Activewear market forecast points to $771.8 billion by 2032

The global activewear market is projected to grow from $425.5 billion in 2022 to $771.8 billion by 2032, driven by rising fitness participation and demand for performance apparel. Allied Market Research says polyester, women’s products and offline retail led the category in 2022, while North America held the largest regional share.

Why it matters: - The activewear category is still expanding as fitness, sports participation and performance apparel spending increase globally. - The forecast suggests a market that could add more than $346 billion in value by 2032. - Youth engagement in sportswear is being supported by school fitness programs and organized competitions. - The rise of e-sports is creating a headwind by pulling some younger consumers toward more sedentary behavior.

What happened: - Allied Market Research estimated the global activewear market at $425.5 billion in 2022. - The firm projects the market will reach $771.8 billion by 2032. - That implies a 6.2% compound annual growth rate from 2023 to 2032. - The report says polyester led global activewear demand in 2022 and is expected to keep that lead through the forecast period. - The women’s segment led the market in 2022 and is expected to remain the top gender category. - The offline sales channel held the largest share in 2022 and is expected to stay dominant. - North America had the highest regional share in 2022 and is projected to grow at a 4.9% CAGR.

The details: - Activewear includes apparel, footwear and accessories for sports and physical activity such as sprinting, yoga and bicycle riding. - The category includes sports bras, leggings, shorts, tank tops, T-shirts and jackets. - Activewear products are designed with lightweight, breathable fabrics for comfort and movement. - Common performance features include moisture-wicking, temperature management and compression. - The market is segmented by product type, fabric, gender, distribution channel and region. - Product types include ready-to-wear; fashion outer, pants and T-shirts; rash guards, wetsuits and swimwear; sports shoes, aqua shoes and aqua socks; and fashion brand. - Fabric categories include polyester, nylon, neoprene, polypropylene, spandex, cotton and others. - Gender segments include men, women and kids. - Distribution is split between offline and online channels. - Regional coverage includes North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and LAMEA. - Key companies profiled include Dick's Sporting Goods, V.F. Corporation, Columbia Sporting Company, Lululemon Athletica, Puma, Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, Skechers, ASICS, PVH and The Gap.

Between the lines: - The report points to a split consumer story: demand is being lifted by health and fitness awareness, while digital entertainment is competing for younger buyers' time. - The women’s category and offline retail dominance suggest established shopping patterns still matter even as online channels remain part of the market mix. - Polyester’s lead reflects the market’s preference for performance-oriented, lower-cost and versatile fabrics.

What's next: - The report expects the same leading segments — polyester, women’s products, fashion outer/pants/T-shirts and offline retail — to stay on top through 2032. - North America is expected to remain a key market, even with slower growth than the global average. - Competitive pressure is likely to increase as major sportswear and retail brands push to protect share across channels and product lines. - More information is available in the company's report request page.

The bottom line: - Activewear is projected to keep growing steadily through 2032, but the biggest gains are likely to come from consumers already buying performance apparel rather than from a broad new wave of sports participation.