Top Sportswear Industry Trends 2020

The Global Demand for Outdoor Footwear and Apparel Market, in terms of revenue, was worth of USD 18.85 billion in 2018 and is expected to reach USD 27.75 billion in 2025, growing at a CAGR of 5.71% from 2019 to 2025.

Outdoor footwear and apparel products are specific outfits used mainly for outdoor recreational activities. As the urbanization is growing rapidly worldwide, urban dwellers are becoming more interested in outdoor recreational activities such as biking, skiing, fishing, hiking, trekking etc.

A major trend seen in the outdoor and sports apparel market is the rise of "athleisure." Athleisure are athletic apparel worn by people including sports personalities both for general use and exercising. A major reason for the rise in demand for athleisure is that they are stylish and can be worn both in a gym and for general use. 

Additionally, factors such as rise in membership of health clubs and gyms is leading to increasing demand for outdoor and sports apparel across the world. According to International Health, Racquet & Sports club Association (IHRSA) the number of health club members in the U.S. has risen from more than 40 million in 2008 to more than 50 million in 2017 growing at a CAGR of more than 30.0%. 

Top Sportswear Industry Trends 2020 -

Athletic Influence –

This sounds like a broken record because it has been a trend for several season now, but the athletic market continues to influence the outdoor industry. A great example of this is the Adidas outdoor Terrex Bounce Hiker, a hiking silhouette built with the brand’s Bounce midsole available in low- and mid-cuts and with or without Gore-Tex. The brand also has a trail running shoe inspired by the UltraBoost arriving during the season.

Everyone Has an Adventure Sandal –

Brands including Keen and Khombu historically have delivered adventure sandals that fans of that silhouette love. But recently, more brands are releasing their takes on the type of shoes such as Hoka One One with its Hopara. The model is made for water adventures as well as day hikes, comes with plus cushioning and build with reduced weight and durability in mind.

Mesh Fabric Sportswear –

Mesh fabric is a woollen fabric or loosely woven fabric, having holes in between for ventilation purpose which has been existing since the last three decades in the global market. Mesh fabric is mainly used in application such as apparel, crafts & utility products. In clothing sports it is double layered which provides the sleek feel to move and stretch, having quick drying property and cooling capability resulting heat and perspiration.

New trends by fashion industry and clothing designers currently are using woollen or woven fabrics to design dresses and other clothes which is making people to follow the ongoing trend which in turn is leading to increasing sales of mesh fabric clothes thereby aiding the growth of mesh fabric market globally. Use of light weight bullet proof vests in defence and security sector is another prominent end use market driving the mesh fabric market globally. Growing preference of durable and comfortable apparel in area of field sports across the globe is also contributing to the growth of mesh fabric market.

Athleisure –

The athleisure trend is a bright spot in sportswear right now, and responsible for much of the category’s growth in recent years. The trend is especially driven by younger consumers and their desire to appear fit and healthy and to ‘look the part’.

While typically sports retail is synonymous with sporting giants such as Adidas, Nike or Puma, the trend has also been embraced by luxury and high street retailers. Brands such as H&M, Zara, Asos and Topshop have introduced lines with a dedicated space for their own brand of athleisure.

Sustainable merchandising practices -

With the growth of environmental consciousness among consumers, sports retailing brands are experiencing a growing demand for eco-friendly raw materials in sports equipment. For example, Dixon Golf’s eco-friendly water-soluble golf balls.

Meanwhile sportswear brands including Ethletic—a German vegan and sustainable athletic brand —are replacing traditional materials in the manufacturing process with organic cotton, water-based adhesives, and recycled plastic materials.

Retro sportswear -

Retro sportswear made a comeback in 2017 with tearaway joggers and high-collared jackets with oversized logos. A key factor is the continued relaxation of workplace dress codes, as well as the modern interpretation of luxury.

Nostalgia is a driving force of this trend. A 2016 menswear trade show, Pitti Uomo, was the start of the retro sportswear wave for a number of brands, including Italian company Kappa.

Global Sports Bra Market –

Global Sports Bra Market is valued at USD 37.03 Billion in 2018 and expected to reach USD 81.71 Billion by 2025 with the CAGR of 11.97% over the forecast period.

Sports bra is woman underwear which provides support to breasts during physical exercises and sports activities. It is sturdier than typical bras, comfortable to wear, minimizes breast movements, provides less discomfort and reduce potential damage to chest ligaments.

Top Sportswear Industry Trends 2020 –

Top Sportswear Industry Trends 1- Encapsulation 

This has more recently become a trend because it provides for a more form-fitting and natural look. Women started buying this type because it fits more like a regular bra than a sports bra. An encapsulated bra is one that has defined individual cup structures that allow for feminist bust shape and great support. This is the perfect one to wear with or without a shirt and still look stunning. It is best suited for almost any cup size. It is also great for low to medium impact activities, such as jogging, skiing, or fast-paced strength training.

Top Sportswear Industry Trends 2- Underwired 

This means that it offers maximum support with a specific cup structure. It will also come with an underwire in the band. This allows wearer to participate in high impact workouts, but still maintain the natural look of a normal bra. For this style, recommendation are the Freya Active Sonic Underwired Moulded Bra. This comes with a beautiful molded design, which will support larger cup sizes as well as small ones. The underwire and encapsulation ensure that wearer breasts will be the last thing individuals have to worry about during their workout.

Top Sportswear Industry Trends 3- Racerback 

Racerback style has always one of the most popular and classic styles of sports bras and it do not see it slowing down any time soon. The great thing about racerback style is that it reduces shoulder pressure. This makes it ideal for running or rowing. It is also great for larger cup sizes. The top pick in a broad category is the ShockAbsorber Ultimate Fly Bra. This one is the perfect racerback style for any occasion. It allows for a full range of motion and also looks great in the back for wearing with a tank top.

Top Sportswear Industry Trends 4- Front-Clasp 

Front-clasp style bras are also somewhat of a new trend in activewear for women. The main draw to this style is that it is easy on and easy off. This is a perfect design for post-surgery or quick changes between lunch breaks at work.

The best overall choice for the front fastening style is the Odlo Double High Support Sports Bra. This one is the perfect fit for this category. It looks great and also offers the most support in its class.