27+ Sportswear Industry Statistics for 2026: Market Size, Brands and Trends

The global sportswear industry continues to be one of the most dynamic and fastest-growing segments of the fashion market. In 2026, the global sportswear market is projected at approximately $235 billion, with the broader sports apparel market anticipated to reach $244.58 billion. The UK activewear market generates an estimated £23.1 billion in revenue, projected to reach £35.9 billion by 2030. Athleisure continues to blur the lines between athletic and casual wear, driving growth across demographics, while women’s activewear leads as the largest segment at 47.72% of market share.

Below, we’ve compiled 27+ key sportswear industry statistics for 2026, covering global market size, UK data, brand performance, consumer trends, and the athleisure revolution.

Key Sportswear Industry Statistics 2026 (Editor’s Choice)

• The global sportswear market is projected at approximately $235 billion in 2026. (Fortune Business Insights, 2026)
• The UK activewear market generates £23.1 billion in revenue. (Grand View Research, 2026)
• The global sports apparel market is anticipated to reach $244.58 billion in 2026. (Mordor Intelligence, 2026)
• Apparel accounts for 63.68% of sportswear market share. (Fortune Business Insights, 2026)
• Women’s activewear is the largest segment at 47.72% market share. (Grand View Research, 2026)
• UK athleisure is valued at £18.8 billion, projected to reach £36.1 billion by 2030. (Ken Research, 2026)
• 93.9% of UK sportswear shoppers cite comfort as the top purchase driver. (UK Money, 2026)
• The market is projected to grow at 6.96% CAGR through 2034. (Fortune Business Insights, 2026)

Global Sportswear Market Statistics

1. The global sportswear market is projected at approximately $235 billion in 2026

The global sportswear market continues its strong growth trajectory, reaching an estimated $235 billion in 2026. The market is projected to grow at a 6.96% CAGR through 2034, driven by health-consciousness, athleisure trends, and expanding participation in fitness activities.

Source: Fortune Business Insights, 2026

2. The global sports apparel market is anticipated to reach $244.58 billion

Sports apparel specifically — encompassing all athletic clothing from running gear to yoga wear — represents the largest segment within sportswear and is projected to reach $244.58 billion in 2026.

Source: Mordor Intelligence, 2026

3. Apparel accounts for 63.68% of sportswear market share

Clothing is the dominant product category within sportswear, commanding 63.68% of total market share in 2026. The remaining share is split between footwear (approximately 30%) and accessories/equipment (approximately 6%).

Source: Fortune Business Insights, 2026

4. North America dominates the global sportswear market

North America leads global sportswear consumption, driven by high levels of sports participation, fitness culture, and consumer spending power. The region benefits from being home to Nike, Under Armour, and Lululemon.

Source: Fortune Business Insights / Grand View Research, 2026

5. The sportswear market is projected to reach $646 billion by 2030

Looking at the most expansive market definition, the global sportswear market is projected to reach $646 billion by 2030 at a 9.9% CAGR from 2024. This includes all athletic and athleisure apparel, footwear, and accessories.

Source: Grand View Research, 2026

UK Sportswear Market Statistics

6. The UK activewear market generates £23.1 billion in revenue

The United Kingdom is one of Europe’s largest sportswear markets, generating £23.1 billion in activewear revenue. The market is expected to reach £35.9 billion by 2030, reflecting the enduring popularity of athleisure and fitness culture in British society.

Source: Grand View Research, 2026

7. UK athleisure is valued at £18.8 billion

The athleisure segment specifically — clothing that blends athletic and leisure styling, such as yoga pants, hoodies, and joggers — is valued at £18.8 billion in the UK and projected to reach £36.1 billion by 2030.

Source: Ken Research, 2026

8. A 2.8% volume growth is anticipated for UK sports and swimwear in 2026

The UK sports and swimwear segment is expected to grow by 2.8% in volume terms in 2026, reflecting steady consumer demand despite broader economic headwinds. This growth is supported by ongoing fitness trends and the athleisure lifestyle.

Source: Statista, 2026

9. Women’s activewear is the largest segment at 47.72% market share

Women’s activewear leads the UK sportswear market with a 47.72% revenue share, making it the primary growth driver. The segment has been buoyed by the expansion of women’s fitness culture, inclusive sizing, and brands like Gymshark, Lululemon, and Sweaty Betty.

Source: Grand View Research, 2026

10. 93.9% of UK sportswear shoppers cite comfort as the top purchase driver

Comfort is overwhelmingly the most important factor for UK sportswear consumers, cited by 93.9% of shoppers. Versatility (81.2%) is the second most important consideration, reflecting the athleisure trend of wearing sportswear in everyday settings.

