Activewear Market Report 2026

The activewear market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $384.48 billion in 2025 to $409.01 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to rising health and fitness awareness, expansion of organized sports participation, growth of e-commerce apparel platforms, increasing disposable income levels, influence of global fitness trends.

The activewear market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $521.79 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to growing demand for eco-friendly activewear, rising customization and personalization offerings, expansion of online-first apparel brands, increasing integration of wearable-compatible clothing, growing focus on inclusive sizing and design. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing demand for sustainable performance fabrics, rising adoption of direct-to-consumer sales models, growing integration of smart and functional textiles, expansion of athleisure wear across daily use, enhanced focus on comfort and versatility.

The increasing participation in recreational activities is expected to drive the expansion of the activewear market. Recreational activities encompass a variety of leisure-time pursuits undertaken for enjoyment, amusement, and pleasure. These can include sports, games, hobbies, exercise, reading, watching TV, movies, and more. The growth in recreational activities is fueled by heightened awareness of the benefits of physical fitness and an increasing inclination toward leisure pursuits to reduce stress and enhance overall well-being. Activewear helps regulate body temperature by allowing heat to escape, preventing overheating. Breathable fabrics enable air circulation, keeping the body cool during intense workouts or in hot conditions. This reduces chafing, discomfort, and irritation, allowing individuals to focus better on their activities. For example, in June 2024, the Outdoor Participation Trend report by the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), a US-based non-profit organization, indicated that outdoor recreation participation increased by 4.1 percent in 2023, reaching a record 175.8 million participants. This figure represents 57.3 percent of the U.S. population. Consequently, the growth in recreational activities is expected to support the expansion of the activewear market.

Major companies in the activewear sector are prioritizing the development of innovative solutions, such as ultra-low emission sneakers, to promote sustainability and offer environmentally friendly choices to consumers. Ultra-low emission sneakers are designed to minimize carbon emissions throughout their lifecycle, utilizing sustainable materials and advanced construction techniques to lower environmental impact while ensuring performance and comfort. For example, in September 2023, ASICS Corporation, a Japan-based sportswear brand, introduced the GEL-LYTE III CM 1.95 sneaker. This sneaker produces only 1.95 kg of CO₂ per pair, making it the lowest CO₂ emission sneaker currently available. It incorporates carbon-negative foam in the midsole and sock liner, partially sourced from sugarcane, along with solution-dyed polyester to decrease water and energy consumption.

In January 2024, Platinum Equity LLC, a prominent private equity firm headquartered in the United States, completed the acquisition of Augusta Sportswear Brands (ASB) and Founder Sport Group (FSG) for an undisclosed sum. This strategic consolidation aims to expand the companies' offerings in sports and lifestyle apparel, enhance customer service, and optimize supply chain efficiency. Augusta Sportswear Brands (ASB) is a leading U.S.-based sports apparel company specializing in the design, manufacturing, and distribution of activewear and spirit wear. Founder Sport Group (FSG) is another notable U.S.-based company focusing on athletic and performance apparel.

Major companies operating in the activewear market are Nike Inc., Adidas AG, Puma SE, Under Armour Inc., Lululemon Athletica Inc., New Balance Athletics Inc., ASICS Corporation, Reebok International Limited, Anta Sports Products Limited, Li Ning Company Limited, Fila Holdings Corp., Mizuno Corporation, Brooks Sports Inc., Columbia Sportswear Company, Patagonia Inc., Skechers USA Inc., Decathlon Group, Kappa, Umbro International Limited, Karhu Holding BV.

North America was the largest region in the activewear market in 2025. The regions covered in the activewear market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the activewear market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The activewear market consists of sales of compression wear, specialized gear, and athleisure wear. 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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