Sports Apparel Market Report 2026

The sports apparel market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $221.65 billion in 2025 to $233.81 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.5%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to expansion of global sports participation, rising influence of professional sports leagues, growth of casual fitness activities, increasing demand for branded sports clothing, development of advanced textile materials.

The sports apparel market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $288.41 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing demand for sustainable sports apparel, rising growth of e-commerce distribution channels, expansion of smart textile applications, growing popularity of inclusive sizing and designs, increased focus on circular fashion models. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing use of moisture-wicking and breathable fabrics, growing demand for lightweight sports apparel, expansion of eco-friendly apparel collections, rising adoption of customised sportswear designs, enhanced focus on durability and wash performance.

The rising popularity of sports and fitness activities is driving growth in the sports apparel market. Sports activities involve physical exertion, skill, and competition, often regulated by specific rules. Their increasing appeal stems from health benefits, social interaction, stress relief, personal development, entertainment, and media influence. Sports apparel enhances athletes’ performance, comfort, and safety, making workouts more effective and enjoyable. For example, in February 2025, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), a US-based trade body, 19.8 million Americans participated in pickleball in 2024 - a 45.8% increase from 2023 and a 311% rise compared with three years earlier. This surge in participation underscores how growing engagement in sports and fitness activities is propelling the sports apparel market.

Key players in the sports apparel market are incorporating innovative technologies, such as advanced foam technologies, to improve performance and cater better to consumers. Advanced foam technologies use innovative foam materials and manufacturing processes to create lightweight, supportive, and protective sportswear. For instance, Nike introduced ReactX in July 2023, a new advanced foam technology used in its InfinityRN 4 running shoes. ReactX offers higher energy return with a lower carbon footprint, aligning with Nike's sustainability goals and providing runners with enhanced cushioning for smoother runs.

In June 2025, Kontoor Brands Inc., a US-based lifestyle and performance apparel company, acquired Helly Hansen AS for an undisclosed amount. Through this acquisition, Kontoor Brands aims to expand into the outdoor and performance apparel segment, diversifying its product portfolio and reaching new customer bases. Helly Hansen AS is a Norway-based provider of technical outdoor and performance apparel, known for high-quality gear suitable for challenging environments.

Major companies operating in the sports apparel market are Nike Inc., Adidas AG, Decathlon Group, Kappa, VF Corporation, Puma SE, Anta Sports Products Limited, Karhu Holding B.V., Lululemon Athletica Inc., Under Armour Inc., New Balance Athletics Inc., ASICS Corporation, The North Face Inc., Columbia Sportswear Company, Li Ning Company Limited, Mizuno Corporation, Brooks Sports Inc., Deckers Outdoor Corp., Fila Holdings Corp., Reebok International Limited, Umbro International Limited.

North America was the largest region in the sports apparel market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the sports apparel market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the sports apparel market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The sports apparel market consists of sales of polyester, spandex, nylon, merino wool, and other fabrics. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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