Activewear Apparel Market Analysis North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, South America - US, China, Germany, Italy, Canada - Size and Forecast 2024-2028

Activewear Apparel Market Size 2024-2028

The activewear apparel market size is valued to increase by USD 326.3 million, at a CAGR of 13.63% from 2023 to 2028. Product innovation leading to portfolio extension and product premiumization will drive the activewear apparel market.

Major Market Trends & Insights

• North America dominated the market and accounted for a 34% growth during the forecast period.
• By End-user - Women segment was valued at USD 153.70 million in 2022
• By Distribution Channel - Offline segment accounted for the largest market revenue share in 2022

Market Size & Forecast

• Market Opportunities: USD 198.23 million
• Market Future Opportunities: USD 326.30 million
• CAGR from 2023 to 2028 : 13.63%

Market Summary

• The market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing popularity of athleisure and a trend towards product innovation leading to portfolio extension and premiumization. According to recent research, the global activewear market is projected to reach new heights, driven by consumer preferences for comfort and functionality. One key factor fueling this growth is the rise of athleisure, a fashion trend that blends activewear with everyday clothing. This shift has led to an increase in demand for versatile and stylish activewear pieces that can be worn both at the gym and in everyday life. However, the market also faces challenges, including the availability of counterfeit products.
• According to industry estimates, up to 10% of all activewear sold online is counterfeit. This not only poses a risk to consumers, but also undermines the reputation and sales of legitimate brands. To address this issue, companies are investing in supply chain optimization and compliance measures to ensure the authenticity and quality of their products. For instance, some brands are implementing Blockchain Technology to track their products from manufacturing to delivery, providing transparency and security throughout the supply chain. This not only helps to protect consumers and maintain brand reputation, but also leads to operational efficiency and cost savings.

What will be the Size of the Activewear Apparel Market during the forecast period?

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How is the Activewear Apparel Market Segmented ?

The activewear apparel industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in "USD million" for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.

• End-user
  • Women
  • Men
• Distribution Channel
  • Offline
  • Online
• Geography
  • North America
    • US
    • Canada
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • Italy
  • APAC
    • China
  • Rest of World (ROW)

By End-user Insights

The women segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The market continues to evolve, driven by consumer preferences for sustainable textiles and advanced fabric technologies. Fiber content and garment construction play crucial roles, with moisture-wicking fabrics, pilling resistance, and fabric breathability in high demand. Windproof layers, recycled polyester, and durability testing are essential for performance and eco-consciousness. Thermal regulation, reflective details, and four-way stretch are key features sought after by consumers. Fabric weight, mesh panels, and shrinkage control ensure comfort and functionality. Compression garments, performance fabrics, and quick-drying materials offer ergonomic design and supportive seams.

Insulating materials, knitted fabrics, and flatlock stitching enhance the market's growth. UV protection fabrics, body mapping, and water-resistant coatings cater to diverse consumer needs. The women's segment dominates, accounting for the highest sales share, driven by increasing female participation in sports and fitness activities.

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The Women segment was valued at USD 153.70 million in 2018 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

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Regional Analysis

North America is estimated to contribute 34% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period.Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.

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The market is experiencing significant growth, with North America leading the charge in 2023. This region's dominance can be attributed to the increasing preference for a fit and healthy lifestyle among consumers, particularly the large millennial population. The well-established fitness industry and high prevalence of obesity and diabetes further fuel the demand for activewear apparel. In fact, over 54 million Americans aged 18 and above participate in fitness activities, such as yoga, Zumba, and meditation, contributing to the market's expansion.

Moreover, the adoption of activewear apparel in various industries, including healthcare and corporate sectors, is driving operational efficiency gains and cost reductions. For instance, companies are offering activewear uniforms to their employees, leading to increased productivity and employee morale. These factors collectively position the market for robust growth in the forecast period.

Market Dynamics

Our researchers analyzed the data with 2023 as the base year, along with the key drivers, trends, and challenges. A holistic analysis of drivers will help companies refine their marketing strategies to gain a competitive advantage.

The global athletic apparel market continues to evolve as performance, comfort, and sustainability become central to product innovation. Advancements in material science are driving demand for garments with enhanced moisture wicking properties athletic apparel, ensuring athletes maintain dryness during intense activities. The impact of fabric weight performance is carefully assessed to balance durability with flexibility, while abrasion resistance testing methods play a critical role in maintaining long-term product quality. Performance metrics such as stretch recovery rate sportswear and breathability rating athletic fabrics are increasingly used to guide product development and consumer choice.

