Nike, one of the leading sportswear manufacturers in the world, is a key player within the U.S. sports apparel market. As of 2018, Nike held an **** percent share of the athletic apparel market in the United States, ahead of adidas, who held a *** percent share of the market. Athletic apparel market The global sportswear market is a lucrative market, which is forecast to grow further in the coming years. Not only is Nike one of the most prominent producers within this market worldwide, but the company also holds the honor of being ranked as the world's leading athletic apparel brand. Nike and adidas are, by some margin, the leading companies in the sportswear industry worldwide. Puma and Under Armour are two other big companies which operate within this market. Athletic footwear market Nike generates more revenue from footwear than adidas and Puma combined, showing the company’s dominance in this sector. In the United States alone, the athletic footwear market generates billions of U.S. dollars each year. Nike dominates the U.S. athletic footwear market, with its brands holding over **** of the market share.

The statistic depicts the manufacturers' (wholesale) sales of athletic apparel in the U.S. from 2008 to 2024. In 2024, wholesale sales of athletic apparel amounted to about ***** billion U.S. dollars, an increase of **** percent compared to 2019.
Athletic apparel market Athletic apparel is a general term referring to high-functionality clothes designed to enhance performance, but also to support and protect the body while playing sports. Since different sports put strain on different parts of the body and are played in different conditions, athletic wear differs in materials, fit, or design from one sport to another. The sports apparel market is divided into high-performance gear for professional athletes, consumer products and “athleisure”- sportswear for everyday life. Just some examples of athletic apparel include yoga pants, football jerseys, running socks, swimwear, and baseball caps. Major players The most important players on both the global sporting goods market and the global sport apparel market are adidas and Nike. Every year, these industry giants generate the highest sales numbers when it comes to sports apparel and athletic footwear. VF Corporation, which is another key company within the sportswear industry and the apparel industry as a whole, is responsible for more than ten brands, including but not limited to Eastpak, JanSport, Altra, The North Face, Napapijri, and Vans.

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global Sports Apparel market size was USD 205614.2 million in 2024. It will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.00% from 2024 to 2031.

North America held the major market share for more than 40% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 82245.68 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2% from 2024 to 2031.
Europe accounted for a market share of over 30% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 61684.26 million.
Asia Pacific held a market share of around 23% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 47291.27 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.0% from 2024 to 2031.
Latin America had a market share of more than 5% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 10280.71 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4% from 2024 to 2031.
Middle East and Africa had a market share of around 2% of the global revenue and was estimated at a market size of USD 4112.28 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7% from 2024 to 2031.
The cricket category is the fastest growing segment of the Sports Apparel industry

Market Dynamics of Sports Apparel Market

Key Drivers for Sports Apparel Market

Increasing attention to health and fitness to accelerate market growth: The market for sports apparel is rapidly expanding due to growing consumer focus on health and fitness. Despite busy lifestyles, individuals from around the world remain committed to investing in health and fitness. As more individuals are becoming aware of the benefits of maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle, more individual are taking part in physical activities like sports, yoga, athletics and gym workouts. Further, the rise in sports apparel being worn as a comfortable alternative to everyday casuals, is fueling demand for apparel that is both practical and fashionable. Social media along with organizations running fitness awareness campaigns contribute significantly to this trend.

Tech-driven fabrics are fueling market growth: Technology driven fabrics, offering features like moisture-wicking, breathability and flexibility are key to superior performance and comfort in sports apparel. The rise in active lifestyles across the globe, along with increased participation in fitness activities is driving demand for high-quality sports apparel. Fabric materials such as, temperature regulating fibers, four-way stretch fabrics and antimicrobial textiles satisfy the diverse needs of sports and fitness enthusiasts. Many sports apparel brands, including Nike, Lululemon and Asics are incorporating tech-driven fabrics and other technology driven advancements into their designs.

Restraint Factor for the Sports Apparel Market

Rising costs of raw materials impact market growth: Hight costs of raw material directly impact the sports apparel market, hindering growth by increasing production expenses, potentially to price increases or reduced profit margins for brands. Increase in price of raw materials like cotton, polyester and other synthetic fibers directly lead to higher production costs for sports apparel producers. To offset such high costs, brands may increase the retail prices of their offerings, which might make sports apparel less affordable for consumers thereby impacting demand and overall market growth.

