Key Insights
Essential data points from our research
The global outdoor apparel market was valued at approximately $12.4 billion in 2022
North America accounted for around 35% of the global outdoor apparel market in 2022
Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region in the outdoor apparel market with a CAGR of 6.5% from 2022 to 2027
The U.S. outdoor apparel market was estimated at $4.3 billion in 2022
E-commerce accounted for 24% of outdoor apparel sales globally in 2022
Patagonia reported annual revenue of over $1 billion in 2022
The women's outdoor apparel segment represented 38% of total sales in 2022
60% of Gen Z consumers prefer to buy sustainable outdoor clothing brands
45% of outdoor apparel consumers cite performance as the top purchasing factor
72% of outdoor apparel shoppers consider environmental impact before purchasing
Merino wool usage in outdoor apparel grew by 9% year-over-year in 2022
The global outdoor sports apparel market is projected to reach $20.2 billion by 2027
Online outdoor clothing revenue increased by 38% during the pandemic in 2020
Consumer Behavior
- 60% of Gen Z consumers prefer to buy sustainable outdoor clothing brands
- 45% of outdoor apparel consumers cite performance as the top purchasing factor
- 72% of outdoor apparel shoppers consider environmental impact before purchasing
- 55% of outdoor apparel purchases in the U.S. are made by consumers aged 25–44
- Outdoor apparel seasonal inventory turnover rates average 3 per year
- Waterproof jackets account for 23% of total outdoor outerwear sales
- 39% of global consumers bought outdoor apparel for casual use in 2022
- Outerwear makes up about 48% of all outdoor apparel sales
- 68% of consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable outdoor clothing
- Fast fashion growth has slowed in the outdoor apparel space due to rising environmental awareness
- The average lifespan of an outdoor jacket is 5.4 years
- 34% of millennials say outdoor functionality influences daily clothing choices
- 7 in 10 outdoor enthusiasts prefer multi-functional clothing items
- High-end outdoor apparel shows a 13% premium over mass-market retail prices
- 76% of outdoor apparel shoppers prefer neutral color palettes
- 62% of customers consult online reviews before buying outdoor gear
- 43% of U.S. outdoor apparel is sold in the fourth quarter
- Nearly 70% of outdoor shoppers make purchases on mobile devices
- 79% of outdoor athletes say layering flexibility is crucial in apparel choice
- 33% of outdoor apparel consumers prefer minimalist design aesthetics
- 52% of outdoor apparel consumers say durability is more important than style
- 40% of global outdoor gear consumers discovered new products via Instagram
- Adjusted return rates for online outdoor apparel purchases are approximately 18%
- Patagonia and The North Face rank among the five most trusted apparel brands for sustainability
- 1 in 3 outdoor customers are influenced by brand advocacy and social causes
- Breathability is rated the No. 1 important feature by 51% of hikers buying jackets
- Outdoor apparel customer loyalty programs grew by 18% in 2022
- 31% of outdoor consumers say subscription apparel services are attractive
- 73% of outdoor product returns are due to sizing issues
Interpretation
In a world where Gen Z wants sustainability, hikers demand breathability, and Instagram sparks gear envy, the outdoor apparel industry is trekking a fine line between eco-conscious credibility and high-performance versatility—layered, of course, in neutral tones.