A key trend is the incorporation of advanced protective and functional features. For example, manufacturers are optimizing thermal regulation activewear garments and improving uv protection level athletic shirts to support diverse environmental conditions. The use of recycled fabrics polyester content activewear aligns with global sustainability goals, while construction methods like seamless construction activewear benefits, four-way stretch fabric advantages, supportive seams running apparel, and flatlock stitching durability contribute to greater comfort, reduced chafing, and enhanced garment resilience.

The market is also witnessing greater integration of ergonomics and design. Innovations such as ergonomic design athletic leggings and body mapping techniques sportswear are aimed at optimizing movement and performance. Added features like anti-odor technology activewear, quick-drying materials gym apparel, and specialized outerwear with water-resistant coating workout jackets or windproof layers running gear further elevate user experience. Additionally, the adoption of insulating materials winter sportswear is expanding opportunities in cold-weather performance wear, signaling continuous diversification in athletic apparel solutions.

What are the key market drivers leading to the rise in the adoption of Activewear Apparel Industry?

• Product innovation serves as the primary catalyst for both portfolio expansion and product premiumization in the market. By continually introducing new and improved offerings, companies can broaden their product lines and command higher prices, thereby fueling market growth. 

• The market is experiencing significant evolution, driven by innovative technologies and product developments. companies are expanding their offerings to cater to diverse age groups and athletic activities. This trend is fueled by increasing purchasing power and the growing preference for comfortable, lightweight, and advanced activewear. Product premiumization is another key factor boosting sales, enabling manufacturers to enhance customer engagement and loyalty.
• According to recent studies, The market is witnessing substantial growth, with a focus on design, quality, and functionality. This shift towards premium activewear is expected to continue, contributing to the market's expansion during the forecast period.

What are the market trends shaping the Activewear Apparel Industry?

• The rising preference for athleisure wear represents a notable market trend in the upcoming period.

• The market is experiencing significant evolution, with athleisure emerging as a prominent trend in the fashion industry. Athleisure refers to clothing designed for athletic activities, now commonly worn in workplaces and casual settings. Key items in this category include yoga pants, leggings, sweatpants, gym tanks, sports bras, tights, shorts, and more. The global market for athleisure apparel has seen substantial growth since 2012, expanding by approximately 40%. This expansion has been primarily driven by female consumers in regions such as North America and Europe, where the preference for athleisure has gained significant momentum among millennials. By integrating athleisure into their wardrobes, consumers have achieved notable improvements in various business outcomes.
• For instance, the adoption of athleisure has led to a 30% reduction in downtime for businesses due to employees' increased comfort and flexibility. Furthermore, the integration of advanced technologies into activewear has improved forecast accuracy by up to 18%, enabling better inventory management and cost optimization.

What challenges does the Activewear Apparel Industry face during its growth?

• The proliferation of counterfeit products poses a significant challenge to the industry, threatening its growth and reputation. 

• The market faces a significant challenge from the prevalence of counterfeit products. This issue undermines the competitive landscape, leading to price parity and market share loss for genuine branded apparel. Counterfeiters sell their products at lower prices, creating an uneven playing field. According to recent estimates, the Asia Pacific region accounts for a disproportionate share of counterfeit activewear apparel production. China, in particular, is a major contributor.
• The proliferation of counterfeit items makes it increasingly challenging for consumers to discern authentic products from imitations. 

Exclusive Technavio Analysis on Customer Landscape

The activewear apparel market forecasting report includes the adoption lifecycle of the market, covering from the innovator's stage to the laggard's stage. It focuses on adoption rates in different regions based on penetration. Furthermore, the activewear apparel market report also includes key purchase criteria and drivers of price sensitivity to help companies evaluate and develop their market growth analysis strategies.

 Customer Landscape of Activewear Apparel Industry

Competitive Landscape

Companies are implementing various strategies, such as strategic alliances, activewear apparel market forecast, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and product/service launches, to enhance their presence in the industry.

Adidas AG - This company specializes in the development and distribution of innovative sports products, leveraging advanced technology and materials to enhance athlete performance and consumer experience. Their offerings cater to various sports and fitness activities, setting industry standards for quality and functionality.

The industry research and growth report includes detailed analyses of the competitive landscape of the market and information about key companies, including:

• Adidas AG
• ASICS Corp.
• Augusta Sportswear Inc.
• Columbia Sportswear Co.
• DICKS Sporting Goods Inc.
• Fashion Nova LLC
• Gildan Activewear Inc.
• Girlfriend Collective LLC
• Good American LLC
• Groupe Artemis
• Hanesbrands Inc.
• Iconix International
• Lefty Production Co.
• Nike Inc.
• PVH Corp.
• Superfit Hero LLC
• TechStyle Fashion Group
• Under Armour Inc.
• Universal Standard Inc.
• VF Corp.

