Activewear Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis by Product (Apparel, Footwear, and Others), By End-user (Male and Female), By Price Range (Mass and Premium/Luxury), By Distribution Channel (Specialty Stores/Branded Stores, Supermarkets & Hypermarkets, Department Stores, Online/E-commerce, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2025-2032

The global activewear market size was valued at USD 320.91 billion in 2024. The market is projected to grow from USD 345.79 billion in 2025 to USD 605.89 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.34% during the forecast period. North America dominated the activewear market with a market share of 34.23% in 2024.

The market is experiencing robust growth, primarily fueled by a rising population of health-conscious consumers. The individuals of all age groups are increasingly incorporating sports and fitness routines into their everyday lives as part of a broader shift toward healthier living. This evolution in consumer attitudes from unhealthy to wellness-oriented behaviors has significantly increased the demand for activewear on a global scale. Notably, the market players’ focus has expanded beyond traditional athletes and fitness enthusiast to encompass a wide demographic seeking active lifestyles. This inclusivity has played a pivotal role in boosting the industry’s global expansion. As participation in physical activities continue to gain traction, the sportswear sector is poised for sustained and accelerated growth throughout the forecast period.

Global Activewear Market Overview & Key Metrics

Market Size & Forecast:

• 2024 Market Size: USD 320.91 billion
• 2025 Market Size: USD 345.79 billion
• 2032 Forecast Market Size: USD 605.89 billion
• CAGR: 8.34% from 2025–2032

Market Share:

• North America led the global activewear market with a 34.23% share in 2024, driven by high fitness consciousness, strong participation in recreational activities, and the fusion of fashion with function.
• By product, apparel dominated due to the growing popularity of functional and stylish activewear, while offline retail remains the leading distribution channel.
• Females represent the largest end-user segment, boosted by rising health awareness, sports participation, and fashion-forward designs tailored for women.

Key Country Highlights:

• United States: Expected to reach USD 158.46 billion by 2032, fueled by athleisure trends and tech-integrated performance wear (e.g., Nike’s Air Max Dn and Brooks’ 3DNA).
• China & India: Strong growth driven by large youth populations, rising fitness adoption, and robust manufacturing ecosystems.
• Germany, France, U.K.: Increasing demand for sustainable activewear, supported by eco-conscious consumers and green regulations.
• Brazil & South Africa: Growth supported by improving fitness infrastructure and urbanization trends.

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

Rising Engagement of Women in Recreational Sports Activities to Emerge as a Key Trend

The female participation in sports has reached record high in recent times. For instance, according to the Federation University Australia, a study in Victoria showed that female sports participation grew from 8.9% in 2021 to 10.1% in 2023, indicating positive momentum. Women are increasingly engaging in traditional female-dominated sports and also in those that have traditionally been male-dominated, such as football and cricket, reflecting broadened interest and support systems. Many governments and organizations, such as Sport England’s “This Girl Can” campaign, have launched initiatives aimed at reducing barriers and encouraging women to take part in sports, resulting in increased participation. Furthermore, rising media visibility and prominent role models in women’s sports inspire younger generations, encouraging greater sports participation and fan engagement among women.

• North America witnessed activewear market growth from USD 102.51 Billion in 2023 to USD 109.85 Billion in 2024.

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MARKET DYNAMICS

MARKET DRIVERS

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

The surging participation in sports and outdoor activities fuels the global activewear market growth. Increasing disposable incomes, urbanization, and awareness of health benefits from physical activity are leading to greater sports and recreation participation which in turn is driving the demand for athletic performance wear. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) cited a 5% upsurge in student-athletes for women’s championship sports between 2020/2021 and 2021/2022, highlighting expanding young demographics engaging in organized sports which makes them key consumers of active apparel. Furthermore, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) attributes some of this surge in sports activity to robust economic growth, particularly in developing regions, resulting in greater affordability and access to sports and fitness pursuits and an increased need for sports-specific apparel.

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 the sales of active apparel 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. 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.

