Sportswear Manufacturing Market is predicted to reach USD 1,57,033.82 million at a CAGR of 4.6% during the forecast period 2025-2035

Market Research Future (MRFR) has published a cooked research report on the “Sportswear Manufacturing  Market ” that contains information from 2019 to 2035.

Sportswear Manufacturing  Market

The Sportswear Manufacturing Market is projected to witness significant growth during the review period, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.6%. The market was estimated to be USD 95,478.22 million in 2024 and is expected to reach a value of USD 1,57,033.82 million by the end of the forecast period (2025-2035).

The Global Sportswear Manufacturing Market is indeed one of the sectors making a real difference because of the various government-led initiatives worldwide on physical fitness and healthy living. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that approximately 27.5% of adults worldwide are insufficiently active, causing many countries to establish fitness promotion programs, increasing the demand for sportswear and athletic gear. According to Eurostat, the European apparel manufacturing industry is already catching on to the increased demand for sports clothing and sustainable sportswear, evidenced by sports-wear exports growing at an average annual rate of 8.8% from 2016 to 2021.

On the other hand, as much as the Environmental Protection Agency and the European Environment Agency deal with the emission and waste aspects of textile manufacturing from an environmental point of view, they promote initiatives that encourage the use of eco-friendly materials and processes in sportswear production. As reported by the U.S. Department of Commerce through the International Trade Administration (ITA) reports, raw material price fluctuation and supply chain disruption face an uproar within the sector because of current efforts initiated to diversify sourcing and improve resilience.

Another concern that has been studied is how the UN SDGs would be incorporated within frameworks that are sweeping other initiatives under it, thereby driving manufacturers toward compliance with worldwide sustainability and socially responsible standards in manufacturing operations and spurring innovation regarding materials and processes used.  

Market Synopsis

A trend that has caught on to become influential around the globe in the technical sportwear manufacturing market is athleisure. The fluidity of this style allows complete convenience for consumers, as it allows them to wear sportswear not only during workouts but also in casual, social situations. While athleisure refers to sportswear culture emerging from healthy, active, and flexible lifestyles, the concept is that it is an ideal blend of style, comfort, and functionality, thus making it both a trend in fashion and a lifestyle choice.

According to specialists, the athleisure market is expected to grow on average of around 7% per year between 2019 and 2026, with the potential even higher for sub-categories like leggings within it, with projections of around 8% during the same period. Although athleisure itself is not rigidly defined and shares many data points with sportswear and other forms of apparel, it does have an undeniable effect. Take, for example, the increase of 10% plus recorded by the European sector of the sportswear fashion sector in the last five years; it is believed that athleisure constitutes approximately 27% of that market.

Government initiatives on health are also collaborating with this change and are most likely to increase fitness consciousness. Celebrity endorsers and social media's influence rope in the maximum possible audience and amplify the capacity of athleisure into a transcendentally fashionable lifestyle. This has left many brands rushing to create versatile collections that can be performed and worn, perhaps usually promoted by limited editions to increase interest from consumers.

Emerging digitally enhanced marketing as well as e-commerce channels will further facilitate athleisure into accessibility worldwide as consumers gradually demand sustainable products, thus encouraging manufacturers to introduce eco-friendliness with their athleisure lines. Athleisure is indeed developing the sportswear market into a real consumer base that focuses on modern, trendy lifestyles.

Market opportunity is further widened by increased participation in adventure sports, exploratory tourism into remote areas, and professional sports activities in challenging weather conditions. Extreme climates, either through hot deserts, icy polar regions, humid tropical zones, or high-altitude terrains, demand apparel of advanced fabric technology, durability, and adaptability.

For a hot and dry climate, the sportswear should have lightweight and moisture-wicking fabrics with UV protection that keeps the body temperature cool while protecting it from the sun. The brand is developing its apparel using meshed micro-ventilation panels and cool yarns by Nike and Under Armour to ensure effectiveness in high-heat activities like desert marathons or outdoor training. Apart from that, the cold-weather sportswear focuses on thermal insulation qualities, wind-resistance, and water repellence; with some companies like The North Face and Columbia Sportswear, whose industries are focused on synthetic down and heat-reflective linings for extreme winter sports, high-altitude trekking, and expeditions.

Relative to high-humidity tropical conditions, fabrics should be anti-bacterial, quick-drying, and breathable to minimize skin irritation and manage perspiration. Such developments have been seen in Adidas and Puma, which are creating antimicrobials together with moisture-dispersing technology for their activewear lines towards addressing such regions, namely Southeast Asia and South America.

Extreme climates have increasingly demanded sportswear as military training programs, professional exploration missions, and global adventure travel have become more demanding in reliability and comfort. Innovators such as Patagonia and Arc'teryx implement sophisticated developments in textile engineering, such as phase-change materials (PCMs), which can adapt to body heat depending on the climate, thus providing temperature regulation for different weather conditions.

Sustainability is another consideration that has come to define this segment. Such eco-friendly brands use recycled polyester, organic cotton blends, and, most importantly, bio-based waterproof coatings without compromising performance. The more the climate patterns become unpredictable, the higher growth is expected in this niche, providing the functionality, safety, and sustainability expected of both professional athletes and outdoor enthusiasts.