Trends in the Sports Apparel Market

Surge in Demand for Athleisure and Everyday Activewear: The rising appeal of athleisure—a combination of athletic and leisurewear—is transforming the sports apparel industry. Consumers are increasingly favoring versatile garments that merge comfort, performance, and style suitable for both exercise and everyday use. This trend is driven by a health-conscious lifestyle, the culture of remote work, and fashion-forward designs that seamlessly integrate gym and streetwear. Brands are responding by broadening their selections in moisture-wicking materials, flexible fits, and minimalist designs. Collaborations with celebrities and fashion designers have further enhanced the trend, establishing athleisure as a prominent segment within sports apparel that serves both fitness aficionados and casual shoppers.

Focus on Sustainable and High-Performance Materials: Sustainability has emerged as a central concern in sports apparel, with bra...

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Sports Apparel Market Size 2025-2029

The sports apparel market size is forecast to increase by USD 106.5 billion, at a CAGR of 8.1% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is driven by the increasing availability of innovative and high-performance apparel, leading to product premiumization. Consumers are increasingly willing to invest in sports apparel that offers superior comfort, functionality, and style. Technological advancements in sports apparel, such as hiking gears and moisture-wicking fabric, temperature regulation, and integrated technology, further fuel this trend. However, the market faces challenges from the volatility in prices of raw materials, particularly cotton and synthetic fibers. This price instability can impact the profitability of sports apparel manufacturers and retailers, necessitating effective supply chain management and pricing strategies. To capitalize on market opportunities, companies must focus on product innovation, sustainable sourcing, and efficient supply chain management.
Navigating the challenges of raw material price volatility requires a proactive approach, including hedging strategies, alternative sourcing, and supply chain optimization. Overall, the market presents significant growth potential, with a focus on product innovation and effective supply chain management being key to success.

What will be the Size of the Sports Apparel Market during the forecast period?

Explore in-depth regional segment analysis with market size data - historical 2019-2023 and forecasts 2025-2029 - in the full report.
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The market continues to evolve, driven by advancements in fabric technology, customer preferences, and industry trends. Synthetic fibers, such as quick-drying and moisture-wicking materials, dominate the landscape, catering to various sectors including soccer, running, and golf. Price point and customer segmentation play crucial roles in product development, with offerings ranging from budget-friendly options to high-performance, technologically-advanced garments. Body mapping and breathable fabrics are key features in performance apparel, ensuring optimal comfort and functionality. Ski apparel and snowboarding apparel incorporate quick-drying fabrics to tackle the challenges of winter sports. Wearable Technology and stretch fabrics are revolutionizing training shoes and training apparel, enabling better tracking of performance metrics and enhancing workouts.

How is this Sports Apparel Industry segmented?

The sports apparel industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

End-user

  Men
  Women
  Children


Distribution Channel

  Offline
  Online


Apparel Type

  Jerseys
  Shorts
  Athletic Shoes
  Compression Wear


Sports Category

  Soccer
  Basketball
  Running
  Gym and Fitness


Geography

  North America

    US


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    Italy
    UK


  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan
    South Korea


  South America

    Brazil


  Rest of World (ROW)

By End-user Insights

The men segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The market encompasses various categories, including soccer apparel, smart clothing, athletic apparel, yoga apparel, Running Apparel, performance apparel, athletic socks, ski apparel, golf apparel, tennis apparel, team uniforms, and more. These apparel types incorporate advanced technologies such as moisture-wicking fabrics, quick-drying fabrics, body mapping, and wearable technology. Consumers increasingly prioritize ethical sourcing and demand transparency in supply chains. Customer segmentation plays a crucial role in market dynamics, with the men's segment experiencing significant growth due to increased sports participation and marketing initiatives. Men's sports apparel offers various options like athletic shorts, compression tights, and fashionable designs, catering to diverse preferences.

