Global Sportswear Market to Hit $531B by 2031, Athleisure Drives 2-6% Outperformance
Event summary
- Global sportswear market projected to reach $531.42B by 2031, growing at 4.04% CAGR from 2025
- Athleisure outpacing conventional apparel growth by 2-6% in major markets
- North America accounts for 39% of market share, with premiumization and DTC strategies driving growth
- Sustainability becoming core strategy, with 75% of Gen Z prioritizing eco-friendly apparel
- Lululemon to enter Indian market by end of 2026 through franchise partnership with Tata CLiQ
The big picture
The sportswear market is undergoing a structural shift as consumers blend fitness and lifestyle, with athleisure becoming a mainstream category. Leading brands are responding with investments in sustainability, inclusive design, and digital engagement strategies to capture premiumization opportunities. North America remains the largest market, but emerging regions like South Asia are becoming critical for future growth.
What we're watching
- Athleisure Dominance
- How the continued shift toward athleisure will impact traditional apparel segments and force brands to reallocate product portfolios
- Sustainability Imperative
- Whether brands can balance sustainability commitments with margin pressures as European regulations tighten
- DTC vs. Wholesale
- The pace at which direct-to-consumer channels will capture market share from traditional wholesale distribution