Sportswear is turning into a highly popular style statement and fashion trend. The Asia-Pacific region is expected to be the fastest growing, with a CAGR of 6.9 per cent. Sportswear includes items such as yoga pants and active wear.

Although performance sportswear takes the lead in market size, sports-inspired is the category driving growth. Both sports-inspired footwear and apparel are growing at a rapid pace, registering ten per cent and six per cent growth.

In addition to emerging markets such as India and Thailand, core markets such as the United States are also producing significant sports-inspired growth, despite its reputation as a performance-oriented market. Growth in global market for sports and fitness clothing is driven by a growing portion of the population living healthier lifestyles and stronger participation in sports and fitness activities.

Technological developments designed to improve comfort and performance has also led to the growth in sales of sports apparel. As a result, sportswear is turning into a highly popular style statement and fashion trend. To cash in on demand, Lululemon Athletica and 7mesh have formed a partnership to co-create and push the boundaries in advanced technical apparel. RYU Apparel, an urban athletic apparel brand, has been focusing on striking a balanced ratio of apparel sales between men and women at 46 per cent and 54 per cent.