Brands focus on improving distribution channels and marketing efforts to capture latent demand. Product development continues to evolve, with an emphasis on natural fibers, compression garments, and performance metrics. Fabric testing, quality control, and product lifecycle management are essential aspects of the industry. Sublimation printing, screen printing, and other techniques add unique designs to sports apparel. Sports bras, cycling apparel, and other specialized apparel cater to specific customer needs. Merino wool, running shoes, Basketball Apparel, and other essentials complete the diverse sports apparel landscape. The market is expected to continue evolving, with innovation and customer satisfaction driving growth.

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The Men segment was valued at USD 96.80 billion in

Unlock data-backed intelligence on USA Sports Apparel Market, size at USD 4.2 billion in 2023, featuring industry trends and strategic insights.

This industry retails men's and women’s sports apparel via the internet. This includes online-only retailers, as well as brick-and-mortar stores that have an online presence.

USD 68.68 Billion in 2024; projected USD 103.06 Billion by 2033; CAGR 4.63%.

USA Athletic Apparel and Sportswear Market valued at USD 95 Bn, driven by health consciousness, athleisure trends, and fitness emphasis, with growth in performance apparel and sustainability.

This statistic shows data on the projected development of the global sports apparel market revenue from 2019 to 2025. The global sports apparel market is expected to increase from ****** billion U.S. dollars in 2019 to a projected ****** billion U.S. dollars in 2025. Sports apparel is clothing which is especially designed for sports and physical exercise. Garments may include T-shirts, shorts, running tights, swimsuits, wet suits and trainers. An increasing number of individuals are beginning to wear sports apparel and sports shoes as part of everyday life, not only as part of a work out. In a survey conducted in the United States in 2016, the largest share of respondents said Nike was their favourite brand for sports apparel. Respondents also cited Under Armour, adidas, New Balance and Sketchers in the top five brands for sports apparel. In 2017, Nike generated a revenue of **** billion U.S. dollars.

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Snow Sports Apparel Market Size 2024-2028

The snow sports apparel market size is forecast to increase by USD 1.63 billion at a CAGR of 6.07% between 2023 and 2028.

The market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the availability of a wide product mix and assortment in regions such as Florida and Southern California, where residents seek out snow sports as a recreational activity despite the lack of natural snow. Another trend is the increasing popularity of alternative snow sports like snowshoeing and snowmobiling.
Furthermore, technological advancements, such as virtual reality, are also transforming the market, offering immersive experiences for consumers. In terms of materials, there is a growing demand for eco-friendly options like organic cotton and vegetable-dyed leather, as well as durable and functional footwear made from plastic and rubber. However, challenges persist in the form of complex supply chain management, particularly in the Mississippi basin where extreme weather conditions can impact production and distribution.

What will be the Size of the Market During the Forecast Period?

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The winter sports apparel market is a significant segment of the global sportswear industry, catering to the needs of skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling enthusiasts. Specialized clothing, including jackets, pants, base layers, gloves, and accessories, plays a crucial role in ensuring functionality, safety, and style for participants in these sports. Functionality is a key consideration, with performance fabrics and insulation technologies ensuring warmth, waterproofing, and breathability. Style and fashion trends also influence the market, with sportswear brands and fashion designers collaborating to create innovative and attractive designs. The market for winter sports apparel is not limited to cold regions, with growing popularity in warmer climates such as Florida, southern California, and the southern Mississippi basin.
Furthermore, the academic curriculum, including physical education and sports science, also influences the market, with an increasing focus on performance and safety. Virtual reality technology is also transforming the winter sports apparel market, allowing consumers to virtually try on clothing and accessories before making a purchase. Footwear is another essential component of the market, with specialized boots designed for each winter sport. The adult population is the primary consumer base for winter sports apparel, with a significant number of participants engaging in ski sports and snowboarding. Other activities, such as snowshoeing and ice skating, also contribute to the market's growth. Safety remains a top priority, with manufacturers continually developing new technologies to protect athletes from the cold and potential injuries.

How is this market segmented and which is the largest segment?

The market research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.

Product

  Alpine apparel
  Snowboard apparel


Distribution Channel

  Offline
  Online


Geography

  North America

    Canada
    US


  Europe

    Germany
    France


  APAC

    China


  South America



  Middle East and Africa

By Product Insights

The alpine apparel segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The market encompasses a range of products designed for various winter activities, with the alpine apparel segment being the largest. This segment caters to alpine skiing, which is particularly popular in regions like Florida and Southern California with artificial ski slopes, as well as in the Mississippi basin with its natural ski resorts. The alpine apparel segment includes tops and bottoms, with insulated and fleece tops and insulated bottoms being the most frequently used due to their versatility, adaptability to weather conditions, and stretchability.

