Sports Apparel Market by End User (Children, Men, and Women), Distribution Channel (E-commerce, Supermarket/Hypermarket, Brand Outlets, and Discount Stores), and Regional Analysis (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021–2028

Sports Apparel Market Analysis

The global sports apparel market is anticipated to garner $267,576.3 million in the 2021–2028 timeframe, growing from $183,609.7 million in 2020 at a healthy CAGR of 4.8%.

Market Synopsis

Product launch and business expansion among market players, along with partnership with popular clubs and national teams for jerseys, is anticipated to drive the demand for the sports apparel. For instance, Adidas, a leading German brand that manufactures sports shoes, apparel, and accessories, has partnership with many national teams for jerseys namely Manchester United, Spain National Team, FIFA World Cup, Juventus FC, Real Madrid, and others.

However, the availability of counterfeit products that imitate the original brands with an intent to steal, destroy, or replace the original brand is anticipated to restrain the market growth. In addition, these counterfeit products are available at a lower cost compared to that of the original brands.

According to the regional analysis of the market, the Asia-Pacific sports apparel market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 6.3% by generating a revenue of $96,724.4 million during the review period.

Sports Apparel Overview

Sports apparel is a type of clothing that people use when they perform any physical activity such as participating in sports, going for a walk, running, and others. Sports apparel is made from materials such as cotton, calico, spandex, microfiber, Gore-Tex, nylon, polyester, and others that make your workout sessions comfortable, reduce perspiration, and support body movements with optimal combination of elastic and compressing structures.

Impact Analysis of COVID-19 on the Global Sports Apparel Market

The novel coronavirus pandemic had a devastating effect on several industries, and the sports apparel market also experienced a negative impact owing to complete lockdown imposed across various countries, resulting in supply chain chaos due to halt of manufacturing processes. The import-export restrictions have led to increase in order cancellations from overseas clients, leading to stock piling of goods. Gyms and fitness centers were closed which also affected the demand for sports apparel and people performing home workouts preferred using normal active wear instead of purchasing branded sports apparel. In addition, many international sports events, including 2020 Summer Olympics, Euro 2020 Football Championship, Wimbledon Tennis Championship, 2020 World Athletics Indoor Championships, The MotoGP World Championship, and Formula One, were cancelled or postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, resulting in huge revenue loss and decline in demand for sports apparel. Also, changing consumer preferences with reduced spending on the purchase of non-essential goods with increased tendency towards cash savings has negatively affected the demand. Also, the closure of supermarkets, hypermarkets, brand outlets, and discount stores has led to stockpiling of goods and revenue losses. As a result of this, many stores are closed permanently and the earnings were almost wiped out. All these factors have negatively impacted the sports apparel market during the pandemic.

Several companies, with their technological advancements, launch of sustainable products, and initiatives are helping the society to recover from the chaotic situation. For instance, as stated on May 14, 2020, in Economic Time India, a leading news website, Adidas launched online challenge #HOMETEAMHERO to donate $1 to the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for the World Health Organization (WHO) for every hour of tracked activity. Adidas has collaborated with multiple apps such as Zwift, Suunto, and Garmin for tracking multiple activities. In addition, Uniqlo, a Japan-based manufacturer and retailer of casual wear, is providing support to various people across the globe that are impacted by COVID-19. For instance, the company has already donated more than 15 million masks to medical facilities based in Japan and other countries. Such initiatives are estimated to boost the demand for sports apparel market during the forecast period.

Growth in Fitness Conscious Individuals to Drive the Market Growth

The global sports apparel industry is witnessing rapid growth due to growth in the number of health and fitness-conscious individuals. People across the world are becoming fitness conscious to avoid the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and others. In addition, the right sportswear can improve your performance during workout and recovery. The sportswear designed for your sport boosts the overall performance by supporting right muscle groups during the workout; it gives you protection in areas you need it the most and helps you to effectively perform your workout. Exercise and sports activities play an important role in reducing work-related stress and build overall health and immunity. The coronavirus pandemic has made people more conscious about their physical health and well-being with increased focus on physical activity that helps in staying healthy. Also, people from all age groups are actively involved in various activities such as swimming, running, football, yoga, gym, and others that help them in staying healthy. All these factors are estimated to drive the market during the analysis timeframe.

To know more about global sports apparel market drivers, get in touch with our analysts here.

The Counterfeit Products to Restrain Market Growth

Various counterfeit products are available in the market that imitate the original products or brands. Also, these products are available at lower prices. The leading brands that are greatly affected by counterfeit products include Adidas, Puma, UGG, and others. Such counterfeit products steal the product images of the original brands and once the order is placed by the user, they deliver the counterfeit product. This also affects the credibility of the original brands along with the image.

Benefits Offered by Sports Apparel to Create Enormous Investment Opportunities

Various sports apparel such as tracksuit, hoodies, t-shirts, and others are designed to offer comfort and provide elegant look and support during high intensity exercises such as gym workout, running, cycling, and others. For instance, professional athletes and fitness enthusiasts wear functional sportswear that offers high comfortability and adds a touch of luxury to the workout. The quality sports apparel offers support to your muscles, helps you train harder and recover quicker. For instance, the sportswear made from infrared-emitting fabric increases the blood circulation, regulates body temperature, and helps in wicking away the moisture. In addition, if you wear a specialist top during the workout or weight-training session, the technical design of the garment influences the movement of your body and muscles facilitating correct body movements to the best of your ability. For instance, Men’s Infrared Core 2.0 Leggings designed by KYMIRA SPORT, the leading sportswear manufacturer, is made from advanced infrared material that provides temperature regulation, accelerates recovery, and provides pain relief. All these factors are estimated to generate huge growth opportunities during the forecast period.

