GITNUXREPORT 2025

Sportswear Industry Statistics

Global sportswear market grows, shifts online, emphasizes sustainability, personalization.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

Nike holds about 27% of the global sportswear market share as of 2023

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Adidas accounts for roughly 18% of the global sportswear market

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Reebok market share in the sportswear industry declined to less than 4% by 2022

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The average consumer spends around $300 annually on sportswear in the United States

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approximately 68% of consumers prefer to buy sportswear from brands that promote sustainability

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Approximately 55% of consumers say comfort is the primary factor when choosing sportswear

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Approximately 72% of sportswear consumers are influenced by celebrity endorsements

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The average lifespan of a pair of sports shoes is approximately 600 miles of wear

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The majority of sportswear sales are driven by females aged 25-40, accounting for about 52% of total sales

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The percentage of sportswear consumers who participate in organized sports is around 42%

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Nearly 35% of sportswear purchases are now made through mobile devices

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Eco-conscious consumers tend to spend about 20% more on sustainable sportswear than traditional options

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The average return rate for online sportswear purchases is about 30%, mainly due to sizing issues

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Sustainability-focused sportswear brands experience a 25% higher customer retention rate compared to traditional brands

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The majority of sportswear consumers (around 60%) are willing to pay more for products that are eco-friendly

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The top three factors influencing sportswear purchase decisions are comfort, brand reputation, and price, in that order

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The percentage of consumers who prefer eco-friendly sportswear options has increased from 45% in 2020 to 68% in 2023

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The sportswear industry is seeing a 28% rise in sales of products specifically designed for plus-size customers

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Approximately 50% of sportswear consumers prefer shopping from brands that support social causes

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Approximately 45% of sportswear sales are made online

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Opening a new sportswear retail store costs on average $250,000, including inventory and setup

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The majority of sportswear brands are adopting direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales strategies, accounting for approximately 60% of total sales in 2023

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The fastest-growing distribution channel for sportswear in 2023 is social commerce, with a growth rate of 35%

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Sustainable and eco-friendly sportswear is expected to account for 20% of the market by 2025

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Sportswear industry innovation investments totaled over $350 million in 2022, primarily in sustainable materials and manufacturing processes

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The sportswear industry is increasingly adopting recycled materials, with almost 15% of new products incorporating recycled polyester in 2023

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In 2022, sportswear brands' investment in innovation for wearable technology reached over $250 million

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The Asia-Pacific region is the fastest-growing sportswear market, with a CAGR of about 7.8%

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The global compression sportswear market was valued at $4.8 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow annually by 7%

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The fastest growing sports footwear category globally is running shoes, with a CAGR of 6%

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The sportswear industry shows a rising trend in gender-neutral apparel lines, with a growth rate of 12% annually

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The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for the sportswear industry is projected to be 5.3% from 2023 to 2028

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The global sneaker market is projected to reach $116 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 6.4%

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Customizable sportswear sales have increased by 30% over the past three years

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The booming popularity of athleisure has led to a 10% increase in sportswear sales during the pandemic years of 2020-2021

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The organic sportswear segment is growing at a CAGR of 9.2%, expected to reach $2.8 billion globally by 2025

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In 2022, sportswear brands invested over $2 billion in digital marketing campaigns

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The use of augmented reality (AR) in online sportswear retail increased by 40% from 2020 to 2023

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The European sportswear market is expected to reach €55 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 4.2%

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Sportswear sales during major sporting events like the Olympics can increase by up to 25% in the host country

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The global market for custom sportswear is anticipated to reach $12 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 8.1%

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The global compression wear market is expected to reach $7.5 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 6.3%

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The global market for waterproof sportswear is expected to reach $4.1 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 7.2%

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The global sportswear market was valued at approximately $231 billion in 2022

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The athleisure segment makes up approximately 60% of the sportswear market in North America

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Women's sportswear accounts for around 35% of all sportswear sales globally

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The resale market for sportswear and sneakers valued at over $28 billion in 2022

