Key Insights
Essential data points from our research
The global fitness apparel market was valued at $186.9 billion in 2020
The global activewear market is projected to reach $451 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 6.5%
In 2022, North America held a market share of over 35% in the fitness apparel industry
Online sales channels accounted for over 25% of fitness apparel sales globally in 2021
47% of U.S. consumers prefer to buy fitness apparel online rather than in-store
Women account for 60% of global activewear sales
Men's activewear market expected to reach $165 billion by 2027
Athleisure accounts for 28% of all fitness apparel purchases in the U.S.
In 2021, the leggings segment alone generated over $33 billion in global revenue
70% of consumers say they wear fitness apparel for non-exercise activities
Sustainable fitness apparel market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.4% from 2022–2028
Nike's revenue from training and sportswear grew by 13% in 2021, reaching $14.4 billion
The average American spends $159 per year on fitness apparel
Brand Performance and Strategies
- Nike's revenue from training and sportswear grew by 13% in 2021, reaching $14.4 billion
- Adidas saw a 16% rise in North American fitness apparel sales in Q2 2022
- Lululemon’s annual revenue grew by 42% in 2021 to reach $6.26 billion
- Under Armour reported $5.7 billion in revenue for 2021, primarily from fitness and performance wear
- Athleisure brand Gymshark saw revenue top $500 million in 2021
Interpretation
With billions pumped into stretchy seams and sweat-wicking threads, the fitness apparel industry isn’t just flexing—it’s sprinting toward fashion-fueled domination, one sneakered stride at a time.
Consumer Behavior and Preferences
- Online sales channels accounted for over 25% of fitness apparel sales globally in 2021
- 47% of U.S. consumers prefer to buy fitness apparel online rather than in-store
- Women account for 60% of global activewear sales
- 70% of consumers say they wear fitness apparel for non-exercise activities
- The average American spends $159 per year on fitness apparel
- 25% of fitness apparel purchases are made based on influencer recommendations
- 78% of Gen Z consumers consider sustainable materials important in activewear
- Sweat-wicking fabrics are a top priority for 57% of fitness apparel shoppers
- 65% of consumers prefer brands that promote body positivity in their marketing
- 55% of millennials buy fitness apparel that is suitable for both workouts and casual wear
- Approximately 40% of shoppers rank comfort over style in fitness apparel
- 52% of consumers say they purchase fitness apparel more often since the COVID-19 pandemic
- 33% of online fitness apparel purchasers use mobile devices for transactions
- 60% of purchases made by fitness enthusiasts are influenced by brand reputation
- 85% of gym members purchase new activewear at least twice per year
- Consumers aged 18–24 spend the most per capita on fitness apparel
- 48% of consumers prefer to buy from brands that support recycled or ethical materials
Interpretation
In a world where leggings double as lounge wear and Instagram dictates gym fashion, the fitness apparel industry has become less about breaking a sweat and more about flexing values, comfort, convenience, and style—both online and off.
Market Size and Growth Trends
- The global fitness apparel market was valued at $186.9 billion in 2020
- The global activewear market is projected to reach $451 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 6.5%
- In 2022, North America held a market share of over 35% in the fitness apparel industry
- Men's activewear market expected to reach $165 billion by 2027
- In 2021, the leggings segment alone generated over $33 billion in global revenue
- Sustainable fitness apparel market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.4% from 2022–2028
- The Asia Pacific fitness apparel market is expected to grow the fastest, with a CAGR of 7.2% from 2022–2028
- Global fitness apparel exports increased by 15.3% in 2022
- Luxury fitness apparel sales rose 8% YoY in 2021
- Second-hand fitness apparel sales increased by 20% in 2022
- The global yoga apparel market is forecasted to grow to $47.8 billion by 2027
- Latin America's fitness apparel market is forecast to hit $16.8 billion by 2027
- Online-only fitness apparel brands grew twice as fast as legacy brands in 2020
Interpretation
As fitness apparel stretches across markets faster than your favorite pair of leggings, the industry’s explosive growth—from sustainable sweats to luxury loungewear—shows that sweating in style is big business globally, not just a passing trend.
Product Segmentation and Categories
- Athleisure accounts for 28% of all fitness apparel purchases in the U.S.
- Fitness apparel makes up nearly 45% of all performance apparel sales
- Athletic footwear made up 55% of total sportswear market sales in 2021
- Sports bras account for 19% of women's fitness apparel spending globally
Interpretation
As sneakers sprint ahead with over half the sportswear market and sports bras hold a firm grip on nearly a fifth of women’s fitness spending, athleisure’s 28% slice of the U.S. fitness apparel pie proves that looking gym-ready is now as important as breaking a sweat.
Sustainability and Ethical Considerations
- Adidas plans to use over 90% recycled polyester in products by 2025
Interpretation
Adidas is sprinting toward sustainability, aiming to outfit the future in style by weaving responsibility into over 90% of its polyester threads by 2025.