27+ Mind-Blowing Sportswear Industry Statistics: Global Growth and UK Market Insights for 2025

June 17, 2025 By Dunja Radonic 5 min read

The sportswear industry continues its remarkable transformation, evolving from pandemic-driven athleisure dominance to a sophisticated marketplace balancing performance innovation with sustainability imperatives. As global market valuations reach unprecedented heights, British consumers navigate economic challenges while demanding both comfort and environmental responsibility from their activewear choices.

Recent projections place the global sportswear market at $373.54 billion in 2024, with forecasts suggesting explosive growth to $789.14 billion by 2032. Meanwhile, the UK market demonstrates resilience with £23.1 billion in activewear revenue, though consumer spending patterns reflect cost-of-living pressures and shifting priorities toward quality over quantity.

This comprehensive analysis examines 28 essential statistics that define the sportswear industry’s trajectory in 2025, from technological innovations and sustainability breakthroughs to consumer behavior shifts and market dynamics shaping the future of athletic apparel.

Top Sportswear Industry Statistics (Editor’s Choice)

Global sportswear market projected to reach $373.54 billion in 2024, growing to $789.14 billion by 2032
UK activewear market generates £23.1 billion in revenue, expected to reach £35.9 billion by 2030
93.9% of UK sportswear shoppers prioritize comfort as the primary purchase driver
Sustainable athleisure market to reach $142.61 billion globally by 2031 with 5.0% CAGR
Women’s activewear accounts for 47.7% of UK market share, leading growth segment
Nike maintains market capitalization of $150.24 billion, followed by Lululemon at $58.1 billion
UK athleisure market valued at £18.8 billion, projected to reach £36.1 billion by 2030
71.7% of UK consumers intend to exercise more in 2024, though spending intentions decline
Asia-Pacific dominates global market with 40% footwear market share

Global Sportswear Market Size and Growth

Market Valuation and Projections

Global sportswear market valued at $373.54 billion in 2024

Source: Newstrail, Market Research Future

The global sportswear industry demonstrates exceptional growth momentum, with market valuations reaching $373.54 billion in 2024. Multiple research organizations project continued expansion through the decade, driven by health consciousness and athleisure trends.

Market projected to reach $789.14 billion by 2032

Source: Newstrail

Industry forecasts indicate explosive growth potential, with the global sportswear market expected to more than double to $789.14 billion by 2032, representing a compound annual growth rate of 9.8% from 2025-2032.

Sports apparel segment generates $211.57 billion in 2024

Source: Fortune Business Insights

The sports apparel segment alone accounts for $211.57 billion in 2024, projected to grow from $220.35 billion in 2025 to $298.06 billion by 2032, exhibiting steady 4.41% CAGR growth.

North America dominates with 45.86% global market share

Source: Fortune Business Insights

North America leads the global sportswear market with $94.78 billion in revenue and 45.86% market share in 2024, driven by strong recreational economy participation and premium brand presence.

Segment Performance and Distribution

Footwear accounts for 40% of Asia-Pacific market share

Source: Multiple industry reports

Athletic footwear demonstrates regional dominance in Asia-Pacific markets, capturing 40% market share, while Europe holds 25% and North America maintains 35% of the global sports footwear segment.

Apparel segment dominates with over 55% revenue share

Source: ResearchAndMarkets

The apparel segment maintains the largest market share at over 55% of global sportswear revenue in 2023, driven by technological advances and rising fitness activity awareness.

Women’s sportswear market reaches $44.21 billion in 2024

Source: Market.us

The global women’s sportswear segment generates $44.21 billion in 2024, with projections to reach $46.1 billion in 2025 and $49.67 billion by 2027, reflecting sustained demand growth.

UK Sportswear Market Performance

Market Size and Growth Trajectory

UK activewear market generates £23.1 billion in revenue

Source: Grand View Research

The UK activewear market generated $23.1 billion (£18.5 billion) in 2024 and is expected to reach $35.9 billion (£28.7 billion) by 2030, demonstrating robust 7.7% CAGR growth despite economic challenges.

Women lead UK market with 47.7% revenue share

Source: Grand View Research

Women’s activewear represents the largest segment in the UK market with 47.7% revenue share in 2024, positioning as the most lucrative and fastest-growing demographic segment.

UK accounts for 5.7% of global activewear market

Source: Grand View Research

Britain maintains significant global market presence, accounting for 5.7% of the worldwide activewear market in 2024, positioning as Europe’s leading market by revenue generation.

Projected market growth of 4.0% despite economic headwinds

Source: GlobalData

Despite challenging economic conditions, the UK sportswear market is forecast to grow 4.0% in 2024, outperforming the total apparel market’s expected 2.2% growth, though much driven by price increases.