Source: UK Money, 2026

Brand Performance & Competition

11. Nike remains the world’s largest sportswear brand

Despite recent revenue challenges, Nike maintains its position as the world’s largest sportswear manufacturer by revenue ($46.3 billion in fiscal 2025) and brand value ($33.7 billion). The company’s dominance spans footwear, apparel, and equipment categories.

Source: Nike Investor Relations / Brand Finance, 2025

12. Adidas generated €23.7 billion in revenue in 2024

Adidas, the world’s second-largest sportswear company, reported €23.7 billion in revenue for 2024. The German brand has experienced a strong recovery following the Yeezy partnership termination, with retro styles and football driving growth.

Source: Adidas Annual Report / Market.us, 2025

13. Lululemon’s market capitalisation is approximately $58 billion

Lululemon Athletica has established itself as the premium athleisure leader, with a market capitalisation of approximately $58 billion. The Canadian brand’s focus on technical fabrics, community building, and premium positioning continues to resonate with consumers.

Source: CompaniesMarketCap / News.Market.us, 2026

14. Gymshark has grown to become a significant UK sportswear force

UK-founded Gymshark has become one of the most successful sportswear startups globally, built primarily through social media marketing and community engagement. The brand’s direct-to-consumer model and fitness influencer partnerships have disrupted the traditional sportswear landscape.

Source: UK Money / IMARC Group, 2026

15. Puma and Under Armour compete in the $5–6 billion revenue range

Puma and Under Armour occupy the third tier of global sportswear, each generating approximately $5–6 billion in annual revenue. Both brands are focused on product innovation and strategic sponsorships to maintain competitiveness.

Source: Market.us / Fortune Business Insights, 2026

Athleisure & Consumer Trends

16. The global athleisure market is one of the fastest-growing fashion segments

Athleisure — the trend of wearing athletic-style clothing in non-athletic settings — has become a permanent feature of modern fashion. The category’s growth is driven by remote working, casualisation of dress codes, and the blurring of lines between fitness and daily life.

Source: Media.Market.us / Fortune Business Insights, 2026

17. Sustainability is increasingly important in sportswear

Major sportswear brands are investing heavily in sustainability, including recycled materials (Nike’s Move to Zero, Adidas x Parley), circular design, and transparent supply chains. Consumers, particularly younger demographics, increasingly factor sustainability into sportswear purchases.

Source: Grand View Research / Expert Market Research, 2026

18. E-commerce accounts for a growing share of sportswear sales

Online channels represent an increasingly significant proportion of sportswear sales, with brands investing in direct-to-consumer websites, shopping apps, and social commerce. Nike, Adidas, and Gymshark all generate substantial revenue through digital channels.

Source: Mordor Intelligence / Statista, 2026

19. Performance technology continues to drive product innovation

Advanced fabric technologies, wearable integration, and data-driven design are key innovation areas. From Nike’s Flyknit and Dri-FIT to Lululemon’s Everlux and Nulux, performance technology is a crucial differentiator in the premium sportswear market.

Source: Fortune Business Insights / Expert Market Research, 2026

20. Sportswear sponsorship spending continues to grow

Global sports sponsorship spending continues to increase, with sportswear brands among the largest investors. Sponsorships spanning professional leagues, teams, and individual athletes are critical for brand visibility and consumer engagement.

Source: SkyQuest / GlobalData, 2026

Key Takeaways

• The global sportswear market reaches approximately $235 billion in 2026, growing at nearly 7% CAGR with apparel commanding 63.7% of market share.
• The UK activewear market generates £23.1 billion, with athleisure valued at £18.8 billion and strong growth projected towards £36 billion by 2030.
• Women’s activewear leads the market at 47.72% of revenue share, driven by expanding fitness culture and inclusive sizing from brands like Gymshark, Lululemon, and Sweaty Betty.
• Comfort (93.9%) and versatility (81.2%) are the top purchase drivers for UK sportswear shoppers, reflecting the athleisure lifestyle.
• Nike dominates with $46.3 billion in revenue, followed by Adidas ($23.7 billion), with Lululemon, Puma, and Under Armour competing in lower tiers.
• Sustainability and technology are key differentiators, with brands investing in recycled materials, circular design, and advanced performance fabrics.
• E-commerce and DTC channels are increasingly important, with social commerce and app-based shopping transforming how sportswear is discovered and purchased.

All statistics sourced from: Fortune Business Insights, Grand View Research, Mordor Intelligence, Statista, Ken Research, IMARC Group, UK Money, Expert Market Research, SkyQuest, Straits Research, Media.Market.us, GlobalData, and company annual reports. Figures represent the latest available data as of early 2026.