To know more about global sports apparel market opportunities, get in touch with our analysts here.

Source: Research Dive Analysis

The men sports apparel sub-segment is anticipated to have the dominant market share, and it is predicted that the market shall generate a revenue of $128,300.3 million by 2028, growing from $90,914.3 million in 2020. This is majorly owing to growing popularity of sports apparel among men as they offer excellent comfort, trendy look, prevent injury, and improve performance during the workout. For instance, wearing sports apparel during the workout or training helps to reduce the DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) and reduces the post-workout muscle cramps in comparison with the use of non-specific sportswear. The consistent increase in outdoor sports participation such as football, cricket, swimming, running, and other sports among men is estimated to boost the demand for sports apparel among men during the forecast period.

The women sports apparel sub-segment is predicted to have the fastest growth in the global market and is expected to register a revenue of $105,447.0 million during the forecast period. This growth is majorly owing to increase in participation of women in sports and fitness activities such as swimming, gym, aerobics, jogging, and other sports activities. In addition, women are actively involved in outdoor sports activities such as hiking, biking, trekking, and others. Furthermore, women are more conscious about their looks and more attracted towards the purchase of comfortable, trendy, and stylish sports apparel. The presence of best activewear and athleisure brands such as Alo Yoga, Nike, Alala, Wolven, Glyder that offer stylish leggings, smart yoga pants, and other products are estimated to drive the demand for women sports apparel sub-segment during the forecast period.

Source: Research Dive Analysis

The discount stores sub-segment is anticipated to have a dominant market share and surpass $84,981.6 million by 2028, with an increase from $59,574.9 million in 2020. The discount stores are growing in popularity as these stores offer products from international brands such as Nike, Adidas, and others. In addition, these stores offer variety of products, and customers can choose the latest products. In addition, these stores offer authentic products that are purchased directly from the manufacturer. Hence, these stores are top attraction for customers as they offer attractive discounts and offers on the purchase of branded sports apparels. These aspects are estimated to drive the growth of discount stores sub-segment during the analysis period.

The e-commerce sub-segment is anticipated to have fastest growth and surpass $53,901.7 million by 2028, with an increase from $35,055.0 million in 2020. E-commerce platforms have gained huge popularity during the pandemic due to changing consumer preferences to avoid physical stores and restriction on movements imposed by the pandemic. In addition, businesses such as dealing in sports apparel that were able to adapt to digital platforms such as e-commerce have thrived during the pandemic. The availability of wide range of products at discounted price and surge in the number of smartphones, internet accessibility, and mobile banking is estimated to drive the e-commerce sub-segment market growth during the pandemic. The ease of shopping, excellent user interface, advanced technologies, product suggestions, price filter, and others are estimated to boost the demand for e-commerce platforms during the pandemic.

Source: Research Dive Analysis

The Market for Sports apparel in Asia-Pacific to be the Most Dominant & Fastest Growing

The Asia-Pacific sports apparel market accounted $59,283.0 million in 2020 and is projected to register a revenue of $96,724.4 million by 2028. The rapid increase in sports apparel demand is majorly attributed rising disposable income and changing consumer preferences towards healthy lifestyle. The high prevalence of younger population actively involved in various physical activities and sports is estimated to drive the demand for sports apparel market in Asia-Pacific region. This region shows the presence of international as well as local sports apparel brands such as Asics Corporation, Adidas, Puma, Nike, Li Ning, Anta, and others. The increased focus on marketing campaigns with celebrity endorsements is attracting large number of people. For instance, Virat Kohli, the Indian cricket team Captain, is the brand ambassador of Puma, the German multinational sports apparel, footwear, and accessories brand. These factors are estimated to drive the growth of Asia-Pacific apparel market during the forecast period.

Competitive Scenario in the Global Sports Apparel Market

Product launches, business expansions, and partnerships are common strategies followed by major market players.

Source: Research Dive Analysis

Some of the leading sports apparel market players are Adidas AG, Fila, Nike, Inc., Columbia Sportswear Company, New Balance, PUMA SE, Lululemon Athletica Inc., Umbro, Ralph Lauren Corporation, Under Armour, Inc.  

Porter’s Five Forces Analysis for the Global Sports Apparel Market:

• Bargaining Power of Suppliers: Sports apparel suppliers are moderate in number. Also, the companies are focusing on innovating the sports apparel and its material to stay ahead in the competition and to provide utmost comfort to the customers. This gives less bargaining power to the suppliers as product quality is high. 
  Thus, the bargaining power suppliers is low.
• Bargaining Power of Buyers: Buyers in the sports apparel market are high in number. Also, presence of international and local brands gives more choice to the customers to purchase the products as per their choice and budget. The switching cost of the product is moderate and number of manufacturers are high. 
  Thus, the bargaining power of the buyers is high.
• Threat of New Entrants: The companies entering sports apparel market are focusing on developing high quality product at an affordable price. In addition, the demand potential is high and brand loyalty is moderate. 
  Thus, the threat of the new entrants is moderate.
• Threat of Substitutes: The availability of counterfeit products copies or steal the original the product designs from the original brand and sell the product at lower prices increases the threat of substitution. 
  Thus, the threat of substitutes is high.
• Competitive Rivalry in the Market: The competitive rivalry among industry leaders is moderate. The growing demand for sports apparel has led to the development of innovative product at an affordable price. The existing players are focusing on expanding their product base and geographical expansion to increase the company presence.  
  Therefore, competitive rivalry in the market is moderate.