Competitive Landscape

The global OEM manufacturer in the technical sportswear market is characterized by their rapid growth driven by heightened global demand for high-performance apparel, athleisure trends, and sustainability-focused production. Technical sportswear requires advanced manufacturing capabilities, innovation in materials, functional design, and strict traceability and quality standards. Core industry player includes MAS Holdings, Thygesen Textile group, Bowins Garment, Delta Galil Industries, Gildan Activewear, Maxport Limited Vietnam, Oakley Inc., Audimas Supply, Mega Sport Apparel, and Micron S.p.A.

MAS Holdings, the largest apparel tech company that delivers solutions in apparel and textile manufacturing, has strategically expanded their footprint by investing USD 140 million to establish an innovative Apparel Park in Odisha, India, which marks a significant strategic move that underscores their commitment to expanding manufacturing capacity while enhancing innovation and sustainability within the global sportswear industry. Thygesen Textile Vietnam, a leading manufacturer in Vietnam, specializes in OEM/ODM solutions, has strategically built a position in the OEM/ODM sportswear market through their extensive supplier network that spans Vietnam, Japan, Australia, EU, allowing the company to integrate certified, high-performance textiles with advanced functional properties directly into their production process. Taian Bowins Garment Co., a leading OEM and ODM manufacturer, has strategically positioned itself as a leading manufacturer by leveraging a comprehensive end-to-end service model that seamlessly integrates design, development, and manufacturing, enabling brands to bring high-performance apparel to market efficiently and with superior quality.

Delta Galil Industries Ltd is a leader in textile innovation, including seamless, intimates, and activewear, socks, and related apparel products, it has adopted a digital-first supply chain strategy, deploying the Infor Nexus supply chain platform across their entire supplier network from the US, China, East Asia, Israel, to Europe, as a strategic cornerstone to transform their operational backbone. Gildan Activewear is one of the world’s largest vertically integrated manufacturers of basic apparel, strengthening their position as a leading in the market through their vertically integrated manufacturing model. Maxport Limited Vietnam is a prominent Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in the market, has strategically leveraged its extensive manufacturing infrastructure and research and development (R&D) capabilities to establish itself as a leading Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in the global technical sportswear market, a position that is underpinned by its five state-of-the-art factories and a dedicated development center.

 Key Developments & Growth Strategies

Partnerships

1. In September 2024, Reliance Retail Venture Limited, India’s leading retailer, and Delta Galil Industries Ltd., a global manufacturer and marketer of branded and private-label intimate wear, activewear, loungewear, and denim apparel for women, men, and children, announced a strategic partnership in India. The collaboration is structured as a 50:50 joint venture and is aimed at redefining the apparel landscape in the Indian market through enhanced product offerings, local market adaptation, and strengthened distribution capabilities.

Product launch

1. In June 2024, Reebok introduced its first-ever pickleball shoe, the Nano Court. Designed specifically for court sports such as pickleball, padel, and tennis, the shoe emphasizes grip, stability, and durability to support multidirectional movement and high-impact play. It features Flexweave Pro uppers, incorporating Reebok’s most resilient Flexweave knit to date, with zoned stability yarns that provide targeted support in key stress areas. The design also includes a ToeTection Guard at the toe box to enhance abrasion resistance and extend product lifespan. Additionally, the 360 Comfort Booty anatomical upper construction ensures a secure, sock-like fit, improving comfort and lockdown during dynamic movements.

By Region

1. North America: The North American sportswear manufacturing market is led by major global brands such as Nike, Under Armour, VF Corporation (The North Face, Vans), and Lululemon Athletica. The region benefits from high consumer spending on fitness, athleisure, and performance apparel, supported by strong brand loyalty and advanced retail infrastructure. Demand is driven by rising health awareness, participation in sports and outdoor activities, and the growing popularity of athleisure as everyday wear. Sustainability and ethical sourcing are increasingly influencing manufacturing practices, while nearshoring and automation are gaining traction to reduce supply chain risks and improve responsiveness.


2. Europe: Europe has a mature and diversified sportswear manufacturing market, with strong presence in countries such as Germany, Italy, France, and the United Kingdom. Leading players include Adidas, Puma, Decathlon, and ASICS Europe. The market is shaped by high environmental and labor standards, pushing manufacturers toward sustainable materials, circular fashion models, and eco-friendly production processes. Western Europe shows strong demand for premium and sustainable sportswear, while Eastern Europe is emerging as a manufacturing hub due to relatively lower labor costs and proximity to Western markets. Regulatory focus on sustainability and product traceability significantly influences production and sourcing strategies.


3. Asia-Pacific: Asia-Pacific is the largest and fastest-growing region for sportswear manufacturing, both as a production base and a consumption market. Countries such as China, Vietnam, Bangladesh, India, and Indonesia dominate manufacturing due to low-cost labor, large-scale production capacity, and established textile ecosystems. The region also hosts major manufacturing operations for global brands including Nike, Adidas, Puma, and Uniqlo. Rising disposable incomes, urbanization, and increasing participation in fitness and sports are boosting domestic demand in markets like China and India.


4. Rest of the World: The Rest of the World includes Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa, each showing different levels of market maturity. Latin American countries such as Brazil and Mexico are witnessing growing demand for sportswear driven by urban lifestyles and expanding middle-class populations, although local manufacturing remains limited. The Middle East shows increasing demand for premium and branded sportswear due to high disposable incomes and fitness trends. Africa is emerging as a future manufacturing hub, particularly Ethiopia and Kenya, supported by low labor costs and investment incentives. Across these regions, factors such as infrastructure, trade policies, labor availability, and consumer awareness influence market development, with some countries focusing on export-oriented manufacturing while others remain primarily consumption-driven.