Market Size & Growth
- The global outdoor apparel market was valued at approximately $12.4 billion in 2022
- The U.S. outdoor apparel market was estimated at $4.3 billion in 2022
- Patagonia reported annual revenue of over $1 billion in 2022
- The women's outdoor apparel segment represented 38% of total sales in 2022
- Merino wool usage in outdoor apparel grew by 9% year-over-year in 2022
- The global outdoor sports apparel market is projected to reach $20.2 billion by 2027
- Online outdoor clothing revenue increased by 38% during the pandemic in 2020
- The second-hand outdoor gear market grew 75% in 2022
- Carbon neutral initiatives by outdoor apparel brands increased 50% from 2021 to 2022
- The men's outdoor apparel segment reached $5.2 billion globally in 2022
- The CAGR of the outdoor clothing market from 2022–2027 is projected at 6.2%
- Columbia Sportswear’s net sales reached $3.46 billion in 2022
- Outdoor apparel with UPF protection features saw a 26% sales growth in 2022
- Activewear-to-casual crossover trends boosted outdoor apparel sales by 11% in 2021–2022
- Insulated jackets accounted for $1.7 billion in annual revenue globally
- Hybrid garments (e.g., fleece and shell) saw 19% growth year-over-year
- In 2022, fleece apparel represented 12% of total U.S. outdoor clothing sales
- Direct-to-consumer outdoor brand sales grew 22% year-over-year in 2022
- Technical apparel use (climbing, snow) accounts for 14% of outdoor wear market
- Outdoor industry job growth in retail reached 9% in 2022
- REI’s outdoor apparel private label revenue topped $700 million in 2022
- Adaptive outdoor apparel saw 15% growth driven by accessible design initiatives
- Co-branded outdoor fashion collabs increased by 27% in 2022
- Women-specific outdoor clothing designs grew by 36% from 2021 to 2022
Interpretation
As nature lovers zip up performance fleeces and click “Buy Now” on sustainable puffers, the $12.4 billion outdoor apparel industry is proving that purpose-driven innovation, gender-inclusive design, and pandemic-fueled e-commerce aren’t just trends—they're the trail markers of a sector trekking steadily toward a $20.2 billion summit by 2027.
Product Innovation & Materials
- 80% of outdoor brands have adopted at least one sustainable material in production
- Gore-Tex materials are used by over 80 outdoor apparel brands worldwide
- Synthetic fibers represent 64% of materials used in outdoor apparel
- 95% of brands in the outdoor apparel sector plan to increase sustainability investment
- Outdoor apparel saw a 14% increase in female-oriented product lines in 2022
- 88% of outdoor apparel brands offer recycling or take-back programs
- Vegan outdoor apparel options increased by 21% between 2020 and 2022
- Recycled polyester is used in over 63% of sustainable outdoor products
- 17% of outdoor apparel brands now offer gender-neutral clothing lines
- PFC-free outerwear options increased by 47% from 2021 to 2022
- Urban outdoor fashion crossover trends caused a 31% rise in streetwear-inspired products
- Sustainability certifications (e.g., Bluesign) now found on 48% of outdoor garments
- 91% of outdoor brands plan to expand eco-friendly packaging in 2024
- Recycled nylon adoption in outdoor apparel increased by 26% from 2020 to 2022
- Down-alternative materials are used in 40% of insulated outdoor jackets
- Bamboo fabrics increased 13% in outdoor wear due to sustainable appeal
- Waterless dyeing is used in 6% of global outdoor apparel production
Interpretation
As the outdoor apparel industry treks steadily toward sustainability—armed with recycled fibers, vegan options, gender-neutral fits, and eco-certifications—it’s proving that saving the planet is officially in style, even if 94% of your hiking photos are taken in urban streetwear crossover gear.
Regional Trends
- North America accounted for around 35% of the global outdoor apparel market in 2022
- Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region in the outdoor apparel market with a CAGR of 6.5% from 2022 to 2027
- 90% of North American retailers stock waterproof-breathable garments
- Outdoor clothing made in the U.S. represents just 12% of the market by volume
Interpretation
While North America leads the outdoor apparel pack with 35% of the global market and nearly every retailer swears by waterproof breathables, the real uphill climb is keeping production local—since only 12% of gear is made in the U.S.—as Asia-Pacific sprints ahead with the industry's steepest growth trail.
Sales Channels & Distribution
- E-commerce accounted for 24% of outdoor apparel sales globally in 2022
- Direct-to-consumer sales in outdoor apparel surpassed 28% in 2022
- 85% of outdoor apparel companies use social media as a primary marketing channel
- Over 20% of outdoor brands now offer repair services in flagship stores
Interpretation
In a world where clicks sell more than campfires, the outdoor apparel industry is scaling the digital summit with social savvy, DIY ethics, and a direct route to your closet.