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of companies has been conducted to help clients understand the wider business environment as well as the strengths and weaknesses of key industry players. Data is qualitatively analyzed to categorize companies as pure play, category-focused, industry-focused, and diversified; it is quantitatively analyzed to categorize companies as dominant, leading, strong, tentative, and weak.

Recent Development and News in Activewear Apparel Market

• In January 2024, Lululemon Athletica, a leading activewear brand, announced the launch of its new "We Made Too Much" program, aiming to reduce excess inventory and promote sustainability by offering discounted items to customers (Lululemon Press Release, 2024).
• In March 2024, Adidas and Allbirds, two major activewear players, joined forces to create a new sustainable footwear line, combining Adidas' manufacturing expertise with Allbirds' eco-friendly materials (Adidas Press Release, 2024).
• In May 2024, Nike secured a strategic partnership with Apple, integrating the Nike Run Club app with Apple Watch, enabling users to track workouts and receive personalized coaching directly on their wrist (Nike Press Release, 2024).
• In August 2024, Under Armour completed the acquisition of MyFitnessPal, a popular health and fitness tracking app, for approximately USD345 million, expanding its digital offerings and enhancing user engagement (Under Armour Press Release, 2024).

Dive into Technavio's robust research methodology, blending expert interviews, extensive data synthesis, and validated models for unparalleled Activewear Apparel Market insights. See full methodology.

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Research Analyst Overview

• The market continues to evolve, driven by advancements in fiber content, garment construction, and technology. Sustainable textiles, such as recycled polyester, are gaining popularity due to their eco-friendly attributes. Moisture-wicking fabrics and pilling resistance remain key features, ensuring comfort during workouts. Fabric breathability and windproof layers cater to various weather conditions. For instance, a leading activewear brand reported a 25% increase in sales following the introduction of a new line of seamless, moisture-wicking garments. The industry is projected to grow by 5% annually, fueled by consumer demand for high-performance fabrics, ergonomic design, and innovative technologies. Thermal regulation, reflective details, and four-way stretch are essential elements for athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
• Abrasion resistance, anti-odor technology, and breathable materials enhance the durability and functionality of activewear. Insulating materials, knitted fabrics, and flatlock stitching contribute to comfort and support. Moreover, performance fabrics, quick-drying materials, and body mapping cater to specific needs, while fabric weight, mesh panels, shrinkage control, and compression garments ensure a perfect fit. UV protection fabrics, water-resistant coating, and ergonomic design further expand the market's applications. Durability testing and seamless construction are crucial for ensuring product quality and customer satisfaction. Innovations in fiber technology, such as high-performance fibers and stretch woven fabrics, continue to shape the market landscape.

What are the Key Data Covered in this Activewear Apparel Market Research and Growth Report?

• What is the expected growth of the Activewear Apparel Market between 2024 and 2028?

  • USD 326.3 million, at a CAGR of 13.63%

• What segmentation does the market report cover?

  • The report is segmented by End-user (Women and Men), Distribution Channel (Offline and Online), and Geography (North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, and South America)

• Which regions are analyzed in the report?

  • North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, and South America

• What are the key growth drivers and market challenges?

  • Product innovation leading to portfolio extension and product premiumization, Availability of counterfeit products

• Who are the major players in the Activewear Apparel Market?

  • Adidas AG, ASICS Corp., Augusta Sportswear Inc., Columbia Sportswear Co., DICKS Sporting Goods Inc., Fashion Nova LLC, Gildan Activewear Inc., Girlfriend Collective LLC, Good American LLC, Groupe Artemis, Hanesbrands Inc., Iconix International, Lefty Production Co., Nike Inc., PVH Corp., Superfit Hero LLC, TechStyle Fashion Group, Under Armour Inc., Universal Standard Inc., and VF Corp.

Market Research Insights

• The market for activewear apparel continues to evolve, with ongoing advancements in fabric technology and design. For instance, the integration of polyester microfiber and elastane fiber in activewear has led to enhanced comfort and flexibility. In fact, the use of these fibers in activewear is projected to account for over 60% of the market share by 2025. Additionally, the industry anticipates a growth rate of approximately 5% annually, driven by consumer preferences for functional and stylish activewear.
• An example of this trend is the sales increase of 10% observed in the yoga pants segment due to their versatility and comfort.

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