Consumer Behavior and Preferences

93.9% of UK shoppers prioritize comfort in sportswear purchases

Source: GlobalData

Comfort emerges as the dominant purchase driver for 93.9% of UK sportswear shoppers, with 81.2% also valuing versatility, reflecting the continued dominance of athleisure trends for everyday activities.

71.7% intend to exercise more but spending intentions decline

Source: GlobalData

While 71.7% of UK consumers state intentions to exercise more in 2024, fewer expect to purchase sports clothing and footwear compared to previous years, indicating market saturation effects.

22.9% plan to reduce sportswear spending in 2024

Source: GlobalData

Economic pressures influence consumer behavior, with 22.9% of sportswear buyers expecting to spend less in 2024, while 18.0% plan to increase spending and 59.1% maintain current levels.

68.9% opt for free or cheaper workout alternatives

Source: GlobalData

Cost-of-living pressures drive 68.9% of consumers toward free or cheaper workout options like home exercise and running, influencing equipment purchases over apparel.

Athleisure and Lifestyle Trends

Athleisure Market Expansion

UK athleisure market valued at £18.8 billion, growing to £36.1 billion by 2030

Source: Grand View Research

The UK athleisure market generated £18.8 billion in revenue in 2022 and projects remarkable growth to £36.1 billion by 2030, with an impressive 8.5% CAGR from 2023-2030.

Mass athleisure dominates with 61.4% market share

Source: Grand View Research

Mass market athleisure leads the UK segment with 61.4% revenue share in 2024, though premium athleisure represents the fastest-growing subsegment for brands targeting affluent consumers.

Global athleisure market reaching $142.61 billion by 2031

Source: Venuez.dk

The sustainable athleisure market projects explosive growth from $91.93 billion in 2022 to $142.61 billion by 2031, demonstrating 5.0% CAGR driven by environmental consciousness.

Lifestyle Integration and Consumer Adoption

55% of athleisure revenue historically came from online shopping

Source: Historical data

Digital commerce dominance in athleisure reflects pandemic-accelerated shopping habits, with online channels historically accounting for 55% of segment revenue as consumers embrace convenient shopping experiences.

46% of top online apparel retailers sell athleisure products

Source: Historical industry analysis

Athleisure’s mainstream adoption is evident as 46% of leading online apparel retailers incorporate athleisure offerings, with the category representing nearly 20% of total online apparel sales.

Sustainability and Innovation Trends

Environmental Initiatives and Materials

Sustainable fashion market valued at $7.80 billion in 2023, reaching $33.05 billion by 2030

Source: Venuez.dk

The sustainable fashion sector, including sportswear, demonstrates exceptional growth from $7.80 billion in 2023 to projected $33.05 billion by 2030, reflecting consumer demand for environmental responsibility.

Adidas achieves 100% recycled polyester target one year early

Source: Sustainability Magazine

Adidas demonstrates industry leadership by achieving its ambitious target to replace all virgin polyester with recycled alternatives in 2023, one year ahead of its 2024 goal.

Nine out of ten Adidas articles will be sustainable by 2025

Source: Sustainability Magazine

Major brands set aggressive sustainability targets, with Adidas committing that 90% of its articles will meet sustainable criteria by 2025, alongside 90% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions.

Technology and Material Innovations

Smart fabrics integrate performance monitoring capabilities

Source: Retail Technology Innovation Hub

Advanced sportswear incorporates smart textiles that monitor heart rate, body temperature, and muscle activity, with companies like ASICS integrating real-time feedback technologies into athletic gear.

AI and AR transform sportswear shopping experiences

Source: Retail Technology Innovation Hub

Leading brands leverage artificial intelligence for personalized product recommendations and augmented reality for virtual try-on experiences, enhancing customer engagement and reducing return rates.

Water-based inks and eco-friendly printing revolutionize production

Source: FESPA

Sustainable printing practices gain adoption through water-based inks free from harmful chemicals, alongside innovations in direct-to-fabric printing that reduce waste and environmental impact.

Brand Performance and Market Competition

Market Leadership and Valuations

Nike maintains $150.24 billion market capitalization

Source: Market.us

Nike continues market dominance with $150.24 billion market capitalization, significantly ahead of second-place Lululemon at $58.1 billion, demonstrating the scale advantages of established brands.

Lululemon projects 14.60% sales growth, leading brand expansion

Source: Market.us

Among major athletic brands, Lululemon demonstrates exceptional growth momentum with projected 14.60% sales increase in 2024, significantly outpacing Nike’s 3.10% and Adidas’s 2.70% growth rates.

76% of UK consumers prefer well-known sportswear brands

Source: Mintel

Brand loyalty remains strong in the UK market, with 76% of consumers preferring to purchase from established brands like Nike and Adidas rather than lesser-known alternatives.

