Activewear Global Market Report 2026

Activewear encompasses garments specifically tailored for athletic or fitness endeavors. These pieces are typically crafted from lightweight, moisture-wicking, and breathable fabrics, ensuring comfort and support during physical activity.

The primary product categories within activewear include apparel, footwear, and accessories. Activewear apparel comprises clothing items engineered to enhance performance, comfort, and support for active individuals engaged in various physical activities. Fabric options range from polyester, nylon, and neoprene to polypropylene, spandex, cotton, and others, catering to activities such as running, outdoor sports, yoga, pilates, gym workouts, and recreational pursuits. These products are distributed through both offline and online channels, serving a diverse clientele including men, women, and children.

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report's Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

Tariffs are impacting the activewear market by increasing costs of imported synthetic fabrics, specialty fibers, dyes, and finished apparel sourced from Asia-Pacific manufacturing hubs. Brands and retailers in North America and Europe are most affected due to heavy reliance on overseas textile production, leading to higher retail prices and margin pressure. These tariffs are also influencing sourcing diversification and inventory planning. However, they are encouraging nearshoring, regional manufacturing investments, and greater use of recycled and locally sourced materials.

The activewear market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides activewear market statistics, including activewear industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a activewear market share, detailed activewear market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the activewear industry. This activewear market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The activewear market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $384.48 billion in 2025 to $409.01 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to rising health and fitness awareness, expansion of organized sports participation, growth of e-commerce apparel platforms, increasing disposable income levels, influence of global fitness trends.

The activewear market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $521.79 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to growing demand for eco-friendly activewear, rising customization and personalization offerings, expansion of online-first apparel brands, increasing integration of wearable-compatible clothing, growing focus on inclusive sizing and design. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing demand for sustainable performance fabrics, rising adoption of direct-to-consumer sales models, growing integration of smart and functional textiles, expansion of athleisure wear across daily use, enhanced focus on comfort and versatility.

The increasing participation in recreational activities is expected to drive the expansion of the activewear market. Recreational activities encompass a variety of leisure-time pursuits undertaken for enjoyment, amusement, and pleasure. These can include sports, games, hobbies, exercise, reading, watching TV, movies, and more. The growth in recreational activities is fueled by heightened awareness of the benefits of physical fitness and an increasing inclination toward leisure pursuits to reduce stress and enhance overall well-being. Activewear helps regulate body temperature by allowing heat to escape, preventing overheating. Breathable fabrics enable air circulation, keeping the body cool during intense workouts or in hot conditions. This reduces chafing, discomfort, and irritation, allowing individuals to focus better on their activities. For example, in June 2024, the Outdoor Participation Trend report by the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), a US-based non-profit organization, indicated that outdoor recreation participation increased by 4.1 percent in 2023, reaching a record 175.8 million participants. This figure represents 57.3 percent of the U.S. population. Consequently, the growth in recreational activities is expected to support the expansion of the activewear market.

Major companies in the activewear sector are prioritizing the development of innovative solutions, such as ultra-low emission sneakers, to promote sustainability and offer environmentally friendly choices to consumers. Ultra-low emission sneakers are designed to minimize carbon emissions throughout their lifecycle, utilizing sustainable materials and advanced construction techniques to lower environmental impact while ensuring performance and comfort. For example, in September 2023, ASICS Corporation, a Japan-based sportswear brand, introduced the GEL-LYTE III CM 1.95 sneaker. This sneaker produces only 1.95 kg of CO2 per pair, making it the lowest CO2 emission sneaker currently available. It incorporates carbon-negative foam in the midsole and sock liner, partially sourced from sugarcane, along with solution-dyed polyester to decrease water and energy consumption.

In January 2024, Platinum Equity LLC, a prominent private equity firm headquartered in the United States, completed the acquisition of Augusta Sportswear Brands (ASB) and Founder Sport Group (FSG) for an undisclosed sum. This strategic consolidation aims to expand the companies' offerings in sports and lifestyle apparel, enhance customer service, and optimize supply chain efficiency. Augusta Sportswear Brands (ASB) is a leading U.S.-based sports apparel company specializing in the design, manufacturing, and distribution of activewear and spirit wear. Founder Sport Group (FSG) is another notable U.S.-based company focusing on athletic and performance apparel.

Major companies operating in the activewear market are Nike Inc., Adidas AG, Puma SE, Under Armour Inc., Lululemon Athletica Inc., New Balance Athletics Inc., ASICS Corporation, Reebok International Limited, Anta Sports Products Limited, Li Ning Company Limited, Fila Holdings Corp., Mizuno Corporation, Brooks Sports Inc., Columbia Sportswear Company, Patagonia Inc., Skechers USA Inc., Decathlon Group, Kappa, Umbro International Limited, Karhu Holding BV

North America was the largest region in the activewear market in 2025. The regions covered in the activewear market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.

