-enhancing features such as anti-odor properties, UV protection, and thermal regulation are the factors driving the growth of the segment.

Geographical Analysis

North America Dominates the Activewear Market in 2024

In 2024, North America is estimated to account for the largest share of over 38% of the global activewear market. The large share of North America in the activewear market is primarily attributed to the shifts in consumer behavior, technological innovations, lifestyle changes, and evolving fashion trends. However, Asia-Pacific is expected to grow at the highest CAGR of 8.2% during the forecast period. This market's growth is attributed to factors like rising trend of wearing activewear as everyday clothing beyond just workouts; rising demand of consumers for clothes that can enhance their performance, comfort, and convenience during workouts; and growing recognition of the positive impact due to exercises, mindfulness practices, and self-care.

Key Companies

The report includes a competitive landscape based on an extensive assessment of the key strategic developments that led market participants to adopt over the past three years. The key players profiled in the global activewear market report are Adidas AG (Germany), ASICS Corporation (Japan), ASOA PLC (U.K.), Champion (U.S.), Columbia Sportswear Company (U.S.), FILA Holdings Corp. (South Korea), Gymshark (U.K.), Lululemon Athletica Inc. (Canada), New Balance (U.S.), NIKE, Inc. (U.S.), PUMA SE (Germany), Sketchers (U.S.), Squat Wolf (UAE), Under Armour Inc. (U.S.), and VF Corporation (U.S.).

Activewear Industry Overview: Latest Developments from Key Industry Players

• In August 2024, Primark (Ireland), the well-known fashion retailer, announced a collaboration with Italian sportswear brand Kappa to release a 30-piece collection. This new range is designed to cater to both sports and everyday wear, featuring items such as hoodies, seamless sets, and various accessories for both women and men.
• In March 2024, Former Levi Strauss & Co. (U.S.) executive and former competitive gymnast Jennifer Sey launched her own direct-to-consumer athletic apparel brand, XX-XY Athletics.
• In September 2023, Campus Activewear (India) launched its new technology - "Air Turbo" as part of Campus Nitroboost range. With this, Campus becomes the pioneer in bringing this footwear tech through specially designed ranges suited for Indian consumers.
• In May 2023, Indian entrepreneurs Rushad Wadia and Avneesh Gadgil have launched Good Indian as an activewear brand for both men and women with dedicated e-commerce store.

Activewear Market Research Summary

Key questions answered in the activewear market report: