Key Insights
Essential data points from our research
The global sports apparel market was valued at approximately $185.2 billion in 2022
The sports apparel market is projected to reach $305.5 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 5.1% from 2023 to 2032
In 2021, North America accounted for nearly 30% of the global sports apparel market revenue
The U.S. sportswear market value reached around $110 billion in 2023
Nike held a 27.4% market share of the global sportswear market in 2022
Adidas had around 16.3% of the global sports apparel market in 2022
The online segment of sports apparel accounted for over 16% of total sales in 2022
Men’s sports apparel segment accounted for over 50% of the total market revenue in 2022
The women's segment in sports apparel is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 5.6% through 2032
Athleisure accounted for more than 28% of global sportswear sales in 2022
The global athleisure market is projected to reach $549 billion by 2028
Performance sportswear grew by 6.2% globally in 2022
Over 60% of Gen Z consumers consider sustainability a factor in activewear purchases
Consumer Behavior and Trends
- The online segment of sports apparel accounted for over 16% of total sales in 2022
- Over 60% of Gen Z consumers consider sustainability a factor in activewear purchases
- 49% of sports apparel consumers prefer comfort as their top purchasing factor
- 74% of U.S. consumers consider versatility essential in sportswear purchases
- Online sales for Nike accounted for 26% of their total revenue in 2022, up from 10% in 2019
- Over 36% of sports apparel is influenced by celebrity athlete endorsements
- Technical innovation in fabric (moisture-wicking etc.) is a purchase factor for 65% of U.S. consumers
- 43% of customers say brand loyalty heavily influences their sports apparel purchases
- Women’s participation in sports drove a 5.3% increase in global demand for female-specific activewear from 2021–2022
- 58% of urban millennial men buy sports apparel for daily wear, not exercise
- 72% of sports apparel returns are due to sizing issues, not product dissatisfaction
- 89% of Gen Z consumers expect ethical labor practices in activewear sourcing
- 41% of American consumers prefer to purchase sport apparel from multinational brands than local ones
- 64% of fitness app users are more likely to shop for new activewear monthly
- The average consumer spends $140 per year on sports apparel globally
- 91% of global sports apparel brands plan to invest in eco-friendly materials by the end of 2025
- 77% of sports apparel buyers look for multi-functional pieces combining form and utility
- 37% of sportswear consumers prefer brands that use recycled textiles
- Activewear was the fastest growing fashion category by search on Google in 2022
- 56% of consumers say fit-tech (try-on tools, AR, etc.) increased their purchase confidence
- 67% of shoppers believe sportswear should be inclusive for all fitness levels and body types
- 85% of consumers expect brands to support social causes in sportswear marketing
- The fastest-growing demographic in U.S. activewear purchases is 55+, up 12% year-over-year
- 78% of teenage athletes in the U.S. say brand is the most influential factor in apparel choice
- 34% of shoppers say unique design aesthetics influence their choice of workout apparel
- 70% of French consumers prefer eco-labeled sports apparel
- 50% of U.S. sports apparel buyers say climate affects their seasonal purchases
- 62% of activewear brands plan to build direct-to-consumer infrastructure by 2025
- Retailers offering customizations sell 37% more units of activewear on average
Interpretation
In a world where stretchy pants are serious business, the sports apparel industry is sprinting toward a future shaped by digital carts, sustainable stitching, body-positive sizing, and gym clothes that double as brunchwear—all while riding the influencer treadmill and chasing a conscience-fueled consumer.
Key Players and Market Share
- Nike held a 27.4% market share of the global sportswear market in 2022
- Adidas had around 16.3% of the global sports apparel market in 2022
- In 2023, Puma generated over €8.6 billion in revenue, much of it from sports apparel
- Dick’s Sporting Goods reported $12.4 billion in net sales in 2022, with a major share from sports apparel
- Nike spends an estimated $3.8 billion annually on advertising, primarily for sportswear branding
- In 2023, Under Armour generated $5.9 billion in revenue, driven by athletic apparel
- Ultrafast fashion brands contributed under 3% of global sportswear revenue in 2022
- Reebok generated $1.5 billion in revenue globally in 2022, mostly from sportswear
Interpretation
In the high-stakes arena of sports apparel, Nike sprints ahead with a dominant stride, Adidas keeps pace in second, Puma charges forward, while the rest—from Dick’s to Under Armour—hustle for position in a race where billion-dollar branding is as crucial as performance gear itself.