Furthermore, alpine skiing is governed by the International Ski Federation (FIS), and the market for snow sports apparel features a diverse range of offerings, from plastic and rubber footwear to fabric items made of organic cotton and vegetable-dyed leather. Virtual reality technology is also making strides in enhancing the skiing experience, offering immersive simulations for those unable to physically participate in the sport.

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The alpine apparel segment was valued at USD 3.64 billion in 2018 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Regional Analysis

North America is estimated to contribute 39% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period.

Technavio's analysts have elaborate

Market Size statistics on the Licensed Sports Apparel Stores industry in the US

Snapshot img

Winter Sports Apparel Market Size 2024-2028

The winter sports apparel market size is forecast to increase by USD 473.5 million, at a CAGR of 4.5% between 2023 and 2028. The winter sports apparel market experiences significant growth, driven by innovative designs and expansive portfolios from key players. The increasing popularity of winter sports, fueled by national and international competitions, further boosts market expansion. Participation rates continue to rise, necessitating the development of advanced, functional, and stylish apparel solutions for athletes and enthusiasts alike. As winter sports gain prominence, the market responds with cutting-edge technology and design, ensuring a robust and dynamic industry landscape.

What will be the Size of the Market During the Forecast Period?

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Market Dynamic and Customer Landscape

The e-commerce market has expanded with online distribution channels and improved online shopping experiences, while brick-and-mortar retail remains vital. Youth population and winter hiking enthusiasts benefit from body mapping insulation and convertible jackets. The E-commerce and offline category are vital in distributing top snow sports apparel products. Stringent regulations and international snowsports organizations ensure safety, mitigating risks like fatal accidents through enhanced safety awareness. Engaging in outdoor activities offers significant mental and physical benefits, contributing to overall well-being. Outdoor recreational activities like hiking and skiing enhance both mental benefits and physical benefits, aligning with evolving consumer preferences. As interest grows, the cost of apparels becomes a key consideration. Advances in fibers and clothes ensure high-quality, durable options for enthusiasts, reflecting the balance between consumer preferences and practical needs for outdoor gear. Our researchers analyzed the data with 2023 as the base year, along with the key drivers, trends, and challenges. A holistic analysis of drivers will help companies refine their marketing strategies to gain a competitive advantage.

Key Market Driver

Innovations in winter sports apparel designs and portfolio expansion is notably driving market growth. The winter sports apparel market caters to various winter activities, including alpine sports, climbing, ice skating, and mountaineering. Companies like Amer Sports and Columbia Sportswear provide a range of apparel for men and women. Advanced fabric technology ensures functionality, breathability, and moisture-wicking properties. Accessories such as gloves and insulated pants are essential for extreme conditions.

Moreover, eco-friendly materials and ethical production practices are becoming increasingly important to budget-conscious consumers and environmentally conscious millennials. Discounts and deals are available on e-commerce platforms to make high-performance apparel more accessible. Protective gear, including durable fabrics and recycled materials, prioritizes personal safety. Thus, such factors are driving the growth of the market during the forecast period.

Significant Market Trends

Increased participation by women in winter sports is the key trend in the market. The market for winter sports apparel is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing accessibility and participation of women in various winter sports, particularly ice hockey.

Moreover, in Canada, women accounted for approximately 46% of ice hockey players in 2020, and globally, the number of registered female ice hockey players increased by 33.85% between 2007 and 2018. This trend is driving demand for advanced fabrics, breathable materials, insulated materials, and protective gear in winter sports apparel. Thus, such trends will shape the growth of the market during the forecast period.

Major Market Challenge

High costs of winter sports infrastructure is the major challenge that affects the growth of the market. The global winter sports apparel market faces challenges due to limited accessibility to infrastructure for various winter sports. This issue negatively impacts the growth of winter sports, particularly in countries where the population primarily follows one sport.