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The average price of athletic footwear sold globally is approximately $75, with premium brands exceeding $150

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Men's sportswear accounts for roughly 65% of total sportswear sales globally

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The sportswear industry employs over 150,000 people worldwide

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The largest sportswear retailer by revenue is Nike, with annual revenues exceeding $44 billion in 2022

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The average sportswear retail store has around 1,200 square feet of selling space

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Key Highlights

The global sportswear market was valued at approximately $231 billion in 2022
The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for the sportswear industry is projected to be 5.3% from 2023 to 2028
Approximately 45% of sportswear sales are made online
Nike holds about 27% of the global sportswear market share as of 2023
Adidas accounts for roughly 18% of the global sportswear market
The athleisure segment makes up approximately 60% of the sportswear market in North America
The Asia-Pacific region is the fastest-growing sportswear market, with a CAGR of about 7.8%
Women's sportswear accounts for around 35% of all sportswear sales globally
Sustainable and eco-friendly sportswear is expected to account for 20% of the market by 2025
Reebok market share in the sportswear industry declined to less than 4% by 2022
The average consumer spends around $300 annually on sportswear in the United States
The global sneaker market is projected to reach $116 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 6.4%
approximately 68% of consumers prefer to buy sportswear from brands that promote sustainability

With the global sportswear market soaring to an estimated $231 billion in 2022 and embracing innovative trends like sustainability, e-commerce, and athleisure, the industry is experiencing a dynamic transformation driven by consumer preferences, technological advancements, and regional growth—making it an exciting landscape to watch.

Brand Market Share and Competition

Nike holds about 27% of the global sportswear market share as of 2023
Adidas accounts for roughly 18% of the global sportswear market
Reebok market share in the sportswear industry declined to less than 4% by 2022

Brand Market Share and Competition Interpretation

With Nike sporting a commanding 27% of the global market and Adidas trailing at 18%, Reebok's sub-4% share by 2022 underscores how even sportswear giants can stumble in the race to stay ahead.

Consumer Preferences and Behavior

The average consumer spends around $300 annually on sportswear in the United States
approximately 68% of consumers prefer to buy sportswear from brands that promote sustainability
Approximately 55% of consumers say comfort is the primary factor when choosing sportswear
Approximately 72% of sportswear consumers are influenced by celebrity endorsements
The average lifespan of a pair of sports shoes is approximately 600 miles of wear
The majority of sportswear sales are driven by females aged 25-40, accounting for about 52% of total sales
The percentage of sportswear consumers who participate in organized sports is around 42%
Nearly 35% of sportswear purchases are now made through mobile devices
Eco-conscious consumers tend to spend about 20% more on sustainable sportswear than traditional options
The average return rate for online sportswear purchases is about 30%, mainly due to sizing issues
Sustainability-focused sportswear brands experience a 25% higher customer retention rate compared to traditional brands
The majority of sportswear consumers (around 60%) are willing to pay more for products that are eco-friendly
The top three factors influencing sportswear purchase decisions are comfort, brand reputation, and price, in that order
The percentage of consumers who prefer eco-friendly sportswear options has increased from 45% in 2020 to 68% in 2023
The sportswear industry is seeing a 28% rise in sales of products specifically designed for plus-size customers
Approximately 50% of sportswear consumers prefer shopping from brands that support social causes

Consumer Preferences and Behavior Interpretation

With consumers investing $300 annually in sportswear—driven by a blend of seeking comfort, celebrity influence, and a growing commitment to sustainability—industry players must juggle eco-friendly innovation, sizing inclusivity, and digital convenience to stay competitive in this rapidly evolving, socially conscious market.

Distribution Channels and Retail Strategies

Approximately 45% of sportswear sales are made online
Opening a new sportswear retail store costs on average $250,000, including inventory and setup
The majority of sportswear brands are adopting direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales strategies, accounting for approximately 60% of total sales in 2023
The fastest-growing distribution channel for sportswear in 2023 is social commerce, with a growth rate of 35%

Distribution Channels and Retail Strategies Interpretation

With nearly half of sportswear sales now conducted online and social commerce skyrocketing at 35%, brands betting solely on traditional storefronts with $250,000 investments risk being left behind in the digital sweat lodge of the 21st century.