MARKET RESTRAINTS

Disruption in Raw Material Supply and Increased Production Costs to Impede Market Growth

Extreme weather events, including heatwaves, droughts, and floods caused by global warming, reduce the yield of natural fiber crops such as cotton. The disruption in supply chains, geopolitical trade wars, and economic instability also hampers the production or procurement of synthetic fibers, which are highly dependent on petroleum products. This, in turn, leads to material shortages, price volatility, and unreliable supply chains directly hindering production consistency for activewear manufacturers, negatively affecting market growth.

Furthermore, producing sustainable or alternative materials to reduce carbon emissions typically involves higher costs. Measures to lower energy and water consumption and shift toward renewable energy requires significant investment. As sustainability regulations tighten globally, brands face more compliance costs, which hampers market expansion or raise consumer price for performance apparel.

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES:

Smart Textile-Enabled Activewear to Create New Growth Prospects

Smart textile-enabled performance apparel, which integrates sensors and adaptive materials directly into garments to monitor metrics such as movement, muscle strain, and breathing patterns in real time, offers numerous growth opportunities. Advances in graphene-based strain sensors and AI-integrated fabrics, shown to achieve over 90% accuracy in detecting physiological changes, are paving the way for activewear that functions as both performance gear and a health-monitoring tool. This innovation addresses the consumer demand for seamless, tech-driven fitness solutions and offers brands a path to differentiate beyond traditional fabrics and designs, positioning smart activewear as a high-potential frontier in the evolution of athletic and lifestyle apparel.

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.

• The apparel segment is expected to hold a 67.12% share in 2024.

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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 Price Range

Premium & Luxury Activewear Segment Poised for the Fastest Growth with Rising Disposable Income

Based on price range, the market is segmented into mass and premium/luxury.

The premium/luxury segment is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. Increasing disposable income and rising living standards of middle/upper-middle classes, especially in Asia Pacific, Latin America, as well as in the Middle East & Africa encourages more consumer trade up for higher quality, better design, and prestige. Moreover, growing participation in fitness and boutique studios (HIIT, yoga, outdoor sports) pushes the demand for performance fabrics, better comfort, and style. Premium brands tend to emphasize those features driving growth of premium/luxury sportswear market.

The mass segment accounted for the largest share of the market. Most consumers globally are price sensitive and mass segment offers a balance of performance, quality, and affordability that appeals to larger populations, especially in emerging markets. Mass brands largely emphasize on scaling higher volume, lower margin, which nets large revenues. Moreover, activewear is no longer used merely for workouts. It is worn to work, for casual socializing, and daily life. Consumers want comfort plus style, but do not want to pay premium prices for something they wear broadly, which contributes to higher revenue generated by the segment.

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

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

North America

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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 region-wide sales of athletic clothing.

The U.S. leads the regional market, where athletic clothing is widely adopted for fitness and casual everyday wear. Technological innovation, premium branding, and sustainability initiatives continue to propel the market expansion in the country.

Europe

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. Germany has witnessed high demand owing to focus on wellness, sports participation, ingrained gym culture, and the adoption of performance-enhancing apparel. 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 significant growth opportunities for the athletic clothing sector across the region.

Asia Pacific

The 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. Growing fashion-forward athleisure trend, increasing disposable incomes and a burgeoning middle class the influence of digital retail channels is accelerating the demand for practical yet trendy active apparel. 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 and logistics operations. Shifting consumer behavior and regional trends are likely to favor the market growth in the Asia Pacific.

South America and the Middle East & Africa

The South American and the 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. Growing interest in outdoor and fitness events, a shift toward active lifestyle and sports-oriented activities are driving the preference for sports apparel among consumers particularly in countries such as Brazil and Argentina. Moreover, in affluent Gulf countries, athletic clothing is perceived as a status symbol, especially among those investing in high-end and luxury brands, further augmenting market growth.

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. Key market players are investing in high-end technologies such as Climalite (Adidas) and Dri-FIT (Nike) that enhance performance by regulating body temperature. International giants such as Adidas, Nike, Puma, and Lululemon lead the charge alongside emerging DTC (Direct-to-Consumer) brands and sustainable startups. Players are increasingly implementing strategic collaborations to strengthen brand positioning, fuse fashion with function, and enter new regions.

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.

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Report Scope & Segmentation