Market Size and Growth
- The global sports apparel market was valued at approximately $185.2 billion in 2022
- The sports apparel market is projected to reach $305.5 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 5.1% from 2023 to 2032
- The U.S. sportswear market value reached around $110 billion in 2023
- The women's segment in sports apparel is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 5.6% through 2032
- The global athleisure market is projected to reach $549 billion by 2028
- Performance sportswear grew by 6.2% globally in 2022
- Lululemon's revenue surpassed $8.1 billion in 2022, driven by strong sports apparel sales
- China’s sportswear market reached $62.5 billion in 2023
- Sports apparel for kids is expected to grow at 4.9% CAGR from 2023 to 2032
- Global e-commerce sales for sports apparel crossed $50 billion in 2022
- The U.K. sportswear market was estimated at £13.5 billion in 2023
- U.S. sports apparel exports grew by 6.1% in 2023
- Sustainable sports apparel sales grew 14% year-over-year in 2022
- Compression gear demand among amateur athletes in Europe rose by 10.6% in 2023
- Sports bras accounted for $10 billion in global sales in 2022
- Athleisure wear grew 8.2% globally in 2022, despite an overall slowdown in fashion retail
- The resale market for secondhand activewear is set to reach $11 billion by 2027
- Shopify merchants reported an 18% increase in sports apparel sales between Q3 2022 and Q3 2023
- Bike apparel segment rose by 9.5% globally in 2022 due to increased urban cycling
- The NFL licensed apparel market generates approximately $3.2 billion annually in the U.S.
- Online-only sportswear retailers grew 21% year-over-year through 2022
- University-licensed athletic apparel generated $4.6 billion in U.S. retail revenue in 2022
- Subscription-based sports apparel services grew 13% in 2022
- India’s sports apparel market is forecast to grow at CAGR of 9.2% to 2030
- Outdoor adventure apparel grew 6.1% in 2022 due to increased travel and fitness hybridity
- Sports apparel resale on Poshmark increased by 23% in 2022
- Fast fashion players expanding into athleticwear grew 11% in 2022
- Skate and street-influenced sports apparel had 8.5% growth in 2022
Interpretation
As performance meets profit and leggings outpace loafers, the $185 billion sports apparel industry is sprinting into a $305 billion future—fueled by empowered women, eco-conscious consumers, and a global wardrobe that now trains harder, bikes farther, and lounges better in athleisure.
Product Segments and Innovation
- Men’s sports apparel segment accounted for over 50% of the total market revenue in 2022
- Athleisure accounted for more than 28% of global sportswear sales in 2022
- Sports leggings remain the best-selling women’s activewear item with over $13 billion in sales in 2022
- Running apparel makes up 22% of total category sales globally
- Over 90% of sports apparel materials are made from synthetics like polyester and nylon
- Soccer-related apparel makes up 17% of the global sports apparel category
- Footwear and sports apparel hybrid products drove 19% of total sportswear growth in 2022
Interpretation
In a world where men dominate over half the market, athleisure blurs fashion and function, leggings sprint ahead in women’s wardrobes, and synthetic fabrics fuel a $13 billion run, the sports apparel industry proves it’s not just playing games—it’s strategizing like a champion.
Regional and Country Insights
- In 2021, North America accounted for nearly 30% of the global sports apparel market revenue
- The Asia-Pacific region is expected to register the highest growth rate of 6.7% in sports apparel through 2032
- Brazil's sports apparel industry generated $7.8 billion in revenue in 2023
- Japan’s sports apparel market was worth $11.3 billion in 2023
Interpretation
While North America currently wears the jersey as sports apparel’s revenue leader, fast-breaking growth in Asia-Pacific and strong showings from Brazil and Japan suggest the global game is shifting to a more competitive, multi-regional league.