Moreover, the lack of infrastructure hinders the expansion of the market in these regions, as the number of individual participants and teams is smaller. Manufacturers in the winter sports apparel industry encounter difficulties in penetrating markets with less demand. Accessories such as gloves, base layers, and jackets made from advanced fabrics, breathable materials, and insulated materials are essential for winter sports. Hence, the above factors will impede the growth of the market during the forecast period

Exclusive Customer Landscape

The market forecasting report includes the adoption lifecycle of the market, covering from the innovator’s stage to t

Licensed sports apparel stores have benefited from an uptick in customers, driven primarily by major sporting events and a heightened focus on fitness and health. According to a 2025 publication from the American Medical Association, total health spending climbed 7.5% in 2023, reaching nearly $5.0 trillion. This trend is catalyzing sales across various channels, spurring greater spending on fitness apparel from older customers who want to maintain their quality of life and from families who want to instill good habits in their children. In response, retailers are adopting innovative marketing strategies and collaborating with prominent athletes to capture a wider customer base. Revenue from licensed sports apparel stores is expected to expand at a CAGR of 5.4% to $23.0 billion through the end of 2025, including a forecast hike of 1.7% in 2025 alone. Licensed sports apparel retailers are navigating a shifting retail landscape, where significant growth in online sales has intensified the challenges that physical stores face. Retailers are adapting to evolving consumer preferences by investing in digital technologies and enhancing their online presence, a move that is proving critical in capturing the younger, digitally savvy demographic. The push towards sustainability is gaining momentum, with consumers showing a greater interest in eco-friendly products. This shift is encouraging companies to innovate using sustainable materials and practices. These products can be sold for a premium, boosting profit but potentially turning away some sales. Industry retailers are poised to leverage advancements in technology, such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), to offer immersive shopping experiences. These technologies are intended to improve consumer interactions and boost engagement levels, facilitating more sales. Also, the continuous expansion of professional and amateur sports activities nationwide will sustain spending on licensed sports apparel. However, licensed sports apparel retailers must be aware of potential economic fluctuations and competitive pressures, which could impact consumer spending patterns. Embracing flexibility in business models and innovation in product offerings will be key to navigating future challenges and capitalizing on emerging opportunities. For example, licensed wearables, such as a team-themed fitness watch, may strengthen growth potential in the coming years. Revenue is expected to swell at a CAGR of 2.4% to $25.9 billion through the end of 2030.

The statistic depicts the market share of the sports and non-sports apparel industry in the United States as of 2016. As of 2016, sports apparel held a ***** percent share of the total apparel market in the United States.

This industry sells sports-specific apparel designed to meet the performance and safety needs of athletes. Products sold in this industry range from shorts and tops to shoes and undergarments.

Global Sportswear Market is projected to reach USD 855.3 Billion by 2033, with a 9.8% CAGR from 2024 to 2033.

Discover the latest market trends and insights for the booming sports apparel industry. Learn about key players, regional growth, and future projections for this dynamic sector, covering everything from athletic wear to athleisure. Explore market size, CAGR, and segmentation data to inform your business strategies.

The Sports Apparel Market will grow from USD 254.04 Billion in 2025 to USD 399.78 Billion by 2031 at a 7.85% CAGR.

The value of the sports and swimwear market in the United States stood at roughly ** billion U.S. dollars in 2024 and is forecast to reach almost ** billion U.S. dollars by 2028. Sports and swimwear market segments With each consecutive year, women’s sports and swimwear revenue in the United States far exceeded that of men and children. While the country’s male sports and swimwear segment generated approximately ** billion U.S. dollars’ worth of revenue in 2023, and the equivalent for kids brought about some **** billion, revenue of the women’s sports and swimwear market reached more than both of those segments combined. Why is the sportswear market growing? The sportswear market has benefitted from changing consumer trends over recent years. The rise of streetwear culture has led to greater demand from teenagers, while a greater interest in fitness has resulted in adults seeking comfortable yet fashionable clothing. Nike has a dominant share of the sportswear market in the United States and is regarded highly by both teenagers and adults. Around ***** in 10 teenagers ranked Nike as their top clothing brand.

The global sports equipment and apparel market size was USD 671.45 billion in 2024 & is projected to grow from USD 721.13 billion in 2025 to USD 1,276.59 billion by 2033.
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