Key Insights
Essential data points from our research
The global athletic apparel market was valued at approximately $351 billion in 2023
The athletic apparel market is projected to reach $481 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 6.5%
North America accounted for 34% of the global athletic apparel market in 2022
Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing market for athletic apparel with an expected CAGR of 7.8% through 2028
The U.S. athletic wear market generated $105 billion in revenue in 2023
Nike holds 27% of the U.S. athletic apparel market share
Adidas holds around 17% of global athletic apparel market share
Lululemon Athletica’s revenue reached $8.1 billion in 2023
The women’s athletic apparel segment comprises 40% of total sales in the U.S.
Online sales contribute to over 30% of athletic apparel sales globally
The average annual spend on activewear per U.S. consumer is $270
Sustainable athletic apparel sales grew by 10% year-over-year in 2023
Athleisure represents nearly 28% of the athletic apparel market
Consumer Preferences
- The women’s athletic apparel segment comprises 40% of total sales in the U.S.
- The average annual spend on activewear per U.S. consumer is $270
- 65% of U.S. adults wear athletic apparel for non-athletic purposes
- Gen Z accounts for 41% of online athletic apparel spending
- 76% of athletic wear consumers prefer comfort over technical performance
- 81% of millennials view athletic apparel as acceptable for casual wear
- 70% of consumers expect transparency in material sourcing from athletic brands
- 63% of athletic apparel shoppers are influenced by social media
- 45% of online purchases in the athletic wear category are made via mobile
- 55% of athletic apparel consumers consider brand values when purchasing
- 54% of consumers say fit is the most important factor for athletic apparel
- 42% of customers are willing to pay more for sustainable activewear
- The average product return rate for online athletic apparel is 23%
- 33% of Gen Z consumers purchase athletic wear from influencer-linked promotions
- 39% of athletic apparel purchasers follow at least one activewear brand on Instagram
- 88% of activewear sales in the U.S. in 2022 were full-price purchases
- 29% of athletic apparel consumers have used buy-now-pay-later options in the past year
- 23% of customers prefer seamless athletic wear designs for comfort
- 41% of high-income households prefer premium athletic brands
- TikTok influenced 51% of U.S. Gen Z’s athletic apparel purchases in 2023
- 49% of consumers prefer multipurpose athletic apparel
- In 2022, 67% of athletic apparel customers used brand apps to place orders
- 59% of athletic apparel buyers follow brand loyalty programs
- 61% of shoppers say brand ethics influence their decision to buy athletic wear
- 37% of consumers research athletic wear on YouTube before buying
- 53% of consumers prefer neutral or minimalist color schemes in athletic wear
- 44% of gym-goers wear branded athletic apparel for performance enhancement
- Black is the most popular athletic apparel color at 34% preference rate globally
- The average online athletic apparel shopping cart size is $83
- 68% of athletic wear customers value stretchability in fabric as top feature
Interpretation
In a world where comfort is king, TikTok dictates taste, and leggings rule the streets more than the gym, the athletic apparel industry has become less about breaking a sweat and more about branding that stretches as far as your yoga pants.
Market Size and Growth
- The global athletic apparel market was valued at approximately $351 billion in 2023
- The athletic apparel market is projected to reach $481 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 6.5%
- The U.S. athletic wear market generated $105 billion in revenue in 2023
- Adidas holds around 17% of global athletic apparel market share
- Lululemon Athletica’s revenue reached $8.1 billion in 2023
- Sustainable athletic apparel sales grew by 10% year-over-year in 2023
- Athleisure represents nearly 28% of the athletic apparel market
- U.S. men’s activewear market was valued at $23 billion in 2022
- The global compression wear market reached $5.7 billion in 2023
- Running apparel segment accounts for 17% of all athletic wear sales
- Vintage and resale athletic apparel grew by 24% in 2023
- The market for yoga and pilates apparel reached $18 billion in 2022
- Women’s leggings subsegment accounted for 21% of athleisure sales
- Lululemon’s men’s apparel sector grew by 28% in FY2022
- Athletic apparel made from recycled materials had a market value of $7.2 billion in 2023
- 200 million pairs of athletic shoes sold in the U.S. annually
- Fitness events and marathons drive 2-3% annual growth in athletic apparel sales
- Subscription boxes for athletic apparel grew 15% year-on-year in 2023
- The average athletic apparel item price increased 4.2% in 2023 globally
- Latin America’s athletic wear market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.1% through 2028
- The global women's sportswear market reached $155 billion in 2023
- Athletic apparel resale platforms grew 30% year-over-year in 2023
- Over 180,000 people are employed in the athletic apparel industry in the U.S.
- The CAGR of the U.S. kids' activewear market is projected at 5.4% (2023–2028)
Interpretation
As comfort becomes couture and sustainability goes sporty, the $351 billion athletic apparel industry is sprinting toward a $481 billion finish line by 2028—fueled by recycled fabrics, marathon mania, and the unstoppable rise of yoga pants from the gym to the boardroom.
Product Features and Trends
- Technical fabric innovations account for 8% of athletic wear R&D budgets
- Global footwear and apparel brand collaborations rose 37% in 2023
- 78% of athletic brands plan to increase eco-friendly product lines by 2025
- Sustainable fabric alternatives like bamboo and hemp grew 13% in usage in 2023
- Apparel featuring UV-protection saw a 9.8% rise in sales in 2023
- Collaborations and limited edition drops result in 2.7x higher engagement on social media
- Fitness influencers increased athletic apparel promotion by 32% in 2023
- 25% of athletic apparel contains some form of smart textile or sensor-based tech
- 4 out of 5 sportswear companies have net-zero goals by 2030
- The average product lifecycle in fast-moving athletic apparel is 8-10 weeks
Interpretation
In an industry sprinting toward sustainability, tech-laced fabrics, influencer-fueled hype, and short product lifecycles, athletic apparel is proving that looking good, feeling smart, and saving the planet can all fit into a limited-edition drop.
Regional Insights
- North America accounted for 34% of the global athletic apparel market in 2022
- Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing market for athletic apparel with an expected CAGR of 7.8% through 2028
- Nike holds 27% of the U.S. athletic apparel market share
Interpretation
While North America flexes its market muscle with Nike leading the charge, Asia-Pacific is lacing up for a record-breaking sprint as the fastest-growing contender in the global athletic apparel race.
Sales and Distribution Channels
- Online sales contribute to over 30% of athletic apparel sales globally
- Direct-to-consumer sales make up 36% of athletic apparel revenue globally
- Seasonal sales spikes typically occur in Q1 and Q4, making up 58% of annual sales
Interpretation
In a world where clicks trump bricks and New Year’s resolutions meet holiday indulgences, the athletic apparel industry flexes its muscles with over a third of sales coming straight from brands to screens—and a whopping 58% of revenue sprinting in during the first and last quarters.