The countries covered in the activewear market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The activewear market consists of sales of compression wear, specialized gear, and athleisure wear. Values in this market are 'factory gate' values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

Activewear Market Global Report 2026 from The Business Research Company provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.

This report focuses activewear market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.

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Where is the largest and fastest growing market for activewear ? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward, including technological disruption, regulatory shifts, and changing consumer preferences? The activewear market global report from the Business Research Company answers all these questions and many more.

The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, total addressable market (TAM), market attractiveness score (MAS), competitive landscape, market shares, company scoring matrix, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography.

• The market characteristics section of the report defines and explains the market. This section also examines key products and services offered in the market, evaluates brand-level differentiation, compares product features, and highlights major innovation and product development trends.
• The supply chain analysis section provides an overview of the entire value chain, including key raw materials, resources, and supplier analysis. It also provides a list competitor at each level of the supply chain.
• The updated trends and strategies section analyses the shape of the market as it evolves and highlights emerging technology trends such as digital transformation, automation, sustainability initiatives, and AI-driven innovation. It suggests how companies can leverage these advancements to strengthen their market position and achieve competitive differentiation.
• The regulatory and investment landscape section provides an overview of the key regulatory frameworks, regularity bodies, associations, and government policies influencing the market. It also examines major investment flows, incentives, and funding trends shaping industry growth and innovation.
• The market size section gives the market size ($b) covering both the historic growth of the market, and forecasting its development.
• The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include the technological advancements such as AI and automation, Russia-Ukraine war, trade tariffs (government-imposed import/export duties), elevated inflation and interest rates.
• The total addressable market (TAM) analysis section defines and estimates the market potential compares it with the current market size, and provides strategic insights and growth opportunities based on this evaluation.
• The market attractiveness scoring section evaluates the market based on a quantitative scoring framework that considers growth potential, competitive dynamics, strategic fit, and risk profile. It also provides interpretive insights and strategic implications for decision-makers.
• Market segmentations break down the market into sub markets.
• The regional and country breakdowns section gives an analysis of the market in each geography and the size of the market by geography and compares their historic and forecast growth.
• Expanded geographical coverage includes Taiwan and Southeast Asia, reflecting recent supply chain realignments and manufacturing shifts in the region. This section analyzes how these markets are becoming increasingly important hubs in the global value chain.
• The competitive landscape chapter gives a description of the competitive nature of the market, market shares, and a description of the leading companies. Key financial deals which have shaped the market in recent years are identified.
• The company scoring matrix section evaluates and ranks leading companies based on a multi-parameter framework that includes market share or revenues, product innovation, and brand recognition.

Scope

• Markets Covered:1) By Product: Apparel; Footwear; Accessories
• 2) By Fabric: Polyester; Nylon; Neoprene; Polypropylene; Spandex; Other Fabrics
• 3) By Usage: Running; Outdoor Sports; Yoga And Pilates; Gym And Fitness Training; Recreational Activities; Other Usages
• 4) By Distribution Channel: Offline; Online
• 5) By End User: Men; Women; Kids
• Subsegments:
• 1) By Apparel: T-Shirts And Tops; Leggings And Pants; Jackets And Hoodies; Sports Bras; Shorts; Sweatshirts And Track Suits
• 2) By Footwear: Running Shoes; Training Shoes; Cross-training Shoes
• 3) By Accessories: Sports Bags And Backpacks; Headbands And Caps; Fitness Gloves; Compression Wear; Socks And Leg Warmers
• Companies Mentioned: Nike Inc.; Adidas AG; Puma SE; Under Armour Inc.; Lululemon Athletica Inc.; New Balance Athletics Inc.; ASICS Corporation; Reebok International Limited; Anta Sports Products Limited; Li Ning Company Limited; Fila Holdings Corp.; Mizuno Corporation; Brooks Sports Inc.; Columbia Sportswear Company; Patagonia Inc.; Skechers USA Inc.; Decathlon Group; Kappa; Umbro International Limited; Karhu Holding BV
• Countries: Australia; Brazil; China; France; Germany; India; Indonesia; Japan; Taiwan; Russia; South Korea; UK; USA; Canada; Italy; Spain.
• Regions: Asia-Pacific; South East Asia; Western Europe; Eastern Europe; North America; South America; Middle East; Africa
• Time Series: Five years historic and ten years forecast.
• Data: Ratios of market size and growth to related markets, GDP proportions, expenditure per capita,
• Data Segmentations: country and regional historic and forecast data, market share of competitors, market segments.
• Sourcing and Referencing: Data and analysis throughout the report is sourced using end notes.
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