Market Trends of Global Women Active Wear Industry
This section covers the major market trends shaping the Women Active Wear Market according to our research experts:
Growing Influence of Athleisure and Healthy Lifestyle Trends
The women's activewear market is driven by the increasing interest of women in sports worldwide. Unlike in the past days, women today are getting more interested in sports, and the participation rates in sports, gym, recreational activities, etc., are high. For instance, according to the AusPlay Survey 2021-22, the number of female adults participating in different sports in Australia was high in gyms and fitness clubs, which is estimated to be 3.7 million. In line with the athleisure trend, female consumers are increasingly seeking various sports equipment that includes footwear, clothing, and protective gear and accessories, which is driving the market sales.
Additionally, raising awareness amongst the people about health, fitness, and a continued shift toward more active lifestyles is driving the demand for leisure activities such as running and cycling gears across the world. The leisure time and sedentary lifestyles among women are affecting their health and thereby increasing their interest in active lifestyles. These are making them use their time in gyms and yoga centers, aiding the use and demand of activewear among women. Along with this, rapid urbanization and the increasing disposable income in developed countries are the factors pushing a way to buy sportswear for women in the world.
Furthermore, in developed European economies, expenditure on sporting goods and services is witnessing notable growth, owing to the increase in government investments, driving sport participation in the European countries. For instance, the government of Ireland announced details of its USD 258 million 10-year national sports policy, which aims to increase participation in sports to 50% of the population by 2027. Such trends are likely to support market growth in the region. Therefore, the increase in enthusiasm among women in sports and the awareness of active lifestyles are the factors contributing to the growth of the women's activewear market.
Asia-Pacific is the Fastest Growing Market
The growth of the activewear market in Asia-Pacific is driven by an upsurge in disposable income, changes in lifestyles, and an increase in urbanization in various countries of this region. Increasing urbanization and the growing desire to be fit among most of the women population in the region are supporting the market's growth. For instance, according to World Bank, in 2021, approximately a third of the total population (35.39%) in India lived in cities, an increase compared to 2020, when only 34.93% of the population lived in cities. This trend has been growing for a decade without declining. In support of this, the participation of women in physical activities and gyms is increasing at a significant rate which is further supporting the market's growth.
Countries like China and India have the largest millennial demographic and emerging as activewear hotspots. The growth of the market in general and the call for sustainable alternatives like cotton could see mass mobilizations with sustainability at the fore, which could give rise to new influencers, fashion experts, more indie D2C brands, collaborations, and retail experiences in the athleisure scene. For instance, in November 2022, the new clothing brand OG & Co. stepped into activewear and launched a men's and women's athleisure line made from sustainable materials, including hemp, bamboo, and beech wood. In addition, the Indian customer base has become increasingly health-conscious, which fuels the adoption of women's activewear in the region.