Innovation, Technology, and Sustainability

Sustainable and eco-friendly sportswear is expected to account for 20% of the market by 2025
Sportswear industry innovation investments totaled over $350 million in 2022, primarily in sustainable materials and manufacturing processes
The sportswear industry is increasingly adopting recycled materials, with almost 15% of new products incorporating recycled polyester in 2023
In 2022, sportswear brands' investment in innovation for wearable technology reached over $250 million

Innovation, Technology, and Sustainability Interpretation

As the sportswear industry sprints toward sustainability—with recycled fabrics and innovative tech investments—and aims for a 20% eco-friendly market share by 2025, it's clear that athletic apparel is finally putting its best eco-foot forward while pushing the boundaries of performance innovation.

Market Growth

The Asia-Pacific region is the fastest-growing sportswear market, with a CAGR of about 7.8%
The global compression sportswear market was valued at $4.8 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow annually by 7%
The fastest growing sports footwear category globally is running shoes, with a CAGR of 6%
The sportswear industry shows a rising trend in gender-neutral apparel lines, with a growth rate of 12% annually

Market Growth Interpretation

As the Asia-Pacific sprint ahead in sportswear growth and gender-neutral lines gain speed, the industry’s message is clear: in the race for market dominance, adaptability and inclusivity are the real champions.

Market Growth and Market Size

The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for the sportswear industry is projected to be 5.3% from 2023 to 2028
The global sneaker market is projected to reach $116 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 6.4%
Customizable sportswear sales have increased by 30% over the past three years
The booming popularity of athleisure has led to a 10% increase in sportswear sales during the pandemic years of 2020-2021
The organic sportswear segment is growing at a CAGR of 9.2%, expected to reach $2.8 billion globally by 2025
In 2022, sportswear brands invested over $2 billion in digital marketing campaigns
The use of augmented reality (AR) in online sportswear retail increased by 40% from 2020 to 2023
The European sportswear market is expected to reach €55 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 4.2%
Sportswear sales during major sporting events like the Olympics can increase by up to 25% in the host country
The global market for custom sportswear is anticipated to reach $12 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 8.1%
The global compression wear market is expected to reach $7.5 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 6.3%
The global market for waterproof sportswear is expected to reach $4.1 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 7.2%

Market Growth and Market Size Interpretation

As the sportswear industry accelerates at a steady 5.3% CAGR—bolstered by surging sneaker sales, a 30% rise in customizable gear, and a 40% boost in AR shopping—athleisure's comfy revolution and organic options are turning into multi-billion-dollar phenomena, proving that whether for performance, style, or sustainability, the world is increasingly dressing to impress both on and off the field.

Market Size

The global sportswear market was valued at approximately $231 billion in 2022
The athleisure segment makes up approximately 60% of the sportswear market in North America
Women's sportswear accounts for around 35% of all sportswear sales globally
The resale market for sportswear and sneakers valued at over $28 billion in 2022
The average price of athletic footwear sold globally is approximately $75, with premium brands exceeding $150
Men's sportswear accounts for roughly 65% of total sportswear sales globally
The sportswear industry employs over 150,000 people worldwide
The largest sportswear retailer by revenue is Nike, with annual revenues exceeding $44 billion in 2022
The average sportswear retail store has around 1,200 square feet of selling space

Market Size Interpretation

With a global valuation of $231 billion and athletes—or casual wearers—spending an average of $75 on sneakers, the sportswear industry is not only a powerhouse fueling individual fitness but also an intricate tapestry of market segments—led by Nike, thriving on its 1,200-square-foot retail stores—highlighting that in sportswear, as in life, size and sales figures speak volumes, yet resale and athleisure trends underscore the growing shift towards sustainability and comfort.