Consumer Spending and Demographics

£15 billion forecasted UK sports goods spending in 2023

Source: Mintel

Mintel forecasted UK consumer spending on sports goods to exceed £15 billion in 2023, demonstrating the sector’s resilience and importance within the broader retail landscape.

53% of UK women feel branded sportswear creates community connection

Source: Mintel

Brand affinity extends beyond functionality, with 53% of UK women agreeing that wearing branded sportswear makes them feel part of a community, highlighting emotional purchase drivers.

Future Outlook and Industry Transformation

The sportswear industry stands at a pivotal intersection of technological innovation, environmental responsibility, and evolving consumer expectations. Several transformative trends will define the sector’s evolution through 2030:

Sustainability Integration: Environmental considerations transition from marketing advantages to operational imperatives, with brands like Adidas leading through recycled materials and circular economy principles. Consumer demand for eco-friendly alternatives drives innovation in bio-based materials and closed-loop manufacturing.

Technology Convergence: Smart textiles, AI-powered personalization, and AR shopping experiences become standard rather than innovative features. Performance monitoring capabilities embedded in fabrics provide athletes real-time feedback while enhancing training effectiveness.

Market Maturation in Developed Regions: Established markets like the UK face saturation challenges, driving brands to focus on premium positioning, sustainability differentiation, and direct-to-consumer relationships rather than pure volume growth.

Demographic Evolution: Women’s activewear leadership and aging population dynamics require brands to expand beyond traditional 18-40 demographics, embracing inclusive sizing and age-appropriate performance solutions.

Economic Adaptation: Cost-of-living pressures reshape purchasing patterns, favoring quality over quantity and driving growth in resale, rental, and circular business models.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big is the global sportswear industry?

The global sportswear market is valued at $373.54 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $789.14 billion by 2032, growing at a 9.8% CAGR. The sports apparel segment alone accounts for $211.57 billion, demonstrating the industry’s substantial scale.

What is the size of the UK sportswear market?

The UK activewear market generates £23.1 billion in revenue in 2024 and is expected to reach £35.9 billion by 2030, growing at 7.7% CAGR. The UK accounts for 5.7% of the global activewear market, making it Europe’s leading market.

How important is sustainability in sportswear?

Sustainability has become crucial, with the sustainable fashion market growing from $7.80 billion in 2023 to a projected $33.05 billion by 2030. Major brands like Adidas have achieved 100% recycled polyester usage and commit to 90% sustainable products by 2025.

What are the main consumer trends in UK sportswear?

UK consumers prioritize comfort (93.9%) and versatility (81.2%) in sportswear purchases. While 71.7% intend to exercise more in 2024, 22.9% plan to spend less on sportswear due to economic pressures, with 68.9% choosing free or cheaper workout alternatives.

How has athleisure affected the sportswear market?

Athleisure significantly impacts the market, with the UK segment valued at £18.8 billion and projected to reach £36.1 billion by 2030. Mass athleisure dominates with 61.4% market share, while 46% of top online retailers now sell athleisure products.

What role does technology play in modern sportswear?

Technology integration includes smart fabrics for performance monitoring, AI-powered personalization, and AR virtual try-on experiences. Companies like ASICS incorporate real-time biometric feedback, while brands use AI for product recommendations and customer engagement.

Which demographic segments drive sportswear growth?

Women lead growth with 47.7% of UK market share and the global women’s sportswear segment reaching $44.21 billion in 2024. However, brands are expanding beyond traditional demographics to capture aging populations and diverse consumer needs.

How do economic pressures affect UK sportswear consumption?

Economic challenges create mixed impacts: while the UK market projects 4.0% growth outperforming general apparel (2.2%), consumer spending intentions decline with 22.9% planning to spend less, though 59.1% maintain current spending levels.

Sources and Methodology

This comprehensive analysis draws from authoritative market research organizations, industry specialists, and government data sources. All statistics reflect the most recent available figures from 2024-2025, with historical context provided where relevant to demonstrate market evolution and trends.

Primary Sources:

Global Market Research:

UK Market Analysis:

Sustainability and Innovation Research:

Brand Performance and Consumer Insights:

Methodology:

Data Collection Period: November 2024 – February 2025 Geographic Focus: Global analysis with specific UK market emphasis Currency: Financial figures primarily in USD with GBP conversions for UK-specific data Sample Sizes: Consumer research studies include 2,000+ UK participants where specified Verification: Cross-referenced across multiple authoritative sources for accuracy and consistency

Quality Assurance:

Market research organizations prioritized for valuation and forecast data
Consumer behavior insights sourced from established polling organizations
Government and trade association data incorporated where available
Recent data (2024-2025) emphasized over historical figures unless demonstrating trends
UK-specific insights highlighted while maintaining global context for comprehensive analysis

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